Are You OverExtended?

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

Get Started
  • Spending more than paying off
  • Trouble paying bills
  • Buying without down payments
  • Maxed out credit lines
  • Retirement not properly funded
  • No payoff strategy
Financial advisor

Recent Articles

The 28/36 Rule: A Simple Guide to Your Payment-to-Income Ratio
Payment-to-Income Ratio

The 28/36 Rule: A Simple Guide to Your Payment-to-Income Ratio

When you apply for a loan or a credit card, the lender wants to know one thing above all else: can you afford to pay this back? They don’t just look...

1 day ago Read More
Credit Score Mistakes to Avoid in Your 40s
40s

Credit Score Mistakes to Avoid in Your 40s

Your 40s are often the busiest financial decade of your life. You may be paying a mortgage, saving for retirement, helping aging parents, and...

1 day ago Read More
How to Time Your Credit Card Applications for Maximum Benefit
Strategic Credit Application

How to Time Your Credit Card Applications for Maximum Benefit

Applying for new credit is a normal part of adult life. Whether you need a better rewards card, a balance transfer tool, or a loan for a car, the way...

2 days ago Read More
For-Profit Debt Relief: Why Prevention Beats the Promise of a Quick Fix
For-Profit Debt Relief

For-Profit Debt Relief: Why Prevention Beats the Promise of a Quick Fix

When money gets tight and credit card bills pile up, the stress can make anything sound like a lifeline. That is exactly what for-profit debt relief...

3 days ago Read More

Popular Articles

Should You Request a Higher Credit Limit With a High Utilization Ratio?
Smart Financial Strategies for Raising a Family Without New Debt
Navigating Utility Debt: Choosing Between a Loan or Credit Card
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

Every dollar of income is assigned a purpose (expenses, debt repayment, savings), leaving no money unallocated. This maximizes efficiency and prevents wasteful spending.

A financial hardship program is a temporary arrangement offered by a creditor or loan servicer that provides modified payment terms to borrowers experiencing a legitimate financial difficulty, such as job loss, medical emergency, or military deployment.

The first step is awareness. Track your spending meticulously for a month to see where your money is actually going. Compare your current spending to your budget from a year or two ago to identify areas of creep.

Absolutely. Prioritize secured debts first. The consequence of default—losing your home or car—is typically far more severe than the consequence of defaulting on an unsecured credit card (damaged credit, collections). Keeping a roof over your head and a reliable mode of transportation is paramount.

A charge-off occurs when a creditor writes your debt off as a loss after 180 days of non-payment. It severely hurts your score and remains for 7 years.