Money help you can check.
Debt rules and money rights for your state, in plain language. Every rule is linked to the law it comes from and dated so you know it's current.
Dealing with debt collectors?
Find out how long a creditor can sue you, how much of your paycheck is protected, and what collectors are not allowed to do.
California debt collection laws
Sue deadline: 4 years. Garnishment: Lesser of 20% of disposable pay or 40% above 48x minimum wage.
Read the rules →Debt helpTexas debt collection laws
Sue deadline: 4 years. Garnishment: Not allowed (except child support/spousal maintenance).
Read the rules →Debt helpFlorida debt collection laws
Sue deadline: 5 years (written); 4 years (oral). Garnishment: Head of family: fully protected up to $750/week.
Read the rules →Debt helpNew York debt collection laws
Sue deadline: 3 years (consumer credit). Garnishment: Up to 10% of gross; nothing below 30x minimum wage.
Read the rules →Debt helpPennsylvania debt collection laws
Sue deadline: 4 years. Garnishment: Not allowed for most consumer debts.
Read the rules →Debt helpIllinois debt collection laws
Sue deadline: 10 years (written); 5 years (oral). Garnishment: Lesser of 15% of gross pay or the amount above 45x minimum wage.
Read the rules →Debt helpGeorgia debt collection laws
Sue deadline: 6 years (written); 4 years (open account). Garnishment: Lesser of 25% of disposable pay or the amount above $217.50/week.
Read the rules →Debt helpNorth Carolina debt collection laws
Sue deadline: 3 years. Garnishment: Earnings needed for your family are protected.
Read the rules →Debt helpOhio debt collection laws
Sue deadline: 6 years (consumer debt). Garnishment: Protected: greater of 75% of disposable pay or 30x minimum wage/week.
Read the rules →New: money rights
Credit reports, wages, bank fees, student loans and medical bills, with verified state differences.
Credit reports: get your file and fix errors
The federal reporting rules apply in every state. Start with the report itself, then dispute a specific error with the bureau and the company that sent it.
Wages and overtime: check your hours
Federal overtime is a floor, not the complete answer. Your state, job duties and exemptions can change the calculation.
Bank fees: what an overdraft opt-in does
ATM and one-time debit-card overdraft fees have a specific federal opt-in rule. A check or recurring payment is not the same transaction.
Federal student loans: choose a repayment path
Check the loan type and current status in your Federal Student Aid account before relying on a payment estimate. Repayment programs and court orders can change.
Medical bills: check aid before paying
A medical bill can be wrong, eligible for financial assistance, or subject to collection rules. Ask for an itemized bill and your hospital’s assistance policy first.
Financialist News
Original financial reporting, linked to the underlying sources and relevant Financialist guides.
Free money tools
Calculators built on the same state data. No sign-up.
Debt payoff calculator
Snowball vs avalanche: see your payoff date and interest saved.
Open the calculator →NewWage garnishment calculator
How much of your paycheck a creditor can take in your state.
Open the calculator →Debt consolidation savings calculator
Find out whether a consolidation loan actually saves you money.
Can this debt still be collected?
A state-by-state checker for how old debts are treated.
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