Debt
Understand what debt costs and pay it off in the right order.
Understand what debt costs and pay it off in the right order.
Credit cards
How credit cards workPay the statement in full, pay zero interest.Credit card interestHow APR turns into monthly interest.Lower your card APRA five-minute call can cut what you pay.Buy now, pay laterFour small payments are still a loan.Snowball vs avalanchePay debts in the order that fits you.Balance transfersCompare the fee to the interest you'd pay.Loans
AmortizationSame payment each month, a changing split.Personal loansA fixed payment for a set term. Watch the fee.Car loansA lower payment can mean a higher price.Student loansFederal or private decides your options.Repayment plansYour loan dates decide which plans you can pick.Refinance student loansA lower rate, but federal protections end for good.Debt-to-income ratioMonthly debt payments รท gross monthly income.Cosigning a loanYou owe all of it if they don't pay.Getting out of a hole
Debt consolidationOne lower-rate payment, if the old cards stay at zero.Payday loansAbout 391% APR, and easy to get stuck.Medical debtCheck it, ask for help, then pay on a plan.Debt collector rightsAsk for proof, dispute in writing, keep records.Debt settlementPaying less than you owe, at a real cost.Bankruptcy basicsWipe out or restructure debt, under court rules.Debt or investCompare the debt's rate with a realistic return.
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