Milwaukee Couple Targets Nearly $40,000 in Credit Card Debt in CNN Savings Challenge

Mariza and Geffrey Gordon, a Milwaukee couple, are working to break a paycheck-to-paycheck cycle after accumulating nearly $40,000 in credit card debt, mostly from their 2025 wedding. They pay about $1,400 monthly just to meet minimum payments. In their first CNN Savings Challenge consultation, financial educator Tiffany Aliche focused on the debt burden, which she called "the pin sticking them the most." She recommended contacting the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, exploring a lower-rate personal loan, or pursuing a balance transfer card, alongside budgeting and a "dreamscaping" exercise. The NFCC outlined a five-year repayment plan requiring $900 monthly payments, but the couple declined, citing a need for credit flexibility. A credit union said they won't qualify for favorable loan or balance transfer terms until their credit scores improve. Mariza said the goal is now raising their score to obtain a balance transfer card. Mariza was laid off shortly after enrolling and received two months' severance.