Debt Solutions Articles

Emergency Fund or Pay Off Debt First? How to Plan for Both
Gina Freeman (Pogol)

October 8, 2026

Emergency fund or debt payoff? Here's the order that actually works for both.

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Should You Pay Off Debt or Save for Retirement First?
Rebecca Lake

October 8, 2026

A clear priority order helps you pay off debt and build retirement savings without picking just one goal over the other.

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Stay Debt Free This Holiday Season
Maurie Backman

October 8, 2026

Holiday debt sneaks up fast. These debt-free holiday tips help you shop, save, and skip it this year.

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How to Not Let Debt Stress You Out: 5 Ways to Get Rid of It
Thilini Wijesinhe

October 7, 2026

Debt stress is real, and it's treatable. Here's where to start, one small step at a time.

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Debt Relief vs. Debt Consolidation: Pros and Cons
Richard Barrington

October 7, 2026

One changes how much you owe. The other changes how you repay it. Here's the difference.

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What Is Zero-Based Budgeting?
Maurie Backman

October 7, 2026

Give every dollar a job. Here's how a zero-based budget helps you spend, save, and get ahead of debt.

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Debt Snowball or Debt Avalanche: Which Method Is Better?
Cole Tretheway

October 7, 2026

One method clears your smallest balance first. The other saves the most interest. The gap is smaller than you'd think.

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Understanding Bankruptcy and Debt
Brittney Myers

October 1, 2026

Bankruptcy may wipe out debt, and the outcome depends on your situation. Know your options before you file.

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Deep in debt, borrowers are cutting back but still struggling
Kat Tretina

October 1, 2026

A Freedom Debt Relief survey reveals that borrowers are looking for more than lower rates. They’re seeking stress relief and a clear path forward.

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How Does Medical Debt Show Up on Your Credit Report?
Kimberly Rotter

September 24, 2026

Medical debt and your credit report: what shows up, what doesn't, and how to fix errors.

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Get Rid of Debt When You're Broke
Lyle Daly

September 24, 2026

Broke and in debt? Learn what creditors could do, and where to find real help.

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How to Avoid 8 Common Debt Settlement Pitfalls: Risks to Know Before You Enroll
Kailey Hagen, CFP

September 24, 2026

Here are eight debt settlement pitfalls that could cost you more than you expect.

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What Is Debt Settlement?
Gina Freeman (Pogol)

September 24, 2026

Debt settlement can resolve unsecured debt for less than you owe, typically for a 15%–25% fee. See how it works and if it fits your situation.

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How to Build an Emergency Fund While You’re Paying Down Debt
Mallika Mitra

September 21, 2026

You don’t have to choose between saving and paying off debt — here’s how to do both, one smart step at a time.

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11 Smart Ways to Pay off Student Loans
Cole Tretheway

September 21, 2026

Here are smart, practical ways to pay off student loans faster, from quick tweaks to federal forgiveness programs.

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How to Budget to Pay Off Debt
Kimberly Rotter

September 21, 2026

Making a realistic budget that prioritizes debt payoff is often the best and fastest way to become debt-free.

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How to Pay Off Student Loans: A Complete Guide
Cole Tretheway

September 19, 2026

Student loans can feel like a lot to manage. Learn clear, practical steps to pay them off with less stress.

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Debt Load and Your Finances
Cole Tretheway

September 19, 2026

Your debt load is more than a number. It's the weight your monthly budget carries.

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Debt Consolidation vs. Bankruptcy: Which Is Better?
Maurie Backman

September 19, 2026

Debt consolidation and bankruptcy each offer a path through overwhelming debt, just in very different ways.

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Is Debt Settlement Worth It?
Kailey Hagen, CFP

September 19, 2026

Debt settlement can cut what you owe, but it comes with real trade-offs. Here's how to weigh them.

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What Is Unsecured Debt?
Richard Barrington

September 12, 2026

Unsecured debt has no collateral, so lenders rely on your credit history. Learn what counts as unsecured debt and how to manage it.

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Emergency Funds: How to Prepare for the Unexpected
Ashley Maready

August 28, 2026

Save $500 to $1,000 to start, then grow from there. Learn how to build an emergency fund step by step, even on a tight budget.

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How Much Does Credit Counseling Cost?
Natasha Etzel

August 27, 2026

Credit counseling costs vary by agency. Many services start with a free consultation and clear, upfront fees.

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How Much Does It Cost to File Bankruptcy?
Gina Freeman (Pogol)

August 26, 2026

Bankruptcy can cost $0 or $4,000. Here's what actually decides the price.

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Good Debt vs. Bad Debt: How to Tell the Difference
Maurie Backman

August 24, 2026

A mortgage and a credit card balance don't affect your money the same way. Here's the real difference.

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Debt Collection Lawsuit: Here's How to Protect Yourself
Ben Gran

July 8, 2026

You’ve got rights even when debt collectors are threatening to sue. Here’s how to avoid a debt collection lawsuit.

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