Budget Rehab: How to Stop Paying Only Interest and Make Real Progress on Credit Card Debt

Budget Rehab: How to Stop Paying Only Interest and Make Real Progress on Credit Card Debt

Author: NerdWallet Personal Finance May 18, 2026 Duration: 28:37
Learn how to tackle $25,000 in credit card debt and which payoff strategy could work best for your situation. How do you get out of $25,000 in credit card debt when minimum payments aren't making a dent? In this episode, hosts Sean Pyles, CFP®, and Elizabeth Ayoola sit down with listener Jessica, a Bay Area mom carrying three maxed-out credit cards with interest rates ranging from 11% to 24%. They walk through her real budget, including nearly $2,000 in rent, close to $1,200 in monthly transportation costs, and significant childcare expenses, to understand why her spending outpaces her income. They also explore what options could realistically help her make progress, from nonprofit credit counseling and debt management plans to whether a free bankruptcy consultation might be worth her time before committing to any path. Read through NerdWallet's guide to the best strategies for whittling down what you owe, depending on how much debt you have: https://www.nerdwallet.com/personal-loans/learn/pay-off-debt  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Money can feel complicated, but it doesn't have to be a source of constant stress. On NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast, the team of experienced personal finance journalists from NerdWallet takes the questions you're actually asking and turns them into a straightforward conversation. You'll hear them unpack the nuances of everyday financial choices, from figuring out the right way to budget for an irregular income to demystifying how to start investing without a huge sum of money. They tackle everything-credit card strategies, the true costs of homeownership, and effective saving techniques-by cutting through the noise and popular myths. Every discussion is rooted in careful research and a practical understanding of how people live their lives, ensuring the advice you get is both credible and immediately useful. Tuning into this podcast feels like getting reliable guidance from a knowledgeable friend who wants you to succeed. Each episode leaves you with a clearer perspective and concrete steps you can take to feel more in control of your financial future, building confidence one decision at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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