Debt Consolidation Loans

Debt-Relief · NY

Rating: 4.4/5

Debt Consolidation Loans logo

Money Fit offers nonprofit debt management plans that consolidate unsecured debts into a single monthly payment with negotiated interest reductions—no new loan required.

Official Website

https://www.moneyfit.org/debt-consolidation/new-york/

Debt Consolidation Loans Review

Money Fit by DRS, Inc. is a New York-licensed nonprofit debt relief organization (License BP100729) that specializes in debt consolidation through structured Debt Management Plans. The company serves New York residents across all regions, from New York City to upstate communities, helping consumers tackle high-cost debt in a state with elevated living expenses and steep interest rates.

Money Fit's core offering is debt consolidation without a new loan or balance transfer. The company combines eligible unsecured debts—including credit cards, medical bills, payday loans, collections, and store cards—into a single monthly payment. A key feature is direct creditor negotiation to reduce interest rates and waive certain fees.

The process begins with a free consultation with a certified nonprofit counselor who reviews income, expenses, and overall financial picture, then proposes a personalized Debt Management Plan if consolidation is appropriate. Clients make one structured monthly payment to the program while receiving ongoing counseling support through payoff completion.

Money Fit distinguishes itself through its nonprofit status and certified counselor model. The company explicitly does not perform hard credit pulls for initial counseling, emphasizes no obligation to proceed, and works with major credit card companies and multiple creditors to achieve measurable cost reductions. The website highlights budget review, personalized financial planning, and long-term stability as core elements beyond simple debt consolidation. Customer testimonials reference interest rate reductions and successful principal reduction over time.

A realistic assessment is that Money Fit operates within the bounds of legitimate nonprofit debt management, but results depend on creditor participation and consumer income stability. The company does not offer immediate debt discharge or settlement (where debt is reduced through lump-sum negotiation), meaning consolidation typically extends repayment terms while lowering interest. Success requires consistent monthly payments and behavioral change; counseling alone does not eliminate debt.

Geographic service is limited to New York, and candidacy depends on having eligible unsecured debts and sufficient income to support a structured payment plan.

When evaluating debt relief companies, consumers should compare settlement programs against alternatives like debt consolidation loans, which combine multiple debts into a single fixed-rate payment. Credit counseling through nonprofit agencies offers free budgeting help without impacting credit scores. For those whose credit has already been damaged, credit repair services can address inaccurate negative items on reports. Personal loans for bad credit may provide funds for debt payoff at lower rates than credit cards, and credit monitoring services help track progress throughout the recovery process.

Consolidating high-interest balances into a single installment loan with a fixed rate can reduce total interest paid and simplify monthly budgeting.

Pros & Cons

Reader-focused summary of the strongest reasons to consider Debt Consolidation Loans and the factors most worth weighing before contracting. Individual outcomes depend on your credit situation and goals.

Pros

  • ✓Nonprofit status with state licensing (NY DFS License BP100729) provides regulatory credibility
  • ✓No hard credit pull required for initial free consultation—reduces impact on credit score during exploration
  • ✓Direct negotiation with major creditors for verifiable interest rate reductions and fee waivers
  • ✓Single monthly payment consolidation without requiring a new loan or balance transfer
  • ✓Free personalized counseling from certified nonprofit counselors included in program
  • ✓Ongoing support and guidance throughout the repayment period, not just one-time planning
  • ✓Addresses high-cost short-term debt (payday loans) and collections alongside revolving credit

Areas to Consider

  • !Results depend entirely on creditor willingness to negotiate—interest reductions are not guaranteed and vary by creditor
  • !Does not offer debt settlement or principal reduction; consolidation typically extends repayment timeline while lowering rates
  • !Limited to New York residents only; cannot serve customers outside the state
  • !Requires sufficient stable income to support a structured monthly payment plan; unsuitable for unemployed or severely income-unstable consumers
  • !Program performance heavily dependent on consumer behavior change and payment consistency; counseling does not automatically solve underlying spending habits

Verdict Summary

Debt Consolidation Loans works best for consumers who value nonprofit status with state licensing (ny dfs license bp100729) provides regulat and can accept the tradeoff of results depend entirely on creditor willingness to negotiate—interest reductions. Compare against similar providers below before signing any contract.

