I'm being sued or garnished
What to do with a summons, how to respond before the deadline, and what part of your pay and benefits the law protects.
Collectors keep calling
What collectors can and can't do, how to demand proof of a debt, and free letters you can copy and send today.
Medical bills I can't pay
Itemized bills, hospital financial assistance, surprise-bill protections and how medical debt shows up on credit reports.
Federal student loans
Debt relief companies can't settle these. Here's what changed in 2026 and where the free government options are.
I just need a budget
See what's left each month after essentials and minimum payments, and which paths are realistic for your numbers.
I'm comparing my options
Settlement, consolidation, credit counseling, balance transfers, DIY payoff and bankruptcy, with real fees and trade-offs.
Not sure where you fit? A nonprofit credit counselor will go over your whole budget with you for free. Look for an agency affiliated with the NFCC or FCAA. Or take our 60-second assessment and we'll email you a suggested next step.
A few rules that apply to every situation
- Never ignore court papers. Collection calls can wait a day. A summons can't.
- Free help exists for nearly everything here. Government programs, legal aid, nonprofit counseling and federal student loan options cost nothing. Anyone charging an upfront fee for those is a red flag.
- Get every agreement in writing before you pay, and pay in a way you can trace (not gift cards, wire transfers or crypto).
- Check your credit reports for free at AnnualCreditReport.com, the official site for all three bureaus.