Debt Management Tips & Resources
Tips and resources to help you manage your personal debt.
FEATURED ARTICLES
What Is APR and How to Calculate It
Learn what Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is, how to compare different types of APR, and how to calculate it.
How to Calculate Interest Rates
Calculating interest rate can be complicated and confusing. Here are a few simple steps to calculate interest rate and credit card interest.
Is Using a Reverse Mortgage a Good Idea?
Reverse mortgages can be a good way to fund your retirement – but usually only in a narrow set of circumstances. Otherwise, they may be an expensive way to borrow money.
WHAT'S NEW
What is a Lien?
A lien is a legal claim against assets that may be used as collateral in order to repay a debt. Learn how liens work and how to remove them.
Promissory Note: What Is It and How Does It Work?
The promissory note can be a useful tool when it comes to lending and borrowing as it helps to keep all parties in alignment. Learn how a promissory note works.
Fixed APRs vs Variable APRs
Know the difference between fixed and variable rate APRs before taking out a credit product. Here’s a look at how fixed APR and variable APRs work.
ALL UNDERSTANDING DEBT ARTICLES
What are Debt Management Programs and How Do They Work?
Learn how debt management programs can help you get out of debt faster, how they might impact your credit score, and the role of non-profit credit counselors.
What Is Debt-to-Income Ratio and How Do You Calculate It?
Debt-to-income ratio, or DTI, can play a key role in your ability to borrow money. Understanding your debt-to-income ratio can help you manage your overall finances.
Promissory Note: What Is It and How Does It Work?
The promissory note can be a useful tool when it comes to lending and borrowing as it helps to keep all parties in alignment. Learn how a promissory note works.
What Is a Subordination Agreement, and How Does It Work?
A subordination agreement can be used to rank home loans in order of priority. Learn how subordination agreements work and what this means for you.
What Happens to Debt When You Die?
If you wonder what happens to your debt when you die, here’s a look at the basic rules and various exceptions to the rules.
7 Ways to Make Money With Your Car
Are you looking for ways to make extra cash? Learn how to make money with your car with ridesharing, delivering food, advertising, and more.
What Are the Different Types of Debt?
Over your lifetime, you’ll probably use various types of debt for different purposes. Here are the key features of the main types of debt.
Is Using a Reverse Mortgage a Good Idea?
Reverse mortgages can be a good way to fund your retirement – but usually only in a narrow set of circumstances. Otherwise, they may be an expensive way to borrow money.
How to Consolidate Debt: 9 Steps to Regain Control
Debt consolidation can help simplify your finances and reduce monthly payments. Learn how you can consolidate debt with these 9 steps.
Is Mortgage Refinancing the Right Move in an Economic Downturn?
Find out whether refinancing your mortgage is a good idea to provide the cash you need to tide you through an economic downturn.
Conventional, Conforming, & Jumbo Loans: What’s The Difference?
Conventional loans, such as conforming and jumbo loans, are the most common home mortgages in the U.S. Here are the key features of each type.
What Is Debt Consolidation and Why Should Millennials Care?
Debt consolidation can simplify your life and help you gain more control of your finances by consolidating some of your monthly bills into a single loan.
How to Calculate Interest Rates
Calculating interest rate can be complicated and confusing. Here are a few simple steps to calculate interest rate and credit card interest.
Average U.S. Credit Card Debt
Credit card debt is on the rise. Look into the numbers behind average U.S. credit card debt and how it increases with age.
What Is a Car Title Loan?
A car title loan uses your vehicle as collateral. They’re small, short-term loans that can be easy to get, but can be costly. Learn how they work.
What Is APR and How to Calculate It
Learn what Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is, how to compare different types of APR, and how to calculate it.
What is a Lien?
A lien is a legal claim against assets that may be used as collateral in order to repay a debt. Learn how liens work and how to remove them.
FEATURED ARTICLES
How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt
Explore how to choose a debt reduction approach to help pay off your credit card debt.
What is Debt Settlement and How Does it Work?
Debt settlement helps you reduce debt by paying a fraction of your total balance. Learn more about how it works, its impact on your credit score, and its risks.
How Can I Get a Cashier’s Check?
If you need a cashier’s check, where do you start? Here’s the lowdown on where to get a cashier’s check, what it costs, what information you need to provide, and more.
WHAT'S NEW
What Is Residual Interest?
Learn how residual interest accrues on credit card accounts. See how it works and steps you can take to reduce residual interest to avoid unexpected fees.
The Total Cost of Borrowing
See how much it really costs to borrow funds. Learn how APR and the length of the loan or line of credit can significantly impact the cost of borrowing.
Should You Pay Off Your Car Loan Early?
Paying off your car loan early could be a smart financial move, but you’ll want to carefully consider the pros and cons to see if it’s best for you.
ALL PAYING OFF DEBT ARTICLES
Should You Pay Off Your Car Loan Early?
Paying off your car loan early could be a smart financial move, but you’ll want to carefully consider the pros and cons to see if it’s best for you.
How to Reduce Debt
A guide for how to get out of debt this year, whether it’s from a student loan, auto loan, credit card spending – or all of the above.
A Simple Guide to Mortgage Payments
Standard mortgage payments usually include four key elements: principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. Learn how a mortgage payment is calculated.
