Articles
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Consolidation
Does Debt Consolidation Hurt Your Credit Score?
The short-term dip, the longer-term gain, and what decides which wins.
Apr 11, 2024
Student Loans
How Much Student Loan Debt Does the Average Borrower Have?
The latest totals, why balances are so high, and what the numbers mean for you.
Mar 21, 2024
Credit Cards
How Long Does Debt Stay on Your Credit Report?
Most negative items, including late payments, charge-offs and collections, stay on your report for seven years. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can stay for ten.
Mar 17, 2024
Credit Cards
Can I Buy a House With Credit Card Debt?
Lenders care most about your debt-to-income ratio and payment history.
Mar 8, 2024
Student Loans
How Can I Pay Off Student Loans Faster or Lower My Payments?
Pay less each month, pay off sooner, or qualify for forgiveness. Pick the goal first.
Mar 7, 2024
Credit Cards
How Much Credit Card Debt Does the Average American Have?
The latest national figures, and how to judge whether your own balance is a problem.
Mar 7, 2024
Credit Cards
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Credit Card Debt?
The statute of limitations on card debt varies by state: three to six years. Past the deadline, collectors cannot win a lawsuit, but paying restarts it.
Mar 7, 2024
Credit Cards
How Do I Settle Credit Card Debt With Synchrony Bank?
Settling a Synchrony store card follows the same rules as any card debt. Confirm who owns the account, ask about hardship, and get any deal in writing.
Mar 6, 2024
Credit Cards
How Do I Pay Off $25,000 in Credit Card Debt?
A $25,000 balance usually needs a lower interest rate, not just a bigger payment.
Mar 5, 2024
Credit Cards
How Does Credit Card Interest Work and Why Do Balances Grow?
APR, daily balances and minimum payments, explained without jargon.
Mar 4, 2024
Consolidation
What Credit Score Do You Need for a Debt Consolidation Loan?
Score ranges, DTI limits and other options if a loan isn't in reach.
Mar 2, 2024
Credit Cards
What Can a Debt Collector Legally Do?
Your rights under the FDCPA and Regulation F, in plain language.
Mar 1, 2024
Credit Cards
Can Credit Card Debt Be Forgiven or Written Off Legally?
Real paths to forgiveness exist, but each has costs. Here's how they compare.
Feb 28, 2024
Credit Cards
Should I Consolidate My Credit Card Debt?
A decision checklist for people juggling several card balances.
Feb 26, 2024
Debt Ratios
How Do I Calculate My Debt-to-Income Ratio?
The formula, a worked example, and how student loans are counted.
Feb 24, 2024
Credit Cards
How Do I Find Out How Much Credit Card Debt I Have?
Pull your reports, check old statements, and watch for collectors you don't recognize.
Feb 24, 2024
Credit Cards
What Happens When Credit Card Debt Goes to Collections?
After about 180 days of missed payments, card debt is typically charged off and sent to collections. What happens next, and the options you still have.
Feb 23, 2024
Credit Score
Can You Remove Debt From Your Credit Report?
What you can remove, what you can't, and the scams that promise otherwise.
Feb 20, 2024
Credit Cards
What Can I Do If I'm Sued Over Credit Card Debt?
Respond on time, check the paperwork, and know your defenses.
Feb 20, 2024
Credit Score
Does Your Credit Score Go Up When You Pay Off Debt?
Usually yes for cards, sometimes not right away for loans. Here's why.
Feb 19, 2024
Consolidation
How Does Debt Consolidation Work?
What consolidation is, the four main ways to do it, and when it backfires.
Feb 19, 2024
Student Loans
How Much Student Loan Debt Is Too Much?
A practical rule of thumb and the questions to ask before borrowing.
Feb 18, 2024
Credit Cards
Who Pays Credit Card Debt After a Divorce?
The divorce decree and the card agreement can say different things. The card agreement wins with the issuer.
Feb 18, 2024
Credit Cards
What Happens to Credit Card Debt When Someone Dies?
The estate pays first. Family members usually don't, with a few exceptions.
Feb 17, 2024