author

Maurie Backman

Contributing Writer

Maurie Backman is a personal finance writer with over 10 years of experience. Her coverage areas include retirement, investing, real estate, and credit and debt management.

What Happens if I Miss a Loan Payment?
What Happens if I Miss a Loan Payment?

March 11, 2026

Missed loan payments can happen to the best of us. Here's what happens when you miss a payment, and how to avoid it.

Read more
When Can You Use a Credit Card Forbearance Program?
Credit Card Forbearance: Your Complete Guide to Pausing Payments

August 28, 2026

Behind on credit card bills? Forbearance can pause your payments while you get back on track.

Read more
How Big Should My Emergency Fund Be if I Want to Avoid Debt?
How Big Should My Emergency Fund Be if I Want to Avoid Debt?

April 2, 2026

Your emergency fund could shield you from debt. Read on to see how much savings it takes to stay debt-free.

Read more
Baby Budget
Baby Budget: How New Parents Can Avoid Debt

March 1, 2026

Babies are cute—and expensive. Here’s how to budget as a new parent and steer clear of debt.

Read more
How to Motivate Your Spouse to Pay Off Debt
How to Motivate Your Spouse to Pay Off Debt

March 2, 2026

Working with your spouse to pay off debt can increase your chance of success. Here’s how to get motivated.

Read more
How to Pay Off Debt When You Can Only Work Part-Time
How to Pay Off Debt When You Can Only Work Part-Time

March 2, 2026

A part-time salary doesn’t have to stop you from becoming debt-free.

Read more
Stay Debt Free This Holiday Season
Stay Debt Free This Holiday Season

March 3, 2026

Even if money is tight this year, you can enjoy the holidays without debt. Find…

Read more
Survey: More Women Than Men Are Stressed About Debt
Survey: More Women Than Men Are Stressed About Debt

March 3, 2026

A survey from Freedom Debt Relief suggests that women tend to feel worse about debt…

Read more
The 3-6-9 Emergency Fund
The 3-6-9 Emergency Fund: How Much Do You Really Need?

March 3, 2026

Is three months' bills enough saved? Here’s how to know how much to put in your emergency fund.

Read more
Pros and cons of debt consolidation
Pros and Cons of Debt Consolidation

March 2, 2026

When it’s a good fit, debt consolidation can be great for getting just one monthly debt payment. Here’s how it works.

Read more