About
About Debt.com
Debt.com’s writers are journalists, personal finance experts, and certified credit counselors. Their advice about money – how to make it, how to save it, and how to spend it – is based on, collectively, a century of personal finance experience. They’ve been featured in media outlets ranging from The New York Times to USA Today, from Forbes to FOX News, and from MSN to CBS.
News & analysis
Articles by Debt.com
News
How to Deal with Debt Collectors
Collection calls are tough to deal with even when they follow the law. Here are 5 key things to keep in mind when you get calls from collectors.
Guides
Guides by Debt.com
A Grace Period Gives You Extra Days Before the Late Fee Hits
After a payment due date, you only have so much time before a non-payment penalty will kick in.
Debt Consolidation vs Debt Settlement: Which Is Better?
Choosing between Consolidation and Settlement depends largely on your situation.
Tax Debt
Get Out of Tax Debt
Pros and Cons of Debt Consolidation Loan: Is it a Good Idea?
What are the pros and cons of a debt consolidation loan?
10 Reasons to Use Home Equity Loan
What are the top ten reasons to apply for and use a home equity loan.
What Is a Credit Report? How to Read It and Check for Errors
This guide explains what’s contained in each section of your credit report, the codes you need to know to understand your credit history, and what you need to do to get a clean credit report.
How to Improve Your Credit Score Fast
Need to raise your credit score fast? Here's how.
Research 
Research studies led by Debt.com
Credit Card Debt Survey 2026: Inflation Still Driving Credit Card Use
Debt.com's survey of more than 1,000 Americans shows inflation continues to push households to rely on credit cards for everyday expenses — while a proposed 10% federal interest rate cap polarizes opinion across generations.
Student Loan Forgiveness Survey: 3 in 5 Borrowers Are Concerned About President Trump’s Second Term
Many are “nervous” and “overwhelmed” about how to afford payments when SAVE payments resume in April.
Holiday Shopping Survey: 66% Will Go into Debt This Season
Debt.com's Annual Holiday Shopping Survey Reveals AI Gifts and BNPL are Pushing Holiday Budgets to the Brink.
FAFSA Survey: 3 in 4 Americans Have Had Trouble Filing for FAFSA
The two most common problems cited? Too many questions and a faulty website.
Summer Vacation Spending Survey: 8 in 10 Travelers Will Use Credit Cards This Summer
And many have already gone into debt for previous trips.
Natural Disaster Debt Survey: Americans Blame Inflation for Spending More on Natural Disaster Preparations
1 in 4 are spending more than $200 on natural disaster preparedness this year.
Back-to-School Shopping Survey: Americans are Spending More on Back-to-School Shopping Because of Inflation
A new survey shows that nearly half of parents will spend more than $200 on each child.
Debt.com and Florida Atlantic University Survey: The Youngest and Oldest American Adults Were Hit Hardest Financially By The Pandemic
Members of Gen Z drained their savings, while the Silent Generation racked up credit card debt.
Debt.com and Florida Atlantic University Survey: Credit Card Debt Didn’t Soar During Pandemic
As the pandemic winds down, new research shows credit card debt didn't reach record highs in the U.S. as finance experts originally predicted. But it turns out the most likely to survive COVID-19 were least immune to credit card debt.
How Important Is Valentine’s Day During a Pandemic?
More will forgo the holiday, but those who embrace it will spend the same.
The Pandemic Changes How Americans Think About Money
The pandemic has had such a major impact on Americans' finances and psyche that even those who didn't lose part of their income are now rethinking how to approach spending and saving.
New Year’s Resolutions, Same Old Results
Good economy or bad, Americans are still making financial New Year’s resolutions – and still not keeping them
Debt.com 2018 Balance Transfer Survey: Is a Balance Transfer Good or Bad?
A balance transfer credit card is a useful tool to consolidate debt, but only if it's used correctly. We asked consumers about their thoughts on balances transfers, and it turns out that over half of people may be using them in a financially risky way.
Video 
Videos featuring Debt.com
The Student Loan Problem Nobody Talks About
Student loan debt can follow borrowers for decades, even when they’re consistently making payments. So what’s keeping so many people stuck? Howard Dvorkin, CPA breaks down the role interest plays in student loan debt, why balances can be so difficult to bring down, and how lower interest rates could give borrowers a clearer path toward repayment.
What is Debt Settlement?
Debt settlement, debt resolution, debt relief –– they’re all different names for the same thing. You pay back less money than you owe.
1981 Interest Rates vs Today — Mortgage vs Credit Cards Explained
Mortgage rates in 1981 were shockingly high, but how do they really compare to today’s credit card interest rates?
The Scarcity Mindset Trap: How to Stop Feeling Guilty Every Time You Spend
If you feel a wave of guilt every time you swipe your card — even on something you can afford — you're not bad with money. You might just be stuck in survival mode. Howard Dvorkin explains why a scarcity mindset follows you long after your income improves, and what you can actually do about it.
Why Americans Feel Squeezed Even When Inflation “Cools”
Prices may not be rising as fast as they were, but that does not mean life suddenly feels affordable again. In this Dvorkin on Debt episode, Sydney sits down with Howard Dvorkin, CPA and Chairman of Debt.com, to talk about the affordability crisis and why so many Americans feel like they are working hard but still falling behind.
4 Financial Fixes That Could Save You Thousands Before Year-End
You're already halfway through 2026...and if your finances feel tighter than ever, these 4 fixes can put real money back in your pocket before December.
Buy Now Pay Later Loans Explained
Howard Dvorkin advises against the use of Buy Now Pay Later in this latest episode of Dvorkin on Debt.
Credit Myths Exposed: What Really Affects Your Score
Credit Myths: Howard keeps it simple: pay on time, keep balances low, and use tools like secured credit cards the right way to build lasting credit.
7 Steps to Rebuild your Credit
Here are 7 steps to get your score back on the right track. From how to properly dispute errors on your report to lowering your credit utilization.
Learn How EASY the 50/30/20 Budget Really Is!
Most people aren’t quite sure what the 50/30/20 budget actually is, but with our guide you’ll understand the basics and how to properly use it.
The Impact of Identity Theft and How to Protect Yourself
If you’ve ever been a victim of ID theft, then you know how important it is to protect yourself and your credit.
Is a Debt Collector Harassing You?
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects you from debt collectors. If they break the rules, you can sue them.
What Credit Report Errors Cost You
Debt.com reporter Jilliana Ourth talks to Howard Dvorkin about the growing trend of credit report errors and what consumers can do to fix them.
Hidden Costs of Closing a Credit Card
<p>If you’re thinking about closing a credit card account, hold on a second. We explore the often-overlooked consequences of closing a credit card on your credit score.</p>
How to Start a Small Business
<p>Debt.com reporter, Juliana O., reveals what steps you need to take in order to have a successful business plan and how to execute it.</p>
What Does the Fed’s Rate Hike Really Mean for You?
We explain how the Federal Reserve rate hikes affect you, and what you should and shouldn’t do when they happen.
Will Paying Off My Credit Card Actually Help My Credit Score?
Howard Dvorkin discusses why paying off your credit card will be the most beneficial option.