When we first published our consumer debt infographic in 2013, American households were already carrying a substantial amount of debt. More than a decade later, the numbers have changed dramatically. As of the second quarter of 2026, total U.S. household debt stands at approximately $18.8 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. […]
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Financial Infidelity & Hidden Debt: How Couples Can Rebuild Trust
Money problems can strain even strong relationships, but the problem is not always how much a household earns or spends. Sometimes the deeper issue is secrecy. A hidden credit card, an undisclosed loan, a private bank account, or repeated lies about spending can create what is commonly called financial infidelity. Financial infidelity does not look […]
Continue ReadingMedical Debt In 2026: What Every Consumer Needs To Know
Medical debt continues to be one of the leading causes of financial stress for millions of Americans. Even with health insurance, an unexpected illness, emergency surgery, or hospital stay can leave families facing bills they never anticipated. The good news is that recent changes to how medical debt is reported and collected have given many […]
Continue ReadingUnderstanding What Debt-to-Income Ratio Means
When you’re applying for a mortgage, car loan, credit card, or even trying to improve your financial health, you’ll likely hear the term debt-to-income ratio, often shortened to DTI. While it may sound like another confusing financial term, understanding your debt-to-income ratio can help you make smarter borrowing decisions and improve your chances of qualifying […]
Continue ReadingFinancial Burnout: When Managing Money Becomes Emotionally Exhausting
For many people, financial stress is no longer just an occasional worry. It has become a constant mental burden. Between rising everyday costs, high-interest debt, unexpected expenses, and the pressure to “keep up,” even financially responsible individuals can begin to feel emotionally drained by managing their money. This growing sense of exhaustion has a name: […]
Continue ReadingIs There Really Such A Thing As Good Debt And Bad Debt?
If you have ever wondered if “good” debt is real, then you do not need to keep wondering because it most certainly is. Besides debt being considered a bad thing, there are quite a few circumstances where it is a good thing. Below, we’ll go over good debt and bad debt and explain how good […]
Continue ReadingHow to Talk About Debt with Your Partner or Spouse
Money is one of the most common sources of stress in relationships, and debt can make those conversations even more difficult. Whether it’s credit card balances, student loans, medical debt, or past financial mistakes, talking about debt with a partner or spouse can feel uncomfortable, emotional, or even a bit scary. But avoiding the conversation […]
Continue ReadingSaving vs. Paying Off Debt: What Should You Prioritize First
At Advantage Credit Counseling Service, one of the most common questions we hear from our clients or potential clients is: “Should I be saving money, or should I focus on paying off my debt first?” It’s an understandable concern. When money is already stretched thin, trying to do both can feel impossible. The truth is, […]
Continue ReadingDebt Fatigue Is Real: How To Stay Motivated When Progress Feels Slow
Paying off debt is often described as a financial journey—but what many people don’t talk about is how emotionally exhausting that journey can be. If you’ve been making payments month after month and still feel like you’re barely moving forward, you may be experiencing debt fatigue. Debt fatigue is real, common, and completely understandable. Moreover, […]
Continue ReadingFinancial Reset After The Holidays: How To Recover From Holiday Debt
The holidays are meant to be a time of joy, connection, and celebration—but for many people, January arrives with something far less festive: credit card balances, financial stress, and lingering debt from holiday spending. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Holiday debt is extremely common, and the good news is that it’s also manageable […]
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