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I recently heard a helicopter mom declare: “I live for my daughter.”

Too bad for that little girl. And too bad for the mom.

A group of studies reviewed in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that being an overprotective parent can negatively impact a child's mental health, contributing to increased levels of anxiety and depression.

Are you a helicopter mom or overprotective parent?

Are you “living through your child?”

Can I love my child too much? Can a child be too attached to a parent?

How can I stop being a helicopter mom and get a life outside of my child?

  1. The greatest gift I give my children is modeling a full life.
  2. Glomming onto your children also stunts your ability to have a romantic relationship.
  3. Stop putting your child’s needs ahead of your own
  4. It is good for your kids when you work outside the home for pay
  5. Stop being ‘just a mom’ and start being a cool woman
  6. Loving your child too much? Get therapy.

Bottom line: You can love being a mom, but you don’t have to be a helicopter mom

Are you a helicopter mom or overprotective parent?

Helicopter parents are overprotective parents who take an excessive interest in their child’s life and wellbeing. You might be a helicopter parent if you: 

  • Make your children the center of your universe
  • Do things for your child they are capable of doing themselves
  • Don’t allow your child to learn from their own mistakes
  • Don’t respect healthy boundaries with your child
  • Try to dictate your child’s actions and decisions

These are some hallmarks of helicopter parenting:

“My kids are my world.”

Parents who make their children the center of their universes mess up their kids, mess up themselves, and in the case of single parents — make serious relationships impossible.

Don’t get me wrong: My kids are the most important people in my life. Every major decision — and pretty much all the little ones, too — I make is with an eye toward what is good for my kids:

  • Where we live
  • What to cook for dinner
  • Whether to drive or fly on our family vacation

As a single parent it can be easy to slip into unhealthy attachment to our kids. Some days, my focus on making a good life for my children is so overwhelming that it can feel all-consuming. But that doesn’t mean I live for them. That would be effed up!

Yes, you are a parent. Maybe that is the most important job you will ever have. (But maybe not — there are plenty of remarkable people who go down in history for contributions that have nothing to do with their offspring.)

The thing with kids is this: they leave. They leave your house when they go to college. They leave you a little when they learn to pump on the swing, and no longer need a push.

They leave you when they go to school for the first time, and when they can cook their own breakfast and earn their own movie money. When they’re teenagers, they have secrets and experiences that you will never share.

Parents are forever changed by that invisible yet palatable tether that ties mothers to their children. But they are not ours. They are but beams of life that pass through our existences.

But some parents do not let their children pass through. They hover and guilt and coddle until that child is afraid to leave — afraid about what will happen to the parent who lives for them.

The children stunt themselves, forgo normal dating, professional and social opportunities en lieu of perceived obligation to the needy parent. Mental health experts call this codependency. I call it pathetic and borderline abusive.

One recent study found that young adults with overbearing parents were more depressed, and suffered “decreased satisfaction with life and lower levels of perceived autonomy, competence, and ability to get along with people.”

This PBS NewsHour report explores the negative effects of helicopter parenting: 

“My kids are my life. My kids are my everything.”

Like I said, I love being a mom, but that is obsessive, lacking boundaries, and puts enormous pressure on your child to make you happy. One study asked 181 mothers to rate how strongly they agreed with these five beliefs involved in intensive parenting:

  1. That moms are the most important people in their kids’ lives
  2. That kids are entirely fulfilling
  3. That children need lots of stimulation
  4. That parenting is very challenging
  5. That parents' lives should revolve around their children.

Turns out that mothers who agree with these statements are more stressed and depressed.

“It makes sense that nominating yourself Commander-in-Chief of your child's life would add some stress to your existence, and if that's all you're ever thinking about it's easy to understand how you'd feel less satisfied too—since kids aren't known for pulling you aside to offer heartfelt thanks for doing such a stellar job of caring for them.”

Are you “living through your child?”

“Living through your child” means that you get your own self-worth, self-esteem and identity through your kids, opposed to your own experiences and accomplishments. Parents who live through their children tend to see their kids as their experience and accomplishment, a form of over-parenting and enmeshment that blurs the lines between parent and child and places the parent’s dreams and goals onto the child, essentially making the child responsible for their parent’s happiness and wellbeing. 

26 reasons being a single mom is awesome

Can I love my child too much? Can a child be too attached to a parent?

It is possible to be too attached to a child, though there is no limit on how much you can love them.

Enmeshment is when a parent and child do not have boundaries in their relationship, and the child is raised to believe that they are to serve the parent — make them happy, fulfilled, loved, and validated.

Narcissistic parents nurture enmeshed relationships with their children, who are not given the opportunity to grow into individuals who care for their own needs. 

In separated and divorced families, enmeshment can often become a case of parental alienation, in which one parent turns the child against the other.

What does Enmeshment (or an enmeshed relationship with family) look like? What causes enmeshment?

“Enmeshment, from the outside, will appear as closeness within the family, but on the inside means the child does not get independence, and their parent is involved in every aspect of their lives,” says Amanda Levison, M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT, a professional counselor from Neurofeedback & Counseling Center in Harrisburg, Penn.

“An enmeshed parent will be friends with their child, using them as a confidant and being involved in all decisions they make. This parent will not support their child’s independence unless it is in something they can use to live through their child,” Levison says.

To stop enmeshment is first to recognize the issue. Next would be to set boundaries and to take a step back from one another.

Is enmeshment unhealthy?

“Causes of enmeshment begin with a parent with their psychological

issues, and it falls on the child to make them feel better,” Levison says. “This behavior can be unhealthy because the child will need to consult with their parent for all of their decisions and will feel the need to make decisions based on the parent’s desires.”

Enmeshment in separated and divorced families can become part of parental alienation, in which the enmeshed parent turns the child against the other parent. Research recognizes this as an act of abuse and can cause trauma for the enmeshed child.

How do you stop enmeshment?

Often, enmeshed children must grow up and leave home before they can recognize the unhealthy relationships and heal. “To stop enmeshment is first to recognize the issue,” Levison says.” Next would be to set boundaries and to take a step back from one another.”

How can I stop being a helicopter mom and get a life outside of my child?

Since birth, women are conditioned to believe that our greatest calling is to be a mother. This often leads women to become helicopter moms.

However, this is codependency, and actually can harm your kids — as well as your own sense of self. Here are some ways to prioritize your own needs:

1. The greatest gift I give my children is modeling a full life.

I want them to absorb by osmosis rules of living in the world in a whole, independent way. Much of my motivation to succeed professionally is to show my son and daughter how to do that themselves, but also so they can observe the joy and pride that they, too, can experience.

I want them to see me enjoy long-term friendships, in part because these loved ones also care for Helena and Lucas, and so that my kids understand why such bonds are critical to life.

And I would like them to see me in a long-term romantic relationship, so that they will have a model for loves of their own, but also see their mother supported and adored by a partner.

My goal is to fill my life up in a real way, so that a) they will know how to do that for themselves, and b) feel confident that I am cared for, and can therefor go out into the world as independent adults, unburdened by their mother.

“My ex calls the kids all the time when they are with me.”

2. Glomming onto your children also stunts your ability to have a romantic relationship.

I believe that a couple must put one another before their children — the health of a successful family orbits around a happy couple. This is a tricky transition for many blended families, and I can imagine that it will be for me one day.

While my kids are not the center of my universe, they do top my priority list. I am not sure how I will transition that priority to a husband, but I recognize that it must happen. Single parents who loudly insist that their children will always come first cut off at the knees any potential relationship.

Single parents who declare that they live for their kids signal to potential mates that they are not truly available.

One Saturday night date of mine shared with me a great example of a healthy family relationship.

Over cajun food he described what sounds like a remarkably happy suburban childhood headed by parents who enjoyed a 40-year marriage, five kids and two successful careers.

My date has only the fondest memories of watching his dad court his mom on their weekly date nights and annual parent-only vacations — in addition to the family road trip. Staying home with the babysitter was tons of fun. “My dad made it clear that his relationship with my mom was the center of everything, while he was also the best dad ever,” he said.

What could be a better example of the benefits of putting your romantic partner first?

But what if you don’t have a romantic interest to start with? Read our reviews of online dating sites.

3. Stop putting your child’s needs ahead of your own

A Modern Love column in the New York Times (which I read religiously and am only slightly bitter about the fact the editor Daniel Jones has rejected more than a dozen of my submissions over the years BUT NEVERMIND!) highlighted a 2005 essay by Aylete Waldman about the fact that she puts her husband and their fantastic sex life above their four kids.

The most interesting thing about the essay was the resulting shitstorm of controversy which landed Waldman on a much-viewed Oprah episode during which a hostile audience nearly attacked her. Yes, that essay is a decade old, but it warrants a revisit because parents — mothers most especially — are still expected to make our children the center of our worlds. Waldman wrote:

I do love [my daughter]. But I’m not in love with her. Nor with her two brothers or sister. Yes, I have four children. Four children with whom I spend a good part of every day: bathing them, combing their hair, sitting with them while they do their homework, holding them while they weep their tragic tears. But I’m not in love with any of them. I am in love with my husband.

It is his face that inspires in me paroxysms of infatuated devotion. If a good mother is one who loves her child more than anyone else in the world, I am not a good mother. I am in fact a bad mother. I love my husband more than I love my children.

I love that Waldman challenges the institution that admonishes women for anything other than fulltime adoration of their kids. Waldman’s work includes many of the points I’ve made here on this blog:

  • Putting kids before all else makes them neurotic and robs me of my potential to live the biggest, fullest life that I can — and model for my children that such a life is possible.
  • I’ve urged parents — single moms in particular — to prioritize their health above all else, including family time. After all, you can’t be an energetic mom now if you are overweight, and you are even more likely than single moms overall to burden your children in your old age if you don’t care for your wellbeing now.
  • That despite my attempts to live said full life, I’ve found myself hugging my kids too much because I’m lonely — and that is entirely unfair to my son and daughter. Alas, I am only human.
  • You are free to introduce your kids to a romantic interest at any time of your choosing. Dating is healthy and normal, and does not hurt kids.

