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Debt

Debt

Debt keeps you shackled to decisions you made in the past. Escape by building awareness around the true cost of borrowing money.

Debt keeps you shackled to decisions you made in the past. Escape by building awareness around the true cost of borrowing money.

Everything you need to know about debt

Are You Riding the Credit Card Float?

Are you riding the credit card float? Here's a quick test: can you pay off your current bill AND meet your current obligations?

4 Lessons From My Zero Percent Nightmare

I thought I was entirely in control of my credit card spending, but it is a serious head game and no one is immune.

Should I Pay Off My Credit Cards or Max Out My 401k?

In the unending “pay off debt first or start investing” debate, I’ve learned about a small wrinkle: If your employer matches your 401k contributions, you earn an instant 100% bonus on every one of those dollars. In the worst of scenarios, your credit card company is charging you interest in the high 20s.

I Want to Talk About Shopping Addiction (Again)

Emily Hudson
|
February 19, 2026

When shopping becomes a shortcut to feeling okay, money worry is never far behind. Emily shares how untangling self-worth from spending and planning ahead changed everything.

The One Shift That Helped Taylor Become Debt-Free During Unemployment

Ben Barlowe
|
December 9, 2025

Taylor and her husband lost their jobs twice in one year—but still paid off $9,000 of debt and stayed out of the red. Here’s how breaking their reliance on debt changed everything.

Debt vs. Month Ahead: What to Tackle First

Ernie Reppe
|
November 20, 2025

Should you pay off debt or get a month ahead first? The Budget Nerds weigh the pros and cons of each approach, showing how both can help you build confidence and peace with your money. A calmer money life is just ahead...

6 Money Myths That Kept Me Broke for 20 Years

Erin Lowell
|
June 19, 2025

A lifetime of money myths quietly shaped my choices, limited my options, and kept me stuck. Letting go of these six common misconceptions gave me a new mindset and led to real financial freedom.

Stretch Your Dollars—Without the Stress

Matthew Amster-Burton
|
June 24, 2024

Money doesn't have to be messy. Follow Matthew's 5 steps for to make the most of your dollars and replace chaos with clarity, even in tough financial times.

Are You Riding the Credit Card Float?

Jesse Mecham
|
October 31, 2023

Are you riding the credit card float? Here's a quick test: can you pay off your current bill AND meet your current obligations?

How to Turn Student Loan Nightmares Into Sweet Dreams

Emily Hudson
|
October 19, 2023

Pay off daunting debt and face the return of student loans without fear using the YNAB Method.

How to Pay Off Debt Fast: 12 Ideas

Rachel Wong
|
March 15, 2023

Wondering how to pay off debt fast with a honey badger-level intensity? Defeat debt in record time. We've got a few ideas to get you started.

Buy Now Pay Later Apps: 5 Hidden Costs

Sofia Hergenrader
|
December 13, 2022

Buy Now Pay Later apps are a tempting option when you want something you can't quite afford, but that purchase comes with hidden costs.

Slay Your Loans With YNAB’s Loan Payoff Simulator

Rachel Wong
|
December 7, 2022

Find more money for your loans and pay less in interest with YNAB's loan payoff simulator. It's the spear you need to slay your debt payoff.

How to Pay Off Student Loans Fast

Emily Hudson
|
September 8, 2022

Are you ready to pay off student loans fast? Read more about the karate-chop strategy Ernie used to defeat his student loan balances!

Student Loan Debt and Starting a Family: How to Afford Both

Rachel Wong
|
May 16, 2022

Feeling the weight of student loan debt and starting a family? Do your loans make it feel like the rest of your life is on hold?

What Happens if You Miss a Student Loan Payment?

YNAB
|
April 21, 2022

Student loans are a fact of life for many college grads these days and student loan mistakes are oh-so-easy to make. Learn how to avoid them!

Using YNAB as a Student Loan Planner

Ashley McCann
|
April 18, 2022

Defeat student loan debt by setting up your budget so that it doubles as a student loan planner with this step-by-step guide.

Is All Debt Bad Debt?

Jesse Mecham
|
April 4, 2022

Debt isn't that bad, right? Wrong. It's not about the math, it's about the actual cost of debt and how it robs you of opportunity.

Should I Consolidate My Debt?

Jesse Mecham
|
March 3, 2022

If you're asking yourself, "Should I consolidate my debt?" we've got answers, including the requirements that make you a good candidate.

How to Deal with Debt Stress

Allie Cooper
|
December 16, 2021

Dealing with debt stress? It's a heavy emotional burden. See how debt stress manifests itself in daily life and what to do about it.

How to Pay Off 100k+ in Student Loans

Lindsey Burgess
|
November 24, 2021

Mitchel had over 100K in student loans and it made him sick to his stomach. After a very brief moment of wallowing, he got to work.

5 Best Debt Payoff Planner Apps

Ashley McCann
|
November 4, 2021

Looking for the best apps to help pay off debt? We've got five great options for accelerated debt reduction. Find one that works for you!

How To Pay Off $20,000 Car Loan Fast: 4 Simple Tips

YNAB
|
November 2, 2021

Amanda found herself with a $20,000 car loan, and she didn't love the feeling. Find out how she paid off her car loan fast with 4 quick tips.

Which Comes First: Emergency Fund or Pay Off Debt?

Ben Barlowe
|
October 28, 2021

Wondering if you should build your emergency fund or pay off debt first? Learn the best method for prioritizing competing financial goals.

Study: Effects of the Student Loan Freeze

Rachel Wong
|
March 12, 2021

See how the Federal student loan interest rate freeze has impacted borrowers and what they're doing with the extra money.

The Most Honest Account of $80K in Student Loan Debt You'll Hear

Tristan Henry-Wilson
|
March 5, 2021

Well after 20 years, I paid off all my student loans. It wasn’t easy, but I made every payment on time. I couldn't have done it without YNAB.

I’ve Paid Off Half of My Debt in a Year

Krys
|
December 4, 2020

Krys is working to pay off $20,000 of debt. It's been a year since she started budgeting and she's cut her debt balance in half.

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