How to Use the Debt Snowball Method to Pay Off Debt
Take a strategic approach to pay off your debt by using the debt snowball method—find out if the debt snowball method is right for you.
The Total Cost of Borrowing
See how much it really costs to borrow funds. Learn how APR and the length of the loan or line of credit can significantly impact the cost of borrowing.
What Is Residual Interest?
Learn how residual interest accrues on credit card accounts. See how it works and steps you can take to reduce residual interest to avoid unexpected fees.
What Is Deferred Interest?
Deferred interest offers can help you finance a big-ticket purchase interest-free – but only if you pay off the balance in full before the promo period ends.
How Can I Get a Cashier’s Check?
If you need a cashier’s check, where do you start? Here’s the lowdown on where to get a cashier’s check, what it costs, what information you need to provide, and more.
What Is Unsecured Debt?
Unsecured debt is a debt owed to a creditor that is not tied to an asset like your home or car. Here are some pros and cons of carrying unsecured debt.
What is Debt Settlement and How Does it Work?
Debt settlement helps you reduce debt by paying a fraction of your total balance. Learn more about how it works, its impact on your credit score, and its risks.
Tips on How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt with Personal Loan
Credit card debt is very common and costly. Here are a few strategies to help you pay off credit card debt fast.
The Debt Avalanche Method: What It Is and How It Works
The journey to financial freedom often involves strategic debt repayment methods. In this article, we’ll look at the debt avalanche method for paying off debts.
What is an Income-Driven Repayment Plan?
Income-driven repayment plans help college grads with student loan debt by lowering monthly payments based on their income. However, the payoff period is longer.
How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt
Explore how to choose a debt reduction approach to help pay off your credit card debt.
FEATURED ARTICLES
How to Calculate Inflation Rates
Here’s an overview of the typical inflation rates economists use to better understand the U.S. economy, why they matter, and how to calculate them.
How to Write a Check in 6 Easy Steps
At a time with many digital payment options, some people aren’t sure how to write a check. Follow these steps to help you write personal checks properly.
What is Debt Free Living?
Are you considering a debt-free lifestyle? Learn more about the risks and rewards of reducing debt and how to create a plan to reach financial freedom.
WHAT'S NEW
7 Alternatives to Consider Before Taking Out a Payday Loan
Each year, Americans take out millions of payday loans as a quick way to get cash. But these loans are costly, and there may be better alternatives.
6 Tips to Begin Managing and Protecting Your Parents’ Finances
Aging parents may find it challenging to manage household finances. If you plan to help, aim to set up a support system before the need arises.
Can You Get a Loan Without a Job?
Need a loan but don’t have a job? Getting one may be hard but not impossible. Before applying, consider whether a loan is the right financial move.
ALL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ARTICLES
What is Debt Free Living?
Are you considering a debt-free lifestyle? Learn more about the risks and rewards of reducing debt and how to create a plan to reach financial freedom.
Managing Credit Card Debt After a Job Loss
Losing your job can be daunting, especially in an economic downturn. These tips may help you manage and get some relief from credit card debt.
What Is Capitalized Interest?
Capitalized interest is the addition of unpaid interest charges to the balance of a loan. Find out how it can affect your personal finances, especially student loans.
Choosing the Type of Mortgage Loan that Fits Your Needs
Buying a house usually means taking out a mortgage. Understanding different types of mortgage loans can ease the process of buying a house and potentially save you money, too.
How to Write a Check in 6 Easy Steps
At a time with many digital payment options, some people aren’t sure how to write a check. Follow these steps to help you write personal checks properly.
What Do Financial Advisors Do & How Much Do They Cost?
If you’re confused about how much financial advisors cost, you’re not alone. Here’s how to break down financial advisor fees – and avoid costly errors.
7 Ways to Reduce Financial Stress
Many people experience financial stress. Here are a few expert suggestions to help ease money worries.
Is a Secured or Unsecured Personal Loan Right for You?
There are two different types of personal loans – secured and unsecured. Learn which one is best for you and how they impact your credit score.
Are Debt Relief Programs Too Good to be True?
Wondering how debt relief works? Learn more about debt relief programs, the risks and alternatives before you qualify for one.
How to Calculate Inflation Rates
Here’s an overview of the typical inflation rates economists use to better understand the U.S. economy, why they matter, and how to calculate them.
7 Alternatives to Consider Before Taking Out a Payday Loan
Each year, Americans take out millions of payday loans as a quick way to get cash. But these loans are costly, and there may be better alternatives.
6 Tips to Begin Managing and Protecting Your Parents’ Finances
Aging parents may find it challenging to manage household finances. If you plan to help, aim to set up a support system before the need arises.
Can You Get a Loan Without a Job?
Need a loan but don’t have a job? Getting one may be hard but not impossible. Before applying, consider whether a loan is the right financial move.
What Is a Cashier’s Check?
A cashier’s check is a check drawn from the bank’s funds, not your personal account. Cashier’s checks are sometimes preferred for large transactions.
There’s an array of mortgage types to choose from,
with different down payment requirements,
interest rates, and monthly payments.
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The material made available for you on this website, Credit Intel, is for informational purposes only and intended for U.S. residents and is not intended to provide legal, tax or financial advice. If you have questions, please consult your own professional legal, tax and financial advisors.
