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Plain-language debt guides

Clear, researched answers for people managing debt

Guides on payoff order, credit cards, student loans, mortgages and bankruptcy, plus calculators and a worksheet that use only the numbers you type.

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  • 12 guides
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Debt Payoff4 guides Credit Card Debt5 guides Student Loans1 guides Mortgages1 guides Bankruptcy1 guides

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About 1 hourFreeWhich Debt to Pay First: A Priority Order That WorksAbout 20 minutes to set upFreeDebt Avalanche vs Snowball: Which Method Fits You?Ongoing habitVariesHow to Pay Off Credit Card Debt Faster, Step by StepOngoing habitFreeCan Only Afford Minimum Debt Payments? What to DoAbout 30 minutes to decideVariesShould You Pay Extra on Your Mortgage? How to DecideA few hours to compare offersVariesShould You Refinance Student Loans? What You Give UpAbout 20 minutes to readFreeWhat Bankruptcy Does: Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 BasicsA few months for a starter fundFreeEmergency Fund or Pay Off Credit Cards First?

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Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator (Monthly Payments)Type your monthly debt payments and gross monthly income to see your debt-to-income ratio as a percentage, with the formula and its limits explained.Extra Mortgage Payment Calculator (Months and Interest Saved)Type your balance, rate, remaining months and an extra monthly amount to see months and interest saved from a month-by-month schedule. No rates supplied.Debt Inventory Worksheet and Credit Counselor Prep ChecklistA printable table to list every debt with balance, rate, minimum and due date, plus a tickable checklist for preparing to talk to a nonprofit credit counselor.Debt triage and refinance guide: what to do first and when a new loan helpsSort urgent debts into an order, then compare option types such as refinancing, balance transfers and counseling, with the questions to ask before you commit.

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