November 27, 2025
Home Buying Tips

Feeling Overwhelmed by Debt? Many Homeowners are Refinancing their Mortgage, Here’s Why.

If your bills have been creeping up and your paycheck suddenly feels smaller than it used to, you’re definitely not the only one noticing the squeeze. Debt has been piling up nationwide, and a lot of people are looking for ways to take control before things get out of hand. One option that keeps coming up in conversations with homeowners is refinancing, something that can look very different depending on your financial situation.

Refinancing can mean lowering your monthly payment, using the equity in your home for extra breathing room, or rolling several high-interest debts into one simpler payment. For many families, this shift becomes a real turning point in how they manage money.

A Quick Look at America’s Debt Situation

To understand why refinancing has become such a big topic again, it helps to look at the recent numbers:

  • Household debt reached $18.59 trillion in the third quarter of 2025 according to the latest Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit.
  • Credit card balances rose by $24 billion from the previous quarter and stood at $1.23 trillion.
  • Student loan balances rose by $15 billion

When interest on everyday consumer debt is significantly higher than most mortgage rates, it’s easy to see how people get stuck in a cycle of paying more in interest than toward the actual debt.

How Refinancing Might Help You Get Back on Track

Refinancing isn’t just about “getting a better rate.” It can change how your entire financial picture looks month to month. Here are a few ways it may help:

1. Rolling multiple debts into one place

If you’re tired of keeping track of several due dates and even more tired of watching interest pile up, a refinance might allow you to move everything under one loan. Lower interest + fewer payments = a much clearer budget.

2. Using your home equity when things get tight

A cash-out refinance can give you access to funds you’ve built up over time. Whether you need it for repairs, unexpected expenses, or just to create a cushion, it can serve as a helpful option.

3. Cutting your monthly bill

Sometimes even a slight reduction in your mortgage rate has a big impact. A lower payment can give you some breathing room each month, which often helps make a huge difference.

Is Refinancing a Good Fit for Your Situation?

People often consider refinancing when they:

  • Have high-interest credit card balances
  • Want to lower their monthly expenses
  • Need extra cash for financial obligations
  • Prefer one predictable payment instead of several scattered ones

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and every homeowner’s situation comes with its own details. A mortgage professional can walk through your current loan, your goals, and the options available so you can make a clear, confident choice.

Thinking About Your Next Steps?

At Peoples Mortgage Company, we help homeowners look at their full financial picture, not just the mortgage rate. If you’re trying to consolidate debt, reduce your payment, or put your home equity to work for you, our team can help you figure out what makes the most sense for your long-term plans.

Feel free to reach out if you want to see what refinancing could do for your budget and your peace of mind.

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of New York. (n.d.). Household Debt and Credit Report. https://www.newyorkfed.org/microeconomics/hhdc