Turbo Takeaways
- The state’s median household income is $69,183, compared to the national median of $77,719.
- Michiganders can turn to effective debt relief programs to lower payments and reduce interest.
- Gaining insight into how each option works empowers residents to rebuild financial confidence.
Your Options To Get Out of Debt in Michigan
Michigan is known for its Great Lakes shorelines, automotive heritage, and resilient communities. Yet many households still struggle with the burden of debt.
Rising living expenses and lower-than-average income have left Michigan households with tighter budgets to cover monthly payments and rising balances.
Debt relief programs in Michigan provide structured ways to simplify repayment, reduce interest, and help residents regain their financial stability.
Keep reading to explore Michigan debt relief options and find the approach that best fits your situation.
Credit Counseling
For Michigan residents, credit counseling provides an organized starting point to address debt.
How It Works
In the Great Lakes State, credit counseling sessions typically start with a full review of income, monthly bills, and outstanding balances.
Counselors then design a tailored plan that may include budgeting strategies, repayment options, or a referral to a debt management plan if additional support is needed.
Pros
- Professional guidance available at little or no cost
- Practical tips for budgeting and debt repayment
- Access to workshops and tools from nonprofit agencies
Cons
- Success depends on following counselor’s advice
- Fees may apply for extended services
- Counseling alone doesn’t remove debt balances
Cost
Most organizations provide the first counseling session free of charge. If you continue, follow-up sessions may involve modest setup or monthly fees, though nonprofit agencies usually keep these costs affordable for households.
Stats
- Accredited counselors are available nationwide through the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA) to assist households with budgeting and debt repayment.
- Michigan residents can access these certified counseling experts to receive professional and trustworthy guidance.
Resources
Explore how credit counseling works and the types of support it can provide for managing debt and improving financial stability.
Debt Management
Debt management plans (DMPs) give Michiganders a structured way to regain control over multiple debts.
How It Works
In Michigan, agencies offering DMPs often negotiate with creditors to lower interest rates or remove late fees. Once terms are set, you submit a single monthly payment to the agency, making it easier to track progress and avoid missed deadlines.
Pros
- Simplified repayment into one monthly bill
- Potential reduction in interest rates and waived fees
- Clearer path to paying off debt within a set timeline
Cons
- Requirement to close most credit card accounts
- Loss of negotiated benefits if payments are missed
- Enrollment and service fees may apply
Cost
Setup costs for a DMP usually range from $25 to $75, with monthly fees between $20 and $50. Nonprofit organizations may lower or waive these charges for households with limited income.
Stats
- Michigan residents held an average of $77,389 in consumer debt as of Q3 2024, reflecting balances from mortgages, credit cards, auto loans, and student loans.
Resources
Learn more about how debt management works and the support it can provide in creating a predictable repayment schedule.
Debt Consolidation
For many in Michigan, debt consolidation loans offer a way to simplify finances and reduce interest costs. By combining several debts into a single payment, residents can streamline repayment and work toward becoming debt-free more efficiently.
How It Works
In the Great Lakes State, consolidation usually happens in two ways. One option is to take out a new loan large enough to pay off existing debts, leaving only one monthly payment.
Another option is to transfer balances from high-interest credit cards onto a zero-interest promotional card, giving time to pay down debt without extra finance charges.
Pros
- One monthly payment instead of multiple bills
- Potential savings with lower rates or zero-interest promotional offers
Cons
- Favorable loan rates require a healthy credit score and a hard credit check
- High interest charges if balance transfer is not repaid before promo period ends
Cost
Consolidation loans can include interest charges and origination fees, while 0% balance transfer cards usually add a transfer fee of 3%–5%. Interest applies to any unpaid balance once the promotional period ends.
Stats
- As of Q3 2024, Michigan residents had an average credit score of 719, slightly above the U.S. average of 715.
- A healthy credit score makes it easier for many households to qualify for consolidation loans and balance transfer offers.
Resources
Find out more about debt consolidation and how it may help you create a more manageable repayment plan.
Debt Settlement
Debt settlement is an option for Michiganders struggling with high balances on unsecured debts like credit cards and personal loans.
How It Works
By negotiating with creditors on your behalf, debt settlement companies can reduce the total amount owed, offering a path to relief without the need to file for bankruptcy.
If successful, creditors may agree to accept a lump sum payment or a structured plan for less than the full balance.
Pros
- Significantly reduces the amount of unsecured debt you owe
- Provides a faster path to relief compared to long repayment plans
- Often used as an alternative to bankruptcy
Cons
- Credit scores may drop during the process
- Creditors are not obligated to accept a settlement offer
- Settlement companies charge fees, but they only collect after a successful agreement
Cost
Most settlement companies charge a fee equal to 15%–25% of your enrolled debt. By law, these fees can only be collected once a settlement has been reached and approved by the consumer.
