Predatory Lending

Non-profit debt relief refers to services provided by organizations that are registered as 501(c)(3) non-profits, typically offering credit counseling, debt management plans (DMPs), and financial education to help individuals manage and overcome debt.

Lifestyle inflation, also known as lifestyle creep, is the tendency to increase your spending as your income rises. Instead of saving or investing the extra money, it gets absorbed into a more expensive lifestyle, leaving your savings rate stagnant and making you more vulnerable to debt.

Ask yourself reflective questions: "What makes me truly happy?" "What are my top life goals?" "What do I never regret spending money on?" Your answers will reveal your core values, which should be the categories where your money flows freely.

Set up automatic payments for at least the minimum amount due on all your accounts. This is the most reliable method to avoid accidental missed payments due to forgetfulness or a busy schedule.