Ran up $20K+ credit card debt... now dealing with the fallout

Credit Card
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I really messed up financially, and it’s hitting hard now. Over the past couple of years, I racked up over $20K in credit card debt by going on vacations I couldn’t afford and blowing money at bars. My thinking was, “I make good money as a software engineer; I’ll pay it off easily.” Spoiler: I was wrong.

Now, my minimum payments are eating most of my paycheck, and I can’t catch a break. After I got into debt, I had a car accident, couldn’t buy a new one, and had to deal with a year of no transportation because my credit was too bad to get a loan. I finally have a car, but the interest rate is brutal.

To make things worse, I recently found out I need a root canal for a terrible cavity. The pain is unbearable, but my credit cards are maxed out, and I can’t afford a loan with a reasonable interest rate. The options are either a ridiculously high-interest loan or somehow waiting until my new benefits kick in on March 1.

The cherry on top? I’m working 75-80 hours a week at my software job just to keep up, plus another 12 hours waiting tables to make my car payments. It’s exhausting. I’ve dropped my restaurant shifts to two days a week to stay afloat, but the workload is crushing. I regret the financial mistakes I made, and I’m trying to claw my way out of this mess.

For now, my plan is to get the dental care I need, pay off the debt aggressively, and never fall into this trap again. Anyone have advice, or even stories of bouncing back from something similar? Let me know!

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Not to scare you, but dental infections can be really serious. You don’t want this turning into a bigger health issue. Can you get antibiotics or something?

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Haven said:
Not to scare you, but dental infections can be really serious. You don’t want this turning into a bigger health issue. Can you get antibiotics or something?

I hear you, and I wish I could. I’m considering taking a high-interest loan just to get it fixed ASAP. Waiting until March 1 feels impossible with this pain.

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@Paris
Have you looked into CareCredit? Some dentists accept it, and it’s interest-free if you pay it off within 6-12 months. It might help.

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Kai said:
@Paris
Have you looked into CareCredit? Some dentists accept it, and it’s interest-free if you pay it off within 6-12 months. It might help.

I got approved for $2,600, but the procedure might cost more without insurance. Thinking about combining it with another loan if I have to.

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@Paris
Why not just get the tooth pulled? It’s way cheaper than a root canal and solves the pain problem immediately.

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Have you thought about consolidating your credit card debt? It could help simplify payments and lower your interest rates.

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Finn said:
Have you thought about consolidating your credit card debt? It could help simplify payments and lower your interest rates.

I’d love to, but my credit score is so low right now. Not sure I’d even qualify for a consolidation loan.

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@Paris
Doesn’t hurt to try! Some credit unions might work with you even if your score isn’t great.

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I’ve been in a similar spot. My advice: focus on essentials and cut everything else out. It’s tough, but you’ll bounce back.

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Joss said:
I’ve been in a similar spot. My advice: focus on essentials and cut everything else out. It’s tough, but you’ll bounce back.

Thanks. I’ve already cut down on going out and unnecessary expenses. Just hoping it’s enough to dig out of this hole.

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Can you reach out to local dental schools? They often do procedures for a fraction of the cost.

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Kai said:
Can you reach out to local dental schools? They often do procedures for a fraction of the cost.

I’m looking into it. Hoping I can get an appointment soon. Thanks for the suggestion!

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Man, this sounds rough. You’ve got a solid plan, though. Just stick to it, and things will get better over time.

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Keegan said:
Man, this sounds rough. You’ve got a solid plan, though. Just stick to it, and things will get better over time.

Appreciate it. Trying to stay focused and push through this. Thanks for the encouragement!