Good debt, such as a mortgage or student loans, is often seen as an investment in your future. These debts typically have lower interest rates and the potential to increase your net worth over time.

With average interest rates around 25%, it is easy to get into a deep hole. This is when credit cards go from good debt to bad debt. Buy now, pay later (BNPL) programs are a relatively new way to pay.

Between 2007 and 2012, Encore or its affiliates filed more than 239,000 debt collection lawsuits in the state, where debts older than six years are "time barred" and cannot be sued for in court.

Debt-settlement companies are, sometimes, a big help in when you want to improve your credit rating. But be careful: There's only much they can do, and there are some important ...