Stop feeling guilty.

Want to date? Go for it — AND DON’T FEEL GUILTY!

[10 best dating apps for single parents]

Need a single-mom sex life? NO GUILT FOR YOU – ONLY BOOTY! Need to hit the gym? HIRE A SITTER AND DON’T LOOK BACK!

Looking forward to that business trip even though you have to leave the kids at home? KILL IT!

I’m not worried you’ll neglect the kids. If you are like the professional moms I know, the pendulum swings way in the other direction — and you’re far more likely to neglect yourself.

Every single mom needs a life insurance policy, even moms with no income of their own.

Your kids should be named as beneficiaries.

4. It is good for your kids when you work outside the home for pay

A Harvard Business School study of 50,000 adults found that in 24 countries, the daughters whose moms worked before the girls were 14 years old:

  • Finished more years of education
  • Earned higher salaries
  • Were more likely to be employed and in supervisory roles than their peers whose moms stayed at home

In the United States, the Harvard study found that daughters of working mothers earned 23 percent more than daughters of stay-at-home mothers, and sons spent seven and a half more hours a week on child care and 25 more minutes on housework.

In other words, when moms work for pay, there is more gender equality in the workforce, and more gender equality at home.

5. Stop being ‘just a mom’ and start being a cool woman

I am writing from a charming apartment in Copenhagen (complete with wood floors, white walls, and minimalist, teak furniture — biked parked outside on the cobblestone walk), where I will spend the next three weeks living, working, traveling, hanging out with friends I met last year when I accomplished more or less the same trip.

My kids are with their dad in Greece, visiting family there, and last year, I decided that I deserved to go somewhere fabulous, too.

My return was as cliche’ as my Danish apartment: I felt energized, grateful for my regular life, thrilled to reconnect with my kids, routine and work. The feeling was familiar.

Since I was a teenager I’ve been in love with travel — the more remote, the better. Before kids, I’d lived in France, Ecuador, Bulgaria. Traveled to Laos, around Europe, Brazil, Cuba.

I love that scariness of knowing it is not safe to go where you do not have a hotel booked, but you go anyway. Of the magical way the universe swells up around you to create lifelong friendships and memories that make you who you are. That travel, perhaps rivaling only parenthood, keenly reminds you of your humanity, and possibilities.

I’ve gotten on planes with my kids. Driven across the country with them a few times. I don’t need to tell you it was great, but different. Those single mom road trips were cliches about family travel. This one was cliche about travel-travel.

Ladies, cliches are a cliche for a reason: They are true.

These trips to Europe remind me of who I am. My greatest joys, things that have resonated with me since I can remember. Manon DeFelice, the founder of the recruiting agency for women, tells clients searching for what will make them professionally happy:

“What did you write your high school senior thesis on? That is what you are most passionate about.”

That is true for me:  I wrote that paper arguing why prostitution should be legal, and now here I am advocating for sexual and financial freedom for women every day in a career I love. Ta-da!

Prioritizing my most ancient joys means being a fulfilled person, and being that person for myself, for the world, and my children.

6. Loving your child too much? Get therapy.

Whether you prefer in-person therapy near you, or an online counselor, a good professional can help you understand whether your relationship with your kid is healthy — and how to make it better.

Bottom line: You can love being a mom, but you don’t have to be a helicopter mom

I wrote this post about eight years ago. Today, my children are ages 14 and 12, and I feel even more strongly about the importance of having my own identity, my own experiences and self-worth outside of parenting — and especially strongly that my teenagers have their own experiences away from their parents.

I see now that they are older (as well as observing even more families with teens and young adults) how children benefit when their parents are active people who model productive lives contributing to the world — and not hovering over their over-doted-on offspring, who are ever-more anxious in a world where they have achieved little without their parents’ constant attention. 

It turns out, being a helicopter mom might just lead to the harm that you tried so desperately to protect your kids from for all those years.

Do you feel pressure to sacrifice yourself for motherhood? Did you rediscover yourself? Share your struggles, and journey, in the comments! 

Disclaimer: The opinions and ideas expressed in the article are those of the author(s) and are not promoted or endorsed by Bestow or North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®.

Coin dealers are professionals who buy and sell coins, whether they’re rare and expensive or just worth their scrap metal value.

Also called professional numismatists — numismatics is the study or collection of currency — coin dealers can evaluate whatever coins you have and determine their value in the current market.

If you’re searching for “coin dealers near me,” you're likely to find:

Local and rare coin dealers

Coin collectors

Online coin dealers

Guide on how to find reputable coin dealers

FAQs about coin dealers

Local and rare coin dealers

When you Google “coin dealer near me,” you’ll likely get a list of local: 

Mike Fuljenz is a numismatist and president of Universal Coin & Bullion, a precious metals trading company in Beaumont, Texas.

He says larger, award-winning dealers typically buy bullion coins — precious metal coins kept for investment purposes — at 2-5% back of what they plan to sell them for.

Smaller dealers might pay far less, as little as 30-50% of what larger, reputable dealers pay.

Fuljenz says larger award-winning specialists typically pay 10-20% less than what they routinely sell rare coins for depending on if they need a specific coin or already have some in stock. He says smaller dealers might pay 20-70% less.

As of , the silver resale value in the United States was at per ounce, or  per gram.

Read Google reviews and look up Better Business Bureau ratings of different businesses to find a trustworthy local coin dealer. You can also get several quotes on your coins from different businesses.

If you are selling rare and potentially valuable coins, you should do a little more homework.

Fuljenz recommends working with a dealer who has been recognized or won awards in the coin industry and who has made contributions to industry organizations and publications. 

Membership in one of the leading coin organizations, like the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG) or the American Numismatic Association (ANA), demonstrates legitimacy. Both sites have an online directory to search for coin dealers “near me.” 

“If you ask about their qualifications and they can't even name the leading trade organizations — much less hold memberships in any of them — then maybe you should keep looking,” says Fuljenz, who has won more than 50 national and regional awards in numismatics and has appeared on Fox Business Network and CNBC.

Search for coin dealers in your area: 

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Coin collectors

Professional coin dealers and investors purchase and sell coins with the intention of making money, typically focusing on coins that offer potential for monetary growth like gold coins and silver coins.

Most coin collectors, on the other hand, are hobbyists who collect coins for their historical value or rarity. Anyone can become a coin collector — in fact, there are several Facebook communities where collectors can buy, sell, and trade coins with other collectors. 

If you want to get a fair market price for collectible coins, you should sell to a professional dealer with a PNG designation.

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Online coin dealers

Fuljenz says there are a number of scam sellers who advertise on Facebook and sell counterfeit coins on sites like ebay, Alibaba, and Wish. That’s why you should read reviews and look for online coin dealers with a PNG designation if you are selling potentially valuable collectible coins online. 

For scrap metal coins, we personally recommend selling to online gold buyer CashforGoldUSA because: 

  • A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau 
  • 24-hour payments
  • Price match and free return guarantee
  • Insured up to $150,000
  • 10% bonus if you ship within 7 days

If you have silver coins, you can also sell to CashforGold’s sister site, CashforSilverUSA, though both sites accept all gold, silver, platinum, and diamond items.

How to find reputable coin dealers

If you’re searching for reputable coin dealers “near me” or reputable coin dealers online, you can start by searching the dealer databases on the PNG and AMA websites. Enter your zip code to get a listing of local dealers, along with their: 

  • Website and contact information
  • Number of years as a member
  • Specialties (U.S. coins, uncut sheets, error notes, etc.)
  • List of accomplishments

You can find reviews for most reputable coin dealers on the Better Business Bureau website and on the dealer’s Google business profile. 

Check out their experience

If you’re searching for a “coin dealer near me,” Fuljenz offers this list of questions to help you weed out the good from the bad:  

  • Did they ever work at a coin grading service? 
  • Have they won any awards or been recognized by leading industry organizations/publications? 
  • Do they have positive reviews from the Better Business Bureau or other credible third-party review sites?
  • Are they members of the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG), the American Numismatic Association (ANA) or the industry lobbying and advocacy group the National Coin and Bullion Association (NCBA)? 

“If they are members of all of them, then that's a bonus,” Fuljenz says. 

Check for the dealer’s assets

It’s important to assess whether a coin dealer has genuine assets so you aren’t working with someone who just wants to rip you off and quickly get out of business. 

If you are meeting with a local coin dealer in a physical location or visiting coin shops “near me,” take inventory of the amount of coins and other assets the dealer owns. 

PNG dealers must prove they have significant financial worth before being approved as members. 

What kind of reputation do they have with other coin dealers?

If a coin dealer is a member of a nationally recognized organization like the PNG or AMA, you can assume that person is generally respected and trusted in the field of numismatics. 

PNG members must be elected by a majority of current members. 

Do they follow the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG) code of ethics?

Donn Pearlman, a PNG member and recipient of the 2015 Farran Zerbe Award (the highest honor bestowed by the American Numismatic Association) and the 2018 PNG Lifetime Achievement Award, says all PNG members must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, which includes the following rules: 

  • Give sound advice to non-professional customers on numismatic matters
  • Promptly deliver coins upon completion of sale
  • Promptly pay for purchased coins 
  • Refrain from misrepresenting prices, quality, or guarantees 
  • Assist governmental authorities in investigating and prosecuting dealers when necessary
  • Refrain from knowingly dealing in stolen numismatic items or buying and selling known counterfeit coins, currency or other numismatic materials that are illegal to possess
  • Refrain from doctoring or knowingly dealing doctored numismatic items
  • Grade coins accurately according to industry standards (or disclose custom grading standards)
  • Refrain from buying or selling at unreasonable prices, using high pressure sales techniques, using misleading performance data, misrepresenting the origin, weight, and value of a coin
  • Misrepresenting an affiliation with any government agency.