Services & Features

Services offered

Feature Checklist

✓Credit Monitoring
✓All Three Bureaus
✗Goodwill Letters
✗Cease Desist Letters
✓Debt Validation
✓Credit Education
✗Identity Theft Protection
✗Score Tracking
✗Mobile App
✓Online Portal
✗Personal Advisor
✗Ai Powered

Best For

Before You Contact Debt Consolidation Loans

Before signing up with any Debt Relief provider, review these safeguards:

Compare Your Needs With Debt Consolidation Loans

Match these decision factors against Debt Consolidation Loans's profile before committing. This rubric mirrors what independent consumer-finance research typically checks for Debt Relief providers.

Category

Debt Relief

Service scope

11 services listed

Geographic coverage

1 states

Match to your priorities

  • ●
    Budget priority: Pricing published above — factor in setup, monthly, and cancellation fees over the full expected service window.
  • ●
    Complexity priority: Consider Debt Consolidation Loans's stated strengths (Nonprofit status with state licensing (NY DFS License BP100729) provides regulatory credibility) against your specific credit situation.
  • ●
    Timeline priority: Debt Relief typically takes 3-6 months for meaningful outcomes. Providers guaranteeing overnight results are red flags under federal consumer protection law.
  • ●
    Recourse priority: Confirm state licensing via your state regulator and check the CFPB complaint database before contracting.
  • ●
    Alternatives: Compare against all Debt Relief providers, DIY options via non-profit counseling agencies, and free CFPB resources.

Pricing

  • Monthly Price: 0
  • Setup Fee: 0
  • Money Back Guarantee: False
  • Guarantee Details: Contact provider for current pricing and guarantee details.
  • Free Consultation: True
  • Tiers: [{'name': 'Debt Settlement', 'price': 0, 'features': ['Free initial consultation', 'Dedicated account manager', 'Negotiate with creditors', 'Performance-based fees (15-25% of enrolled debt)', 'Monthly progress updates', 'No upfront fees']}]
  • Currency: USD

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Debt Consolidation Loans offer?

Debt Consolidation Loans offers 11 services including Free debt and budget review consultation with certified nonprofit counselor, Personalized Debt Management Plan design aligned to income and expenses, Direct creditor negotiation for interest rate reductions, Creditor fee waiver requests and negotiation, Consolidation of credit cards into single structured payment, and 6 more. Confirm current service list directly with the provider before contracting.

Who is Debt Consolidation Loans best suited for?

Debt Consolidation Loans's profile signals suggest it may fit: New York residents with multiple credit cards and unsecured debts earning stable income but paying excessive interest; Consumers managing medical bills, collections, or payday loans alongside credit card debt who want nonprofit guidance; People with minimums being paid but principal balances stagnating due to high APRs seeking structured repayment; Borrowers who want to avoid new loans or balance transfers and prefer direct creditor negotiation within a nonprofit framework. Individual outcomes vary based on your specific situation.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Debt Consolidation Loans?

Key strengths: Nonprofit status with state licensing (NY DFS License BP100729) provides regulatory credibility; No hard credit pull required for initial free consultation—reduces impact on credit score during exploration; Direct negotiation with major creditors for verifiable interest rate reductions and fee waivers. Areas to consider: Results depend entirely on creditor willingness to negotiate—interest reductions are not guaranteed and vary by creditor; Does not offer debt settlement or principal reduction; consolidation typically extends repayment timeline while lowering rates.

How does Debt Consolidation Loans compare to similar companies?

In the Debt Relief category, comparable providers include Family Credit Management Services, Accredited Debt Relief, Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief). Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.

Where does Debt Consolidation Loans operate?

Debt Consolidation Loans serves customers in 1 states including New York. Confirm current service availability in your state directly with the provider.

How much does Debt Consolidation Loans cost?

