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.
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....
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

Stopping debt collectors
Debt Resolution

February 4, 2026

10 min

What is the 11-Word Phrase to Stop Debt Collectors?

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....
Woman at table looking at finances, considering bankruptcy
Debt Resolution

Jun 8, 2026

14 min

How to Avoid Bankruptcy

Struggling with debt that seems insurmountable? Bankruptcy may be avoidable, see how here....
Papers for cash advance with calculator and money.
Personal Loans

Jun 8, 2026

15 min

Same-Day Cash Advances With Bad Credit: What to Know First

Need cash today with bad credit? Learn how same-day cash advance apps work and what to watch for before using one....
Pink piggy bank in a lifebelt floating on a clear water in blue sky. Illustration of the concept of financial crisis, recession and banking panics
Personal Loans

Jun 8, 2026

15 min

Emergency Loans for Bad Credit: Fast Options and Tradeoffs

Need money fast with bad credit? Learn how emergency loans work, how fast funding can happen, what options to compare, and what to watch for before borrowing....
Close up of a Bankruptcy form, calculator and pen on desk. Personal injury claim form
Debt Resolution

Jun 5, 2026

18 min

How to Get Out of Debt Without Filing for Bankruptcy

Before you take a step that will follow your credit report for up to a decade, it's worth understanding all available options....
Symbolic image of stacked coins facing wooden chess pawns on a chessboard. Concept of economic power, financial strategy, workforce value, money
Personal Loans

Jun 5, 2026

17 min

Installment Loans vs. Revolving Credit 

Installment loans and revolving credit serve fundamentally different purposes, and carry different costs....
What happens to your structured settlement when you die?
Structured Settlement

Jun 2, 2026

15 min

What Happens to Your Structured Settlement When You Die?

Your structured settlement does not simply disappear when you die — but what happens to it depends on decisions you make right now....
Divorce and financial concepts on game board
Debt Resolution

Jun 2, 2026

17 min

How to Get out of Debt After Divorce

Piggy bank in emergency raft
Debt Resolution

Jun 2, 2026

14 min

Emergency Debt Relief Programs: What They Are, How They Work, and When to Act

Let’s explore the intricacies of emergency debt relief programs, their eligibility criteria, and the various ways they can help people regain financial stability....

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?