My Honest Review of ClearPoint Debt Management

Let’s be real – debt sucks. It can feel like you’re drowning with no way out. But there is hope! Debt management programs like ClearPoint can help you finally get your finances under control.As someone who has been in deep debt before, I want to give you an honest review of ClearPoint based on my personal experience. I’ll cover the pros and cons so you can decide if it’s right for you.

A Bit About My Situation

A few years ago, I was over $20,000 in credit card debt. I had racked it up during some tough financial times. On top of that, I had student loans and a car payment. It felt completely overwhelming.I knew I needed help getting out of debt. I started looking into debt management programs like ClearPoint.

What is ClearPoint Debt Management?

ClearPoint is a nonprofit credit counseling agency that provides debt management programs (DMPs).Here’s how their DMPs work:

• You make one monthly payment to ClearPoint. They distribute it across your debts.
• ClearPoint negotiates with your creditors to reduce interest rates and get fees waived. This lowers your monthly payments.
• You’re on a plan to pay off debt in 3-5 years. ClearPoint provides education and support.
• They charge a monthly fee based on your state and debt amount. It ranges from $25-50 on average.

The goal is to consolidate your debts into one payment and pay it off faster. Their counselors also provide guidance on budgeting and handling debt.

The Good: ClearPoint Pros

1. Lower Interest Rates

The biggest benefit of ClearPoint is they reduced my interest rates from 15-25% down to 5-8%. This saved me a ton of money in interest charges.

2. One Monthly Payment

I loved only having one payment to worry about versus 5+ credit card bills. It made budgeting easier.

3. Free Credit Counseling

ClearPoint offers free credit counseling and financial education. Their counselors helped me improve my money management skills.

4. Debt Paid Off Faster

Because my payments were lower, I was able to pay more toward principal. I got out of debt years faster than I could have on my own.

5. Flexible Payment Options

ClearPoint let me choose between mailing a check, paying online, or auto-debit from my bank account. I chose auto-debit for convenience.

6. Accredited Nonprofit

It gave me peace of mind that ClearPoint is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA).  They are a legitimate nonprofit organization.

7. Mostly Positive Reviews

Checking out reviews on ConsumerAffairs and elsewhere, most people have good things to say about their experience with ClearPoint debt management.

The Bad: ClearPoint Cons

Of course no company is perfect. Here are a few downsides to consider:

1. Monthly Fee

You have to pay a monthly fee for ClearPoint’s services. For me it was $39/month. This fee can add up over time.

2. Creditors May Not Accept

Some creditors refuse to work with debt management plans. So ClearPoint couldn’t get one of my store cards enrolled.

3. Credit Score Hit

When you start a DMP, your credit score will drop initially. This is because your accounts get closed. But it will improve over time as you pay down debt.

4. Debt Settlement Not Offered

ClearPoint does not negotiate debt settlements where you pay a lump sum for less than you owe. Other companies like National Debt Relief do this.

5. Long Repayment Timeline

It took me about 4 years to pay off my debt through ClearPoint’s program. It requires discipline to stick to it long-term.

Is ClearPoint Right for You? Key Considerations

So should you choose ClearPoint for debt management? Here are some things to think about:

• Your debt amount – DMPs work best for people with $10K or more in debt. If you have less, you may not need a full program.
• Your credit – Will closing accounts drastically hurt your credit? Make sure to check your score first.
• Types of debt – Federal student loans usually won’t enroll in a DMP. Focus is credit cards and personal loans.
• Your budget – Can you afford the monthly fee? Make sure it fits into your payment plan.
• Your discipline – Do you have the commitment to stick to a 3-5 year repayment plan? It’s not a quick fix.

Take time to consider if ClearPoint’s structure and services are the right fit. A debt management program like this works well for many people. But it’s not the only option.

Alternatives to ClearPoint

If ClearPoint doesn’t seem like the best solution, here are a few other approaches to tackle debt:

• Debt snowball method – Pay off debts one by one starting with the smallest. Quick wins keep you motivated.
• Balance transfer card – Transfer balances to a card with a 0% intro APR to save on interest.
• Debt consolidation loan – Combine debts into one personal loan with fixed payments.
• Debt settlement – Negotiate lump sum payoffs for less than you owe. But fees and credit impact are high.
• Bankruptcy – As a total last resort, Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy discharges many debts. But bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 7-10 years.
• DIY debt payoff – If you have under $10k in debt and a plan to pay it off in under 2 years, you may not need a formal debt management program. Do it yourself following a budget and debt snowball repayment plan.

The Bottom Line: Should You Choose ClearPoint?

So what’s the verdict – is ClearPoint Credit Counseling legit and helpful for getting out of debt?In my experience, yes. Their debt management program worked well for my situation. It provided the structure, lower payments, and support I needed to finally pay off my credit cards and other debts.Of course, every person’s financial situation is different. Make sure you evaluate your specific circumstances to decide if ClearPoint is your best path for becoming debt-free.I hope this transparent review gives you the information you need to make the right choice for you. Don’t give up – you can get out of debt, and programs like ClearPoint can help! Let me know if you have any other questions.