Debt

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

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 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?

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.

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.

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.

How to Get Out and Stay Out Of Debt (Forever!)

Erin Lowell

March 18, 2020

Stuck in the debt cycle? Let me guess, you're throwing everything at your debt payoff? Stop. Here’s how to stay out of debt forever.

I Hate Debt, But the Reasons Why Might Surprise You

Jesse Mecham

January 22, 2020

I hate debt, and the reasons might surprise you. Learn how debt restricts financial freedom through the lens of the YNAB Method.

4 Lessons From My Zero Percent Nightmare

Lindsey Burgess

November 11, 2019

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

Debt Is Not the Only Option

Shannon Marie

September 17, 2018

Imagine what life would be like if you never had to lean on your credit card and could avoid debt. That's the power of planning.

My Crazy Ride on the Credit Card Float

Janelle Whitaker

August 1, 2018

If you’re on the credit card float, you’re effectively living on next month’s income! And, chances are, you're stressed. Learn how to stop.

How to Snowball Your Debt & Reclaim Your Paycheck

Shannon Marie

July 26, 2018

Have you tried a debt snowball? It can change your plan can change your outlook, no matter how deep your debt.

How to Become Debt Free With a Low Income

Jesse Mecham

September 6, 2013

It’s going to be tight, but you can do it. Getting out of debt involves one big decision followed by small, daily decisions.

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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?

4 Lessons From My Zero Percent Nightmare

Other resources…

Debt Stories

How to Use the Avalanche Method to Pay Off Debt

How I'm Handling $200k of Student Debt

How to Get Out (and Stay Out) of Debt

I Want to Talk About Shopping Addiction (Again)

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

Debt vs. Month Ahead: What to Tackle First