New Resource Empowers Consumers Battling Mounting Debt 

January 27, 2025 — Press Release

Free Online, the 2025 Edition of Surviving Debt Provides New Resources on Student Debt, Medical Debt, and Homeowners’ Rights

BOSTON — As consumers across the country struggle with inflation and the rising cost of healthcare and housing, the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) announces a vital resource: Surviving Debt. This comprehensive guide is designed to support individuals and families grappling with mounting debt, offering actionable advice and strategies to regain financial stability.

NCLC’s release of Surviving Debt comes at a critical time of record credit card debt, mounting auto loans, and overwhelming medical debt and student loans balances. “Surviving Debt is more than a guide; it’s a lifeline for those struggling to navigate the complex world of debt and credit,” said Tatia Gordon-Troy, chief publishing officer at the National Consumer Law Center. “Our goal is to equip consumers with the tools they need to understand their rights, make informed decisions, and protect themselves from financial exploitation.”

Key features of Surviving Debt include:

• Practical Debt-Reduction Strategies: Step-by-step plans for paying off various types of debt, including credit cards, student loans, and medical bills.
• Consumer Rights Education: Easy-to-understand explanations of credit reporting, debt collection, and when and whether to file for bankruptcy.
• Financial Guidance: Tailored advice for managing finances and seeking relief after natural disasters and other major life-changing events.

Called the “best all-around guide to navigating debt” by Business Insider, Surviving Debt reflects the urgent need for resources that empower individuals to take control of their financial futures. 

The digital edition of Surviving Debt is free online. It links to free documents and forms, such as a sample “stop contact” letter to send to debt collectors and a “dispute” letter to contest alleged debts. It includes charts to keep track of debts and expenses and to plan a path to financial recovery. 

Surviving Debt is also available as a paperback. Bulk pricing is available through www.nclc.org/library. Copies are available for review.

Policymakers, book reviewers, and financial experts have praised previous editions of Surviving Debt:

“The best all-around guide to navigating debt.”

— Business Insider

“A wealth of expert legal advice on dealing with an overwhelming debt burden.”

 — Senator Elizabeth Warren, Founder, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

“Outstanding manual. Seldom is such useful, authoritative information available for so small a price.”

 — Booklist

“A gold mine on topics like how to handle collectors, which debts to pay first, and how collection lawsuits work.”

 — U.S. News and World Report

“Great advice, from the nation’s experts, on how to pull yourself out of debt.”

 — Jane Bryant Quinn

 “The best book available for consumers in financial trouble.”

 — Stephen Brobeck, former Executive Director, Consumer Federation of America

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Since 1969, the nonprofit National Consumer Law Center® (NCLC®) has worked for consumer justice and economic security for low-income and other disadvantaged people in the U.S. through its expertise in policy analysis and advocacy, publications, litigation, expert witness services, and training.