Tag: debt

Student loans has been a hot topic of late, which is not surprise given there are around 43 mil­lion Amer­i­cans dealing with some form of active or delinquent stu­dent debt. Based on reports from the WSJ and data company MeasureOne, Amer­i­cans owe around $1.6 tril­lion in fed­eral stu­dent loans and…

This article looks at the current and past debt ceiling debacles and potential impacts to everyday Americans Basically if the debt ceiling (currently $31.4 trillion) is not raised, the government would not be able to borrow more money to pay its bills, which could lead to a default on its…

The average American carries $6,715 in credit card debt, and average credit card APRs are running in the 20-25% range in 2026. At those rates, a $6,700 balance paying only the minimum can take years to clear and cost more in interest than the original purchases. Getting out of debt…

A credit-builder loan doesn't hand you cash upfront. You make fixed monthly payments — usually $25 to $150 — into a locked savings account, the lender reports every payment to the credit bureaus, and you get the money back (minus interest) once the term ends. It's a strange-sounding product, but…

Ever wondered where all our federal tax dollars go? I did and a recent report from the center on budget priorities and policies (CBPP) provided a very nice graphic on how federal tax dollars are distributed. With all the political rhetoric that abounds around the national debt, excessive federal spending…

The typical American thinks they need $1.46 million to retire comfortably — up $200,000 from just last year's estimate. Meanwhile, the average Gen X 401(k) balance sits at $222,100, and roughly 28% of Americans have nothing saved for retirement at all. Against that backdrop, I still tell parents the same…

[Update as of July 23rd] It's time to pay for the American dream. In various discussions around how to cut the national debt, so that we don't have to keep raising the debt ceiling, one theme that is common in most plans is that Americans now and for generations to…

The average credit card APR is running above 21% in 2026 — over 23% on new accounts — and late fees are back up near their old highs after a court struck down the CFPB's $8 cap in 2025. Both of those facts change how much a slip-up actually costs…

Ever been curious about the seeming universality of the desire to purchase goods and services without paying for them immediately? Many credit card users fall victim to this desire for instant gratification knowing full well they can’t actually afford what they bought without going into debt. Deferring payment until tomorrow…

So you’re getting married? Congratulations! Decisions about churches, colors, the bridal party, and which family/friends to invite often become choices that take center stage but there are other, less glamorous considerations that have a much longer lasting impact. Those considerations involve financial matters. While the most common subject of marital…

One of the worst forms of creditor harassment is relentless debt collection calls. For some people, the collection calls become so annoying that they are forced to change their phone numbers or even disconnect the phone altogether. Though the FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) has laid down clear guidelines…

The average credit card now carries north of 21% APR — above 23% on new accounts — so the cost of a credit card mistake is higher in 2026 than it's been in decades. Banks make billions a year in fees and interest, and nearly all of it comes from…

In the current financial climate as the economy slows with rising inflation, many of us are under pressure to pay the bills, buy basic household items and meet our day-to-day expenses. Finding spare cash to pay off loans, save for your kids college expenses and to build up a decent…