Lauren SchwahnSenior Writer & Content Strategist
10 years of personal finance experience
Featured articleMedical Debt: 7 Options to Get On Top of It
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Paying Off Debt
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Gambling apps make wagering a regular — and a highly accessible — part of pro football and other televised sports. This kind of betting could also send you into serious debt.
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Tariffs and interest rates are among the things that can affect how much debt you take on, and how expensive it will be to repay.
Should You Use Your Tax Refund to Pay Off Debt?
Confirm your refund first, then decide whether to use it for essentials, savings, high-interest debt or something fun.
How to Be Debt-Free, According to Redditors
It’s not easy, but others are doing it and posting about it. Take inspiration from them (and us) on your way.
What Are the 6 Types of Bankruptcy?
Most individuals file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, but there are six types of bankruptcy. Bankruptcy can help individuals and businesses get major debt relief, but there are alternatives.
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: What’s the Difference?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is faster and cheaper than Chapter 13 bankruptcy, but it could mean selling the things you own.
What Is a Debt Validation Letter and What Should It Include?
A debt validation letter is a notice debt collectors must send to help you determine that a debt actually belongs to you.
What is Bad Debt?
A mortgage you can afford is generally thought to be a good form of debt. High-interest loans that end up costing you more are examples of bad debt.
Bankruptcy: Types and What to Know
Facing overwhelming debt? Learn how bankruptcy works and whether it could be right for you.
How Much Does It Cost to File for Bankruptcy? (And How to Pay for It)
Bankruptcy costs anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. You have a few payment options.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: A Guide to Liquidation and Debt Relief
Chapter 7 can erase much of your debt, with notable exceptions such as student loans.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Rules, Reasons to File
This option offers a way to restructure debt, keep your home, and repay over three to five years.
How Debt Snowball Works and When to Use It
Debt snowball can be an uplifting way to tackle debt. You prioritize loans from smallest to largest and gain momentum as you pay each off.
What is the Debt Avalanche Method?
The debt avalanche method can save you time and money by targeting the debt with the highest interest rate first.
How to Deal with Debt Collectors
Don't rush to pay debt collectors. Validate your debt and know your rights.
How the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Protects You
The FDCPA protects consumers from unfair, deceptive and abusive debt collection practices.
Medical Debt: 7 Options to Get On Top of It
Need help paying medical bills? Consider a payment plan, using credit or negotiating costs.
Debt: Terms, Types and Tips for How to Handle It
Debt is money owed, and it can be a good thing until it’s not. Learn how to handle the various types.