Secured Debt

The Hidden Dangers of Home Equity Lines of Credit
Secured Debt

The Hidden Dangers of Home Equity Lines of Credit

When you own a home, it can feel like you have a safety net underneath you. That safety net is your equity, which is simply the difference between...

9 days ago Read More
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...

10 days ago Read More
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...

10 days ago Read More
The Hidden Risks of Using Home Equity to Pay Off Credit Card Debt
Secured Debt

The Hidden Risks of Using Home Equity to Pay Off Credit Card Debt

If you are a homeowner carrying a large credit card balance, you might have heard the idea of using your home’s equity to wipe out that debt. The...

1 month ago Read More
The Hidden Trap of Using Your Home to Pay Off Other Debt
Secured Debt

The Hidden Trap of Using Your Home to Pay Off Other Debt

If you own a house and find yourself juggling credit card bills or personal loans, you have probably heard the suggestion to take out a home equity...

1 month ago Read More
The Hidden Dangers of Overextending on a Home Equity Line of Credit
Secured Debt

The Hidden Dangers of Overextending on a Home Equity Line of Credit

A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is one of the most common types of secured debt for middle-class homeowners. It works like a credit card, but...

2 months ago Read More
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Creditors may request documents to verify your hardship, such as a layoff notice, medical bills, a divorce decree, a death certificate, or recent pay stubs and a budget showing your income shortfall.

Your own financial security must come first. The best way to help your children is to avoid becoming a financial burden on them later. You cannot pour from an empty cup; prioritize your retirement debt.

Cultivate patience and self-compassion. Overcoming debt is a marathon, not a sprint. Progress may feel slow, but every payment made is a step toward reclaiming your financial freedom and peace of mind.

It is the percentage of your available credit you are using. A high ratio (above 30%) suggests risk to lenders and can significantly lower your score.

Commit to one small action. This could be ordering your credit report, writing down all your debts on a single piece of paper, or calling a non-profit credit counseling agency. One step forward can build momentum and diminish feelings of helplessness.