Money Management International

10/12/2026

Americans now owe $1.26 trillion on credit cards, with average interest rates near 21%.

Ernesto Alvarez was carrying $70,000 of that across more than a dozen cards when he reached out to MMI, and just over a year later he was debt-free and saving for his daughter's college. "I feel a huge weight off my shoulders," he told ABC News, and if you're feeling that weight too, you don't have to carry it alone:

A surge of inflation is squeezing household budgets as many American shoppers weather mounting credit card debt and rising interest payments.

10/09/2026

Happy Friday! Gas is averaging $4.36 a gallon nationwide, but Amazon Prime members can now save 20 cents a gallon at BP, Amoco, and ampm stations every Friday through January.

MMI's Ted Rossman shared a few more simple ways to save at the pump with KPRC2 / Click2Houston, and they work any day of the week:

With gas prices climbing, Amazon is giving Prime members a bigger break at the pump just in time for the holiday travel season.

10/08/2026

Credit card balances are near record highs, and Jennifer felt every bit of it when $37,000 in credit card and student loan debt piled up while she was finishing school and building her own business.

She was nervous, anxious, and didn't know a way out, so she reached out to MMI, and she's already paid off about $14,000 while working toward something she can one day leave to her kids.

Does this sound familiar? Let Jennifer's story be proof that one decision can get the ball rolling for you:

Financial experts say consumers don’t have to wait until they are overwhelmed to seek help.

10/06/2026

Did you know your child's identity could be stolen before they're even old enough to read?

It happens more than you'd think, about 1 in 50 kids every year, often through something as simple as a Social Security card left in the wrong place or a little too much shared online. The good news is a few small habits, like locking up important documents and checking their credit now and then, go a long way.

10/05/2026

Only 29,000 jobs were added last month, and paychecks still aren't keeping up with prices. If you're worried about your job or watching your budget get tighter every month, you're not the only one feeling it. Taking a few minutes to look at where your money is going can help you feel a little more in control:

The job market saw a slowdown in September, adding just 29,000 jobs, according to Labor Department data released Friday.

10/05/2026

Money Management International is managing $1 billion in debt, mostly from credit cards and personal loans.
That’s the first time it hit that mark since 2013, and principal consumer finance analyst Ted Rossman says it is a sign of struggling household budgets.

KYW Newsradio's Conner Barkon has th...

10/03/2026

Americans are carrying nearly $19 trillion in debt, so if you've been avoiding your credit card statements, you're far from alone. MMI's Ted Rossman spoke with to share simple ways to start digging out, like facing your numbers and fixing the root cause instead of just moving debt around. Hear his tips here:

With Americans carrying nearly $19 trillion in household debt, we break down how to start digging out, the debt consolidation mistake that could leave you owing even more, and more.

10/02/2026

Maxed out cards. Late payments. That sinking feeling like there's never quite enough money to go around, no matter how careful you are. Debt like this doesn't just live in your bank account, it shows up in sleepless nights and tension with the people you love, until it starts to feel like there's no way out. If you're not sure whether it's time to ask for help, a good gut check is simple: do you have a real plan to pay it off, and are you actually making progress? If the answer is no, it might be time to do debt differently. When you're ready, we're here. Visit https://hubs.la/Q04w-S4V0 for a free, no pressure conversation about your options.

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

If the idea of holiday spending already has your stomach in knots, you're far from alone. Consumer confidence is sitting near an all-time low right now. And yet, experts are predicting one of the strongest holiday shopping seasons in years.

A lot of that gap gets filled by credit, especially buy now, pay later, which can turn into a slippery slope if you're not careful.

MMI experts say If you're already feeling the pressure, a few small things help more than people expect: start shopping early so it's spread out instead of hitting all at once, set a real gift budget before you start, and don't be afraid to hunt down a coupon or two. It's okay to want the holidays to feel good without going into debt to get there.

More on the numbers explaining this year's spending surge:

Holiday sales forecasts point to a strong season despite weak consumer sentiment, though analysts warn shoppers could lean on credit and buy now, pay later to cover purchases.