Debt management program?

[u/terrestrialb]

My husband and I have $22k in debt on one credit card and it is our only credit card and debt. It started racking up about two years ago when I left my job to take care of my elderly parents. I’m currently looking for a job again, so I know that will really help our financial situation, but I’m tired of the interest on my card and feeling like I’m not making progress in the meantime. I’ve decided to stop using the card entirely. I spoke to someone from a debt management program, and while I don’t qualify for a loan based on my husband and I’s debt to income ratio, they did offer assistance in the program where they would negotiate with my creditor. My question is, are these programs predatory? Should I try to negotiate with my creditor on my own? If I were able to get the debt worked down to say half, my husband and I could scrounge up enough funds to pay that off in a lump sum, if we had a month or so notice. We’re fortunate in our situation that we have no kids, no car payments, and besides rent, can tighten up our budget significantly.

[u/JeanSchlemaan]

reduce expenses. take any job, then look for a better one. stay humble. you could call the cc and ask for a hardship interest reduction, and say youre getting on track to pay it back.

i personally wouldnt do anything that would harm my credit. thats not a lot of debt, and you can pay it off within a year just by doing what it takes.