Backstory:
This is my first time visiting this board. I'm in such financial straits that I'm embarrassed. A few weeks ago, while perusing another board I read someone's post who was in debt. Some of the responses were pretty harsh to him. However, it took my reading those posts to wake up from my own slumber. I'm in as worst shape as that poster. I finally had a light bulb moment. Since then I've started Suze Orman audio-book The Money Class, which I borrowed from the library. I have a long way to go but realize that I have to start someone. I am an artist who is currently working in an office for a company. I was unemployed/underemployed for a year 2011-2012. After obtaining full-time employment (temp position hasn't gone permanent yet) at the end of 2012, it was a pay cut of $5,600 a year. I live in a very high COL area and plan to move but at this point can't do so without obtaining employment elsewhere first. I actually have two questions but I'll ask one at this time. I have a reimbursement check coming in a few day from work in the amount of $689. Below are my monthly bills and debts. My question is in a situation like min, where should I apply the reimbursement money? Thanks in advance.
Yearly Salary: $36.5 K
Bring home monthly: $2027.24
Rent/utilities/cell/internet/cable/car insurance: $1,278
Public commute to work bus/subway $318
Credit card A $61 (balance $3,000. APR 13.25%)
Credit card B $75 (balance $2,700. APR 22.90%)
Credit card C $57 (balance $1,759. APR 26.99%)
Emergency Savings: $ 0
This is my first time visiting this board. I'm in such financial straits that I'm embarrassed. A few weeks ago, while perusing another board I read someone's post who was in debt. Some of the responses were pretty harsh to him. However, it took my reading those posts to wake up from my own slumber. I'm in as worst shape as that poster. I finally had a light bulb moment. Since then I've started Suze Orman audio-book The Money Class, which I borrowed from the library. I have a long way to go but realize that I have to start someone. I am an artist who is currently working in an office for a company. I was unemployed/underemployed for a year 2011-2012. After obtaining full-time employment (temp position hasn't gone permanent yet) at the end of 2012, it was a pay cut of $5,600 a year. I live in a very high COL area and plan to move but at this point can't do so without obtaining employment elsewhere first. I actually have two questions but I'll ask one at this time. I have a reimbursement check coming in a few day from work in the amount of $689. Below are my monthly bills and debts. My question is in a situation like min, where should I apply the reimbursement money? Thanks in advance.
Yearly Salary: $36.5 K
Bring home monthly: $2027.24
Rent/utilities/cell/internet/cable/car insurance: $1,278
Public commute to work bus/subway $318
Credit card A $61 (balance $3,000. APR 13.25%)
Credit card B $75 (balance $2,700. APR 22.90%)
Credit card C $57 (balance $1,759. APR 26.99%)
Emergency Savings: $ 0
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