Debt help
Plans for paying debt off, what happens when payments get hard, and the federal rules that protect you from collectors and scammers.
Paying debt down
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Debt help · updated Oct 13, 2026
Payoff strategies
Avalanche vs snowball, worked out: highest rate first saved $592 in our three-debt example.
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Debt help · updated Oct 13, 2026
Settlement vs consolidation
Settlement, debt management plans and consolidation loans compared: fees, taxes and credit damage.
When payments get hard
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Debt help · updated Oct 13, 2026
Missed a payment
What happens after a missed payment, and why acting before it's 30 days late protects your credit.
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Debt help · updated Oct 13, 2026
Hardship and forbearance
How payment pauses and hardship plans work, and their cost: deferring two car payments added $222 in our example.
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Debt help · updated Oct 13, 2026
Debt collectors and your rights
Validation notices, the 30-day dispute window, the 7-calls-in-7-days rule and how to complain.
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Debt help · updated Oct 13, 2026
Old debt and time limits
Most states give collectors 3–6 years to sue. What can restart the clock, and why it's not the 7-year credit rule.
