At Credit.org, we believe everyone deserves a chance to live free from debt. That is why we were proud to see Melinda Opperman, our Chief External Affairs Officer, featured in a recent AARP article on how to get out of debt. The article, written by Ingrid Case, outlines a simple three-step process for anyone struggling with debt. It also highlights the importance of having access to financial education and trustworthy support.
In this article, we’ll break down those three steps, explain why they work, and show you how Credit.org can help. Whether you’re carrying credit card debt, behind on medical bills, or just overwhelmed by your monthly payments, this guide is for you.
We’ll also talk about how we work with media outlets like AARP to provide expert guidance. And if you’re a journalist or financial educator, you’ll find easy ways to connect with us for interviews and resources.
The first piece of advice from Melinda Opperman in the AARP feature is simple: stop the bleeding. That means stop adding new debt and take control of your spending.
When your credit card balances are growing every month, it becomes harder to catch up. Even if you’re making minimum payments, interest adds up fast. The first goal is to stop creating new charges. This might mean:
If you’re struggling to track your spending, consider using a budgeting method like the envelope system or signing up for one of our budgeting classes.
This step is about controlling the damage. Even small changes can help. Skipping a few restaurant meals or canceling unused subscriptions might free up money to put toward your debt.
Once you’ve stopped adding to your debt, the next step is to create a pay-down plan. There are two popular ways to tackle debt: the debt avalanche and the debt snowball methods. You can learn more about both in our guide to debt repayment strategies.
Here’s how they work:
There’s no right or wrong method; what matters is choosing one and sticking with it.
You might also consider setting up automatic payments to stay on track. Some lenders offer discounts or benefits when you use automatic billing. Just be sure the funds are available in your bank account to avoid overdraft fees.
If your debt feels too large to handle on your own, you’re not alone. Many people find relief through nonprofit credit counseling. Credit.org’s certified counselors can review your financial situation and help you create a personalized debt repayment plan.
-min.webp)
Once your spending is under control and you’ve started paying down your debts, it’s time to work on the rest of your financial life. This step might include:
This is also the time to compare insurers and take a look at your insurance coverage. Health care costs, in particular, can be a major source of financial stress. Medical debt is one of the most common reasons people fall behind on their bills.
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), medical collections are a leading cause of negative credit marks. Even a small unpaid bill from a doctor’s office can hurt your score. If you’ve received a medical bill, don’t ignore it. Contact the provider, ask about payment options, and review it for errors.
In some cases, nonprofit hospitals are required to offer financial assistance. If you think you qualify, ask for a copy of their charity care policy.
Health care isn’t the only risk. Drug costs and prescription coverage can also lead to surprise expenses. For example, if you lose your job or change insurance plans, your out-of-pocket drug costs could rise. Learn more about protecting yourself from rising medication prices at Medicare.gov’s drug cost resources.
One of the most frustrating parts of personal finance is how unpredictable health care expenses can be. Even with insurance, drug coverage costs can sneak up on you. A sudden illness or injury could leave you facing hundreds of dollars in prescription charges.
If you get Medicare benefits, it’s important to review your plan’s Part D drug coverage and check whether your prescriptions are on the covered list. If not, you could end up paying the full retail price.
Some tips to manage prescription drug expenses include:
You can also explore prescription assistance programs listed on ’s healthcare costs page. These resources can help lower your costs if you meet income or medical need criteria.
Unexpected medical bills are one of the leading reasons people seek out credit counseling. At Credit.org, our counselors understand the connection between health issues and financial struggles. We’re here to help, without judgment.
Learning to manage your money is one of the most important long-term steps in the journey to eliminate debt. Once you’ve gotten control of spending and started paying off what you owe, you need a system to stay out of debt going forward.
Money management means understanding:
It starts with building a budget. But budgeting alone isn’t enough. You also need to adjust your habits, avoid overspending, and stay aware of how life changes—like job shifts or rising inflation—can affect your finances.
