As inflation rises and interest rates soar, consumers across the country are contending with growing credit card balances. Household credit card debt across the U.S. is at near-record levels, rising ...

Meredith Dietz is Lifehacker’s Senior Staff Writer. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Communications from Northeastern University, where she graduated as valedictorian of her college.

Leaving a tiny balance on a credit card can feel harmless, even strategic, especially when life is busy and the statement due date is just one more notification in a crowded inbox. In reality, that ...