Debt Management Archives - Page 2 of 5

Is ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ a Debt Trap? What You Need to Know

August 21, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

It feels convenient at checkout, but the cost can sneak up later.

Buy Now, Pay Later services have exploded in popularity, offering shoppers the chance to split purchases into smaller, manageable payments. The pitch sounds simple: grab what you want now, and worry about the money later. For many, it feels like a painless way to afford more without using a credit card.

But these plans come with fine print and hidden pitfalls. Before you sign up for one, here are nine things you should really consider.

Could You Cover a $500 Emergency? 37% Can’t—Here’s How to Prepare

August 12, 2025 by James Clendenin

A small financial shock shouldn’t have to be a major life crisis.

A startling new poll for 2025 reveals that nearly four in ten Americans cannot afford an unexpected $500 expense without going into debt. That is a terrifying statistic that shows how many families are living on a financial knife’s edge. A single flat tire, a minor medical issue, or a broken appliance can be enough to trigger a major financial crisis.

The good news is that building a small emergency fund is not as hard as it seems. It’s about creating a habit, and you can start today.

7 Money Moves to Make Now Since Student-Loan Interest is Back

August 11, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

The long pause is over; it’s time for a new strategy.

For a few surreal years, the relentless grind of student-loan interest came to a halt, a government-induced pause that offered a moment of financial respiration to millions. That quiet period is now a distant memory, and the familiar, compounding weight of interest is once again a stark reality. For many, the return to repayment has been a jarring re-entry into a complex and often unforgiving system.

Simply resuming your old payment plan is a passive strategy that ignores the new landscape. The rules have shifted, new programs have emerged, and interest rates remain a potent force. Navigating this new chapter requires a proactive and strategic approach, a series of deliberate moves designed to minimize the long-term cost of your education and accelerate your path to freedom.

These Text Message Scams from Unknown Numbers Are Not so Innocent

August 6, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

A new wave of scams is preying on the trust of text messaging.

The text message, once a simple tool for communication, is now a breeding ground for a new wave of scams that are far from innocent. These aren’t the obvious phishing attempts of the past; they are sophisticated, personalized attacks that prey on the trust we have in our phones. These scams are becoming more common and more dangerous, leading to financial loss and emotional distress.

These scammers are using new tactics to get into your wallet, from impersonating a bank or a delivery service to a trusted friend. They are using a combination of social engineering and technical know-how to create a sense of urgency and fear, making it difficult to spot a scam from a legitimate message. It’s a new reality where a simple text can be a major threat.

Debt‑Strapped and Stalled: 7 Ways Student Loans Are Delaying Adulthood

August 4, 2025 by Riley Clendenin

Student loan debt has become a heavy anchor on adult life.

The promise of a college degree as a ticket to a better life has been replaced by the crushing reality of student loan debt, creating a ripple effect that is delaying adulthood for millions. This isn’t just a financial burden; it’s a major psychological weight that affects every aspect of life, from career choices to personal relationships. The milestones that were once a standard part of growing up are now distant, often unattainable, goals.

This debt-strapped generation is finding that the foundation for building a life is fundamentally different than it was for their parents. What was once a clear path is now a maze of financial hurdles, forcing a constant state of financial precarity. The weight of this debt has created a sense of being perpetually stalled, unable to move forward with the plans and dreams they were told would be within their reach.

11 Wedding Expenses That Gen Z Couples Are Having to Finance

July 24, 2025 by James Clendenin

Saying ‘i do’ to debt is the new reality for many young couples.

The tradition of a parent’s generation footing the entire bill for a wedding is rapidly fading into the past. In 2025, Gen Z couples are taking on the financial responsibility for their own big day, and they are doing so in an era of high costs and high expectations. To achieve the wedding they’ve envisioned, many are turning to financing.

From personal loans to “buy now, pay later” services, debt is becoming a common, if unglamorous, part of the modern wedding budget.

Does Jerome Powell Deserve Credit? His Federal Reserve Reduced Inflation From 9.1% to 2.1%

July 22, 2025 by James Clendenin

The numbers look good, but the story of how we got here is complicated.

By the numbers, the tenure of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell looks like a resounding success. He inherited an economy spiraling into the highest inflation in 40 years and, through a series of aggressive policy moves, steered it back toward the Fed’s 2% target. The drop from a peak of 9.1% inflation to today’s more stable 2.1% is a remarkable achievement that has impacted every American’s wallet.

But was it all Powell’s doing, or was he a beneficiary of circumstance? The debate over his legacy is complex, with strong arguments on both sides.

The Debt Struggle Is Real—14 Psychological Tricks to Keep You Moving Forward

July 7, 2025 by James Clendenin

Getting out of debt starts in your mind long before it shows in your bank account.

Debt doesn’t just drain your wallet—it can hijack your thoughts, mess with your confidence, and make long-term goals feel like a cruel joke. The pressure isn’t just financial; it’s emotional. When payments stretch on forever and interest eats everything in sight, motivation starts to crumble. You feel like you’re working hard just to stay in the same place, and that’s when the mental game gets serious.

But here’s the thing—your mindset can become your biggest weapon. You don’t need to be perfect with numbers or obsess over spreadsheets to make real progress. What you need is momentum, clarity, and a few smart tricks to stay focused when everything in you wants to give up. These 12 psychological strategies aren’t magic, but they’ll keep your head in the game when your bank balance says otherwise—and that’s often the turning point.