The problem with products like balance transfer cards and consolidation loans is that they create a false sense of accomplishment without addressing necessary behavioral changes.

know exactly how it feels to be drowning in debt. I used to believe the lie that I was one of the few people weighed down by credit card and loan debt while everyone else seemed to live perfect lives on Instagram. But I soon realized how wrong I was.

If you've ever felt like managing debt is harder than it should be—you're not imagining things. The truth is, many companies in the financial world profit more when you stay in debt.