Debt Basics
Do you have too much debt? Understanding your debt and getting help
Too much debt can impact your finances and credit. Find out how your balances stack up.
Unsecured vs. secured debt
Knowing the difference will help you decide which types of loans work best for you.
How to reduce your debt payments
These five debt reduction strategies can help eliminate your balances.
Latest Articles
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Which debt should you pay off first?
There are benefits to tackling your smallest debt first and working your way up.
6 min read Mar 24, 2021
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How to negotiate debt with credit card companies
Come prepared to your credit card debt negotiation.
9 min read Nov 08, 2021
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Want a lower credit card interest rate? Just ask
Don’t let high interest rates keep you from paying off your credit card debt.
5 min read Nov 10, 2021
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How to get out of debt with a low income
Dreams of being debt-free are particularly challenging for individuals with low income. The average American owes between $6,000 to $7,000 in credit card debt alone, and when you add car payments, medical [...]
5 min read Aug 26, 2021
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Best balance transfer cards with no balance transfer fee
Read Bankrate’s expert picks for the best balance transfer cards with no fee.
4 min read Oct 27, 2021
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Home equity line of credit (HELOC) vs. home equity loan: How do they work?
Know the differences between these products before you borrow against your equity.
5 min read Oct 27, 2021
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How to consolidate debt without hurting your credit
Learn how to minimize negative changes to your credit score when consolidating debt.
4 min read Aug 27, 2021
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7 tips for recovering from bankruptcy
Bankruptcy will cloud your credit, but with time and discipline, you can recover.
8 min read Sep 22, 2021
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Average American debt 2021
A look at consumer debt in the U.S. reveals predictable trends and a few surprises.
4 min read Sep 17, 2021
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3 steps to calculate your debt-to-income ratio
DTI is your monthly debt divided by your gross monthly income. Here’s what to know.
3 min read Sep 15, 2021