Articles on Debt Management

How a Solid Credit Score Saves You Money

Your FICO credit score has a direct bearing on what kind of interest you can expect to pay on a loan, a mortgage or any other similar product. Many employers and landlords als

Book Review: Hot (Broke) Messes - How to Have Your Latte and Drink it Too

Nancy Trejos is a personal finance writer for the Washington Post. While she was advising readers on financial problems, she was actually so broke that she had to ask her hardwo

How to Afford Payments on Your Adjustable Rate Mortgage

our adjustable rate mortgage is getting ready to adjust and you might not be able to afford the payment. So what can you do to keep your finances above water?

Reduce Your Credit Limits to Manage Your Spending

Most of us have more credit than we need, and this can be dangerous for those trying to manage their debt and spending. Remove the temptation by asking for your credit lines to

If Budgeting Isn't Fun, You're Doing It Wrong

Budgeting should be fun. If you don't believe me, you've been doing it wrong.

Best Money Tips: Get a Second Job and Quit Whining About Debt?

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips roundup. Today, we share the best way to get out of debt, 15 ways to slash retirement spending, and how to make wallpaper decals!

Exploring Debt Restructuring Options

If your business is finding it hard to keep up with all its credit card, credit line, and bank loan payments, it may be time to consider debt restructuring.

6 False Assumptions About Debt-Free Living

What to expect once you're debt-free.

The U.S. Government Wants You in Debt

I’m going to out on a limb and make the bold statement: the United States government wants you in debt, rather than you saving money. Politics aside, I am going to discuss why I be

Why You Can't Stick with a Budget

A good budget is the best tool for reaching your financial goals. If you've ever begun a budget only to give it up days, weeks or months later, or know someone who has, you need to

How You Know When It's Time For Bankruptcy

When it comes to erasing debt, you've got options. You can do it yourself, go to a credit counselor, try debt settlement or go for the nuclear bomb of debt destruction: bankruptcy.

FINANCIAL IQ TEST: How Healthy is your Debt Management?

Are you on top of your debt – both logistically and emotionally? Do you maximize value while minimizing interest rates? Do you know what the different types of loans are, and how t

Solving a Debt Dilemma with Debt Settlement

Paying half a bill is better than paying it all. But is going to a debt settlement company the way to do it? Understand how these companies work, then decide for yourself.

Dealing With Debt: Credit Counselors

There are three heavily advertised ways to find help to dig out of debt: credit counseling, debt settlement and bankruptcy. Which is best? Let's find out, starting with a closer lo

When It's Time to Destroy Debt, Start With a Goal

I'm doing a 90-day series on air and online to help people destroy debt. My first installment concerns the single most important thing you can do: establish goals. Read and watch f

How Debt Fools People

People who have a natural aversion to debt often wonder how some people get themselves into such terrible problems with debt. Don't they know how much it costs? Don't they understa

Contributing to a Roth Versus Paying Down Debt

This post was prompted by a reader question, but it's an issue that many people face—we see versions of it all the time in the forums.

Get a Grip on Your Debt: How to Obtain a Clear, Concise Financial Snapshot

Before we can tackle our debt problems, we need to know from where we are starting.

How to Botch Up, Then Peddle Back to Good Credit

As a young adult, I thought I had a firm grasp on being financially responsible. But I never really understood my credit score, or even why it was important to build a good score.

Get Out of Debt First, Then Focus on Saving

When you’re in debt, it’s nearly impossible to save money. The money you save while paying off debt is not likely to earn as much interest as the interest you pay towards your debt