How are coin dealer disputes resolved?

PNG Executive Director Robert Brueggeman says if a customer or dealer has a dispute that cannot be resolved by his intervention, it is referred to arbitration.

Arbitration involves four PNG members (three arbitrators and one alternate) who do not do regular business with either party.

After both sides provide information in writing, it is reviewed and arbitration is conducted, either via conference call or in person. Once both parties present their cases, arbitrators make a final decision, which is enforceable in a court of law. Either party can be represented by an attorney in arbitration.

FAQs about coin dealers

Here is some quick info about working with a coin dealer: 

How much do coin dealers pay for coins?

According to Fuljenz, a large, award-winning coin dealer will pay:  

  • Bullion coins: 2-5% back from what they plan to sell them for
  • Rare coins: 10-20% back

Smaller coin dealers and pawn shops will typically pay:

  • Bullion coins: 30-50% back
  • Rare coins: 20-70% back

The value of a coin is determined by: 

  • Rarity: Rare coins include misstamped or misprinted coins, those that were part of a limited series, or coins that have historical significance. The rarer the coin/collection, the higher its value is likely to be. 
  • Grade: Coins are graded based on their appearance, from Poor (almost completely worn) to Perfect Uncirculated (a coin with no wear and no flaws of any kind), according to the Professional Coin Grading Services (PCGS). 
  • Face value: As long as it’s still in circulation, every coin is worth at least its face value (i.e. all quarters are worth at least 25 cents).
  • Metal composition: Coins that contain precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum are worth at least as much as the value of the pure metal they contain, though some may hold more value as a collector’s item.


Gold prices got a little boost on Friday December 5, thanks to the November job report showing that the labor market is easing up, which might give the Fed some room to cut interest rates. Spot gold crept up 0.2% to $2,636.31 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures settled 0.4% higher at $2,659.60. 1 Though these figures are lower than a few weeks before the recent presidential election, when gold had been trading at record highs, gold prices are still up around 30% year to date.

Silver prices experienced a significant increase earlier this week. The price of silver rose by 4.12%, reaching $32.25 per troy ounce on December 9. This marks a substantial growth over the year, with prices increasing by approximately 35% since January and nearly 40% since this time a year ago. 2

As of , the silver resale value in the United States was at per ounce, or  per gram.

These are some coins worth money and their auction records: 

  • 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny – $372,000
  • 1955 Double Die Penny – $24,000 
  • 1969-S Lincoln Cent with Double Die Obverse – $126,500
  • 1972 doubled die obverse Lincoln Memorial cent – $14,400
  • 1913 Liberty Head Nickel – $4,560,000
  • 2005-D 5C Speared Bison Jefferson Nickel – $2,650
  • 1942/4 Mercury Dimes – $32,200
  • 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime – $2,185
  • 1932 Washington Quarter – $40,250
  • 1999-P Connecticut Broadstruck Quarter – $4,362
  • 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter with Extra Leaf – $6,000
  • 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar – $735,000
  • Sacagawea Cheerios Dollar – $10,200

Which coins are dealers looking for?

Most reputable coin dealers deal in both collectible coins and precious metal coins. Fuljenz says both types of coins can be good investments, though gold is more stable over the long term and is a secure investment that will resell based on the current value of gold. 

If you are going to invest in coins, Fuljenz recommends purchasing American Gold Eagles from the U.S. Mint. He says they are easy to store and sell when you’re ready. 

“They often offer a tighter buy-sell spread, meaning you won't have to pay as much in commissions because reputable dealers know they can always find a buyer for American Gold Eagles,” Fuljenz says.

SOURCES:

  1. “Gold edges higher after US jobs report supports rate cut bets,” by Anna Anil for Reuters. Dec. 6, 2024
    https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/gold-heads-second-weekly-fall-focus-us-payrolls-data-2024-12-06/
  2. “Silver Prices Surge 4.12%, Hitting $32.25: Momentum Builds Amid Bullish Signals,” by Eran Tal for The Jerusalem Post.
    https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/precious-metals/article-832696
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Which coins are dealers looking for?

Most reputable coin dealers deal in both collectible coins and precious metal coins.

Need to make repairs in your home but don’t have the money? There is help available.

In this post, you’ll learn about resources for free home repairs or low-cost home repairs:

Free home repair programs

Loans for home repairs and improvements

Home repair programs for veterans

Other options for financing home repairs and improvements

So, what do you do with a house you can’t afford to fix?

Free home repair programs

Government and nonprofits offer grants and services for free to help low-income folks weatherize their homes.

Weatherization Assistance Program

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) offers provide homeowners and renters weatherization services that will cut down utility bills:

  • Cleaning, repairing, or replacing HVAC systems
  • Installing insulation in walls and around pipes
  • Installing low-flow showerheads
  • Replacing appliances with energy-inefficient models

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Aid to Families with Dependent Children, you are automatically eligible.  

You can still apply even if you are not enrolled in these programs. States prioritize WAP funding for:

  • People aged 60+
  • Families with dependent children
  • Families with at least one disabled member
  • High energy users

Households must have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.

WAP is available in all states, U.S. territories, and tribal lands. 

To apply, contact your state WAP administrator.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP helps families lower their energy costs, including making minor energy-related home repairs repairing or replacing heating equipment or air conditioners.

Find out about the LIHEAP program in your state.

FEMA's Individuals and Households Program

If you experience a disaster that impacts your house, you may be eligible for housing assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

To qualify, you must meet these conditions:

  • You or someone who lives with you is a U.S. citizen, U.S. non-citizen national, or qualified alien
  • Pass FEMA’s identity and occupancy verification process
  • Pass ownership verification for home repair and replacement assistance
  • Primary residence is in an area that the President of the United States has declared as a disaster area  
  • State of your residence is unlivable or inaccessible
  • No homeowner’s insurance or your insurance does not cover all losses

FEMA offers two types of assistance:

  • Financial Housing Assistance — Provides money for temporary housing, repairs, or to replace a home 
  • Direct Housing Assistance — FEMA provides temporary housing, repairs dwellings for displaced people, and initiates new construction in a disaster zone

Tax credits for efficiency improvements

As part of the Inflation Reduction Act,1 U.S. households can access a tax credit to cover up to 30% of the cost for certain efficiency improvements.

Here are the maximum credits for different improvement projects:

  • $600 for “energy property” (efficient heating and cooling equipment)
  • $600 for windows
  • $250 per door
  • $500 total for doors
  • $2,000 for heat pumps
  • $1,200 for qualified energy efficiency improvements to the building envelope, including insulation and air sealing
  • $150 credit for home energy audits

The total annual credit capped at $1,200, with a separate annual $2,000 limit for heat pumps.

State programs will begin to offer rebates for electric appliances and home retrofits, which will reduce household energy bills each month.

All households can access rebates of up to $4,000, while low-income households could receive up to $8,000 for home efficiency.

Low- and moderate-income households can access rebates covering up to 100% of the costs of installing electric appliances like heat pumps, water heaters, and clothes dryers.

Local home repair programs

Here are a few programs that serve local residents. Start by googling “home repair programs near me.”

Rebuilding Together

Based in Washington, D.C., Rebuilding Together is a nonprofit in 37 states and the District of Columbia that matches homeowners with skilled volunteers and financial sponsors to perform home repairs free of charge.

Eligibility requirements vary by affiliate, but in general, you must be a homeowner with a low-income. Preference is given to:

  • Single moms
  • Seniors
  • Veterans
  • People with disabilities

To get help, contact your local affiliate.

Broward Co. Minor Home Repair Program

In Florida, the Broward County Minor Home Repair Program helps local homeowners improve the efficiency and stability of their homes with a 10-year deferred payment loan.

Improvements may include replacing roofs, doors, windows, and HVAC units.

Eligible residents:

  • Live in a single family home, townhome, villa or condo
  • Live in one of the program service areas
  • Have a gross income that does not exceed 80% of the area median income, based on household size
  • Current on their mortgage, property taxes, and homeowner’s insurance premiums

Funding is available until it is exhausted, so it’s best to reach out at the beginning of the year. 

Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation

The Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation is an Ohio-based organization dedicated to reinvestment in urban neighborhoods.

There are two programs that address home repairs for owner-occupied single family homes:

  • Roof Replacement — This program replaces leaky roofs at no cost to homeowners
  • Emergency Home Repair — If you have an emergency with your heating and cooling unit, plumbing, and other important systems, this program will make free home repairs 

The organization uses HUD guidelines to determine eligibility. Contact the organization for more information.

Loans for home repairs and improvements

The following federal and state/local government programs provide loans for home repairs:

FHA 203(k) loan

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 203(k) loan, also known as 203(k) insurance, is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). HUD-approved lenders offer a simplified, affordable fixed or adjustable rate loan for a single family home.

It’s a great option for:

  • Homebuyers — If you are buying a fixer-upper, you can roll the costs of repair into your original mortgage
  • Homeowners — If you already own a home, you can refinance your current mortgage to cover the cost of the renovations
  • Low- to moderate-income individuals — This program helps home buyers and homeowners who cannot afford home repairs upfront, but can pay for them over time.

To qualify for the FHA 203(k) loan, you need a minimum credit score of 500. Although this may vary by lender. There is no income limit to participate in the program.

There is a standard and limited 203(k) loan, and each addresses different needs, but all loan types must meet a minimum amount of $5,000. The total property value must be within the FHA mortgage limit for the area.

Here are just a few home improvement projects the loan can cover:

  • Fixing health and safety hazards (like removing lead paint)
  • Upgrading plumbing, electrical wiring, or HVAC systems
  • Making the home accessible to disabled persons
  • Installing energy-efficient windows or doors
  • Replacing floors, roofing, or gutters

To apply or for more information, contact a participating FHA lender.

