So upset I could cry :(

[deadgoon]

What's your credit like? Is it possible to surf this balance to a new credit card?

[inneedofhelp]

My credit scores are in the mid to high 600s. So, not perfect, but not horrible.

But I have a high amount of debt and the debt to income ratio is so high that I cannot get another credit card at this time.

[adam_c]

I know that they did not do this to me personally, I just feel that it is still wrong that they would do this and on top of it the loan that I had was a fixed monthly payment and a 19% interest rate. They are making a lot of money off of me and I just find their practices, while legal, to be less than appealing.

First, let me say congratulations. It sounds like you've come a long way, especially if you're doing it all on your own.

Looking at your above quote, I would challenge you to DO take it personally. You are doing a great job of becoming self sufficient.

I am also early 30's, but I'm married with 3 kids and my wife doesn't work. I came from a poor background, so I have some grasp of the baggage that can cling to you regarding money and security.

I haven't had a CC in 6 years. We made the choice not to depend on the CC companies to be there for us. We had days with less than $100 to our name and no CC to fall back on. Our middle child was 5 weeks old a that time. Some scary moments! But it motivated us to cut expenses and make more money.

It is a very liberating moment when you can look at a simple piece of plastic and say, "I don't need you anymore." Sounds silly doesn't it? But it's true.

Good luck.

[KatieNK]

It sounds like your past has scared you into needing to feel like you have a lot of cushion "just in case." But I think it sounds like you have worked out a budget, have curbed your spending and you also have $2k in savings so I think you should be fine! If not, you can always apply for another credit card or get a 2nd job to increase your savings. Good luck!

[Mistee]

Great advice here that's true Joan.of.the.arch....just reading your posts are inspiring! Well done.

Hang in there inneedofhelp! You're a very courageous person and a very young one at that. DH and I aren't over the hill yet, but we're climbing and can almost see the top! Life isn't fair and promises and contracts are broken every day; but those who rely or believe in a higher power will not be disappointed!

[simplecheapfun]

i think you have made lots of progress and have a lot to be proud of..

I had a great boss who always told me "work more in the winter so you can have more fun in the summer, nice weather" . So maybe store up the cash for next few months and take a break in the summer.

Keep up the good work and take some time to have fun, enjoy life. You deserve it..

[inneedofhelp]

I just want to tell everyone a big thank you for your support. I am feeling 10times better today than I was feeling when I wrote the original post.

Many of you are so right. I am letting my past experiences keep me afraid and scared. And with so many people losing their jobs and companies closing, I just am scared a bit silly. I also want to thank the poster who said that I need to rely on God. I know I should rely on him and I know that he has really watched over me in tougher times than this, so I need to have faith during these times as well. I think that this is a lesson to 1) watch my spending and 2) stop incurring debt!

I told my bf this and he was saying that I shouldn't worry as much and to know that I can depend on him if I ever need help. I told him I didn't want to have to do that because he already has enough responsibilities, and I know that he is super stretched to the max in terms of budget as well (plus I make about 3-4x what he does, so I don't feel it would be fair to ask him for help---does that sound wrong?). But I did realize that I have to feel comfortable asking people for help. Something that is very hard for me to do.

I am trying to get a 2nd part-time job so I can start putting money to savings and increasing my savings. I am also doing good with my diet and that is making me feel good as well.

thank you everybody for all of your help and support.