subject: Reduce Credit Debt [print this page] It is important to realize that while working through either debt settlement or debt management that credit ratings will drop significantly. Unlike bankruptcy, however, once the loan amount is paid off, it will be marked as settled, and the consumer can then start to rebuild a good rating. Since the programs can be completed in from twelve to thirty six months, it is also less time than other methods reflect on a rating. Bankruptcy shows up for ten years.
