College grad (BS in Finance, working in accounting 2005), living in KY, I have 2 children (11 and 13) and married. Over the past 10 years, I have amassed an enormous amount of debt.
The following are my stats:
Monthly Income:
Net: $3,300 (My income only—does not include my husband’s income, as he and I keep our accounts/income separate—my choice)
Monthly Debt/Expenses:
Rent: $ 340.00
Electricity 40.00
Gas 35.00
Phone 20.00
Total HH Exp 435.00
Debt Repayment Balance Int Rate
AMEX 900.00
Amex Blue 350.00 4,942.68 10.24%
Discover 165.00 1,823.04 5.90%
Bank of America Visa 100.00 4,235.50 8.99%
Citi/Assoc 350.00 7,528.84 6.24%
Citi MC 350.00 6,125.96 6.24%
Chase 250.00 5,336.36 5.24%
Bank of America Gold Option 300.00 13,345.54 4.75%
Savings 160.00
MBNA 700.00 33,901.03 4.75%
Perkins Loan 55.00 4,800.00 5.00%
Student Loan 195.00 49,200.00 2.25%
Target 250.00 1,900.00 11.99%
Grand Total: $ 4,995.00 $ 133,138.95
As you can see above, I am in the hole EVERY MONTH $1,695. This is where my husband comes in. Whenever there is a shortfall (every month) he gives me $500 to cover this deficit.
I am up almost every night trying to figure out a way to pay off this debt; but honestly, I don’t see it happening. I have tried to seek part-time employment; but given my current career choice, this is not possible. (I am employed with the state government within the revenue dept. We have to get permission to have another job and to be honest with you; it is rather difficult to get approval even for a part-time retail job). Also, my job requires that I work outside of the county in which I live and I constantly travel to different locations.
The reason behind the debt is the fact that I lived off of my cc’s for the past 10 years (while in college and during the first year or so out of college). I know and understand that my student loan debt should not have exceeded my first year income AND I know how stupid it was to run up my credit cards. It was just so easy, esp. with the mindset that EVENTUALLY it would be paid. This has not happened. Every year since I’ve been working, my debt has increased 300%.
I have contacted my creditors and have had my interest rates reduced (BofA, all others are market rates based on my credit), but it doesn’t seem to help. I’ve run the numbers over and over again, and nothing is making sense. The only option (IMO) is bankruptcy, but I don’t want to ruin my credit and make it impossible for my husband and I to purchase a home in the future. I feel like I owe it to my family to have a home of our own, but it is becoming increasing apparent that this is not going to happen.
The reason that we have separate finances due to my desire to work these things out MYSELF. I have taken off from work so many days this year it is not even funny. I can’t concentrate @ work, I feel like this debt is consuming my life. I don’t drink, smoke, not overweight, etc. My hair is falling out and I just don’t know what to do. All of my debt is in my name only…Thank you in advance for your comments.
