While the size of your balance can influence a creditor’s settlement decision, it’s rarely the only consideration. Muhammad Aqib/Getty Images Debt doesn’t typically become an overwhelming issue overnight — at least not for most borrowers. It’s usually an issue that builds gradually due to compounding interest on credit card balances, unexpected expenses impacting your budget, … Read more
Don’t assume that you have to pay every medical bill in full, especially if you can’t afford to do so. Martin Barraud/Getty Images Medical debt tends to surface differently than debts from other types of borrowing. You don’t apply for it, compare interest rates or carefully weigh whether you can afford to pay it before … Read more
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! OpenAI founder and CEO Sam Altman is considering offering 5% of his company to the U.S. in a deal negotiated with President Donald Trump if his other AI competitors agree to do the same, the Financial Times reported Thursday. Altman reportedly met with Trump, Commerce Secretary Howard … Read more
Understanding which balances are most likely to be settled is an important part of the debt negotiation process. Years/Getty Images Keeping up with monthly debt payments has become increasingly difficult for borrowers recently, particularly over the last few years. Between persistent (and now rising) inflation, elevated borrowing costs and higher everyday expenses, the economic landscape … Read more
Negotiations tend to go more smoothly when you have accurate information and realistic expectations on hand. Vadishzainer/Getty Images Debt problems rarely arrive all at once. More often, these issues build gradually — starting with a missed payment during a tight month, a balance that grows faster than expected or an unexpected expense that forces other … Read more
A lower mortgage rate would make your home loan more affordable, but does it really make sense to negotiate now? Getty Images/iStockphoto While the mortgage rate landscape has eased substantially compared to the peaks seen in 2024 and early 2025, the reality is that today’s borrowing costs are still elevated, which is continuing to cause … Read more
Retired Navy vice admiral says best way to remove Iran’s enriched uranium is to “negotiate a deal” – CBS News Watch CBS News Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CBS News that the war with Iran won’t end until the nation’s enriched uranium is removed. Ret. Navy Vice Adm. Robert Murrett joins with his perspective. … Read more
The debt settlement concept sounds straightforward, but the process behind it can feel opaque. Krisanapong Detraphiphat/Getty Images When you’re buried in debt, as a hefty number of borrowers are right now, handing the problem to someone else sounds like it could offer serious relief. And, that’s exactly what debt relief companies sell — the idea … Read more
You don’t need a lump sum to negotiate debt, but you do need a strategy that reflects your financial situation. Tatiana Lavrova/Getty Images Household budgets aren’t just being stretched thin by a mix of rising inflation, high borrowing costs and a rough economy right now. They’re being completely reshaped in real time. With credit card … Read more
A creditor’s refusal to negotiate isn’t necessarily the end of the road, but it can limit certain paths forward. Krisanapong Detraphiphat/Getty Images As credit card rates remain high, balances climb and payment delinquencies tick upward, more borrowers are reaching out to their credit card issuers and creditors in hopes of negotiating lower balances, reduced interest … Read more