Listed pricing for Debt Consolidation Loans: monthly price: 0; setup fee: 0; money back guarantee: False. Pricing may change — verify current fees directly with the provider before signing any contract.

Visit Debt Consolidation Loans

State Consumer Finance Context

This is state-level context for Debt Relief consumers in New York. It does not confirm that Debt Consolidation Loans or this specific location is licensed.

State regulator: New York Department of Financial Services
Consumer protection: New York Attorney General Consumer Frauds Bureau

Credit and debt help rules in New York

Key state rules to check

Payday lending in New York: Banned

Usury cap: 16% civil usury; 25% criminal usury; payday lending banned

Complaint resources

State references

New York bans payday lending through its 16% civil usury and 25% criminal usury caps. The Department of Financial Services aggressively pursues illegal online payday lenders. Consumers have strong protections under state law and can file complaints with DFS or the Attorney General.

Similar Companies ⓘ

Comparable Debt Relief providers with similar service scope. Ratings reflect stored review context; verify current licensing and pricing directly before contracting.

Family Credit Management Services logo

Family Credit Management Services

Nonprofit credit counseling agency offering debt management plans, debt settlement, and a proprietary DualTrack hybrid program for consumers with unsecured debt.

Rating 4.9/5

Read review →

Notable: Nonprofit organization with 30+ years of operating history — not a for-profit consolidation firm

Accredited Debt Relief logo

Accredited Debt Relief

Accredited Debt Relief helps consumers consolidate debt and reduce monthly payments through personalized financial relief options, claiming to have assisted ...

Rating 4.9/5

Read review →

Notable: Success-based fee model—company only gets paid after achieving a solution for clients

Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief) logo

Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief)

Achieve (formerly Freedom Debt Relief / Freedom Financial Network) is one of the largest debt settlement companies in the US, based in San Mateo, CA. BBB A+ ...

Rating 4.4/5

Read review →

Notable: One of the most experienced debt settlement companies with $18B+ settled since 2002, providing deep creditor negotiat...

American Debt Relief logo

American Debt Relief

American Debt Relief is a Plano, TX debt settlement firm that negotiates with creditors to reduce unsecured balances, charging 22–25% of enrolled debt only a...

Rating 4.8/5

Read review →

Notable: Performance-only fee model — 22–25% of enrolled debt charged per settlement, nothing until client approves

American Profit Recovery logo

American Profit Recovery

American Profit Recovery (APR) is a Farmington Hills, MI-based third-party debt collection agency. BBB A+ rated (not accredited). Specializes in medical, den...

Rating 4.9/5

Read review →

Notable: High Google review rating (4.9 stars from 3,805 reviews) with recent positive testimonials praising staff professionalism

Americor logo

Americor

Americor is an Irvine, CA-based fintech debt relief company founded in 2009, offering debt settlement and consolidation through sister company Credit9. BBB A...

Rating 4.9/5

Read review →

Notable: No upfront fees or sign-up charges—fees only collected after settlement approval

Beyond Finance logo

Beyond Finance

Beyond Finance offers debt settlement and consolidation services designed to reduce monthly payments and help consumers exit debt faster through personalized...

Rating 4.9/5

Read review →

Notable: Claims to reduce monthly payments by 40% or more on enrolled debt

Citizens Debt Relief logo

Citizens Debt Relief

Citizens Debt Relief is an Irvine, CA-based debt settlement firm. BBB A+ accredited. IAPDA member. 1,536 Google reviews. Fee-after-settlement model.

Rating 4.8/5

Read review →

Notable: Advertises no upfront fees, which aligns with FTC regulations against advance-fee debt relief

Related Questions

Quick Summary

Debt Consolidation Loans — Debt Relief in NY.

Overall rating: 4.4/5

Money Fit offers nonprofit debt management plans that consolidate unsecured debts into a single monthly payment with negotiated interest reductions—no new loan required.

