[non-religious-conservative]

I don't want to go bankrupt. I also don't need to be insulted or flamed-I seriously want out and want to know how I should do it. My parents live in Florida so moving with them to save money is out (they wouldn't let me w/o paying at least $350 rent anyway) and I hardly "party" or anything.

[crv16]

Get a second job

[cweese]

If you have a 401(k) plan at work, you can borrow half of your balance and pay it back (to yourself) with interest up to 5 years.

[The Spirit Of Allegiance]

Welcome newbie! I suggest we all 'prey' about it.....

[politicket]

Get a second job and limit your "fun" money. There is only time for "fun" when your responsibilities are accomplished. It sounds like you make plenty of money to work your way out of debt if you're serious about it.

[mrsmith]

Join the Army. They'll feed, clothe and house you.

[kevkrom]

Call your credit card company and see about arranging for a payoff plan. This could entail giving up your card, but allow you to structure your current debt to them at a lower rate, if you can swing it. It is in their best interest to not bankrupt you, after all.

[Blzbba]

Consolidate your credit-card debt into one card?

I don't know much about debt, having gone out of my way to avoid it, with the exception of buying a house.

[Unknown Freeper]

Cancel the cable and the internet connection. There's about $100 a month already. Shop at the dollar store. Some items are exactly the same but guess what? They're only $1. Call the credit card companies and make arrangements with them. When you do have to shop, shop at the warehouse store. Get books from the library rather than buying them. Sell items you no longer need on e-bay (with someone else's internet connection.) Maybe rent a room rather than an apartment to lower the monthly cost there.

Good luck to you.

[7.62 x 51mm]

There are reputable companies who can re-negotiate the CC interest and payments for you, at no charge. They also can put you on a strict budget and set-up revised payments with your creditors, again at no charge. But beware, there are some lowlifes out there who prey on folks like you; avoid them at all costs. Do some research, first, on each company.

Or get another job; two, if you need to.

Welcome to FR.

[hsrazorback1]

Amway?

Seriously: 1-Cut up the cards, 2-call them & negotiate,
3-stay in school

[Moleman]

You may want to try to make some money "under the table." Examples, bar tending, lawn cleanup, gutter cleaning, handyman type work for older people.

For increased revenue there is always prostitution, selling drugs, etc. Howver these carry more risk than the aforementioned service jobs. Good luck!

[RockinRight]

Ooh. Been through that. What helped me was finding a better paying job-but being in school that might be harder.

Perhaps it would behoove you to take a semester off and get back on your feet??

[trumandogz]

Take a lesson from Congress:

Borrow
Borrow
Borrow

[areafiftyone]

Get your debts consolidated. I did. Go to a Consolidation site to consolidate your debt.

[xsmommy]

why don't you want to declare bankruptcy? it is a viable option.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Sell your body to science.

[Dashing Dasher]

Two jobs would be better than one.

[Not A Snowbird]

If you haven't already, cut up every credit card you own and close the accounts.

Good luck with this. My husband struggled terribly after his divorce but he dug his way out. It takes time.

[Moose4]

A couple of things to try...

- Call each credit card company and talk with them. I was in a similar state (actually, I'm still fighting debt and will be for a VERY long time) and some of the card companies agreed to close my card, and fix my interest rate and payment. Basically, instead of paying 3% of the balance at 24%+ APR, I wound up paying 2.5% of the balance as of the time I closed the card, every month, at 13.9% APR. It's taken years, but I'm almost done with that card. Some companies might work with you, some might not, but at least try it. (Credit card companies walk a fine line...they want to squeeze as much out of you as they can, but don't want you to default. It's in their best interest to renegotiate sometimes.)

- There are companies out there that will consolidate your debts--basically they take over your finances. They get your check, pay your creditors off and you get what's left. They put you on a budget. And despite your handle, you might want to look into a couple that are Christian in nature (Christian Credit Counselors is a name that sticks in my head). I've never dealt with any of these companies, be careful. Some are probably scams, but some are legit and very helpful.

- Bankruptcy is your ultimate last resort. Don't go there unless you have ZERO other options, and talk to a reputable lawyer before doing anything with it. It will take years, maybe decades, to repair your credit if you do it, but ultimately, it might be better than defaulting on all those cards.

}:-)4

[BADROTOFINGER]

Anyone who has $1000/month minimum CC payments each month has some serious lifestyle issues to work out before getting out of debt is anything more than a pipedream. I have seen many friends and family go through this same thing, and to put it quite bluntly, I doubt you have the capacity to beat the level of denial you are in to recognize your REAL problem. About 96% of my friends and family in the same situation didnt either, so dont feel too offended by my bluntness. It is my humble opinion that you probably need some sort of mental health counseling before you can even make so much as a feeble attempt to solve your problems, as you seem to want to alleviate only the symptoms (your high bills and the crimp it has put in your lifestyle) rather than deal with the cause of those symptoms.

Sorry if this sounds harsh. I really am. But it seems to me like you have some very basic issues that need to be dealt with that arent about money, they are about you...JFK