The Spendthrift Myth
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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Debt
Expert debt advice that helps you take control of your financial world.
Managing debt is an essential skill for financial stability. But with record-levels of consumer debt in the U.S. many households struggle to stay ahead of their obligations. Consolidated Credit’s certified team of experts specializes in understanding today’s financial landscape so we can help people navigate it effectively.
The articles in this section tackle today’s biggest debt challenges, offering advice for how to get ahead. We offer practical debt advice for home, auto, student loans and (of course) high interest rate credit cards. If you need to find debt relief, visit Consolidated Credit’s Debt Solutions Guide.
The 2026 Money Confidence Roadmap: May Is About Reducing Costs and Your Debts
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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What’s Worse than Personal Debt?
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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The Grandparent Trap: When Love Turns Into Debt
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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Your Tax Refund Could Help Your Debt Problem – If You Use It Strategically
Your tax refund could help fix debt if you use it strategically. Learn how to pay down balances, build savings, and stabilize your budget.
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Your 2026 Debt Reset: The Smartest Ways to Start the Year Strong
With credit card debt at record highs, this guide explains realistic ways to lower interest, pay down balances, and regain confidence in 2026.
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A Snapshot of Credit Card Debt by State – Updated With the Latest Data
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?
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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Understanding Buy Now, Pay Later Plans: Pros and Cons
Learn how Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) works – pros, cons, fees, credit impact – and get tips to use it wisely for holiday shopping so you stay on budget.
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Understanding and Improving Your Debt-to-Income Ratio
You debt to income ratio is how much debt you compared to how much you earn. It tells lenders you may have too much debt to realistically pay down on your current income.
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Managing Medical Bills: How to Negotiate and Reduce Costs
More than half of Americans say they currently have outstanding medical bills or unpaid medical debt, according to a survey from Debt.com. If you’re one of them, you know how stressful it can be. Healthcare costs are a real burden for many, and getting a big medical bill can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have […]
Financial Independence Day: Steps to Achieve Debt Freedom
This Fourth of July weekend, celebrate freedom from debt. This strategies and tips will help you lower your debt burden.
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Consolidating Debt: How to Simplify Your Payments This Year
Mid-year can be a good time to pause and look at your financial picture. If you’re like many people, you might find yourself juggling several different credit card debts. Each one comes with its own due date, minimum payment, and interest rate. This can quickly become a source of stress, making it hard to keep […]
Revolver vs. Transactor: What Kind of Credit User are You?
We compare the credit habits of revolver vs transactor cardholders so you can see the difference and choose the right credit management strategy for you.
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The Student Loan Crisis Is Worse than You Think
Federal student loans payments resume this October. The result will likely hurt individual borrowers and the greater economy as a whole.
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Understanding Common Credit Card Fees
Rules and regulations concerning common credit card fees are constantly changing. Stay up-to-date on the latest fee news and choose your cards wisely.
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Americans May Face a Crisis with Past Due Debt
Experts predict that credit card defaults and delinquencies will increase in 2021 once stimulus runs out. Here’s how to get ahead of past-due debt.
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Experts Respond: How Should People Handle Debt after a Loss of Income?
As millions of Americans try to deal with income losses amidst coronavirus shutdowns, we asked 21 experts for their tips on how people should handle debt.
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Overspending for Credit Card Rewards You Never Use
Studies show that consumers use charge more to earn credit card rewards, but often never do anything with them. Find tips for refining your credit strategy.
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Hindsight is 2020: How to learn from money mistakes
Even experts make money mistakes. Learn from our panel about money missteps and how you can learn from them and move forward.
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Veterans to Qualify Automatically for Permanent Disability Student Loan Forgiveness
Veterans will now qualify automatically for permanent disability student loan forgiveness, as well as tax exemption on the discharged debt. Learn more here.
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What Happens When the Fed Lowers Interest Rates?
When the Fed lower interest rates, it affects your ability to save and pay off debt. Learn what to do following the latest Federal Reserve announcement.
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Is Your Debt-to-Income Ratio Telling You It’s Time to Get Debt Help?
Debt-to-income ratio is a tool that lenders use to assess your debt, but it can also clue you into knowing when it’s time to get debt help. Learn how here.
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Consumer Credit Card Debt Breaks Records… Again.
It’s official. Consumers ended 2018 with a record $870 billion in credit card debt. If you have high balances to pay, Consolidated Credit has some advice.
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