Some people feel overwhelmed by budgeting. If that sounds like you, check out our Budget 101 course, designed to give you a clear starting point.
You might also benefit from our article on essential budgeting tips, which covers how to set up a basic household budget and avoid common pitfalls.
One of the most exciting things about financial education today is how many learning tools are available online. You don’t have to attend in-person classes or spend a lot of money on expensive programs.
At Credit.org, we offer free and low-cost courses for people at all stages of life. If you want to learn at your own pace, check out our financial education guides and downloads. Topics include:
While there are great tools available from nonprofit organizations, you can also explore other trusted sources like MyMoney.gov, the U.S. government’s official site for personal financial education. They provide games, tools, and checklists for learners of all ages.
These courses can help you stay on track, avoid new debt, and feel more confident managing your financial situation.
The AARP article featuring Credit.org wasn’t just about one expert’s advice; it was part of a larger effort to help people take control of their finances. AARP’s work in this space is especially important for older adults, who often face unique challenges like:
Our partnership with AARP reflects our shared commitment to public education and support. Whether someone is trying to reduce credit card balances, budget for long-term care, or save for a future vacation, trusted information makes a difference.
For those 50 and older, AARP membership benefits may include access to tools, resources, and discounts that help stretch your budget and protect your finances.
We’re proud to be a resource for journalists, nonprofit leaders, and educators who want to help people improve their financial well-being. When a reporter like Ingrid Case at AARP wants insight on debt reduction strategies, we’re happy to share what we know.
That’s why we maintain a press kit and make ourselves available for interviews. If you work in media or public education and need expert guidance on topics like credit, debt, housing, or budgeting, we’re ready to help.
Our press kit includes:
We believe in empowering the public with accurate, clear, and compassionate information. That’s why we’ve been featured in national outlets and continue to support newsrooms and advocacy organizations.
You don’t have to be an AARP member or work with a media outlet to benefit from what we offer. At Credit.org, our services are open to everyone.
We work with:
Whether you’re drowning in credit card debt, managing high medical bills, or just trying to understand your credit report, we can help. Every day, we talk with people who feel overwhelmed. Our counselors listen, explain your options, and help you build a plan.
You can learn more about the services we offer—like debt relief, credit counseling, and housing support—on our website.
Breaking free from debt isn’t just about making a few payments; it’s about building new habits and preparing for the future. Many people fall into the trap of repaying debt, only to fall back in when an unexpected expense pops up.
To avoid this cycle:
You should also review your credit report at least once a year. It’s free to do through AnnualCreditReport.com, and it can help you spot errors, signs of identity theft, or forgotten accounts.
If you’ve received a debt collection letter, don’t ignore it. Federal law gives you the right to request proof of the debt and challenge any inaccurate claims. Know your rights and get help if you’re not sure what to do.
One of the most common questions we hear is whether people should take out a loan or open a new credit card to pay off existing debt.
In general, Credit.org does not recommend taking on new debt as a primary strategy. Using a loan to pay off other loans rarely solves the root problem and can lead to more interest or fees.
Balance transfer credit cards may sound like a good idea, but they often come with conditions. If you don’t pay the full balance before the introductory period ends, you could face high interest rates. There may also be transfer fees or penalties.
A better option is to explore a Debt Management Plan (DMP), which allows you to consolidate payments without borrowing new money. Through a DMP, you’ll make one monthly payment to Credit.org, and we’ll distribute the funds to your creditors, often with lower interest and waived fees.
If you’re struggling with debt, you don’t have to face it alone. The three steps outlined in the AARP article—stop the bleeding, start a pay-down plan, and work on the rest—are a smart, proven path forward.
At Credit.org, we’re ready to walk that path with you. Our non profit services are built to give you real help, not quick fixes. Whether you’re worried about credit card debt, medical bills, retirement savings, or just staying on budget, we have the resources and experience to support you.
Start with a free credit counseling session today at one of the links below:
We’re here to help you get out of debt, stay out of debt, and build a future you can feel good about.