Visit Debt Consolidation Loans

Next Steps

  1. Compare Debt Consolidation Loans against similar options above.
  2. Run our borrowing power quiz to see how Debt Consolidation Loans matches your situation.
  3. Check state regulator listings for Debt Consolidation Loans's licensing before committing.
  4. Visit Debt Consolidation Loans once you're ready.

Glossary of Terms

Common terms that come up when comparing Debt Relief providers. Full glossary at creditdoc.co/glossary/.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy — Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (Reorganization)
A type of bankruptcy where you keep your assets but follow a court-approved 3-5 year repayment plan to pay back some or all of your debts. Stays on credit for 7 years.
Why it matters: Chapter 13 is better than Chapter 7 if you have a home or assets you want to keep. It can stop foreclosure and let you catch up on mortgage payments over 3-5 years.
Example: You're 3 months behind on your mortgage and have $30,000 in credit card debt. Chapter 13 stops foreclosure and puts you on a 5-year plan: you pay $600/month to catch up on the mortgage and pay 40% of the credit card debt.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy — Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (Liquidation)
A type of bankruptcy that wipes out most unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills) by liquidating non-exempt assets. It stays on your credit for 10 years.
Why it matters: Chapter 7 gives you a fresh start but at a steep cost: 10 years on your credit, difficulty getting loans, and you may lose assets. Income must be below your state's median to qualify.
Example: You have $45,000 in credit card debt and earn $35,000/year. Chapter 7 erases the debt. You keep exempt property (basic car, household items). Your score drops to ~500 but you're debt-free.
CFPB — Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
A federal agency created in 2010 to protect consumers from unfair financial practices. They write rules, supervise financial companies, and handle consumer complaints.
Why it matters: The CFPB is your most powerful ally against predatory lenders. Filing a complaint with them gets a response from the company within 15 days — companies take CFPB complaints seriously.
Example: A debt collector calls your workplace after you told them to stop. You file a CFPB complaint online. Within 15 days, the collection agency responds and agrees to stop. The CFPB tracks complaint patterns across all companies.
Charge-Off
When a creditor declares your debt a loss after 180 days of nonpayment and removes it from their books. But you still owe the money — they just stop expecting to collect it themselves.
Why it matters: A charge-off is one of the most damaging entries on your credit report and stays for 7 years. The debt is usually sold to a collection agency who will pursue you for it.
Example: You stop paying your $4,000 credit card. After 180 days, the bank charges it off and sells the debt to a collector for $800. The collector now contacts you demanding the full $4,000 (they profit from what they collect above $800).
Collections — Debt Collections
When an unpaid debt is transferred or sold to a third-party collection agency that specializes in recovering the money. Collection accounts appear on your credit report for 7 years.
Why it matters: Even a $50 collection account can drop your score 50-100 points. Some newer FICO models (FICO 9) ignore paid collections, but many lenders still use older models.
Example: An old $200 gym bill goes to collections. It appears on all 3 credit reports and drops your 720 score to 640. Paying it helps with newer scoring models but under FICO 8 (still widely used), a paid collection still hurts.
Debt Consolidation
Combining multiple debts into one single loan with one monthly payment, ideally at a lower interest rate. It simplifies repayment and can reduce total interest.
Why it matters: Consolidation works best when you get a lower rate than your existing debts. But it doesn't reduce what you owe — and extending the term can mean paying more total interest.
Example: You have: $5,000 at 22% (credit card), $3,000 at 18% (store card), $2,000 at 25% (payday loan). A $10,000 consolidation loan at 11% saves you ~$2,100 in interest over 3 years.
Debt Settlement — Debt Settlement / Negotiation
Negotiating with creditors to accept less than the full amount you owe — typically 40-60 cents on the dollar. Usually done after you've already fallen behind on payments.
Why it matters: Settlement can save thousands, but it severely damages your credit (settled accounts show for 7 years) and the IRS may tax the forgiven amount as income.
Example: You owe $15,000 on a credit card and negotiate a settlement of $7,500 (50%). You save $7,500 but: your credit drops 100+ points, the account shows 'settled' for 7 years, and you may owe taxes on the $7,500 forgiven.
