Debt Management Tips & Resources
Tips and resources to help you manage your personal debt.
FEATURED ARTICLES
What Is APR and How to Calculate It
Comparing Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) can help you find the right loans. Learn how to calculate APR on a credit card and get tips to lower costs.
How to Calculate Interest Rates
Learn how to calculate interest, from simple and compound rates to credit card APRs, to help you make informed financial decisions.
What Is a Reverse Mortgage?
A reverse mortgage allows homeowners to borrow money based on the equity in their home. See how a reverse mortgage works, and whether it's a good idea.
WHAT'S NEW
What Is an Installment Loan?
What is an installment loan, and how does it work? Understand installment debt to learn if you should take out an installment loan and see alternatives.
What Is a Promissory Note and How Does It Work?
Explore the basics of promissory notes. Learn how these agreements work, why they are useful, and the legal requirements you need to know.
Fixed APRs vs Variable APRs
Know the difference between fixed and variable rate APRs before taking out a credit product. Here’s a look at how fixed APR and variable APRs work.
ALL UNDERSTANDING DEBT ARTICLES
What Is a Promissory Note and How Does It Work?
Explore the basics of promissory notes. Learn how these agreements work, why they are useful, and the legal requirements you need to know.
What Is a Subordination Agreement?
A subordination agreement can be used to rank home loans by priority. Learn how it works and what it means for your mortgage.
What Is APR and How to Calculate It
Comparing Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) can help you find the right loans. Learn how to calculate APR on a credit card and get tips to lower costs.
Average Credit Card Debt in the U.S.
Credit card balances are climbing. Learn how average U.S. credit card debt compares across generations and what’s fueling the increase.
How to Calculate Interest Rates
Learn how to calculate interest, from simple and compound rates to credit card APRs, to help you make informed financial decisions.
What are Debt Management Programs and How Do They Work?
Learn how debt management programs can help you get out of debt faster, how they might impact your credit score, and the role of non-profit credit counselors.
What Is Debt Consolidation and Why Should Millennials Care?
Debt consolidation can simplify your life and help you gain more control of your finances by consolidating some of your monthly bills into a single loan.
What Is an Installment Loan?
What is an installment loan, and how does it work? Understand installment debt to learn if you should take out an installment loan and see alternatives.
How to Consolidate Credit Card Debt
Debt consolidation can help simplify your finances and reduce monthly payments. Learn how you can consolidate credit card debt with these simple steps.
What Is a Reverse Mortgage?
A reverse mortgage allows homeowners to borrow money based on the equity in their home. See how a reverse mortgage works, and whether it's a good idea.
7 Ways to Make Money With Your Car
See how to make money with your car: ridesharing, delivering food, advertising on your car, providing mobile services, renting out your car, and more.
What Is a Car Title Loan?
A car title loan uses your vehicle as collateral. They’re small, short-term loans that can be easy to get, but can be costly. Learn how they work.
What is a Lien?
A lien is a legal claim against assets that may be used as collateral in order to repay a debt. Learn how liens work and how to remove them.
Conventional, Conforming, & Jumbo Loans: What’s The Difference?
Conventional loans, such as conforming and jumbo loans, are the most common home mortgages in the U.S. Here are the key features of each type.
Is Mortgage Refinancing the Right Move in an Economic Downturn?
Find out whether refinancing your mortgage is a good idea to provide the cash you need to tide you through an economic downturn.
What Are the Different Types of Debt?
Over your lifetime, you’ll probably use various types of debt for different purposes. Here are the key features of the main types of debt.
What Happens to Debt When You Die?
If you wonder what happens to your debt when you die, here’s a look at the basic rules and various exceptions to the rules.
What Is Debt-to-Income Ratio and How Do You Calculate It?
Debt-to-income ratio, or DTI, can play a key role in your ability to borrow money. Understanding your debt-to-income ratio can help you manage your overall finances.
FEATURED ARTICLES
How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt
Explore proven strategies to pay off credit card debt, including the snowball and avalanche methods, balance transfers, and debt consolidation options.
What Is Debt Settlement?
Debt settlement can help you reduce debt. Learn how it works, how to negotiate debt settlement yourself, and the impact it could have on your credit score.
How Can I Get a Cashier’s Check?
If you need a cashier’s check, where do you start? Here’s the lowdown on where to get a cashier’s check, what it costs, what information you need to provide, and more.
WHAT'S NEW
Can You Pay Student Loans With a Credit Card?
Can you pay student loans with a credit card? Explore options and tips on how to pay off student loans efficiently for a brighter financial future.
Personal Loan Requirements
What do you need to get a personal loan? Understand personal loan requirements and lender criteria so you can apply with confidence.
How to Refinance Credit Card Debt: Steps for Saving
Credit card refinancing can lower interest, simplify payments, and save money. Learn how to refinance credit cards in four easy steps today.
ALL PAYING OFF DEBT ARTICLES
Should You Pay Off Your Car Loan Early?
Paying off your car loan early can save money, but it’s not always the best choice. Explore the pros and cons to decide if it's right for you.
The Debt Avalanche Method
The debt avalanche method helps you pay off debts strategically by focusing on high-interest balances first. Learn how and when to use it as part of your repayment plan.
How to Use the Debt Snowball Method to Pay Off Debt
Explore how the debt snowball method can help you effectively pay off your debt. Explore the pros and cons to determine if it fits your debt repayment goals.
How to Refinance Credit Card Debt: Steps for Saving
Credit card refinancing can lower interest, simplify payments, and save money. Learn how to refinance credit cards in four easy steps today.
How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt
Explore proven strategies to pay off credit card debt, including the snowball and avalanche methods, balance transfers, and debt consolidation options.
How to Get Out of Debt
Take control of your finances with practical steps on how to reduce debt, including budgeting tips, effective repayment strategies, and smart ways to manage credit.