Residential Property Assessed Clean Energy Programs

The residential Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, also known as R-PACE, allows current homeowners to get financing to improve their home’s energy efficiency. 

Homeowners pay back the cost over a 10- to 20-year period at a low interest rate. These payments are usually assessed with the yearly property tax bill. The debt is tied to the property instead of an individual, resulting in a lien on the property until it is paid in full.

This program is currently only active in three states: California, Florida, and Missouri.

Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants

If you are a low-income homeowner living in a rural area, you can get a loan or grant to fix up your home to make it safe, healthy, and modern. 

The loans are for a 20-year period at a 1% fixed interest rate. The grants are specifically for home repairs to remove health and safety hazards. In some cases, the grant and loan can be combined, based on the applicant’s repayment ability.

Loan amounts are up to $20,000. Grants max out at $7,500. 

To be eligible for this program, you must be:

  • Living in a rural area
  • At least 62 years old
  • Earn below 50% of the area median income

To apply or get more information, contact your local USDA service center.

Section 502 Guaranteed Loan Program

The Section 502 Guaranteed Loan Program helps low-and moderate-income families to buy or fix up a home in eligible rural areas. 

This program focuses on making homeownership possible and ensures that people are living in safe, clean, modern dwellings to experience a better quality of life.

To apply, you must:

  • Live in an eligible rural area
  • Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. non-citizen national, or qualified alien
  • Agree to live in the home as your primary residence
  • Meet income eligibility requirements for your state (below 115% of the median household income in your area)

There are no credit score requirements, and Interest rates vary by lender, so applicants are encouraged to shop around.

This program works with approved lenders, backing the loans with a 90% note guarantee. The program offers 100% financing to accepted applicants. This makes it possible for qualified borrowers not to put money down.

To apply, reach out to approved lenders in your state.

Home repair programs for veterans

Disabled veterans and service members can get funding to improve accessibility at home through VA renovation loans and programs. 

This includes improving home entrance access, installing equipment for bathroom safety, and upgrading plumbing or electrical work to support the demands of home medical equipment.

If you are a disabled vet, you can get help through these programs:

HISA provides up to $6,800 to fix or alter your home for disabilities that resulted from your service in the Armed Forces and $2,000 to address issues that did not originate from serving in the military.

The SAH grant gives up to $109,986 for fiscal year (FY) 2023 (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2023) to buy, build, or make changes to a home you plan to stay in for a while.

SAH, which does not have to be repaid, is for veterans or service members who own or are buying a home and have a qualifying disability connected to service, including:

  • Loss of one or more limbs (or loss of use)
  • Loss of lower leg use and a resulting natural disease or injury stemming from the issue
  • Loss of or inability to use a foot or leg (after Sep, 11, 2001)
  • Blindness in both eyes (20/200 vision or less)
  • Specific severe burns

Similar to the SAH grant, the The SHA grant gives qualified veterans and servicemembers up to $22,036 for fiscal year 2023. However, the qualified service-related disabilities are limited to:

  • Loss of both hands (or loss of use)
  • Specific severe burns
  • Specific injuries that impact breathing or cause respiratory issues

To get help, contact your local VA.

Additionally, the nonprofit Veterans at Home provides free home modifications to veterans to ensure safety and accessibility and keep them independent at home.

Other options for financing home repairs and improvements

If you have equity in your home, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or home equity loan are two options to help you handle home repairs.

Both allow you to borrow money against your home’s equity if you are:

  • Employed
  • Have good credit
  • History of responsibly paying accounts on time
  • Low income-to-debt ratio

Home equity lines of credit

A HELOC is a revolving line of credit that allows you to borrow up to 85% of your home’s value. They function much like a credit card because you can withdraw money and make minimum payments, but they often have much lower interest rates.

HELOCs also provide flexibility. During the draw period, which lasts five to 10 years, you can withdraw money for home improvements, but also consolidate debt or finance a large purchase.

If you're considering accessing your home's equity for these purposes, you can apply for HELOC to get started and see where you stand.

The length of the repayment period is usually 20 years. You can no longer withdraw funds once you enter the repayment period. 

Home equity loans

A home equity loan functions a little differently than a HELOC. You still borrow against the equity of your home, but you get the money in a lump sum.

You’ll pay the loan back over a period of anywhere from five to 30 years, typically at a fixed rate.

However, it’s important to note that if you default on the loan, you could face foreclosure.

Cash-out refinance

A cash-out refinance allows you to replace your current mortgage with a new, larger mortgage loan. At closing, you'll receive in cash the difference between the new loan amount and your old mortgage balance.

You can typically borrow up to 80% of your home's value and most lenders require you to have at least 20% equity in your home and to have owned the house for at least six months to qualify for a cash-out refinance. See if you qualify for a mortgage refi >>

Some repair companies will offer special discounts or financing for repairs. Door Pro America sells and installs many garage door styles and types as well as financing and maintenance agreements for future repairs.

So, what do you do with a house you can’t afford to fix?

If you can’t get the help you need to repair your home to make it livable, you can consider selling your home for cash and finding affordable movers to move into your new place.

Check out these other posts for low-income individuals and families:

Help for single moms: 16+ resourcesFree gas
Government assistance for single momsFree diapers
Free carFree formula
Free smartphoneFree money
Free clothesFree money for bills
Free housingFree food
Free ridesFree beds
Free ipadFree car inspections

SOURCES

  1. “Clean Energy Tax Provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act,” Whitehouse.gov. https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/clean-energy-tax-provisions/

Owe the IRS?

You're not alone.

In fiscal year 2024, individual taxpayers will owe an estimated $525 billion in tax debt.1 Based on the most recent tax data from the IRS, more than 10 million taxpayers owe back taxes.2

If you have unsettled tax debt with the Internal Revenue Service and you are unable to resolve the debt yourself, there are quality professional services that can help you arrange a settlement and payment plan — for a fee.

This post has general information about managing tax debt, including reviews 14 of tax relief companies for 2024. We evaluated companies based on:

  • Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot ratings 
  • Guarantee policies 
  • Ease of communication — do they assign a specific professional to your case, one who returns your calls and emails, or better yet, for whom you have a direct number?
  • Age of company
  • General sense of transparency and honesty

None of these companies have transparent standard fees. You have to schedule a consultation to get a quote based on your unique tax situation:

What to do if you're in tax debt

Start by contacting the IRS to see if you qualify for an Offer in Compromise (Form 656-B), which allows you to settle your tax debt for less than what you owe. 

You're eligible to apply for an Offer in Compromise if you:

  • Filed all required tax returns
  • Made all estimated payments
  • Are not in an open bankruptcy proceeding
  • Were granted an extension for a current year return (if applying for the current year)
  • Have employees and made tax deposits for the current and past two quarters before applying

You can also try submitting an ​​Installment Agreement Request (Form 9465) with your tax return to see if you can pay your taxes in installments.

If you are not able to qualify for either of these options on your own, Logan Allec, a CPA and owner of personal finance blog Money Done Right, says tax relief companies can help you reduce your debt, often by more than you would be able to without representation.

Of course, there are fees involved.

For an Offer in Compromise, Allec says you should expect to pay at least $3,000 to $5,000 working with a tax relief company.

“That said, this fee can be significantly higher if the client's debt is above average (multiple six or even seven figures) and if the IRS has assigned a revenue officer to the taxpayer's case,” Allec says.

He says many tax relief companies aim for approximately 10% of the debt as a ballpark for pricing settlements.

Allec recommends people in tax debt shop around for a tax relief company to get the best price and to make sure the company is fair and ethical.

“Don't use a tax relief company if the person you speak to there doesn't spend much time learning about the details of your situation and just wants to sell you an Offer in Compromise that they have no idea if you qualify for,” Allec says.

He says you may also be able to negotiate what you pay a tax relief company, since most people giving quotes are likely working off a fee schedule that has a range of acceptable fees.

“The salesperson may be told by management, ‘Shoot to close at 10% of the debt, but you can go as low as 8% if necessary,'” Allec says.

Cases can be completed in as little as a few days for a straightforward repayment plan or more than a year for a severe tax situation that requires an appeal on an IRS case rejection.

The Federal Trade Commission offers these tips for hiring a reputable third-party tax-relief company to resolve your tax debt3:

  • Be wary of promises to completely eliminate penalties and interest from the IRS
  • If you’re required to make an upfront payment, review the company’s refund policy before signing
  • Check to see if a default billing rate applies if you decide to cancel, as it could significantly reduce your refund (This is a flat fee that applies to the work of all the employees at the company, not just the ones representing you)
  • Avoid companies that charge a monthly maintenance fee 

The FTC also recommends:

  • Contacting the Taxpayer Advocate Service: This is an independent organization within the IRS that can help resolve tax problems or if you’re facing collection actions from the IRS
  • Working with a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic: If you have a low income and are facing a tax dispute, the clinic may be able to guide your next steps

Keep reading for the best tax relief companies to settle your tax debt:

Best tax debt relief company: Instant Tax Solutions

After reviewing a number of tax debt relief companies, our No. 1 recommendation is Instant Tax Solutions because: 

  • High ratings from both the Better Business Bureau and Truspilot
  • Free consultation
  • Flat fee structure — what you’re quoted is what you pay
  • 30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked
  • Honest and upfront advice about your tax situation
  • Direct line to the tax professional working on your case

Instant Tax Solutions was co-founded in 2008 by Ian Woodman and Byron Pedersen and has grown from a home-based business to a nationally recognized tax debt resolution company that does business in all 50 states.

Instant Tax Solutions is staffed by tax attorneys, certified public accountants and enrolled agents, and clients receive a direct line to the professional handling their case. 

Instant Tax Solutions does not claim to eliminate all penalties and interest from the IRS. Instead, it promises to fight for the best resolution for your case by negotiating with the IRS on your behalf to remove all the penalties that it can. 