Default — Loan Default
When you fail to repay a loan according to the agreed terms — usually after 90-180 days of missed payments. It's the point where the lender gives up on collecting normally.
Why it matters: Default triggers severe consequences: credit score drops 100+ points, the debt may be sent to collections, you could be sued, and your wages or assets could be seized.
Example: You miss 4 consecutive car payments. The lender declares your loan in default, repossesses your car, sells it at auction for $8,000, and you still owe the remaining $5,000 (called a deficiency balance).
DTI Ratio — Debt-to-Income Ratio
The percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts. Lenders use it to judge whether you can afford another loan payment.
Why it matters: Most lenders want DTI below 36% for personal loans and below 43% for mortgages. Above that, you're considered overextended and likely to be denied.
Example: You earn $5,000/month gross. Your debts: $1,200 mortgage + $300 car + $200 student loans = $1,700/month. DTI = 34%. A new $400/month loan would push you to 42% — risky for lenders.
FDCPA — Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
A federal law that limits what debt collectors can do. They can't call before 8am or after 9pm, can't harass you, can't lie, and must stop contacting you if you request in writing.
Why it matters: Knowing your FDCPA rights stops abusive collection tactics. If a collector violates the law, you can sue for up to $1,000 per violation plus attorney fees.
Example: A collector calls your workplace 3 times after you told them not to. That's 3 FDCPA violations. You hire a consumer attorney (free — they get paid by the collector). The collector settles for $3,000.
Garnishment — Wage Garnishment
A court order that requires your employer to withhold part of your paycheck and send it directly to a creditor. Usually happens after a creditor sues you and wins a judgment.
Why it matters: Federal law limits garnishment to 25% of disposable income. Some states have lower limits. Student loans and taxes can be garnished without a court order.
Example: You owe $8,000 on a defaulted credit card. The bank sues, gets a judgment, and garnishes your wages. On a $3,000/month net paycheck, they take $750/month until the debt is paid.
Installment Loan
A loan you repay in fixed monthly payments over a set period — typically 12 to 60 months. Each payment covers part of the principal plus interest. Personal loans, auto loans, mortgages, and student loans are all installment loans.
Why it matters: Installment loans are the most common way Americans borrow money. Unlike revolving credit (credit cards), installment loans have a clear end date and predictable payments. Making on-time installment payments builds yo...
Example: You borrow $5,000 as a personal installment loan at 12% APR for 36 months. Your fixed monthly payment is $166. After 36 payments totaling $5,978, the loan is paid off. You paid $978 in interest but built 36 months of positive payment his...
Judgment — Court Judgment (Debt)
A court ruling that says you legally owe a specific amount to a creditor. It gives the creditor power to garnish wages, freeze bank accounts, or place liens on your property.
Why it matters: Judgments are enforceable for 10-20 years (varies by state) and can be renewed. They give creditors far more collection power than a simple unpaid debt.
Example: A credit card company sues you for $8,000 and wins a judgment. They can now garnish 25% of your paycheck ($750/month on a $3,000 net salary) and freeze your bank account.
Statute of Limitations — Statute of Limitations (Debt)
A time limit (typically 3-6 years, varies by state) after which a creditor can no longer sue you to collect a debt. The debt still exists, but they lose the legal power to force payment.
Why it matters: Knowing your state's statute of limitations prevents you from being tricked into paying debts that are legally uncollectable. Beware: making a payment can restart the clock.
Example: You have a $3,000 credit card debt from 2019. Your state has a 4-year statute of limitations. In 2024, a collector calls demanding payment. The statute has expired — they cannot sue you.
Amortization — Loan Amortization
The process of paying off a loan through regular payments that cover both principal and interest. Early payments are mostly interest; later payments are mostly principal.
Why it matters: Understanding amortization explains why paying extra early in a loan saves the most money — you're reducing the principal that interest is calculated on.
Example: Month 1 of a $200,000 mortgage at 6%: your $1,199 payment splits as $1,000 interest + $199 principal. By month 300: only $47 goes to interest and $1,152 goes to principal.