What Is Debt Settlement?
Debt settlement can help you reduce debt. Learn how it works, how to negotiate debt settlement yourself, and the impact it could have on your credit score.
Personal Loan Requirements
What do you need to get a personal loan? Understand personal loan requirements and lender criteria so you can apply with confidence.
Using a Personal Loan to Pay Off Credit Card Debt
Sometimes, consolidating your debt with a personal loan could be a smart idea. See how to pay off credit card debt using a personal loan and what to expect.
Can You Pay Student Loans With a Credit Card?
Can you pay student loans with a credit card? Explore options and tips on how to pay off student loans efficiently for a brighter financial future.
What Is an Income-Driven Repayment Plan?
Income-driven repayment plans can help college grads with student loan debt by lowering monthly payments based on their income. See how they work.
What Is a Bridge Loan?
How does a bridge loan work? Learn what bridge loans are, the benefits and risks to consider, and if a mortgage bridge loan is the right option for you.
Credit Card Payoff Calculator
Our credit card payoff calculator can estimate your debt payment timeline. Learn why debt payoff is important and get tips for high-interest balances.
What Is Deferred Interest?
Deferred interest offers can help you finance a big-ticket purchase interest-free – but only if you pay off the balance in full before the promo period ends.
What Is Unsecured Debt?
Unsecured debt is a debt owed to a creditor that is not tied to an asset like your home or car. Here are some pros and cons of carrying unsecured debt.
How Can I Get a Cashier’s Check?
If you need a cashier’s check, where do you start? Here’s the lowdown on where to get a cashier’s check, what it costs, what information you need to provide, and more.
What Is Residual Interest?
Learn how residual interest accrues on credit card accounts. See how it works and steps you can take to reduce residual interest to avoid unexpected fees.
The Total Cost of Borrowing
See how much it really costs to borrow funds. Learn how APR and the length of the loan or line of credit can significantly impact the cost of borrowing.
A Simple Guide to Mortgage Payments
Standard mortgage payments usually include four key elements: principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. Learn how a mortgage payment is calculated.
FEATURED ARTICLES
What Is Debt Free Living?
Looking to experience debt-free living? Learn more about the risks and rewards of reducing debt and how to create a plan to reach financial freedom.
How to Write a Check
Learn how to write a check in six steps, including dating your check, writing in the payee, filling in the numerical amount, and writing out the amount.
How to Calculate Inflation Rates
Here’s an overview of the typical inflation rates economists use to better understand the U.S. economy, why they matter, and how to calculate them.
WHAT'S NEW
What Is Credit Card Debt Forgiveness?
Discover how credit card debt forgiveness works, its risks and potential impact on your credit score, plus alternatives for managing credit card debt.
6 Tips to Begin Managing and Protecting Your Parents’ Finances
Aging parents may find it challenging to manage household finances. If you plan to help, aim to set up a support system before the need arises.
Can You Get a Loan Without a Job?
Need a loan but don’t have a job? Getting one may be hard but not impossible. Before applying, consider whether a loan is the right financial move.
ALL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ARTICLES
What Do Financial Advisors Do and How Much Do They Cost?
What does a financial advisor do, and how much do they cost? Learn what to expect, how fees work, and what to consider before hiring one.
7 Alternatives to Consider Before Taking Out a Payday Loan
Each year, Americans take out millions of payday loans as a quick way to get cash. But these loans are costly, and there may be better alternatives.
How Do Debt Relief Programs Work
Wondering how debt relief works? Learn more about debt relief programs, important risks to keep in mind, and alternatives before you qualify for one.
What Is Debt Free Living?
Looking to experience debt-free living? Learn more about the risks and rewards of reducing debt and how to create a plan to reach financial freedom.
Different Types of Mortgage Loans
Discover the different types of mortgage loans, including fixed-rate mortgages and adjustable-rate mortgages. See how to find the right option for you.
Secured vs. Unsecured Personal Loans
Personal loans can be secured or unsecured. Secured loans require collateral, and unsecured loans do not. See which loan option is right for you.
How to Write a Check
Learn how to write a check in six steps, including dating your check, writing in the payee, filling in the numerical amount, and writing out the amount.
What Is Credit Card Debt Forgiveness?
Discover how credit card debt forgiveness works, its risks and potential impact on your credit score, plus alternatives for managing credit card debt.
What Is Capitalized Interest?
Capitalized interest is the addition of unpaid interest charges to a loan balance. Find out how it can affect your finances, especially student loans.
What Is a Cashier’s Check?
A cashier’s check is a check drawn from the bank’s funds, not your personal account. Cashier’s checks are sometimes preferred for large transactions.
Can You Get a Loan Without a Job?
Need a loan but don’t have a job? Getting one may be hard but not impossible. Before applying, consider whether a loan is the right financial move.
6 Tips to Begin Managing and Protecting Your Parents’ Finances
Aging parents may find it challenging to manage household finances. If you plan to help, aim to set up a support system before the need arises.
How to Calculate Inflation Rates
Here’s an overview of the typical inflation rates economists use to better understand the U.S. economy, why they matter, and how to calculate them.
7 Ways to Reduce Financial Stress
Many people experience financial stress. Here are a few expert suggestions to help ease money worries.
Managing Credit Card Debt After a Job Loss
Losing your job can be daunting, especially in an economic downturn. These tips may help you manage and get some relief from credit card debt.
There’s an array of mortgage types to choose from,
with different down payment requirements,
interest rates, and monthly payments.
EXPLORE TOPICS BY LIFE EVENT
The material made available for you on this website, Credit Intel, is for informational purposes only and intended for U.S. residents and is not intended to provide legal, tax or financial advice. If you have questions, please consult your own professional legal, tax and financial advisors.