Instant Tax also offers a no questions asked, 30-Day, 100% satisfaction guarantee. If for any reason within the first 30 days you aren’t satisfied with the service, you will receive a complete refund, no questions asked. 

ProsCons
– Free consultation
– Flat-rate fee structure that’s determined on a case-by-case basis
– Licensed in all 50 states
– 24/7 live customer support 
– 30-day money-back guarantee
– Direct line to the tax professional assigned to your case
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating
– 5-star Trustpilot rating
No specific pricing information on website

Customer reviews: 

Recent review from Instant Tax Solutions customer on Trustpilot.
BBB review of Instant Tax Solutions, one of the best tax relief companies.
Trustpilot review of Instant Tax Solutions, one of the best tax relief companies.

Read on to find out about other BBB best tax relief companies that you can hire to help you with your tax debt. All companies on this list have an A+ rating: 

2. ALG Tax Solutions

ALG Tax Solutions is part of the ALG Group and offers tax relief assistance in all 50 U.S. states. 

ALG also offers an interesting feature on its website — an IRS letter decoder. All you have to do is enter the number in the upper right corner of the IRS letter you received, and the IRS letter decoder will tell you what the letter means, its level of severity and how to resolve the issues presented. You can also schedule a free consultation to have your case reviewed by a tax professional. 

ProsCons
– Free consultation
– Nationwide IRS assistance
– Online IRS letter decoder 
– Online tax case review scheduler
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating
– 4.7-star Trustpilot rating		– No pricing or money-back guarantee information on its website
– Most recent Trustpilot review is from 2019, and there are no written reviews on the BBB site

Customer reviews: 

The most recent review on ALG's Trustpilot page is from March 2019:

Trustpilot review of ALG Tax Solutions, one of the best tax relief companies.
5-star Trustpilot review of ALG Tax Solutions, one of the best tax relief companies.

3. Anthem Tax Services

Anthem Tax Services provides tax debt relief by experienced licensed tax professionals. The company is licensed in all 50 U.S. states to represent clients in tax litigation. 

Anthem also guarantees you will get your money back if it can’t save you money on your taxes or negotiate an adjustment to your payments.

ProsCons
– Licensed tax professionals represent clients in all 50 states
– Recognized for one of the quickest turnaround times in the industry
– Money-back guarantee
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating
– 4.6-star Trustpilot rating
Pricing is not transparent. You must schedule a consultation to find out about fees.

Customer reviews: 

Recent reviews on BBB for Anthem Tax Services.
Review of Anthem Tax Services on Trustpilot.
Review on Trustpilot about Anthem Tax Services.

4. Community Tax

Founded in 2010, Community Tax is staffed by more than 50 tax professionals, including attorneys, practitioners, enrolled agents, and certified public accountants. 

The company provides a variety of services, including back tax relief and audit defense, to clients in all 50 states. 

ProsCons
– Services available in all 50 U.S. states
– Free consultation
– 14-day 100% money-back guarantee
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating
– 4.4-star rating from Trustpilot		– Limited money-back guarantee
– Pricing is not transparent on the website

Customer reviews: 

BBB reviews about Community Tax, one of the best tax relief companies.
Trustpilot review of Community Tax, one of the best tax relief companies.
Trustpilot review of Community Tax, one of the best tax relief companies.
1-star Trustpilot review of Community Tax, one of the best tax relief companies.

5. Enterprise Consultants Group LLC

Enterprise Consultants Group was founded in 2008 and is staffed by enrolled agents, consultants and tax attorneys. 

Once Enterprise’s tax professionals have resolved your IRS tax issues, they also will educate you on the best tax plan for the future. 

ProsCons
– Services provided in all 50 states
– 100% free consultation
– Transparent flat-rate quote
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating		Claims to only take clients they can help but offers no money-back guarantee

Customer reviews:

Positive review of ECG Tax Pros on BBB.
BBB review of Enterprise Tax, one of the best tax relief companies.

6. Fortress Tax Relief

Fortress Tax Relief is a mid-size firm that has been in business since 2003. It represents clients in all 50 states who are in need of tax relief services. Fortress only has experienced tax attorneys on staff. 

Prospective clients with over $10,000 in tax debt will complete an initial consultation with an attorney. If within 24 hours of the consultation you decide against representation, you will receive a full refund. 

ProsCons
– Free consultation
– All cases handled by experienced tax attorneys
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating
– Flat-fee pricing model		– Requires a minimum tax debt to qualify
– Limited money-back guarantee
– One review on Trustpilot

Customer reviews: 

5-star Trustpilot review of Fortress Tax Relief.

7. Larson Tax Relief

Larson Tax Relief, run by brothers Jack and Ron Larson, has been in business for 19 years and has 15 enrolled agents on staff. Larson serves clients in all 50 states and also won the BBB’s Torch Award for Ethics in 2022. 

ProsCons
– 15-day money-back guarantee
– A+ Better Business Bureau Rating
– Serves clients in all 50 states
– 4.8-star Trustpilot rating		Limited money-back guarantee

Customer reviews: 

One-star review of Larson Tax Relief on BBB.
Five-star reviews of Larson Tax Relief on BBB.

8. Optima Tax Relief

Optima Tax Relief was founded in 2011 and is staffed with tax attorneys and enrolled agents who are licensed to practice in all 50 states. They were the winners of the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics in 2021. 

Optima has a Client Bill of Rights published on its website, which details what you can expect if you hire their professionals to help you resolve your tax debt. Optima also has an app on Google Play or the App Store, which will analyze any IRS notices you receive. 

ProsCons
– Refund of fee for investigation phase  allowed within the first 15 days
– App for analyzing IRS notices
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating
– 4.1-star Trustpilot rating		– Limited money-back guarantee
– No pricing information listed on website

Customer reviews: 

BBB review of Optima Tax Relief, one of the best tax relief companies.
Five-star BBB review of Optima Tax Relief, one of the best tax relief companies.
Trustpilot review of Optima Tax Relief, one of the best tax relief companies.
Trustpilot review of Optima Tax Relief, one of the best tax relief companies.

9. Precision Tax Relief

Precision Tax Relief has been in business since 1967. It has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and also won the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Ethics in 2019. 

All tax relief cases are assigned to licensed tax professionals, including IRS-enrolled agents, certified public accountants and an experienced tax attorney. Additionally, the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.  

ProsCons
– More than 55 years of experience
– Free consultation 
– Flat-fee pricing
– Flexible payment options
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating
– 4.9-star Trustpilot rating
– 30-day money-back guarantee		Does not offer tax audit representation

Customer reviews: 

BBB reviews of Precision Tax Relief, one of the best tax relief companies.
BBB review of Precision Tax Relief, one of the best tax relief companies.
Trustpilot review of Precision Tax Relief, one of the best tax relief companies.

10. Tax Defense Network

Tax Defense Network, which was established in 2007, is an operation owned by MoneySolver, a student loan and tax resolution services company. 

Tax Defense offers tax services for individuals and small business owners and employs hundreds of licensed tax professionals across the nation, including enrolled agents, tax analysts, certified public accountants, accredited tax advisors, and tax attorneys.

ProsCons
– Free consultation
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating 
– 4.4-star Trustpilot rating
– Dedicated case advisor
– Financing options		No transparent pricing or money-back guarantee information on website
Upon calling, they wouldn’t disclose their money-back policy unless I provided personal information

Customer reviews: 

BBB review of Tax Defense Network, one of the best tax relief companies.
BBB review of Tax Defense, one of the best tax relief companies.
Trustpilot review of Tax Defense Network, one of the best tax relief companies.
Trustpilot review of Tax Defense, one of the best tax relief companies.

11. Tax Hardship Center

The Tax Hardship Center has been serving clients nationwide for two decades. They offer a variety of tax relief services and promise to work to ensure the best possible outcome for their clients. 

ProsCons
– Serves all 50 states
– Free consultation
– Promises fair and transparent pricing
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating
– 4.7-star Trustpilot rating
– 14-day money-back guarantee		– No specific pricing information on the website
– Most recent Trustpilot review is from 2021

Customer reviews: 

BBB reviews of Tax Hardship Center, one of the best tax relief companies.

12. Tax Relief Advocates

Tax Relief Advocates was founded in 2017 by registered tax preparer George Nunez. They use a three-step resolution approach to tackle consumer tax issues: consultation, research, and resolution. 

ProsCons
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating
– Staffed by licensed tax resolution professionals and attorneys 		No transparency about fees or money-back guarantee on website

Customer reviews: 

1-star review on BBB for Tax Relief Advocates, one of the best tax relief companies.
5-star review on BBB for Tax Relief Advocates, one of the best tax relief companies.
1-star review on BBB for Tax Relief Advocates, one of the best tax relief companies.

13. Tax Group Center

The professionals at Tax Group Center have over 30 years of experience, and their offices are open 24/7. They offer a free consultation to determine your needs and won’t take on your case unless they know they can reach a satisfactory resolution for you. 

ProsCons
– Free evaluation of your tax situation
– Provides services in all 50 states
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating
– Staffed with attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents
– 100% price protection policy		– No specific pricing information on website
– No money-back guarantee listed on website
– 2.9 Trustpilot rating

Customer reviews: 

BBB reviews of Tax Group Center, one of the best tax relief companies.
Trustpilot review of Tax Group Center, one of the best tax relief companies.

14. The Tax Resolvers

The Tax Resolvers has been in business for 15 years. As part of its core values, the company promises to deliver personalized service and individual attention to each case. 

ProsCons
– Free consultation
– A+ Better Business Bureau rating
– 4.8-star Trustpilot rating		– No specific pricing offered or a money-back guarantee
– One poor review on the company BBB profile

Customer reviews: 

1-star BBB review of Tax Resolvers, one of the best tax relief companies.
5-star Trustpilot review of Tax Resolvers, one of the best tax relief companies.
5-star Trustpilot review of Tax Resolvers, one of the best tax relief companies.

