Consolidated Credit Finance Articles by April Lewis-Parks

2026 Money Confidence Roadmap: Budget for Fall and Winter Holiday Shopping Now

Posted on August 10, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (3-minutes read)

Set your holiday budget now. Learn how to plan Halloween, gift, and travel spending before the season hits so you avoid a debt hangover in January.

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Personal Debt is Getting Bigger – and Younger

Posted on August 6, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (3-minutes read)

Gen Z is falling into debt earlier and delaying major life milestones. Learn why debt is rising and how nonprofit credit counseling can help.

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2026 Money Confidence Roadmap: Build Emergency Savings for Financial Resilience

Posted on July 9, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (1-minute read)

Emergency savings can help you avoid debt when unexpected expenses strike. Learn practical steps to build a stronger financial safety net.

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The Spendthrift Myth

Posted on June 23, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (2-minutes read)

New research debunks the spendthrift myth, showing many Americans with credit card debt are responsible adults who hesitate to seek help.

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Why The Wall Street Journal Called Us

Posted on June 16, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (3-minutes read)

As credit card debt reaches record levels, learn why even high-income earners struggle with debt and how Consolidated Credit helps people lower interest rates and pay off balances faster.

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The 2026 Money Confidence Roadmap: June Shows How to Reduce Spending

Posted on June 2, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (3-minutes read)

Reduce spending and lower financial stress with smart budgeting, grocery savings, and debt payoff strategies in the 2026 Money Confidence Roadmap.

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Iran, Epstein, Inflation, and…your Credit Score?

Posted on May 12, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (4-minutes read)

Congress is considering four credit-related bills that could weaken consumer protections, make credit report errors harder to fix, and potentially hurt your credit score. Learn what’s at stake and why it matters during today’s affordability crisis.

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The 2026 Money Confidence Roadmap: May Is About Reducing Costs and Your Debts

Posted on May 5, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (3-minutes read)

Reduce costs and pay down debt with May’s Money Confidence Roadmap. Learn practical strategies to manage debt and build financial confidence.

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Love Is Good for Your Bank Account

Posted on April 15, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (3-minutes read)

Strong relationships build stronger finances. See how financial literacy, communication, and shared money goals can reduce stress and improve your financial future.

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The 2026 Money Confidence Roadmap: April is Where Effort Turns into Visible Progress

Posted on April 1, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (3-minutes read)

Most Americans don’t know their credit score. Learn what it means, how it affects your finances, and the habits that can help improve it.

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What’s Worse than Personal Debt?

Posted on March 30, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (4-minutes read)

Debt can affect more than your wallet. See how financial stress impacts mental health, relationships, and why many Americans suffer in silence.

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Understanding the Latest Tax Law Changes for the 2025 Tax Year (Filed in 2026)

Posted on March 12, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (4-minutes read)

Learn the key 2025 tax changes affecting returns filed in 2026, including updated tax brackets, standard deductions, retirement contribution limits, and reporting rules.

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Credit Education Month: Understanding Your Credit Report

Posted on March 11, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (8-minutes read)

March is Credit Education Month. Established in 1989 by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, March is a time to review your reports for mistakes and ensure your credit is optimal.

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The 2026 Money Confidence Roadmap: March Is Where Confidence Becomes Momentum

Posted on March 11, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (3-minutes read)

March focuses on rebuilding financial habits. Learn how the 2026 Money Confidence Roadmap helps strengthen systems and build lasting stability.

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The Grandparent Trap: When Love Turns Into Debt

Posted on February 26, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (3-minutes read)

When helping her grandchild led to maxed-out credit cards, Susan turned to a debt management plan for relief. A look at how generational debt quietly happens.

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The 2026 Money Confidence Roadmap: February Is Where Awareness Turns into Smart Decisions

Posted on February 16, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (5-minutes read)

February marks the Financial Review phase of the 2026 Money Confidence Roadmap, helping readers assess cash flow, debt, credit, and money systems.

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How To Create a Realistic Budget You’ll Actually Stick To

Posted on February 11, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (4-minutes read)

A realistic budget can help you stick to and meet your financial goals in the new year. Here are five easy ways to get started.

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2026 Money Confidence Roadmap: January Reset

Posted on January 14, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (4-minutes read)

Kick off 2026 with clarity. Learn why money goals fade and how the January Reset builds confidence, reduces stress, and creates simple systems that last.

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Set the Right Plan to Pay Off Holiday Debt

Posted on January 6, 2026 by | April Lewis-Parks (3-minutes read)

It can be difficult to shake off the weight of holiday credit card debt, but with a little guidance, you could pay off debt quicker in 2025.

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A Snapshot of Credit Card Debt by State – Updated With the Latest Data

Posted on November 20, 2025 by | April Lewis-Parks (5-minutes read)

Alaska now leads the nation in credit-card debt as balances rise across the country. Learn which states saw the biggest increases and what it means for consumers.

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Who Is the ‘Typical’ Consolidated Credit Client?

Posted on November 17, 2025 by | April Lewis-Parks (3-minutes read)

From small balances to $80,000, clients of all backgrounds find real relief with Consolidated Credit. Read how Maria paid down debt and raised her credit score.

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The National Housing Crisis Isn’t Really National

Posted on August 22, 2025 by | April Lewis-Parks (3-minutes read)

There were 36,128 properties foreclosure filings nationwide in July. Media outlets reported headlines like "Home prices reach record highs." That may not be entirely true. It's more likely local and unique to each area around the country.

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“Chock Full of Information”

Posted on June 9, 2025 by | April Lewis-Parks (3-minutes read)

April Lewis-Parks, Consolidated Credit's Director of Financial Education, loves hearing from clients -- especially when they've learned to pay down their credit card debt.

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What to Do If You Can’t Pay Your Taxes by the Deadline

Posted on April 21, 2025 by | April Lewis-Parks (6-minutes read)

Missed the tax filing deadline? You should still file and contact the IRS to see your options. Find out how it works here.

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