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

When Secured Debt Becomes Overextended: Warning Signs and Ways to Protect Yourself
Secured Debt

When Secured Debt Becomes Overextended: Warning Signs and Ways to Protect Yourself

Secured debt is any loan tied to something you own. A car loan is secured by the car. A mortgage is secured by the house. A home equity loan or line...

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Your House Counts in Net Worth, But Not as Cash
Net Worth Calculation

Your House Counts in Net Worth, But Not as Cash

When most middle-class families sit down to figure out their net worth, the first thing they think about is their house. That makes sense. For many...

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How a Simple Budget Keeps Credit Card Debt From Sneaking Up
Personal Budgeting

How a Simple Budget Keeps Credit Card Debt From Sneaking Up

Credit card debt rarely happens because someone plans to get in over their head. It happens in small moments. Groceries cost more than expected. The...

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How Credit Card Debt Turns Into Everyday Financial Stress
Financial Stress

How Credit Card Debt Turns Into Everyday Financial Stress

A credit card balance can seem harmless when it first appears. Maybe you covered a car repair, a medical bill, or a few weeks of groceries after an...

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Popular Articles

The Critical Choice: Should You Use Retirement Savings to Pay Off Debt?
Debt Settlement: Why It Often Hurts More Than Helps
How Your Payment-to-Income Ratio Affects Your Loan Approval
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

Yes, if your credit score has improved since you got the original loan, refinancing can lower your interest rate and monthly payment. However, if you are deeply upside-down, you may not qualify.

An emergency fund is a dedicated savings account with enough liquid cash to cover 3-6 months' worth of essential living expenses, such as housing, food, utilities, transportation, and minimum debt payments, in the event of a financial shock.

Yes. If you default on a debt, a creditor or debt buyer can file a lawsuit against you. If they win a judgment, they may be able to garnish your wages or levy your bank account to collect the owed amount.

Eligibility varies by lender but generally requires demonstrating a specific, verifiable hardship that impacts your ability to make payments. You must typically contact the creditor directly, explain your situation, and provide documentation if requested.

A grace period is the time between the end of your billing cycle and your payment due date. If you pay your balance in full during this time, you typically avoid interest charges. However, the minimum payment is still required by the due date to avoid a late fee and negative credit reporting.