***Note: This is the only review posted on the Tax Resolvers’ BBB page. 

Alternative to a tax debt relief company: IRS Fresh Start Program

A tax debt relief company can help you get accepted into the IRS Fresh Start Program, or you can do the legwork yourself. 

Does the IRS really have a Fresh Start program?

The Internal Revenue Service implemented its Fresh Start program in 2011 to help individuals and small businesses struggling with tax debt to settle their tax liabilities. The program expanded access to streamlined installment agreements and expanded and streamlined the Offer in Compromise program. 

Some tax relief debt companies still refer to IRS installment plans or the Offer in Compromise as the IRS Fresh Start Program. However, the Fresh Start program itself no longer exists.

How does the IRS Fresh Start program work?

While there is no longer an IRS Fresh Start program, some of the programs/initiatives it expanded are still available:

  • Extended installment agreement: You can qualify for this payment plan if you owe the IRS $50,000 or less and you can pay back the debt within six years. No additional penalties or interest apply once you are approved for this plan. 
  • Offer in compromise: To qualify for this payment plan, all other payment options must have been exhausted. Once you’ve proven you cannot pay your debt through an installment agreement or a lump-sum payment, you make a reasonable offer to pay off your tax debt for less than you owe, and if the IRS accepts your offer, you can settle your debt. 
  • Tax lien withdrawal: This payment plan involves paying the entire amount you owe through a direct debit. 

Who qualifies for the IRS Fresh Start Program?

Both individual taxpayers and small businesses who can prove through documentation that they would experience significant financial hardship when paying their tax balance can qualify for programs that were expanded under the Fresh Start Program. 

How much will the IRS usually settle for?

The IRS will usually settle for an amount that it determines you can easily pay. It determines this amount by considering your assets, income, savings, debts and other expenses.

FAQs about tax debt relief companies

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about tax debt relief companies:

Who qualifies for tax relief?

Start by contacting the IRS to see if you qualify for an Offer in Compromise (OIC), which allows you to settle your tax debt for less than what you owe. 

You're eligible to apply for an Offer in Compromise if you:

  • Filed all required tax returns and made all required estimated payments
  • Aren't in an open bankruptcy proceeding
  • Have a valid extension for a current year return (if applying for the current year)
  • Are an employer and made tax deposits for the current and past 2 quarters before you apply

You can also try submitting an ​​Installment Agreement Request (Form 9465) with your tax return to see if you can pay your taxes in installments.

How much does it cost to use a tax relief company?

While every case is different, Alec says you can expect to pay about 10% of the total tax debt to a tax relief company. 

What is the best company to help with back taxes?

The best company to help with back taxes is the one that can successfully take on your case and get a resolution that you will be satisfied with for a price you can afford.

These are some of the best tax relief companies to help with back taxes, based on the number of positive reviews they have on the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot sites: 

  • Instant Tax Solutions
  • ALG Tax Solutions
  • Precision Tax Relief
  • Fortress Tax Relief

Research tax relief companies >>

Bottom line: Is a tax relief company worth it?

Allec says because it can be difficult to prove to the IRS that you can't afford to pay and will not be able to pay what you owe, having a professional in your corner can help.

He gives this example:

A taxpayer may be able to negotiate on his own with the IRS and settle their taxes for $50,000 less than they owe.

On the other hand, a professional might charge $10,000 but know how to work the IRS so that the same taxpayer can pay $100,000 less than he owes.

“If a tax professional can do that, their fee was obviously worth it,” Allec says.

These are some other reasons he says it's worth hiring a tax professional:

1. You've been assigned a revenue officer.

Allec says a revenue officer — someone from the IRS specifically dedicated to tracking your case — is typically assigned when you owe more than $250,000.

2. You have years of unfiled tax returns.

If you haven't filed taxes in a long time — say, five years or more — you may not necessarily want to file all those returns.

“You could be making your problem worse by doing so,” Allec says.

He recommends those people work with a reputable tax relief company to determine which years it would be in their best interest to file and to resolve that debt accordingly.

Also, check out these resources for free help with tax preparation.

3. You're busy.

If you don't trust yourself to stay on top of IRS deadlines because you're too busy with career, family, or other commitments, Allec says you should consider paying a professional tax relief company to stay on top of your case for you.

Trying to get your finances back on track? Check out these posts:

SOURCES

  1. “How much revenue has the U.S. government collected this year?” December 31, 2023. Fiscal Data, U.S. Department of the Treasury https://fiscaldata.treasury.gov/americas-finance-guide/government-revenue/
  2. “SOI Tax Stats – Delinquent Collection Activities – IRS Data Book Table 25” April 14, 2023. The Internal Revenue Service https://www.irs.gov/statistics/soi-tax-stats-delinquent-collection-activities-irs-data-book-table-25
  3. “Trouble Paying Your Taxes? April 2023. Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/tax-relief-companies
How much does it cost to use a tax relief company?

While every case is different, based on reviews from customers who used tax relief companies on this list, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $10,000 to work with a tax relief company.

What is the best company to help with back taxes?

The best company to help with back taxes is the one that can successfully take on your case and get a resolution that you will be satisfied with for a price you can afford.

Is a tax relief company worth it?

If you have a complex tax case that could result in you owing the IRS thousands to millions of dollars, hiring an experienced tax relief professional can help you save money.

Silver prices skyrocketed 167% in 2025 to $79 ounce on December 26. This all means now may be a good time to cash in on any silver assets you have — especially as inflation, the job market and stock futures look shaky!

Keep reading to learn more about silver bars and bullion and recommendation and advice on how to sell silver bullion and silver bars:

Table of contents

Selling silver bars: How do I sell silver bullion?

You can sell silver bars and silver bullion in a number of ways: 

Can you sell silver bars to a bank?

No, you can no longer sell silver bars to most banks. The price of silver changes daily, so silver is not considered legal tender.

President Nixon announced in 1971 that the United States would no longer exchange currency for gold or any other precious metal, formally abandoning the gold and silver standards that determined exchange rates for such transactions.

Are silver bars easy to sell?

Yes, it’s easy to sell silver bars to a local pawn shop, precious metals dealer or reputable online silver buyer. 

Check out this episode of Pawn Stars where a man brought in 3,000-oz of silver bars:

Silver bar value

Silver bars are recognized as 99.9% pure and are therefore worth the spot price of silver.

As of , the silver resale value in the United States was at per ounce, or  per gram.

How much is a silver coin worth?

Unless it is a rare collectible coin, a silver coin is worth the spot silver value of the silver it contains x its purity x its weight.

Silver bullion coins are made by government mints for sale to investors. These are not to be confused with silver bullion rounds, which can be printed with any design and are not produced by government mints. 

These are some common U.S. silver coins and their values based on the current price of silver (December 2025 pricing). The American Silver Eagle is 99.9% pure and the official silver bullion coin of the United States: 

CoinPuritySilver content (troy oz)Spot value @ $79.59/oz
American Silver Eagle99.9% pure1.0000$79.59
Morgan Dollars90% pure0.7735$61.56
Peace Dollars90% pure0.7735$61.56
Liberty Head (Barber) Half-Dollars90% pure0.36169$28.79
Walking Liberty Half-Dollars90% pure0.36169$28.79
Franklin Half-Dollars90% pure0.36169$28.79
1964 Kennedy Half-Dollars90% pure0.36169$28.79
Liberty Head (Barber) Quarters90% pure0.18084$14.39
Standing Liberty Quarters90% pure0.18084$14.39
Washington Quarters90% pure0.18084$14.39
Liberty Head (Barber) Dimes90% pure0.0720$5.73
Winged Liberty Head (Mercury) Dimes90% pure0.0720$5.73

If you think your silver coin may hold value as a collector’s item, check out our post on coins worth money and learn more about selling silver coins.

How much is a silver bar worth?

A silver bar is 99.9% pure silver and therefore worth the spot price of silver.

As of , the silver resale value in the United States was at per ounce, or  per gram.

How much does a silver bar sell for?

A silver bar can be sold at or near the spot price of silver, depending on where you sell it. 

CashforSilverUSA offers an online calculator based on the current price of silver to help you determine the melt value of a silver bar.

CashforSilverUSA silver calculator helps you get an idea of the value of your silver.

Best online silver bullion and silver bar buyer

CashforSilverUSA, sister site of CashforGoldUSA, is our top choice among silver bar buyers and silver bullion buyers because: 

  • A+ Better Business Bureau rating
  • Price match guarantee
  • Free shipping label and insurance up to $150,000
  • Payments within 24 hours after offer acceptance
  • 10% bonus if you send in silver within a week of receiving your mailer
  • Risk-free cancellation if you decline their offer (and they’ll pay to ship your items back to you immediately)

CashforSilverUSA accepts accepts all forms of silver, including: 

CashforSilverUSA will accept anything that contains solid sterling silver — even if it’s used or broken. They also accept gold, platinum, diamonds and gemstones.

Selling your silver bars and silver bullion to CashforSilverUSA works like this:

  1. Input your contact information and shipping address on their website.
  2. You’ll get a free FedEx shipping label to mail in your items that CashforSilverUSA insures for up to $150,000 for free.
  3. Items are appraised within 24 hours of receipt, at which point you will receive payment by check, Paypal, or bank wire (if your items are worth more than $25,000) if you approve their offer. If you reject their offer, your items will be sent back to you for free.

