About

About DebtFreeGuide

DebtFreeGuide is a collection of plain-language guides for people trying to lower balances, reduce interest and make clearer debt decisions under pressure. Each article takes one specific question, such as which debt to pay first or whether to refinance, and works through the tradeoffs.

Each article starts from a question people really ask and answers it first, then explains the reasoning, the tradeoffs and the limits of the advice. The site is a research-based reference built from published guidance, and we explain our process on the how we check page.

What you will find here

• Debt payoff for methods and what to pay first.
• Credit card debt for paydown, transfers and settlement questions.
• Student loans for refinancing tradeoffs.
• Mortgages for extra payments on housing debt.
• Bankruptcy for what the process does and does not do.

If you are not sure where to begin, start here. There is also a tools page with two calculators, a printable debt worksheet and a guide to put the articles into practice.

How to read the guides

The guides are general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Examples use illustrative numbers, so substitute your own. Rules, limits, rates and fees change and vary by state and country, so check current official figures before acting. For decisions that carry real consequences for your situation, consider speaking with a qualified professional. Debt settlement and bankruptcy in particular can have lasting consequences.

Corrections and contact

If you spot a mistake or something unclear, please tell us and we will review it. Use the contact form to reach us.

You can also read our disclaimer and privacy policy.