Marco Maknown

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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.
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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

Figurine house with us money laying on top. Home equity concept
Home Equity

Jul 24, 2026

18 min

How to Tap into Home Equity with Bad Credit

Bad credit doesn't rule out tapping your home equity. Compare HELOCs, cash-out refinances, and home equity agreements....
Piggy bank, gavel and books on a table.
Debt Resolution

Jul 24, 2026

12 min

Do You Need a Lawyer for Debt Relief?

This article breaks down exactly what debt relief lawyers do, and when hiring one makes sense for your situation....
man breaking piggy bank
Annuity Purchasing

Jul 24, 2026

18 min

When Should I Start Taking Money Out of My Annuity?

Deciding when to start withdrawing from an annuity is one of those questions that can feel deceptively simple but actually hinges on several moving parts....
Wooden seesaw with money bag and hourglass
Structured Settlement

Jul 14, 2026

13 min

Partial vs. Full Structured Settlement Sale: Which Is Right for You?

Both a partial and a full sale give you access to cash you need now, but each path carries different trade-offs....
How to find how much equity in home
Home Equity, Tools & Calculators

Jul 14, 2026

15 min

How to Calculate Home Equity

Understanding how to calculate home equity gives you the financial clarity to make smarter financial decisions....
Wooden house next to calculator and tax forms
Home Equity

Jun 30, 2026

17 min

Are Home Equity Loans Tax Deductible?

Tapping your home's equity can be a useful financial move but whether the interest is ax deductible depends....
Opened male hand, palm up on a yellow background. Debt collection concept
Debt Resolution

Jun 30, 2026

17 min

Can Debt Collectors Charge Interest?

Debt collectors can legally charge interest on a debt you owe — but only if the original contract permitted it or state law specifically allows it....
Real estate investing concept. investment long-term property passive income, home rent, invest budget, mortgage house, house insurance and residential concept.
Home Equity

Jun 29, 2026

19 min

HELOC, Home Equity Loan, Cash-Out Refi, HEA: Which is Best?

Looking to use the equity in your home? This guide cuts through the confusion so you can make a confident, informed decision....
House model on top of stack of money as growth of mortgage credit, Concept of property management. Invesment and Risk Management.
Debt Resolution, Home Equity

Jun 29, 2026

19 min

How to Use Home Equity to Build Wealth and Pay off Debt

Your home equity is one of the most powerful financial tools you own—but only if you use it strategically. See how, here....
Hand reaching out from a pile of bills looking for help with finances
Debt Resolution

Jun 23, 2026

17 min

Drowning in Debt? A Step-by-Step Escape Plan

Feel like your drowning in your debt? See step-by-step plans on how to resolve your debt and find financial breathing room....
two hands, one with a home in it and another with coins. Home Equity Agreement concept
Home Equity

Jun 23, 2026

19 min

Can I Take Equity Out of My House Without Refinancing?

Refinancing isn't the only path to your equity, and for many homeowners right now, it's far from the best one....
Home equity loan application with a stamp of "denied"
Home Equity

Jun 8, 2026

17 min

What Disqualifies You from a Home Equity Loan (and What to do Instead)

See common reasons home equity loan applications are denied, and explore alternative options to access the equity in your home....

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?