Get an offer from CashforSilverUSA on your silver bars or silver bullion today >>

Other silver bullion and silver bars buyers

There are many other online silver bullion and silver bars buyers. Here’s how they stack up against CashforSilverUSA.com: 

BBB ratingWhat they buyShipping/InsurancePayments
CashforSilverUSAA+Any silver, gold, platinum, or diamondsFree FedEx shipments insured up to $150,000 by Jeweler’s Mutual InsurancePayments within 24 hrs via PayPal or check; Bank wires for offers over $25,000
ApmexA+Bullion, numismatics, semi-numismatics, rare coins and currencyMust pay for your own shipping, though Apmex offers a discount through its partnership with UPS, with insurance up to  $60,000Payments processed by the end of the next business day via direct deposit, checks, or bank wire ($25 fee if under $10,000)
JM BullionA+Private and government-issued bullion coins and bars, plus collectible coins; minimum purchase amount of $1,000Must pay your own FedEx shipping costs; insurance coverage for loss up to $100,000 for Next-Day Airand $75,000 for 2-day shippingPayment in 1-3 business days after product authentication via direct deposit, bank wire ($25 fee) or check ($30 fee)
KitcoA+Silver, gold, platinum, palladium, rhodium coins and bars; they do not accept metal scrap from private sellers; $2000 minimum$35 flat rate for shipping; $6.50 per $1,000 worth of product for insurancePayments up to one week after delivery via check, bank wire (fees involved), in Kitco bullion products, or deposited into your Kitco account
Liberty Gold and SilverNot ratedAll forms of gold and silver jewelry, coins, and scrapPrepaid UPS return envelope insured up to $1,000; Reimbursesfull cost of USPS shipping for more valuable itemsCheck mailed within 24 hours or bank wire for a small fee

Bottom line: What is the best way to sell silver bars?

Based on my exhaustive research in the precious metals space, my top choice for selling silver bars is CashforSilverUSA because of its A+ BBB rating, price match guarantee, and free and insured shipping process, which is unrivaled by other online silver buyers. 

Get a 10% bonus from CashforSilverUSA today when you ship your items within 7 days >>

SOURCE

“Reason For A 2026 Gold And Silver Surge That’s Predicted To Blow Up The Bitcoin Price,” by Billy Bambrough, Forbes.

How do I sell silver bullion?

You can sell silver bars and silver bullion in a number of ways, including: online metal buyers, auctions, and pawn shops.

Can you sell silver bars to a bank?

No, you can no longer sell silver bars to most banks.

How much is a silver coin worth?

Unless it is a rare collectible coin, a silver coin is worth the spot silver value of the silver it contains x its purity x its weight.

How much is a silver bar worth?

A silver bar is 99.9% pure silver and therefore worth the spot price of silver.

How much does a silver bar sell for?

A silver bar can be sold at or near the spot price of silver, depending on where you sell it.

When it comes to serious relationships, there are two apps that rise to the top of the pack — one is Elite Singles, and the other is eharmony.

I’ve reviewed a lot of dating apps, and living in a giant metro city like New York, I have a pretty good idea about the hot dating apps everyone is using.

What you should know about Elite Singles:

  • Elite Singles brands itself as a dating website for professionals
  • Members complete a 15-minute personality assessment that Elite Singles uses to match them with other members
  • Members must pay to interact with their matches

What I think about Elite Singles:

Often recommended by experts like David Wygant, relationship coach, for career-focused individuals, these platforms are designed to cut through the noise of casual swiping. However, Elite Singles doesn’t compete with the bigger dating apps and websites out there, like eharmony. Here’s why:

  • Elite Singles’ compatibility questionnaire is too general compared to eharmony’s 
  • You can only see your compatibility rating and those of your matches when you use the desktop version
  • Minimum search radius is 50 miles, which means you may be paired with people who live far away
  • You can only like and view profiles (you have to pay to message people)

Curious about whether or not Elite Singles is a fit for you? Here’s what you should know:

What is EliteSingles?

How does EliteSingles work?

Elite Singles requirements

Elite Singles matching:

How much does Elite Singles cost per month?

Is it worth paying for Elite Singles?

Pros of Elite Singles

Cons of Elite Singles 

Elite Singles reviews in 2024

Bianca’s experience with EliteSingles

What is EliteSingles?

According to its app description, Elite Singles is built for U.S. professionals who want a long-term commitment. It boasts that 85% of Elite Singles members in the U.S. have an “above-average education.” 

What that means isn’t exactly clear, but based on 2019 U.S. Census Bureau data, about 40.7% of the U.S. population had an associate’s degree or higher. Despite its claim of being built for professionals, there don’t seem to be any education restrictions to joining. 

Elite Singles members are in their 30s and 40s. (Check out our post on meeting singles over 40 in person.)

Despite its claims of exclusivity, readers report more success finding qualified partners, and a larger dating pool, with eharmony, which pioneered in 2000 the model of a dating site based on a lengthy quiz, and algorithmic matching with the goal of long-term, meaningful partnership and marriage.

eharmony also offers:

  • Free 150-point personality report
  • Apps for iOS and Android
  • 100% of members are proven to be real (no catfishing or married people!)
  • Start with the free version >>
  • 3 months free if you aren't happy with your matches!
  • A Better Business Bureau rating

Learn more about eharmony in our review.

How does EliteSingles work?

Right on the homepage, there’s a section to register. I input my email address, created a password, and answered the age ole’ question: I am a [woman] seeking a [man].

After filling out my birthdate and other generic info, I was immediately prompted to take a personality assessment, made up of a mix of general questions to describe your ideal partner, behavioral questions about yourself, and questions on how you’d respond in hypothetical scenarios.

Sample Questions include:

  • Which picture describes your mood during an ordinary week?
  • Which role would you like your partner to fulfill the most?
  • When you kiss someone, how likely are you to initiate the first kiss?
Elite singles review example question about partner roles.
Elite singles review example question about kissing.
Elite singles review example question about spending time with your partner.

Other questions include general lifestyle questions you see on most dating websites, like:

  • Whether or not you want kids
  • What you are looking for in a partner
  • Whether you smoke or drink

Overall, the personality assessment took me 15 minutes to complete, which is way less time than the one on eharmony. I like that all questions were to the point and I was able to provide enough information to give my potential matches a good sense of who I am.

Once you’re done with your personality assessment, you’re quickly directed to the payment page. You cannot use this website without paying for a premium membership.

I handed over (err typed) my credit card details for a one-month subscription and then was ready to start searching. Immediately I had matches waiting for me that were “handpicked” for me (a little sus since I just signed up).

One cool thing about Elite Singles is that you can easily update your search preferences at any time (such as height, location etc.) There’s also a “how we met” page that works very similar to Tinder where you can swipe through profiles.

Elite singles review example match named Daniel.

Once you’ve completed the questionnaire, Elite Singles pairs you with members based on a compatibility score of 1 to 100. The higher the score, the higher the likelihood of compatibility for serious dating, according to the Elite Single’s algorithm.

When you receive your personality assessment, you notice your results are on a graph that sectioned into five components:

  • Openness (habitual vs inventive)
  • Conscientious (agreeable vs disciplined)
  • Extroversion (introverted vs extroverted)
  • Agreeableness (cautious vs compassionate)
  • Neuroticism (emotionally stable vs sensitive)

Overall, my results regarding openness fell in the middle, I was more easy going than disciplined and more introverted than extroverted. The assessment also told me that I was too sensitive (rude) and more cautious, meaning more likely unwilling to compromise (not wrong).

Elite singles review example match based on openness.

Looking through my matches, the highest score I received with someone was 88 percent, but most scores ranged in the 70s.

When I compared Mr. 88’s personality assessment with mine, I noticed we were both in the same level of openness and extraversion, but not so much when it came to agreeableness, neuroticism, and conscientious.

Elite Singles also highlights any personality traits that are similar to yours. When I looked at Mr. 88, I noticed we didn’t share any traits in common.

Elite singles review example match based on conscientiousness.
Elite singles review example match based on conscientiousness.

I’m not sure how accurate this algorithm is. I understand nobody is going to match with you 100%, but the lack of profiles within the 80% range makes it less convincing.

Elite singles review example about how friends would describe your match.
Elite singles review example matches.

I scoped another profile (we’ll call him Mr. 80), personality assessment and it was a lot worse.

Our assessments were compatible in that we’re both very sensitive and introverted (him more than me), but we were total opposites when it comes to conscientiousness, openness and agreeableness. His profile was also very empty, making it hard to decipher whether or not he was a legit match.

Depending on how honest you are with yourself, you might be shocked at what you learn not only about your personal preferences, but also your values and how you would react when faced with a moral dilemma.

Questions such as, “How important is attractiveness to you?” and “Would you stay with a partner through a life-altering change?” are relevant and highlight a potential match’s character — not to mention challenge you to examine your own beliefs.

Because of the depth and number of questions, I’d suggest carving out up to an hour of your time to complete your Elite Singles profile.

One question asks you to rate your level of attractiveness, while another gauges your feelings on raising children.

Elite Singles requirements:

These are the requirements to sign up for Elite Singles:

Who qualifies for EliteSingles?

Despite the name and its reputation for being selective with its members, anyone can sign up and register for EliteSingles. Upon sifting through my matches, I noticed they all had various educational backgrounds.

Many had their bachelor’s and master’s degrees, while some only had their high school diploma.

Elite Singles is targeted toward singles looking for meaningful connections. Since each member is vetted manually, you’d better make sure you are who you say you are in your profile.

According to their website, EliteSingles actively removes any inactive profiles, as well as profiles that are deemed fake or suspicious. They also make you confirm your email address.

Elite Singles has some rules typical of dating apps, as well as some that qualify Elite Singles as a premium site:

  • Membership requires you complete an extensive online survey about your interests, values, goals, tastes and preferences
  • That you are real (a human verifies your identity and photo)
  • While you can see limited info of other members’ profiles for free, and receive a free personality analysis for free, this is a mostly pay-only dating app

Before you meet up in person, you may want to do a background check. You can run your date's name through a site like TruthFinder, which will pull all online public records on the person and compile them into an easy-to-read report.

What does Elite Singles mean by “above-average education?”

