Quick Start Guide

Create your first client debt-reduction plan in just a few minutes using Debt Manager Professional.

Evaluation copy note: You can enter and analyze client data, but saving and printing are disabled. To unlock all features, purchase the full version of Debt Manager Professional.

Before you begin

Have your client's current balances, APRs, and monthly payments ready.
Agree on an extra monthly amount the client can pledge toward debt reduction.

Tip: Download a blank worksheet to gather client balances and payments before you start entering data. Download Blank Worksheet (PDF)

5-step walkthrough

Open the Main Screen

This is your command center. You will see an empty or prefilled list of debts, action buttons on the right, and two primary actions at the bottom: Debt Analysis and Debt Reduction.
Add the client's debts

Click Add... and enter: Creditor name, APR, current balance, and monthly payment. Repeat for each debt.

Tip: Use Edit... to correct any entry, and Move Up / Move Dn to reorder if needed.

To see how a completed worksheet looks, view the example below: View Sample Worksheet (PDF)
Enter the extra monthly amount

In Pledge Money, enter how much extra your client can pay each month toward debt reduction.
Create the plan

Click Debt Reduction to build a customized debt-free plan for your client. Debt Manager Professional calculates the fastest, most efficient payoff path using your selected payoff strategy.
Review options and discuss next steps

Use Debt Analysis to explore "what-if" scenarios (for example, adding $50 more per month). Review totals and timelines together, then set a start month and commit to the plan.

Screenshots

Debt Manager Professional - Main Screen (Evaluation Copy) — **Figure 1:** Main Screen in the evaluation copy. Saving and printing are disabled in this mode.

Debt Manager Professional - Main Screen (Retail Copy) — **Figure 2:** Main Screen in the full retail copy, with saving and printing enabled.

Debt Manager Professional - Main Screen Sample2 — **Figure 3:** Main Screen in the full retail copy, with sample2.dmpf loaded.

**Figure 4:** Debt Analysis Screen in the full retail copy, with sample2.dmpf loaded.

**Figure 5:** Debt Reduction Screen in the full retail copy, with sample2.dmpf loaded.

Next steps

Main Screen overview
Add / Edit Creditor details
Understanding the Debt Reduction report
Managing client files

Need a quick refresher later? Return to this Quick Start Guide from the Help menu.