Debt & credit guides
Plain-English guides to getting out of debt and borrowing smarter — each one backed by a free calculator so you can run the numbers on your own situation.
Debt snowball vs. avalanche: which is better?
Two proven payoff strategies, one key trade-off: motivation versus math. Here's how each works and how to pick.
Read guide →How to pay off credit card debt fast
Minimum payments can stretch a card balance over a decade. Here's how to break the cycle and pay it off years sooner.
Read guide →Is debt consolidation worth it?
Consolidation can save real interest or quietly cost you more. The deciding factor is simpler than most people think.
Read guide →How to get out of debt: a step-by-step plan
A simple, five-step plan to go from overwhelmed to debt-free — with the math to back up every decision.
Read guide →How much house can I afford?
Lenders use simple ratios to decide what you can borrow. Here's the math — and how to find a payment you'll actually be comfortable with.
Read guide →What is a good debt-to-income ratio?
DTI is the number lenders care about most. Here's what counts as good, why it matters, and how to improve it.
Read guide →Personal loan vs. credit card: which is cheaper?
Both let you borrow — but the costs are very different. Here's when each one wins.
Read guide →15- vs 30-year mortgage: which is better?
The term you pick changes your payment and your total cost by a lot. Here's the trade-off.
Read guide →How credit card interest works
Understand APR, the grace period and daily compounding — and how to never pay a cent of card interest.
Read guide →Should I pay off debt or save?
It's not all-or-nothing. Here's the order that puts your money where it earns the most.
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