Marco Maknown

Picture of Marco Maknown

Marco Maknown

Marco Maknown is a financial writer specializing in debt management, consumer finance, and emerging economic trends. With a background in digital marketing and experience in AI augmentation for the physical economy and shipping industry, he focuses on empowering consumers with practical knowledge about debt collection rights, credit management, and how technological innovations are reshaping traditional industries.
House on different dollar bills. Real estate concept.
Home Equity

Sep 1, 2026

16 min

HELOC Alternatives: Seven Ways to Tap Your Home’s Value

Homeowners who want to tap into their homes equity without great credit have real alternatives, and this guide breaks down seven of them....
Couple on couch celebrating after paying off $20,000 in debt
Debt Resolution

Sep 1, 2026

18 min

How to Pay off $20,000 in Credit Card Debt

If you have $20,000 in debt and are looking into best options on paying it down, start here. This guide goes over 4 popular options available....
Woman stressed being contacted by multiple debt collectors
Debt Resolution

August 27, 2026

25 min

The 11-Word Phrase to Stop Debt Collectors (2026 Guide)

man breaking piggy bank
Annuity Purchasing

July 24, 2026

18 min

When Should I Start Taking Money Out of My Annuity?

a house made from $100 bills
Home Equity

May 27, 2026

18 min

What is a Home Equity Agreement? How it Works, Pros & Cons

House on different dollar bills. Real estate concept.
Home Equity

Sep 1, 2026

16 min

HELOC Alternatives: Seven Ways to Tap Your Home’s Value

Homeowners who want to tap into their homes equity without great credit have real alternatives, and this guide breaks down seven of them....
Couple on couch celebrating after paying off $20,000 in debt
Debt Resolution

Sep 1, 2026

18 min

How to Pay off $20,000 in Credit Card Debt

If you have $20,000 in debt and are looking into best options on paying it down, start here. This guide goes over 4 popular options available....
Man looking at debt and pension
Debt Resolution

Sep 1, 2026

20 min

Can a Pension be Garnished for Credit Card Debt?

Most pensions and Social Security are protected from credit card garnishment under ERISA and federal law. Learn the exceptions and how to protect retirement income....
Woman stressed being contacted by multiple debt collectors
Debt Resolution

Aug 27, 2026

25 min

The 11-Word Phrase to Stop Debt Collectors (2026 Guide)

The 11-word phrase can stop collector calls under the FDCPA. Learn how to use it in writing, your rights, and how to negotiate the debt behind the calls....
Lawyer stamping legal debt document with dimissal
Debt Resolution

Aug 24, 2026

22 min

How to Get a Credit Card Lawsuit Dismissed (Step by Step)

Being sued over a credit card? Learn how to answer the summons, the affirmative defenses that get cases dismissed, and what to do after you are served....
Frustrated concerned young couple calculating overspend budget, doing paperwork job at laptop, talking about financial problems, insurance, mortgage, fees, loan conditions, bankruptcy, economic inflation
Debt Resolution

Aug 19, 2026

12 min

What Is Debt Negotiation, And How Does It Work?

Debt negotiation is exactly what it sounds like: asking a creditor to accept less than what you owe. See how it works:...
Debt consolidation loan form on a wooden table.
Debt Resolution

Aug 19, 2026

14 min

Is Debt Consolidation a Good Idea?

Whether consolidation helps or hurts comes down to math and behavior, not marketing. See if debt consolidation is right for you....
Magnifying glass focusing on scam warning symbol over dollar bills concept of financial fraud money laundering cybercrime and online scam alert for security awareness and finance protection
Debt Resolution

Aug 5, 2026

17 min

How to Spot a Debt Relief Scam

Debt relief scams follow a pattern — upfront fees, guaranteed forgiveness, high pressure. Here's how to spot the red flags and verify a legitimate company....
Judges Gavel close up image
Structured Settlement

Jul 27, 2026

15 min

Structured Settlement Court Approval Process

A judge must approve your structured settlement sale before you get paid. Here's what the court reviews, what documents you need, and how long it takes....
Young couple with arms in the air smiling after getting accepted into a debt relief program
Debt Resolution

Jul 27, 2026

12 min

How Much Debt Do You Need to Qualify for Debt Relief?

Most debt relief programs have a minimum but it's lower than most people assume. A main qualifying factor is your type of debts....
Young couple stressed at table looking at paper credit card statement
Debt Resolution

Jul 27, 2026

16 min

Can You Stop Paying Credit Card Debt and Stop Worrying About It?

You can stop paying credit card debt, but stopping and being free are not the same. Here's what actually happens, and the three paths that resolve it....
Credit cards on laptop with miniature life preserver. Nonprofit debt relief concept
Debt Resolution

Jul 27, 2026

13 min

Nonprofit Debt Relief: How it Works and How it Compares

Nonprofit debt relief isn't free debt relief. Learn how nonprofit credit counseling works, and when for-profit options fit better....

The numbers we provide here are estimates based on some assumptions:

On your own:

Based on industry averages, we estimate a monthly compounding interest rate of 22.99% and that you are making a minimum payment that is 2.5% of your total debt.

JGW:

The length of your program is determined by your debt amount. Programs are between 24 and 60 months in length and average program length is around 42 months.

Savings amount is an estimate base on average customer savings on their monthly payment. Real results will vary and some customers will save more, less or not at all.

Disclaimer: The calculator on this web site is for estimation and educational purposes only. JG Wentworth makes no guarantees regarding its accuracy and specifically disclaims any and all liability arising from the use of this or any other calculator on this web site. Use at your own risk and verify all results with an appropriate financial professional before taking action. We are not registered investment advisers, attorneys, CPA’s or other financial service professionals and do not render legal, tax, accounting, investment advice or other professional services.

Your entered value is significantly different from our estimate. You can adjust it for accuracy, or continue as is.

FYI, this option
requires collateral

This could include items you own such as
Your vehicle
Housing fixtures
Using collateral can boost your approval chances and/or ability to secure a lower APR. Would you like to continue?