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Debt Management

Articles filed under Debt Management.

Capital One Checking And Savings Bonuses

Capital One Checking And Savings Bonuses

Capital One offers new customers limited-time welcome bonuses for opening a new account. Learn more about Capital One new account bonuses.

Apr 25, 2026

Dear Penny: My Daughter is Depressed and Not Working. How Can I Help Her?

Dear Penny: My Daughter is Depressed and Not Working. How Can I Help Her?

Dear End, I’m sorry for the situation your family is going through. Mental health is a challenging issue and can be difficult on those with mental health concerns and those who care for them. To support your daughter through mental illness, listen when she shares what she’s experiencing, take her seriously when she talks about...

Apr 18, 2026

I Was $50,000 in Debt. Here’s How I Paid Off $30,000 of It in 18 Months

I Was $50,000 in Debt. Here’s How I Paid Off $30,000 of It in 18 Months

This Penny Hoarder had a rough 2015. Here’s how to get out of debt when you have $50,000 looming over your head — and how she paid off $30,000 of it in 18 months.

Apr 3, 2026

Dear Penny: I Have $20,000 in Credit Card Debt. Should I Take Out a Personal Loan?

Dear Penny: I Have $20,000 in Credit Card Debt. Should I Take Out a Personal Loan?

Dear Fielding, Whether a personal loan is a good fit for you depends on a lot of factors. Consider how the credit card debt is currently impacting your finances and what you might do with a personal loan. Also consider how a loan payment would fit into your financial picture. A personal loan can be...

Apr 18, 2026

What’s the Difference Between Debt Consolidation and Debt Settlement?

What’s the Difference Between Debt Consolidation and Debt Settlement?

If you’re struggling with debt, you’re not alone. Total household debt shot up to $17.80 trillion as of the second quarter of 2024. So how do you deal with overwhelming debt? We’ll compare two of the most common strategies: debt consolidation vs. debt settlement. Understanding the steps, pros and cons of each can help you...

Apr 18, 2026

7 Questions to Ask Before You Stop Paying Your Student Loans in Forbearance

7 Questions to Ask Before You Stop Paying Your Student Loans in Forbearance

[call_out_box id=3] The possibility of student loan forgiveness is no longer in question. On Aug. 24, 2022, the Biden administration forgave $10,000 of student debt for all borrowers who make less than $125,000 per year ($250,000 per household), while forgiving $20,000 for borrowers who previously received the Pell Grant. That news grabbed the most headlines,...

Apr 18, 2026

These Holiday Mocktails Are Overflowing with Flavor, Without the Alcohol

These Holiday Mocktails Are Overflowing with Flavor, Without the Alcohol

New Year’s Eve is a major holiday for alcohol purchases, which can definitely add up. Bypass the booze and try these four mocktails instead.

Apr 4, 2026

Want to Pay Off Your Home Early? One Extra Payment a Year Can Shave Off Years

Want to Pay Off Your Home Early? One Extra Payment a Year Can Shave Off Years

Thirty years is a long time. If you’re chipping away at a mortgage each month, it can feel even longer.  But what if you could eliminate that financial ball and chain by paying off your mortgage early? The truth is, if you can scrape together the equivalent of one extra payment to put toward your...

Apr 18, 2026

Boredom Be Gone: 114 Free Summer Activities to Keep Everyone Busy

Boredom Be Gone: 114 Free Summer Activities to Keep Everyone Busy

Whether you’d rather be outside or enjoy the AC, we’ve got ideas for you. Here are 100 free summer activities for kids of all ages, from the young to the young-at-heart.

Apr 18, 2026

Worried About Layoffs? 7 Steps to Stay Ready and Financially Steady

Worried About Layoffs? 7 Steps to Stay Ready and Financially Steady

There are ways to prepare for a job loss that can help you better survive unemployment — and find new work. Here’s what to do when you’re laid off.

Apr 18, 2026

What You Should Know About U.S. Savings Bonds

What You Should Know About U.S. Savings Bonds

Saving money can feel uncertain—but savings bonds promise something different: patience rewarded with growth. Backed by the U.S. Treasury, they’ve earned the trust of generations. Want to know why they’re still a go-to for cautious investors? Here's what you should know about U.S. savings bonds. Government-Backed Security August de Richelieu/Pexels Lending your money to the...

Apr 18, 2026

15 Money Habits That Quietly Hold Women Back

15 Money Habits That Quietly Hold Women Back

Money stress doesn’t always come from major mistakes. Sometimes, it’s baked into routines that seem harmless. Many women plan well and still feel behind, which can be frustrating and confusing. But small shifts make a difference. This list breaks down 15 subtle habits that quietly interfere with financial progress—and how to start loosening their grip....

Apr 4, 2026