This is new, in-progress content — not yet linked to accounts, purchases or progress tracking. It exists here to be reviewed as it is written.
💳 Credit & Debt
The minimum payment trap
The story
A 5,000 balance at 18% APR. The statement lists a minimum payment of 100 — 2% of the balance, or a 25 floor, whichever is higher. Paying only that minimum every month feels manageable. It is also, mathematically, one of the worst financial decisions available, and the statement will never tell you why.