Jessica Mendoza

Americans aren't just struggling with record credit card debt.

They're also asking for help at record rates.

Our colleague Dan Frosch says many of them are turning to credit counseling agencies.

Melissa was looking at about $20,000 in credit card debt spread across her different cards.

How did you start to deal with your finances?

Melissa found one of these nonprofit organizations that helps people consolidate and manage credit card debt.

The service basically negotiated with the credit card companies on Melissa's behalf and got her lower interest rates and new monthly payments.

And where are you now with your credit card debt?

And how did it feel to know that there could be an ending to this and there was a way through it that seemed manageable to you?

I mean, do we know anything about what this level of historic credit card debt, you know, you're talking $1.25 trillion, what does that do to the health of the country's economy?

As for Melissa, she says things are looking up.

For one thing, she got remarried in October.

How did you meet your husband?

On Tinder, of all places.

Hey, if it works, it works.

Well, that's great.

Melissa also says she's got a new outlook about how to manage spending.

do you feel about credit cards these days?

I hate them.

If you or anyone you know is struggling, you can reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 988-