15 guides
Debt payoff guides
Plain-English guides to paying off debt. General education, not financial or legal advice. We don't offer loans or debt relief, and we take no referral fees.
Know your debt
Your list, interest, minimum payments and credit.
- Start here: list every debt
Balance, rate, minimum and due date, all on one page.
- How credit card interest really works
Why balances shrink so slowly.
- The minimum payment trap
Minimums keep you current, not getting ahead.
- Debt and your credit score
Paying on time and paying down balances both help.
Payoff plans
Snowball, avalanche, extra money and motivation.
- The debt snowball method
Smallest balance first, for quick wins.
- The debt avalanche method
Highest interest rate first, to pay the least interest.
- Find extra money for debt payments
Every extra dollar shortens the timeline.
- Stay motivated for the long haul
Make progress visible and celebrate milestones.
Lower the cost
Balance transfers, consolidation and calling creditors.
- Balance transfer cards: help or trap?
A low promo rate can help if you pay it off in time.
- Debt consolidation loans, explained
One payment, maybe a lower rate, if the numbers work.
- Call your creditors: what to ask
Lower rates, hardship programs and payment plans.
Getting help
Credit counseling, settlement risks, collectors and student loans.
- Nonprofit credit counseling and debt management plans
Free or low-cost help from accredited counselors.
- Debt settlement and debt relief: know the risks
Big promises, real costs.
- Dealing with debt collectors: your rights
Verify the debt, and know what collectors can't do.
- Student loans: where to start
Know your loan types and check official options.