Key takeaways
- JG Wentworth offers debt settlement services, loans, and buys structured settlements to help individuals manage their finances.
- Debt settlement can reduce what you owe, but it will negatively impact your credit score.
- A debt consolidation loan can simplify your payments and get you out of debt more efficiently.
Looking for financial relief? Are you struggling with debt? JG Wentworth may be the answer. The company offers financial services designed to help consumers dealing with debt or who need extra cash. Well known for buying structured settlements and annuity payments, the company has long helped consumers settle their debts for less as well. Recently, it has expanded its products to include loans, particularly those for debt consolidation.
Let’s explore all the company has to offer to see if it’s a good match for you.
Is JG Wentworth legit?
JG Wentworth is a legitimate and well-established financial services company. Founded in 1991, it has built a solid reputation for helping consumers access lump-sum payments for structured settlements and annuities. The company is accredited by Consumer Affairs and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating. The accreditations reflect its commitment to resolving customer complaints and maintaining ethical business practices. It is also a member of the American Association for Debt Resolution (AADR) and has served over 150,000 customers.
What does JG Wentworth do?
JG Wentworth offers a range of financial services aimed at helping individuals manage their money and reduce debt. The company was first widely recognized for buying structured settlements, annuities, and lottery winnings. They now offer insurance, personal loans, credit cards, and debt relief.
As a debt settlement company, their focus is on negotiating with creditors to reduce the total amount owed, providing a path toward faster repayment. They also offer debt consolidation loans and other personal loans so you can get cash for a variety of purposes. Their aim is to provide individuals with the tools they need to regain control of their finances.
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How does JG Wentworth debt relief work?
JG Wentworth’s debt relief services are designed to help individuals struggling with significant unsecured debt, such as credit card debt, personal loans, or medical bills. The process begins with a free consultation, during which an agent reviews your financial situation and creates a personalized plan. If you agree to the plan, you’ll begin the debt settlement process.
First, you will stop paying your creditors and instead make monthly payments to a dedicated account. The company does not exactly advise you to do this, but having your accounts in default or close to it is the only way they will gain leverage to negotiate.
Once you’ve accumulated a sufficient amount, their agents will negotiate with creditors on your behalf to reduce the total amount owed. Once an agreement is reached, they will use the money you’ve saved to pay the settlement. The whole process tends to take 24 to 48 months.
What types of debt can be settled?
Debt settlement is only for unsecured debts, ones not tied to collateral. Examples of unsecured debts are:
- Credit card balances
- Medical debt
- Unsecured loans
- Payday loans
- Certain types of student loans (private, not federal)
It’s important to note that not all debts are eligible for settlement. Secured debts, such as mortgages or auto loans, cannot be enrolled. This is because they are backed by assets like your home or car.
Who qualifies for debt relief?
To qualify, you must have at least $10,000 in unsecured debts (secured debts are not eligible). You must also reside in a state where the company is licensed and be able to afford monthly payments.
JG Wentworth is licensed for licensed to provide debt relief services in Washington D.C. and the following states AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, FL, ID, IN, IA, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MS, MO, MT, NE, NM, NY, NC, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, and WI.
Debt settlement is typically reserved for consumers struggling with a significant amount of unpaid bills that feel unmanageable. The best candidates are normally those with debts one to three years past due, who cannot make minimum payments, and who are facing financial hardship. It is generally the step you take before filing for bankruptcy.
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How much does JG Wentworth debt settlement cost?
How much debt settlement costs varies depending on the amount you owe and the terms of your agreement. The company charges a fee ranging from 18% to 25% of each debt that is enrolled in their program. The performance fee is deducted after your accounts are settled. Debt settlement companies are prohibited from charging any upfront fees for their services.
For example, if they successfully negotiate a reduction in your $20,000 debt, you’ll pay a fee ranging from $3,600 to $5,000. The fee is included in the quoted monthly payment you’re given right from the start. Additionally, the agent assigned to your case will take a fee. The specifics are stated in your contract. Lastly, the IRS considers forgiven debt over $600 as taxable income.
It’s important to understand these costs when considering how much you could save with debt settlement. Many customers find the price worth it due to the significant reductions, but others are surprised by the fees. Always compare costs and potential savings to determine the right debt relief solution for you.
Besides the financial cost, the whole debt settlement process takes a toll on your credit score. As we stated earlier, you will stop paying creditors. The missed payments will be reported to the credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion – resulting in negative marks on your credit report. A single late payment can significantly drag down your score.
Furthermore, a settled account is noted on your report as “settled” or “settled for less than the full amount.” This is considered a negative mark and will stay on your report for up to seven years from the date of your first missed payment, further hurting your score. For many people, it is worth lowering their score in order to pay less, but do not be taken by surprise.
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JG Wentworth offers personal loans
In addition to debt relief services, JG Wentworth offers personal loans for bad credit and a loan matching service to help individuals manage their finances. These loans can be used for various purposes, such as paying off high-interest debt, payday loan consolidation, covering emergency expenses, or funding major purchases. With JG Wentworth personal loans, you can borrow from $5,000 to $25,000 and repay it over a set period of 24 to 60 months.
The company only offers loans to residents of California and Utah, but anyone can apply and be matched with other lenders. The matching service is secure and free and will not impact your credit score.
The loan amounts and terms can vary based on your financial situation and qualifications. It’s important to review the details before accepting an offer and make sure you can afford the loan.
JG Wentworth personal loan requirements
The JG Wentworth loan application process and matching service can be completed online. To qualify, you’ll need to meet JG Wentworth personal loan requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- Applicants need to be either a U.S. citizen or a visa holder.
