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Debt Settlement vs. Credit Counseling

Media | April 21, 2026 | Story by: Editorial Staff

In Charge: Mary Sasmaz, assistant professor at Weatherhead School of Management, explained the difference between debt settlement and credit counseling. “Credit counseling can be thought of as education and coaching, where debt settlement is negotiating to lower the individual’s debt amounts,” she said, emphasizing planning, discipline and spending adjustments to avoid future debt problems.