[asmom]

Okay, here's my story:

When I found out my husband's CC debt two years ago was $42K and growing due to late payments, fees and growing interest rates, I had to look at all the options.

First of all, I knew there was no way in he!! I was going to help him pay it off with my money because I didn't help him spend it. But I knew it was in my best interest to help him figure out how to pay it off. We keep our money separate but our financial fates are intertwined since if he is unable to work due to illness or there is an emergency then the whole family suffers. So it was imperative he reduce his exposure immediately. That meant cutting retirement temporarily, getting a cheaper insurance plan AND changing lifestyle.

So I put some of his debts on my 0% credit cards which gave him some room to breathe and pay down the principal. So now the family is at risk and my credit could be potentially damaged. Do you think I gave a care if he is a little short on the other end when he retires? Nope. He had to take care of us in the now AND he had to pay off the debt that was in my name. Besides he has a pension + he gets 1% in his TSP just for showing up to work. It ticks me off a little that he is so irresponsible but no matter what he is going to be fine.

After one year, when the fire had died down, I had him to resume his retirement up to the match only (5%). When the debt is finally paid off in about 1 year, then he can resume up to 10% or whatever.