A Viable Alternative to Bankruptcy (The Bradford Era)
(ARA) - If you're carrying thousands of dollars in credit card debt, struggling to pay the rent every month and getting calls from collections agencies, you might be considering bankruptcy. Yet for almost all circumstances, a good financial advisor will tell you that's the last thing you should do.

School's Done, How Will You Pay Back Your Student Loans? (Benton Evening News)
(ARA) - Every May and June, thousands of young people march across the stage to accept their diplomas and begin the rest of their lives. But as they embark on this journey called life, many will carry a big burden with them.

Declining home prices stymie refinancing (The Standard-Times)
The decline in home prices has had a profound impact on buyers and sellers in today's real estate market, but the impact doesn't stop there.

Record rise in numbers bankrupt as debt bites (The Herald)
A record 14,000 Scots were declared bankrupt last year as warnings grew that the worldwide credit crunch and rising mortgage payments will push thousands more over the edge.

Britons face £93bn interest bill (Channel 4)
One in four people is struggling with their debts as Britons collectively face a £93 billion annual interest bill, research has shown. Borrowing through credit cards, loans, overdrafts and mortgages has hit £1.39 trillion, according to comparison website uSwitch.com.

How to avoid drowning in credit card debt (rediff.com)
The effects of overpowering credit card bills can spill over into all parts of life, affecting your job, your family life and even your health. Here's how to avoid pain.

Britons Face Billion-Pound Interest Payback (SkyNews via Yahoo! UK & Ireland News)
One in four people is struggling with their debts as Britons collectively face a ?93bn annual bill for interest.

Britons Face Billion-Pound Interest Payback (Ananova)
One in four people is struggling with their debts as Britons collectively face a £93bn annual bill for interest.

How To Handle a Cash Crunch (Richfield Reaper)
(ARA) - In the world of living paycheck to paycheck, unforeseen expenses create a very stressful situation. Whether the car breaks down, the water heater blows a leak or your dog needs emergency surgery from eating the hallway rug, finding a way to get out of the red gets harder every day.

Financial advisor offers tips to help reduce debt load (Nevada Daily Mail)
Nevada, Mo. -- As the holidays come to a close, this time of year often brings a family's financial picture into clarity. The end of the year looms and realization strikes that the family budget, if there is one, is in tatters. Debts have piled up until they threaten to overwhelm you. What to do?