Kate Bulger | Tackling Debt in a New Era of Financial Stress

Welcome back to MONEYO2!

If you—or someone on your team—is carrying debt or quietly stressed about it, this episode is for you. Today’s guest, Kate Bulger from Money Management International (MMI), has spent 20+ years on the front lines of consumer finance. She’s sounding the alarm: younger generations are getting hit hard, and the numbers prove it—debt counseling requests are up ~9% month-over-month, and $30,000 in unsecured debt is becoming a new “normal.”

In this conversation, Kate gets real about what’s happening behind the scenes—why balances are rising even in months that used to be “quiet,” how shame keeps people stuck, and why nonprofit credit counseling can offer a credible, compassionate path forward. She shares practical first steps to regain control, reduce stress, and start fresh—without judgment.

If you lead a team, coach clients, or simply want to better understand what many are carrying in silence, this episode will help you respond with clarity and care.

As always, I’d love to hear what you think! DM me on Instagram @erinkuhnbhansali and follow us @moneyo2pod or email me at erin.kuhn@qnityinc.com.

To learn more or get support, visit moneymanagement.org (MMI is here to help—without judgment).

Ready to rethink your relationship with debt? Listen to the full episode here.