Meagan Drew

If you don't pay your credit card on time, you may owe a late fee right away, and issuers generally report the payment as late once it's 30 days past due. After 60 days, a penalty APR can apply, and unpaid debt is usually charged off after 120 to 180 days. Pay at least the minimum before day 30 and call your issuer about hardship options.

Gig workers and independent contractors can get tax relief through IRS payment plans, penalty relief, Currently Not Collectible status and Offers in Compromise. If you owe $50,000 or less, a Simple Payment Plan gives most people up to 10 years with no financial statement. File all past-due returns first, then set aside about 14.1% of net profit for self-employment tax

Maximize your business credit card's potential with these smart charging guidelines.

Your financial future hinges on a credit history that impacts everything from loans to housing—but how do you start from scratch?

Every financial decision you make as a small business owner shapes your company's future, starting with the credit card you select.

You're considering the Apple Card for its sleek design and Apple ecosystem integration, but its 2% cash back on Apple Pay purchases pales compared to cards offering 3-5% in popular categories.

Are you missing out on tax savings by not deducting your business credit card interest?

This announcement comes amid soaring credit card debt, which has reached approximately $1.166 trillion, and average interest rates that exceed 20%.

Paying five credit cards at five different interest rates every month is expensive — and stressful. Credit card debt consolidation replaces that tangle with one loan, one rate, and one monthly payment. The result: less interest, fewer deadlines, and a faster path out of debt.

More than 500,000 Americans filed for consumer bankruptcy in fiscal year 2025, reflecting continued financial pressure on households across the country. But the burden is not spread evenly: filings are concentrated in certain states, revealing where consumers may be facing the greatest financial strain.