Racking up expensive credit card debt is a dangerous route to take in nearly any economic environment, but it’s only become more risky in recent years. Not only are credit card interest rates sitting at historic highs of over 23% right now, but the cost of daily living expenses is continuing to climb as inflation ticks back up. So, if you’re allowing your credit card balances to roll over month after month, you’re running the risk of your debt ballooning out of control at a time when necessities are comprising a large portion of your budget.

For many with high-rate credit card debt, one type of debt relief — credit card debt forgiveness — has emerged as a potential path forward. This process, which involves negotiating with creditors to pay less than what you owe on your credit cards, can provide much-needed relief when handled correctly. However, while debt settlement can reduce your overall debt burden by 30% or more in some cases, the journey toward debt forgiveness is filled with potential pitfalls that could cost you thousands of dollars or, worse, leave you in an even more challenging financial position. 

That’s why it’s important to avoid making the wrong moves during this process or you could face additional fees, higher settlement amounts and unnecessary stress. Being aware of these common mistakes can help maximize your chances of success. 

Find out what your credit card debt relief options are now.

3 expensive credit card debt forgiveness mistakes to avoid right now

Here are a few costly errors you’ll want to avoid when pursuing credit card debt forgiveness right now.

Waiting too long to start the process

One of the most expensive mistakes people make is delaying their debt forgiveness journey. In some cases, they may hope their financial situation will improve on its own or they feel embarrassed about seeking help for their overwhelming credit card debt. However, this waiting game can be incredibly costly for a few different reasons.

For starters, credit card debt typically compounds daily, meaning your balance grows not just monthly but every single day you carry it. With current interest rates exceeding 23% on average, waiting even a few months can add hundreds or thousands of dollars to your total debt. This increased balance means you’ll need to save more money for potential settlements and could result in paying more even after negotiating a reduction.

The debt settlement process itself also takes considerable time. You’ll need to save enough money to make lump-sum settlement offers to creditors, which typically takes several months at a minimum — and can take much longer if you’re on a tight budget and don’t have much extra to put aside for settlement offers. The negotiation process with multiple creditors can also stretch out over many more months. Starting early, though, gives you more flexibility and leverage in negotiations, potentially resulting in better settlement terms.

Speak to an expert about getting rid of your credit card debt today.

Skipping out on expert guidance

While it’s technically possible to try and settle your debts on your own, trying to handle debt forgiveness independently often leads to suboptimal outcomes. Many cardholders underestimate the complexity of the debt forgiveness process and the expertise required for successful negotiations.

Professional debt relief companies often have established relationships with major creditors and understand their settlement policies and tendencies. They know when to push for better terms and when to accept an offer based on years of experience and previous settlement negotiations. These relationships and insights can result in better settlement percentages than what cardholders might achieve on their own.

Going solo also means managing all communication with creditors, understanding complex settlement agreements and knowing how to protect yourself legally. Missing crucial details in settlement agreements or mishandling negotiations can result in rejected offers or settlements that don’t adequately protect your interests. Professional debt relief companies can also help you understand the tax implications of settled debt and guide you through the entire process systematically.

Rushing into an agreement with a debt relief company 

Perhaps the most dangerous mistake is rushing into an agreement with a debt relief company without conducting thorough research on the agreement and the company itself. The issue in this case is that, unfortunately, the debt relief industry includes some predatory companies that make unrealistic promises or charge excessive fees while delivering poor results.

Some red flags to watch for include guarantees of specific settlement amounts (legitimate companies know that results vary), pressure to sign up quickly, or requests for upfront fees before any services are provided. The Federal Trade Commission has specific rules about debt relief services, including prohibitions on charging advance fees before settling or reducing debt, so any company that tries to charge you before doing any work is waving multiple red flags that are worth paying attention to.

It’s also essential to verify a company’s credentials, read customer reviews and check their standing with organizations like the Better Business Bureau. Look for companies that are transparent about their fees, provide realistic timelines and expectations and have a track record of successful settlements. A reputable debt relief company should be willing to explain the process in detail and answer all your questions without applying pressure tactics.

Choosing the wrong debt relief company, on the other hand, can result in wasted time and money, damaged credit and even legal issues. So, take the time to research multiple companies, understand their fee structures and verify their legitimacy before committing to any debt settlement program.

The bottom line

By avoiding these common pitfalls and approaching the debt forgiveness process with careful planning, you can set yourself on a path toward financial freedom. Don’t let avoidable mistakes derail your progress — take proactive steps today to reclaim control of your finances and build a brighter financial future.

A Canadian woman was arrested after trying to smuggle over 20 pounds of methamphetamine through a New Zealand airport, authorities said. The illicit drugs were disguised as Christmas presents, New Zealand’s customs agency said earlier this week on social media.

The Canadian woman, who has not been publicly identified, arrived in Auckland on a flight from Vancouver, Canada, on Sunday, Dec. 8. Customs officers questioned the woman after she disembarked, the customs agency said. Agents then searched her carry-on duffel bag and found the drugs, covered in festive wrapping paper.

The drugs would have been worth up to NZ$3.8 million, or $2.2 million USD, the customs agency said in a news release. 

The woman was arrested and is facing charges of drug importation and possession, officials said. New Zealand public broadcaster RNZ reported that the woman appeared in Manukau District Court on Tuesday and was remanded into custody. 

Auckland Airport Manager Paul Williams said that international organized crime groups often try to exploit the busy travel season to smuggle illicit goods into the country. 

“But a busy airport does not mean Customs is not focused on or paying attention to anyone who may pose a drug risk,” Williams said in the news release. Williams said that every passenger who arrives in New Zealand is risk-assessed even before they arrive in the country. 

Williams said in the news release that he and his colleagues “know that drugs sent from North America are an increasing risks” and are prepared to find and seize such shipments, even if they are “smaller targets.” 

A Los Angeles man traveling to New Zealand was arrested in late November after security officials at Los Angeles International Airport found methamphetamine-covered clothes in his luggage. Overall, about a kilogram, or 2.2 pounds, of meth was extracted from the clothes. 

That same week, the international navel operation “Orion” resulted in the seizure of more than 1,400 tons of drugs, including cocaine and marijuana, along a Pacific trafficking route from South America to Australia. 

U.S. authorities busted an alleged international drug trafficking ring that was smuggling methamphetamine into foreign countries, including Australia and New Zealand, in February. Those drugs were allegedly smuggled in a number of vessels, including books and baby dolls.