- No minimum credit score is disclosed.
- Have a stable source of income
Competitive interest rates and fees
The annual percentage rate (APR) offered by JG Wentworth ranges from 7.99% to 35.99%. The exact APR you’ll receive on your loan depends on factors including your credit history, income, loan amount, and terms. For borrowers with good scores, the rates are often lower. A lower APR provides significant savings when used to consolidate debt.
As with most lenders, there are late payment fees. The company does not charge any prepayment penalties, so you can pay your loan off early.
How to apply for a personal loan
You can apply for a JG Wentworth loan online. Visit their website and fill out the application. You’ll need to provide basic information such as your name, contact details, income, and employment status. The company will also assess your creditworthiness as part of the approval process. Once approved or matched with a lender, review your offer. If you accept it, you will receive your funds within one to three business days.
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Debt consolidation loans
A personal loan for debt consolidation may be a good option if you’re trying to figure out how to pay off credit card debt fast. Consolidation is when you combine multiple high-interest debts into a single loan with one monthly payment. Combining your accounts into one can simplify your bills. One monthly bill makes it easier to stay on top of due dates, avoid late fees, and improve your credit score.
While consolidation does not reduce your principal balance, it does help you pay off debts faster. The new loan should have a lower interest rate and fewer fees. You should save money since you’ll pay less in interest.
JG Wentworth debt consolidation reviews show that most people are happy with the results. It is an effective and efficient way to get out of debt. If you’re overwhelmed with multiple debts, consolidating them with a personal loan could provide relief and make it easier to become debt-free.
Consider JG Wentworth reviews
When considering debt relief companies, it’s important to take time to check reviews and compare options. Reading what past clients have to say can give you a clearer understanding of how effective their services are, their communication with clients, and whether they’re the right fit for your financial situation.
Consumer Affairs found that the majority of JG Wentworth’s debt relief reviews are positive. The company has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. 81% of clients were satisfied, while only 19% were not. On Trustpilot, the percentage of five-star ratings is up to 89%, but they are mainly reviewing customer service. The Better Business Bureau gives them an A+ rating, but they have 3.13 out of 5 stars for reviews.
Generally, positive reviewers were happy with the enrollment process and the time the program took to complete. Unsatisfied customers found the entire process too long and emphasized the negative toll on their credit scores. These complaints are typical of debt relief companies. Even National Debt Relief, which has been in the business since 2009 and has a 4.9-star rating on Consumer Affairs, receives such complaints.
Marvelous company
“They’ve been absolutely marvelous in helping me manage my finances. I didn’t have to deal with another company, and they delivered on everything they promised efficiently and timely.
The sign-up process was a breeze. They managed everything for me. What’s more, their service was excellent, though there was one minor issue. I had an automatic payment scheduled that they overlooked, so the payment was taken out twice. It would have been helpful if they reminded me to cancel those autopays, but otherwise, everything was smooth.
JG Wentworth provided me the terms I needed, which I found marvelous. Overall, their assistance in consolidating my bills has been a relief.”
Quick negotiations
“Negotiations with one of my creditors was quick!! Took months and numerous deposits with my previous one! Took a few weeks with JG Wentworth😊”
Secured two settlements
“I’ve been with JG Wentworth for just a month, but they’ve already helped me secure two settlements on my long list of bills. What impressed me the most was their flexibility. When I couldn’t make my first payment due to unexpected medical bills, they allowed me to postpone it to the next month without any hassle. Their communication is excellent; I have specific contacts to reach out to if I have questions or concerns about my account. They’ve truly been excellent to work with.”
By examining JG Wentworth reviews, both the complaints and praise, you can better understand the potential issues, how they can help, and decide if the debt settlement company is right for you and your financial goals.
Anyone can get an unsecured card!
Frequently asked questions
1. What percentage does JG Wentworth charge for debt settlement?
All debt settlement companies charge a fee ranging from 15% to 25% of the total debt. JG Wentworth’s fees range from 18% to 25% of the enrolled debt and are determined on an individual basis. The fee is only charged once a settlement agreement has been successfully negotiated on your behalf.
2. What impact does JG Wentworth debt relief have on your credit score?
The effect on your credit score depends on the program you choose. Enrolling in a debt settlement program significantly hurts your score. You typically stop making payments to creditors, which results in negative marks on your credit report. Conversely, debt consolidation typically has a positive impact, provided you consistently make your payments on time.
3. What is the minimum amount you need for debt settlement?
To qualify for debt settlement, you need at least $20,000 in unsecured debts, such as credit card balances, medical bills, or unsecured loans. If you have less than this amount, other debt relief options like consolidation, debt management, or credit counseling may be more appropriate.
4. Is JG Wentworth a legitimate company?
Yes, it is a legitimate business with over 30 years of experience in financial services. Known primarily for structured settlement purchases, they have expanded into loans and debt relief. The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), a member of the American Association for Debt Resolution (AADR), and has a long-standing reputation in the industry.
5. Does JG Wentworth give loans?
JG Wentworth offers personal loans through partnerships with lenders. These loans can be used for various purposes, including debt consolidation.
Bottom line
JG Wentworth is a financial services company aiming to help people regain control of their finances. If you want to sell your structured settlement, are looking for a personal loan, or need debt relief, they may be the right choice for you.
Always read reviews, consider the full costs and consequences, and weigh your options before you decide which route to take. With over 30 years in the business, the company certainly has the experience to back it up. They may be the right choice for your financial goals.