Tired of bad credit and feeling like I’m treated differently

Credit Settlement
1

I’ve made some financial mistakes and thought that the ups and downs of being self-employed were just part of life.

I was watching a game tonight and realized I couldn’t afford to attend. I’m not even a big fan of the teams, but I feel like I should be able to buy decent tickets at my age. I’m 57.

Here’s what I need:

  • A list of my debts so I know exactly what I’m dealing with.
  • How can I get a copy of my credit report? Where do I start?
  • I need help creating a budget, but it’s hard without a stable income.
  • I should probably increase my fees.
  • Maybe I need a second job or a side hustle.

I’m looking at around $65,000 in total debt, with $55,000 owed to the IRS. I only have $500 in savings. Any advice is appreciated, and I’ll keep posting updates here. Thanks in advance for any help.

2

How do you not know how much you owe? All those little receipts on your desk, in your pockets, and in your car tell you why you’re broke!

3

Ellis said:
How do you not know how much you owe? All those little receipts on your desk, in your pockets, and in your car tell you why you’re broke!

Let’s be kind. It’s easy to lose track when someone’s mental health is in a bad place.

4

@Chen
I’m sorry, but I don’t buy that. Mental health issues or depression aren’t an excuse for not handling your responsibilities. Too many people use it as a way to avoid taking ownership of their actions.

5

@Ellis
That’s a pretty narrow view. Mental health struggles can absolutely wreck someone’s ability to manage their finances. Just because you handled things differently doesn’t mean others can. Try showing some understanding instead of judgment.

6

@Daryl
Sounds like you’re making excuses. When my partner passed away, I was depressed too, but I didn’t destroy my finances or use it as an excuse.

7

Ellis said:
@Daryl
Sounds like you’re making excuses. When my partner passed away, I was depressed too, but I didn’t destroy my finances or use it as an excuse.

It’s clear you lack empathy. Not everyone responds to loss or challenges the same way. It’s sad you can’t see that. I’m done arguing with you. Take care, you’ll need it.

8

Are your numbers in the thousands? That sounds like a lot.

9

Valen said:
Are your numbers in the thousands? That sounds like a lot.

I think most of them are in the thousands, yeah.

10

The fact that you think you should afford good tickets even with all that debt says a lot about how you manage money. How are you 57 and still haven’t learned the basics?

11

Go to creditkarma.com. You can see two of your credit scores there and get some advice on how to start improving them.

12

57 is a bit late to get started, but having a steady income will make it easier to manage and pay off debt.

13

If you’re serious about getting out of this hole, check out Dave Ramsey’s advice. His ‘Baby Steps’ plan can help you get on track.

14

Blayne said:
If you’re serious about getting out of this hole, check out Dave Ramsey’s advice. His ‘Baby Steps’ plan can help you get on track.

Dave Ramsey’s advice is not great for everyone.

15

Having $500 saved at 57 isn’t the worst. I’m in my early 40s and I’m just a little ahead of you.

Maybe use some of that to pay down your debt?

16

Cody said:
Having $500 saved at 57 isn’t the worst. I’m in my early 40s and I’m just a little ahead of you.

Maybe use some of that to pay down your debt?

$500 in savings at 57 isn’t great. And if you meant $500k, that’s definitely not the case here.