Elite Singles does not specify what it means by reporting 85% of its members hold an above-average education, though it appears to mean that a large percentage of Elite Singles members have enrolled in post-high-school classes, even if they did not attain a degree.

Elite Singles matching:

What kind of people are on Elite Singles?

Elite Singles claims 381,000+ new members join per month. According to their website, 82% of members hold a bachelor’s degree, and supposedly every eight minutes someone on Elite Singles finds their soulmate.

Elite singles review on success rate.

Billing itself as a source for professionals who are serious about finding a meaningful romantic match, the idea seems to be that singles willing to spend significant time and money on creating a profile will be more likely to be serious about dating and career.

If you’re looking for something casual or have a swipe-and-go mentality, joining Elite Singles is not for you.

The site is geared toward educated professionals and requires a minimum of three months for any of the paid memberships.

What age group is EliteSingles for?

Elite Singles’ website claims, “the majority of our members are aged 30-55.” As I dug through my matches, I noticed a good chunk of people were in their 30s and 40s.

How much does Elite Singles cost per month?

For a premium membership, there are currently three options.

As of September 2025:

  • 3-month membership: $57.95 / month
  • 6-month membership: $44.95 / month
  • 12-month membership: $31.95 / month

Premium members receive:

  • Unlimited messaging
  • View all member photos
  • “Intelligent matchmaking”
  • See everyone who visits your profile, and turn on read receipts for your messages
  • Confirmation of messages received

In the free basic version, you can:

  • Go through the personality profile and get the results
  • Create a profile
  • Match with others

However, with the free version, you won’t be able to see anyone’s profile photo or send anyone a message. Therefore, the website is pretty useless unless you pay for a membership.

EliteSingles cancellation policy

If you have a premium membership, you can cancel your membership at anytime by clicking the person icon on the top right corner and selecting Account. Under Membership in green you’ll see an option to Cancel/Refund Your Membership. You click that and it gives you a ton of reasons for you to choose as to why you’re canceling your membership. They’ll give you one last chance to change your mind and after you insist that you want to cancel, you input your password. And that’s it! You still have access to Elite Singles until your subscription ends.

For mobile users, you’ll have to go into your phone’s App Store or Google Play account and cancel it from there.

EliteSingles customer service

EliteSingles surprisingly has great customer service. While it's very difficult to find the page to submit a request on their website (I had to Google it), once you fill out the online form, they get back to you quickly. They assist their customers through a platform called Pissed Consumer. I reached out about a question regarding membership and got a response with 24 hours.

Is it worth paying for Elite Singles?

Yes, it is worth paying because as I mentioned before, the free version will get you nowhere. If you want any real traction with Elite Singles, you have to pay.

Pros of Elite Singles

  • Most people on Elite Singles are looking for serious, long-term committed relationships—including marriage.
  • Their Thoughtful and concise personality assessment helps their algorithm find better matches for you.
  • Free personality report. Get a deep analysis of your personality traits after completing the online survey. This is yours to keep, whether you sign up and pay or not.
  • Website safety: According to the website, Elite Singles checks every user profile for authenticity, by hand, to verify that each user is legitimate—reducing the chances for spam, catfishing, married men posing as single, and other sleazy behavior. The site is also encrypted to protect your data. The site states:

“In order to avoid this on Elite Singles, we manually check each individual profile to guarantee that everyone on our site is serious about the search for love. We use SSL Encryption, Fraud Detection, and Manual Profile Verification to ensure our members feel completely comfortable when using our service.”

Cons of Elite Singles 

  • Matches come to you: Unlike other dating sites, Elite Singles doesn’t force you to spend endless hours scrolling and matching. Instead, Elite Singles delivers five to seven matches to your inbox per day. If you don’t like any of them, you have to wait until the next day for more matches. If you’re accustomed to accessing thousands of profiles options at any given time, this can be frustrating. Swipe happy people beware. This method of receiving curated options can, however, force members to consider each suggestion with more thought than they usually would.
  • Cannot use the app for free
  • Minimum distance is 50 miles, which is inconvenient for people who are unable to travel

Listen to this Like a Mother with Emma Johnson interview with Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stanger, on dating as a successful single woman:

Elite Singles reviews

Elite Singles reviews are mostly negative. The biggest complaints from reviewers across the board was about canceling their memberships. Members claimed it was hard to cancel and claim that Elite Singles was still charging them long after cancellation.

Other reviewers call it scam, claiming most profiles were fake (again I take those reviews with a grain of salt, since they mostly come from unhappy daters).

App stores

Elite Singles has a 4.0 out of 5-star rating on Apple’s App Store from more than 1800 reviews. Most recent reviews only give the app one star, citing lots of scammers and poor app functionality.

4-stars Elite Singles review from Apple App Store from February 2025.

On Google Play, Elite Singles has a rating of 2.7 stars. The most recent negative reviews complain about the app glitching and not recognizing that members have already paid.

Elite Singles Google Play Review 1 From July 2024

BBB

Elite Singles’ parent company Spark Networks has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and reviewers rate it 1.12 out of 5 stars.

Only a handful of the review on the company's BBB page are about Elite Singles:

Elite Singles BBB Review from February 2025
Elite Singles BBB Review from August 2024
Elite Singles BBB review from July 2024

Trustpilot

Elite Singles has 1.5 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.

Here are a few recent Trustpilot reviews about Elite Singles from those who used it:

Elite Singles reviews from Reddit 

Redditors were very critical about Elite Singles on this reddit thread:

Has anyone tried elite singles?
by indatingoverthirty

Some Redditors thought the profiles on Elite Singles were boring; others warned about the site being a scam and said it’s impossible to cancel a subscription (echoing the sentiments of reviews on other sites).

But one Redditor did claim to find their wife on it:

Negative Elite Singles review on Reddit.
Positive Elite Singles review on Reddit.

Bianca’s experience with EliteSingles

I like any dating app that makes you show off your personality. Elite Singles’ personality assessment is quick and direct (sometimes I get bored with the extremely long compatibility quizzes). They ask a good mix of general and behavioral questions, allowing you to express yourself and giving people a good sense of who you are. However, I was disappointed at the lack of compatible options with my matches.

Also, if you’re more of a dating app person, you can only see your compatibility rating and those of your matches when you use the desktop version. 

Highly compatible match on Elite Singles.

Elite Singles' minimum search radius is 50 miles, which means I’m getting matches from people outside of the NYC metro area. Therefore, I’m seeing people who live in MD or NJ — places I will not travel for a first date.  

Lastly, I don’t like any dating app that makes you pay to interact with other members. I can “like” and view profiles but cannot message anyone. But since you have to pay for every app and website these days, no I don’t think it’s worth it based on my experiences and what reviews say. Fingers crossed I don’t have the same experience as other reviewers and they won’t keep charging me!

Bianca Mendez is a dating app expert whose work has appeared in Woman’s Health, Bustle, Latina, Refinery29, and many other publications. She also served as a sex and dating editor at Elite Daily. You can check out her other dating app reviews here.

Bottom line: Which is better, eharmony or EliteSingles?

While both eharmony and Elite Singles offer extensive personality questionnaires to gauge your compatibility with potential matches, there are subtle differences between the two:

  • While Elite Singles’ introductory quiz is much more extensive, eharmony’s questions are psychology-based.
  • Both eharmony and Elite Singles are very safe and vet each profile, though eharmony checks to make sure members are not married.
  • eharmony has been in the U.S. market for more than 20 years, and has great brand recognition, which means more people are on their dating site. More people = more potential matches.
September 2025Elite Singleseharmony
Method200-point personality test, dating preference profile, and free personality report.150-point personality test and personality profile.
ConnectionSerious, long-term, committed relationships.Serious, long-term, committed relationships.
Typical user90% are aged 30+,82% have college degreesAverage age: 30
Elite Singles vs. eharmony Costs as of September 2025Basic account: $0Basic account: $0
SecuritySSL-encrypted SLL-encrypted site, each member is verified by a human.All members must prove who they are, and site has been known to close accounts if they find the member is married, lies about themselves or otherwise violates eharmony’s code of conduct.
Apps?iOs and AndroidiOs and Android
Cool featuresFree basic membership. Free personality report. No need to endlessly scroll, as Elite Singles chooses matches for you.“Quick Questions” option allows users to select questions they would most like matches to answer. Detailed personality profile.
BBBA+A

The verdict? Both eharmony and Elite Singles are quality dating sites, but eharmony wins for brand and technology strength. Plus, they check to make sure members are not married = golden.

eharmony stands out with:

  • Higher volume of users, increasing chances of a meaningful match.
  • Competitive pricing
  • eharmony is more popular, so there are more members you can potentially match with.

One bit of advice: Each dating site out there attracts different types of people in each geographic area, so ask your friends and singles in your area who you trust which sites they like best in your city. Also, eharmony’s free version is a good way to check it out without commitment—even if romantic commitment is your ultimate goal.

Check out eharmony for yourself for free >>

Interested in checking out other dating sites and apps? Here are our dating app reviews:

Christian MingleZooskCoffee Meets Bagel
BumbleOKCupidPlenty of Fish
13 international
dating apps		Jewish dating sitesDating.com

No time for dating apps? If you have little time, but do have money, consider a professional matchmaker. We review the top sites and explain the process.

What does Elite Singles mean by “above-average education?”

Elite Singles does not specify what it means by reporting 85% of its members hold an above-average education, though it appears to mean that a large percentage of Elite Singles members have enrolled in post-high-school classes, even if they did not attain a degree.

What age group is Elite Singles for?

Elite Singles’ website claims, “the majority of our members are aged 30-55.”

How much does Elite Singles cost per month?

For a premium membership, there are currently three options as of September 2025: 3-month membership for $57.95 / month; 6-month membership for $44.95 / month; and a 6-month membership for $31.95 / month.

Is it worth paying for Elite Singles?

Yes, it is worth paying because the free version will get you nowhere. If you want any real traction with Elite Singles, you have to pay.

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