How I Ditched Debt: Thrifty Living and Side Gigs
In this series, NerdWallet interviews people who have triumphed over debt using a combination of commitment, budgeting and smart financial choices. Responses have been edited for length and clarity. Graduating from college during the Great Recession made getting a job…
Tackle Your Debt With a Debt Tracker
Like many people with debt, you might not know how much money you actually owe or how long it will take to pay off. A debt tracker can help you learn exactly what you’re dealing with and create a plan…
Don’t Dig Yourself Deeper in Debt With These ‘Solutions’
Americans are slipping ever deeper into hock. To cope, many people turn to debt consolidation loans, cash-out mortgage refinancing and retirement plan loans that promise relief but could leave them worse off. Paying off high-rate debt such as credit cards…
It’s Time to Let Go of Shame Over Your Debt
Many of us feel bad about our debt. Most of us probably shouldn’t. Three-quarters of U.S. households owe money, but the vast majority pay their bills on time and have debt loads that are reasonable given their incomes. But many…
How I Ditched Debt: Redefining ‘Best Life,’ Scaling Back
In this series, NerdWallet interviews people who have triumphed over debt. Responses have been edited for length and clarity. Paying off debt isn’t always a linear journey. For Sonia Sears, a social worker at a charter school and a mental…
How I Ditched Debt: Small Wins Help Achieve a Big Dream
In this series, NerdWallet interviews people who have triumphed over debt. Responses have been edited for length and clarity. Bernadette Joy Maulion, 34, went to business school part time after a career in human resources, hoping to start a new…