Finch said:
Why do firefighters make so little? Your job is hard, dangerous, and saves lives. Have you and your wife looked into online work or sales? Maybe a hardship program for your debt could help?
Yeah, $90k is on the higher end for firefighters. Most earn between $40k–$60k. I went three years without a raise during COVID, which made things tougher.
@Harlow
My son worked for Cal Fire and dealt with layoffs and high insurance costs during the off-season. It’s crazy how hard firefighters have it financially. You all deserve better.
You might qualify for a personal loan with a lower interest rate to consolidate. Cut back on spending, sell things you don’t need, and stick to your plan. Good luck—you can do this!
The balance transfer is smart since you’ll pay more toward the principal. You could pay $334 a month to clear the $6k within 18 months and then focus on the business loan. Just be sure not to rack up new debt on the old cards. If you’re disciplined, this plan can work, but it requires staying on top of things. Good luck!