Debt Management

Learn how debt can affect your credit scores, plus the different types of debt (both good and bad), and best practices for paying it off.

A woman leans against a table with a calculator and pencil in hand. A laptop, glasses and paperwork also sit on the table.

Strategies for Paying Off Debt

There are many different strategies for repaying debts. How can you pick the one that fits your budget?

Read More
A tree has fallen onto a dark silver car

Emergency Fund: What Is It & How To Build It

An emergency fund is essential for handling unexpected expenses without debt. Learn how to build one to cover three to six months of expenses, with tips on saving strategies and budgeting for financial security.

Read More
A woman with a ponytail holds a cellphone up to her left ear

What to Know When Your Creditor Sells Your Debt to a Collection Agency

If you’ve fallen behind on a debt, your creditor could sell what you owe to a collection agency. Here’s what to know when your debt goes into collections.

Read More
A man smiling while holding a cellphone to his right ear

[Video] How to Negotiate with Lenders

If you’re a borrower facing financial difficulties, learn how negotiating with your lender may help you get a better handle on your debt.

Read More
A woman focusing on her laptop screen and typing on her keyboard with her right hand

[Video] How Can I Prioritize Repaying Multiple Debts?

If you’re juggling multiple debts, these strategies may help you prioritize your repayment efforts.

Watch Now
A person using their left hand to hold several receipts down

How to Catch Up When You’ve Fallen Behind on Paying Your Bills

If you’ve fallen behind on paying your bills, these six steps can help you get back on track.

Read More
A woman holding and typing on a calculator with both hands sitting next to a man holding an invoice with his left hand

How to Bypass Debt Collectors and Work with Your Original Creditor

Dealing with a debt collector can be intimidating and costly. Here’s when you may be able to bypass debt collectors and work with your original creditor to repay what you owe.

Read More
A man and woman smiling while looking at a laptop screen

How to Manage and Pay Off High-Interest Debt

Here are a few important things to consider when it comes to managing and paying off high-interest debt.
Read More
A woman wearing glasses stares intently at her cellphone screen

What Are the Different kinds of Debt?

You may think that all debt is the same, but loans and other debts can have different impacts on your credit scores.

Read More
A person types on a calculator with their left hand while holding papers in their right hand

[Video] What Is a Credit Utilization Ratio?

Your credit utilization ratio is a factor in calculating your credit scores. Learn more about credit utilization and how it can impact your credit.

Watch Now
A man in glasses stares intently at his laptop screen

What Is Wage Garnishment?

A wage garnishment is when money is withheld from an employee’s earnings to pay back debt. Learn about garnished wages and what to do if it happens to you.

Read More
A woman in a sweater sits on a cliffside while staring at surrounding mountains

What Is a Debt Consolidation Loan? Does Debt Consolidation Hurt Your Credit?

When considering debt consolidation, it's good to know how this repayment strategy might impact your credit. At Equifax, we cover why debt consolidation may be a good idea, including the pros and cons.

Read More