Feeling stuck in debt… what should I do?

Debt Management
1

I work 12-hour shifts four days a week at a plant. It’s a decent job, but I drive quite a bit, and the pay isn’t great. Most of my credit card debt came from fixing my old car, which kept breaking down. Eventually, I got a new car, but now I’m stuck with a high car payment, and I feel like I made my situation worse.

I’ve been living like this for about a year. I had a second job before, so I know I can manage extra work, but I want to find something that actually helps me get ahead instead of just treading water.

I’m thinking about doing DoorDash on weekends, but I live in a rural area. We do have a lot of festivals, and I’m really good at baking, so I’m considering selling candied apples and other treats.

Any advice? Has anyone been in a similar situation and found a way out?

2

Try finding a job that pays more or pick up a second one. Sometimes you have to do something you don’t like for a while to get ahead.

3

Caiden said:
Try finding a job that pays more or pick up a second one. Sometimes you have to do something you don’t like for a while to get ahead.

Yeah, just find a higher paying job… why didn’t you think of that? :upside_down_face:

4

Caiden said:
Try finding a job that pays more or pick up a second one. Sometimes you have to do something you don’t like for a while to get ahead.

Wow, groundbreaking advice. I bet they never thought of that. :joy:

5

@Mika
It’s kind of the only real option though.

6

Caiden said:
Try finding a job that pays more or pick up a second one. Sometimes you have to do something you don’t like for a while to get ahead.

Also, learning how to fix your own car can save you thousands.

7

Whatever job you have, work hard and aim for management. Learn what your boss hates doing and do it for them. Management positions pay way more, but it takes time to build trust and move up.

8

Emerson said:
Whatever job you have, work hard and aim for management. Learn what your boss hates doing and do it for them. Management positions pay way more, but it takes time to build trust and move up.

Management was miserable, but it did help me get a better-paying job afterward. Not for everyone, but if you can stick it out for a while, it might be worth it.

9

You need a second job or a skill that can get you better pay. $17 an hour won’t cut it long term.

10

Noah said:
You need a second job or a skill that can get you better pay. $17 an hour won’t cut it long term.

A second job is a solid plan, but trades aren’t for everyone. Depending on what you do, there are certifications for IT, coding, accounting, and other fields that could pay more.

11

@Riley
That’s fair. I went to college later in life, but that’s not for everyone either. The key is finding something that sets you up for better pay.

12

Noah said:
You need a second job or a skill that can get you better pay. $17 an hour won’t cut it long term.

$17 an hour isn’t terrible depending on where you live.

13

Morgan said:

Noah said:
You need a second job or a skill that can get you better pay. $17 an hour won’t cut it long term.

$17 an hour isn’t terrible depending on where you live.

It’s barely livable in most cities.

14

@Noor
Not everywhere though.

15

Look into debt management programs. They can negotiate lower interest rates and help you pay it off faster.

16

Tilden said:
Look into debt management programs. They can negotiate lower interest rates and help you pay it off faster.

I did this and it saved me years of payments. The only downside is they close your card, so you have to adjust to living without it.

17

You need health insurance. One big medical bill could make your debt situation even worse. Also, check if you qualify for Medicaid or food assistance in your state.

18

Blake said:
You need health insurance. One big medical bill could make your debt situation even worse. Also, check if you qualify for Medicaid or food assistance in your state.

If someone already has a lot of debt, how does Medicaid help in that situation?

19

@Kiran
It helps by covering medical costs so you don’t end up adding even more debt. I was on Medicaid for years, and it made a huge difference.

20

I make $14.50 an hour and have $35k in credit card debt at 34.99% interest. If Dave Ramsey can file for bankruptcy, so can I.