:(Hi all.  I am new here.  I am in a major hole, mostly my fault.  I over borrowed on my grad loans, despite my being a Fin Aid worker who always told my students "Dont borrow more than you need".  Now I am paying that plus credit card.  I only really owe  y one but I have a large balance from years of xfr balances and payng it off and then charging agn.  I did use my savings to pay off the other card.  I only charge on that card and pay it off fully now. )  I have dropped cable, inet.  I am never late w/payments or rent or anything.  I just feel it is never ending.  I try to get little gigs on craigslist.  I really need help here.  I even curb my social life as much as possible, dont eat much anyway so thta is not a problem.  I try to do everything right but it is not working.  Even my utilities are very low.  My elec bill is usually like 30-35 bux, gas is 30 bimonthly.  Phone is like 40.  HELP!!!!!

I would recommend putting your cards in a drawer and forgetting about them for a little bit.  Get them completely paid off first.

Anytime you make a sacrifice for something that you would like to buy during the month, take the money that you would have spent and put it aside as an extra amount that you are paying off.

Have you considered getting a second job?  (hopefully this forum can provide some income for you as well, but until that happens...)

Most of all keep in mind that there is an end in sight!  It takes discipline and cutting back quite a bit, but it can be done.

Very good advice.

You could also maybe look at Chapter 7 (straight) Bankruptcy or a Chapter 13 Repayment Plan Bankruptcy. Be aware that this will not cancel out any federal student loans you may owe. Also it is more complex if you own your own home etc. Depending upon which state you live it, some states alow you to keep a lot of things like a home others dont let you keep much of anything in liquidation.


Thanks,

Dan

Hi LittleDot. 

I feel your pain.  I'm living it too.  Same situation.   (See my "negative income" introduction.) 

I'm just taking one day at a time and one expense at a time, picking up extra income whenever possible. 

Looks like you are doing a phenomenal job cutting your expenses.  I'm impressed.  Give yourself some credit.  (No, not that kind of credit... LOL!)

Hang in there.

Hello littledot! Thank's for sharing your situation at least I kno that I'm not alone in this world who suffered trials and hardships. There's only one thing I can say. Don't give up.

Everyone who has a credit card will get offers from other CC companies to do transfers to their CC.
If you do get one and it has a no-charge transfere and a 0% interest for 9 to 12 months ..You will save a lot of money if you accept the transfer. It is the interest on your CC that takes forever to pay off. Then if it is possible put an extra  $5 or $10  in with the payment. You will see how much faster you get your CC lowered. Once the 9 to 12 months are up, if you have made all payments on time your interest will be lower than on your old CC .
During this time you should not use the new CC for anything. Cut it up and only use pre paid cards or bank debit card.

Girl i wish my bills looked like that. My elec bill is about 200 a month and my gas is about 150 a month and my phone is 50 a month. To me right now you got it good despite your loan.

I can't think of what else you can do since your utilities are low and you say your food bill is low as well.  Maybe you could try a rommate situation to lower the rent as well (of course that's not possible for everyone)
Or a more permanent part time job that is used only for paying on the loans.  (and nothing else otherwise you'll find yourself always needing the extra job)

Thats what im saying its like you are in the middle of ability of being able to pay off your bills because everything that you pay is so low.