Follow Us:
 
Bankrate.com
Bankrate Mobile Site

Debt

Big or small: Which accounts to pay first?

Size doesn't matter. Start with bills in collection to remove bad items from a credit report.
Full Story

Recent debt stories

Should I pay an old debt that's a mystery?
It's time for some diligent detective work if they say, "You owe," you say, "I don't know."
Is an early payback good for credit score?
Before you dispose of a debt, consider your credit record along with other factors.
Can they keep adding to debt I'm fighting?
Be proactive with a debt that's in dispute because it can keep growing, even in collection.
Can collector call at work, threaten jail?
Know your rights if a collection agency calls you at your job or makes extreme legal threats.
Can your Social Security check be garnished?
Most creditors don't have free rein to garnish your monthly check, but a few do, including the IRS.
Am I stuck with a judgment and a boyfriend?
You owe a lot of money. How do you gracefully end a relationship when you have joint property?
How long can that bad debt hang over me?
Old debt can hound you on your credit and in the courts, and for different time periods.
Can a creditor take away my Social Security?
If you're forced to retire and have debt, your Social Security may be safe. But it depends.
Does Americans' love of plastic trump savings?
Americans have more savings than debt, but little progress has been made since last year.
Can bankruptcy cause me to lose my homes?
Whether you're inside or outside of bankruptcy, losing your homes is a possibility.
Can wages be garnished for old debt?
Old debt never dies, but there is an expiration on a creditor's ability to garnish wages.
Young mother with old debt fears collectors
Old debts never really go away, but you can keep collection agencies at bay using the right tactics.
Debts that can't be wiped out in bankruptcy
Certain debts can be covered in bankruptcy, but here are some you'll always have to pay back.
Sell truck to pay off credit card debt?
Selling your truck to pay off your credit cards and buy another truck may not be the best idea.
Which debts can be discharged in bankruptcy?
Filing bankruptcy does have some debt exclusions, but these bills and loans are usually covered.
Recover from a holiday spending hangover
As holiday spending turns to holiday debt, these money-saving tips will help you overcome it.
Help filing for bankruptcy without a fee
You need money to pay a lawyer when filing bankruptcy, but there may be ways around it.
Get debt collectors to leave you alone
Are you being harassed by debt collectors when the debt isn't yours? Make it stop.
12 top tips to harness debt in the year 2012
Debt isn't the problem, controlling it is. Follow these tips to put a leash on that old debt dog.
Drain retirement fund to pay debt?
Cut spending rather than tap retirement savings to pay off credit card debt.
Young, single mom faces deep debt troubles
Being a single parent is a difficult task -- made harder still by large debts.
What if you stop paying your credit cards?
Debt collection efforts will intensify the longer your credit card bill goes unpaid.
Make a fresh start after bankruptcy
Is bankruptcy the answer to your struggles with debt?
Behind on mortgage in bankruptcy. What now?
These options could help you keep your home post-bankruptcy when you fall behind on payments.
Military man fights valiant battle of the debt
Being deployed while facing a mountain of debt is tough. Here's the artillery to get back on track.
Get back on track after a financial setback
After a personal financial disaster, take these steps to ensure it won't happen again.
Explaining the statute of limitations on debt
A bad debt can stay on your credit report for years, but knowing when it will fall off is key.
Buried under your dead relative's debt?
The estate is responsible for a dead relative's debt, but it can get complicated by these issues.
Stopped paying debts: Is it OK to start over??
It's not going to be easy getting your credit back on track after you stopped paying your debts.
Will rich man's old debts hurt his new loan?
Check your credit score to ensure financial skeletons don't derail plans to buy a rental property.
Rethinking good debt vs. bad debt
It might be time to redefine the terms "good debt" and "bad debt."
Multiple forms of debt could mean bankruptcy
For debts ranging from back taxes to lawsuits, look at all your options before seeking bankruptcy.
What to do with stale-debt collectors
There are options for you if you have an old debt beyond the statute of limitations for collection.
Will payment on an old debt reset the clock?
Delinquent debt has a shelf life, but certain mistakes can keep it fresh.
How do I pay my $80,000 credit card bill?
A new mortgage to pay off crushing debts may not be in your interest.
Debt
Americans are becoming increasingly uncomfortable with their level of debt.
Save while whittling debt
Reducing debt is good, but set a pace that also allows you to form the funding for your future.
Long-lost utility bill zaps credit score
A bill you never knew about can lurk for years before landing on your credit report.
My girlfriend forged my name on $19K loan
When your significant other commits fraud, get legal and relationship advice.
Don't let debt collector bulldoze you
You don't have to be a lawyer to assert your legal rights with debt collectors.
Don't let debts grow old with you
Face down your debt issues as you approach retirement years.
Put a debt disaster behind you faster
You can speed your credit score's recovery from debilitating debt settlements.
Debt collector hasn't called? It'll happen
Sometimes the hardest part about having a bad debt is locating who you need to pay.
Not your debt? Don't take collector's guff
Fight back if harassed by a debt collector looking for someone else.
Debt woes may impact couple's joint assets
When dealing with debt issues, determine how your spouse's credit and assets could be affected.
Make the most of a debt consolidation loan
A debt consolidation loan can turn around your financial life, if you know how to avoid the traps.
Mortgage Rates
High Yield CD and MMA Rates
Other Rates
Compare Home Equity Rates



About our rates
advertisement
advertisement
Partner Center
advertisement
Stay Connected with Bankrate
Bankrate is now on Facebook ®Bankrate is now on Facebook®
Get alerted when rates changeGet alerted when rates change
Subscribe to Bankrate's RSS FeedsSubscribe:
RSS Feeds
Subscribe to Bankrate newslettersDaily newsletters full of $$ tips