debts

As the economy sinks deeper into a slump, Americans find it tougher to come up with extra money to chip away at their debts.

And as the debt piles up, more consumers are getting calls from debt collectors looking for payment.

The Red Cross had requested $150 million last month to help it pay off debts incurred while providing shelter, food, and other services to victims of a string of natural disasters....

Imagine if everyone controlled spending, paid down debts and saved for retirement. The immediate effects would be ugly, but eventually the new habits could pay off.

The ultimate gain of getting rid of the very last of your debt, even if it means temporarily derailing a savings plan you have put in place, is not financial but peace of mind.

The Iraqi government is asking Arab nations to forgive its debts, and one neighbor is more than eager to help. John Dimsdale reports.

Most taxpayers will get anywhere from $600 to $1,200 from Uncle Sam as part of the federal plan to stimulate the economy.

But many taxpayers will use the money to pay down debts instead. So, the IRS isn't taking any chances. Rico Gagliano reports.

More workers are tapping into their 401(k) accounts to spend money and pay off mounting debts. Stacy Vanek-Smith reports while there may be advantages to borrowing from yourself there are also huge risks.