Credit card debt is on the rise in America, and in this episode, we explore strategies for tackling it, for navigating emotional conversations about it, and managing your finances while you're paying it down. NPR's Global Economics Correspondent Stacey Vanek Smith joins us with tips on how to negotiate lower interest rates and learning to say no to things.

Correction: 1:55 A previous version of this video contained a confusing mention of credit card interest rates. The average credit card interest rate in the U.S. is currently around 20 percent. And that’s an annual rate, not a monthly one.

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VIDEO CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:46 The biggest misconception about debt
01:25 How to start paying debt down
02:26 Negotiate a lower interest rate
04:47 Saving while in debt
05:55 Spending less
06:46 Cash stuffing
09:46 Role play scenarios
16:11 Pick a word
17:29 Recap