How Much Bankruptcy Costs and How to Pay for it
It’s a classic catch-22: You’re in rough financial shape and need to file for bankruptcy. But between filing fees and the cost of hiring the right bankruptcy attorney, you could end up paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars to…
How Credit Counseling Can Help You
Nonprofit credit counseling agencies offer money advice, including some free assistance — no matter your financial situation. You might want their help if you’ve recently lost your job and are struggling to figure out your budget or want to explore…
Good Debt vs. Bad Debt: Know the Difference
Before you take on any debt, consider whether a car loan or new credit card will help meet your financial goals — or make them more difficult to accomplish. The type of debt you take on, along with its quantity…
How I Ditched Debt: Smart Solutions for ‘Stupidest Decision’
In this series, NerdWallet interviews people who have triumphed over debt using a combination of commitment, budgeting and smart financial choices. Responses have been edited for length and clarity. Getting an MBA was the “stupidest decision” of Cameron Merriman’s life….
Credit Card Experts Aren’t Immune to Credit Card Debt
Anyone can end up with credit card debt. The important thing is what you do with it. NerdWallet’s Credit Cards content team talks about how they’ve dealt with their own credit card debt, the mistakes they’ve made in both running…
How I Ditched Debt: ‘We Have Choices Again’
In this series, NerdWallet interviews people who have triumphed over debt using a combination of commitment, budgeting and smart financial choices. Responses have been edited for length and clarity. Sally and Adam Cleary have a good life now. They own…
How I Ditched Debt: Thrifty Living and Side Gigs
In this series, NerdWallet interviews people who have triumphed over debt using a combination of commitment, budgeting and smart financial choices. Responses have been edited for length and clarity. Graduating from college during the Great Recession made getting a job…
Tackle Your Debt With a Debt Tracker
Like many people with debt, you might not know how much money you actually owe or how long it will take to pay off. A debt tracker can help you learn exactly what you’re dealing with and create a plan…
Don’t Dig Yourself Deeper in Debt With These ‘Solutions’
Americans are slipping ever deeper into hock. To cope, many people turn to debt consolidation loans, cash-out mortgage refinancing and retirement plan loans that promise relief but could leave them worse off. Paying off high-rate debt such as credit cards…
It’s Time to Let Go of Shame Over Your Debt
Many of us feel bad about our debt. Most of us probably shouldn’t. Three-quarters of U.S. households owe money, but the vast majority pay their bills on time and have debt loads that are reasonable given their incomes. But many…