Stats
- As of Q3 2024, Michigan residents had an average credit card balance of $5,932, slightly below the national average of $6,730.
- Despite lower balances, many households still use settlement programs to reduce debt and manage rising interest charges.
Resources
Read more about how debt settlement works and the potential benefits of using this relief option to manage unsecured balances.
Bankruptcy
As a last resort, bankruptcy provides legal protection for consumers who can no longer manage overwhelming debt. Although filing may offer a financial reset for Michigan residents, it also comes with long-term consequences.
How It Works
Residents of the Great Lakes State who have exhausted other debt relief options can petition the federal bankruptcy court for assistance.
Consumers typically file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy to address debts, either by liquidating certain assets or following a court-approved repayment plan lasting three to five years.
Pros
- Provides legal relief from qualifying debts
- Stops creditor collection efforts once the petition is filed
- May discharge unsecured debts completely
Cons
- Can impact credit scores for up to 10 years
- Legal and attorney fees may be costly
- Certain debts, such as student loans or taxes, are not dischargeable
Cost
Court filing fees are usually under $500. Attorney costs vary widely but often range between $1,500 and $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case.
Stats
- According to the U.S. Courts, Michigan recorded 21,127 bankruptcy filings (PDF) as of June 2025.
- The majority of cases were filed under Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, which remain the most common forms of consumer bankruptcy in the state.
Resources
Learn about limitations after filing for bankruptcy and how to prepare for rebuilding credit and setting realistic goals once your case is closed.
What You Need To Know About Debt in Michigan
Statute of Limitations on Debt Collections in Michigan
In Michigan, creditors don’t have unlimited time to pursue unpaid debts through the courts. Once the statute of limitations expires, they can no longer file a lawsuit to recover what’s owed, even though they may still attempt to collect informally. This legal protection gives consumers a clearer understanding of their rights and the timeframe in which creditors can take action.
Here’s how the statute of limitations applies to different types of debt agreements in MI:
| Type of Debt Agreement | Length of Time Collectible |
|---|---|
| Written Contracts | 6 years |
| Promissory Notes | 6 years |
| Open-Ended Accounts | 6 years |
| Oral Agreements | 6 years |
| Medical Debt | 6 years |
Credit Card Forgiveness in Michigan
Michigan does not offer a state-run program for credit card forgiveness.
However, residents struggling with unsecured debt may pursue options such as debt settlement or consolidation to reduce large balances. These programs can provide meaningful relief when credit card payments become unmanageable.
Student Loan Forgiveness in Michigan
Borrowers in Michigan can apply for federal forgiveness programs, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), which cancels remaining balances after 120 qualifying payments for those in eligible public service roles.
Michigan residents can explore PSLF and other federal options through the Federal Student Aid forms library.
Resources for Financial Assistance in Michigan
Michigan provides several financial assistance programs to support residents who are struggling with financial hardship. These initiatives cover basic needs like cash assistance, food, child care, and health coverage:
- Family Independence Program (FIP): Michigan’s TANF cash assistance program provides monthly benefits to eligible families with children, covering essentials like housing, food, and utilities.
- Food Assistance Program (FAP): SNAP nutrition program that offers monthly grocery benefits for households meeting income and size requirements.
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): WIC is a federally funded program that delivers healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under five.
- Child Development and Care (CDC) Program: This child assistance program helps cover costs, enabling parents to work, attend school, or complete training.
- Michigan Medicaid Program: Michigan’s health coverage program provides doctor visits, prescriptions, dental care, and preventive services at little to no cost for eligible residents.
While federal programs provided temporary relief during the pandemic, no new Michigan stimulus checks are planned for 2025 or beyond.
Seek Expert Assistance to Pay Off Debt
When debt from credit cards, medical bills, or personal loans becomes overwhelming, working with a trusted company like TurboDebt® can make the difference. Professional guidance ensures you understand your options and choose the path that best fits your financial situation.
TurboDebt has helped thousands of Michiganders reduce their enrolled balances by an average of 53% before fees. For residents struggling to manage payments, this level of savings can mean a faster and more realistic way out of debt.
Here’s why TurboDebt is a trusted option for debt relief in Michigan:
- No upfront fees to get started
- Potential savings of 50% or more on your total debt (before fees) with our settlement program
- Debt-free in as little as 12–48 months
- No new loans or lines of credit required
- Over 20,000 5-star TurboDebt reviews from satisfied clients
Don’t let debt control your next chapter. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward regaining your financial independence.