I have to agree with both SteveC and B767Driver... you can get yourself out of a financial pickle faster if you just plunk down and DO IT! I've been there myself too with financial crash courses, worked more than 1 job to pay off my debt and learned my lesson the hard way just like you are (different cirumstances, sure)...
in the end, the satisfaction of success in that nobody owns your butt (financially) outweighs the work that had to be done in order to complete the task!!
I'd also suggest holding off on the retirement because your not going to be able to put that much in and it won't accrue as fast AND you can use the extra money to keep paying those debts! besides, nobody is guaranteed to make it to retirement age.. so use the money now while you can and once everything is free an clear - open a plan and max it out!
I've seen people do what B767Driver is talking about...it takes motivation and determination, but it CAN be done! you can still achieve those dreams.. but your gonna have to work a little harder for it unfortunately.
I know more than one person that really appreciates you sharing your story...most people do tend to learn from other peoples mistakes!
|