Before you sign.

A practical checklist for the conversation—and the documents—you need before committing.

Your checks stay in this page only. No information is submitted. Printing lets you keep a copy.

Confirm the scope

The exact debts and balances included, with balance dates.Which creditor amounts are projections, offers or accepted agreements.Any excluded debt that will remain after the program.

Translate the fees

The fee percentage and the balance or reduction it applies to.The dollar fee for each account and when it can be collected.All account, transaction, setup and closing charges.Whether any optional service adds a separate cost.

Follow the payments

The creditor’s written terms and every payment due date.How deposits are allocated between creditors and fees.Whether the schedule leaves enough for essentials and a buffer.What happens after a late or missed installment.

Plan for uncertainty

What happens if a creditor refuses or you leave early.Unpriced costs, possible tax and remaining unsettled debts.A direct-creditor, nonprofit counseling or legal alternative.Copies of the quote, fee schedule and creditor agreements.

Completeness is not approval

Checking every box does not establish that settlement is suitable or that a quote is legal. It gives you a better record for the decision.

Now check the arithmetic ↗