Living with the oppressive burden of credit card debt can be incredibly stressful, and breaking bad financial habits takes practice and dedication. For many borrowers, a debt-free future is achievable through hard work, financial education, and restraint. If you have recently conquered your credit card debt, you deserve heartfelt congratulations! You have overcome a major roadblock to good financial health. However, without careful consideration for your next steps, you might quickly find yourself back in debt. Keep these tips in mind as you navigate the world debt-free.

Avoiding debt can be tough. These days, debt in America affects almost everyone. According to Northwestern Mutual’s 2018 study, only 23% of people are debt free.

I have tons of student loan debt—over $90,000, in fact—and no matter how much I cut back, it seems like there's never enough money left over to start saving. There are plenty of organizations out there who say they can help with this, but it's important to do your research before committing to anything— it may not actually be the best option.

If you have found yourself with seemingly-insurmountable debt, the road ahead can be unclear and perilous. Whether your balances are due to medical expenses, student loans, or credit cards, it can be incredibly challenging to get out of debt. Interest rates, loan terms, and hidden fees can make your repayment efforts seem futile. If you are looking to make wise financial decisions and get out of debt, avoid making these common mistakes.

For those who are just starting to get serious about their money, delving into personal finance education is a critical endeavor. Not everyone is exposed to finance-focused lessons in school. Many of us are expected to jump right into adulthood with very little formal education on things like loans, investing, and credit. If you are just starting your personal finance education journey, consider learning more about these three topics.

Congratulations! You’ve made the commitment to get yourself out of debt.

Eliminating debt is an important and difficult goal to achieve, but it can be done — if you do it the right way. Here are five common mistakes to avoid:

By LIMRA and LOMA

Medical care in the United States is astoundingly expensive. While many employers and government agencies offer health insurance plans, many people are either unemployed, underinsured, or otherwise left without appropriate coverage. Something as simple as breaking a leg or having your appendix removed can cost thousands of dollars, and treating conditions like cancer or diabetes is even more expensive. Navigating the world of medical debt can be incredibly challenging, but these strategies can help individuals and families work toward being debt-free.

You've heard it before, but it's worth repeating: we are living in unprecedented times. This is not normal. Whether you've lost your job during this time, or are feeling lucky that you didn't, the crisis certainly has made everyone take a closer look at their financial security. Would you feel steadier right now if you had a stockpile of money in the bank? Would a weight lifted be off your shoulders if you had no monthly credit card or student loan payments? You might feel like you have to choose between putting money in the bank or paying off debt, but you can have it all! You just have to do it one step at a time. Here's an easy, 3-step process for building an emergency fund while paying off debt.