Are You OverExtended?

Are you managing your debt, or is it managing you? Practical guidance for managing personal debt and credit.

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  • Spending more than paying off
  • Trouble paying bills
  • Buying without down payments
  • Maxed out credit lines
  • Retirement not properly funded
  • No payoff strategy
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Recent Articles

How Big Should Your Emergency Fund Be?
Building an Emergency Fund

How Big Should Your Emergency Fund Be?

Unexpected things happen all the time. Your car breaks down. Your furnace stops working. You get hit with a medical bill. Without money set aside for...

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Using Your House as an ATM Is a Dangerous Way to Manage Debt
Secured Debt

Using Your House as an ATM Is a Dangerous Way to Manage Debt

When you fall behind on bills, it can feel like there is no way out. The credit card payments pile up, the interest keeps growing, and you start...

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What Happens When You Owe More Than Your Car Is Worth
Secured Debt

What Happens When You Owe More Than Your Car Is Worth

If you have a car loan, you are dealing with secured debt. That means the loan is tied to something you own, and in this case, the car itself is the...

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The 50/30/20 Budget Rule: A Simple Way to Manage Your Money
Personal Budgeting

The 50/30/20 Budget Rule: A Simple Way to Manage Your Money

If you have ever looked at your bank account at the end of the month and wondered where all your paycheck went, you are not alone. Many middle-class...

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Popular Articles

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Video

Consumer Credit Tips

Each video breaks down one practical way to get out from under debt and stay there — straightforward advice on credit, budgeting, and the habits that keep you from getting overextended again.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The original lender (e.g., credit card company) is the creditor. If they charge off the debt, they may sell it to a third-party debt collector, who then owns the debt and aggressively pursues repayment.

A secured card requires a refundable cash deposit that typically serves as your credit limit. It is designed for those building or rebuilding credit. It reports to credit bureaus like a regular card but helps limit risk because the deposit secures the issuer's funds.

The constant anxiety can lead to sleep disturbances, headaches, muscle tension, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. The body's prolonged "fight or flight" response takes a significant toll on physical health.

Laws in many states prohibit utility shut-offs during extreme weather or for vulnerable households. Payment assistance programs are also widely available.

The hardship arrangement may be canceled immediately, and the account could revert to its original terms, with accrued fees and penalties added. Communication with your creditor is critical if you anticipate missing a payment.