I'm completely overwhelmed, $15k in debt, lost savings to medical emergencies, and facing imminent housing instability. Where do I even start?
Hi everyone,
I created a Reddit account just for this. I am feeling completely terrified, overwhelmed, and lost regarding my financial situation, and I could really use some outside perspective and guidance.
(Note: When you give advice, please use a direct "do this and explain why" format. When things are too open-ended or vague, I tend to panic, so clear, structured instructions help me anchor.)
The Current Breakdown:
Income: Reduced work hours; I make about $400 a week if I'm lucky ($1,600/month).
Expenses: My personal bills are around $1,000 a month (this excludes the household bills covered by my dad and sister).
Debt: I am $15,000 in credit card debt. I managed to cancel the card and get onto a 5-year 0% interest payment plan as long as I pay $200 a month. (The interest rate had spiked from 3% to 30% prior to this).
Cash on Hand: I have about $5,000 total across my checking and savings combined (no real safety net).
How I Got Here:
Over the last five years, I depleted my $30,000 savings due to a combination of three major surgeries, surprise medical bills, and supporting my household when my dad lost his job. I also had to wipe out my remaining funds to pay off my student loans in one lump sum ($11,000) because the interest rate jumped aggressively from 2% to 10%, and then to 20% post-COVID.
Beyond the numbers, I am dealing with a lot of emotional weight. I carry a lot of guilt—sometimes feeling like my financial situation is a punishment, especially dealing with the deep regret that I couldn't afford to save my dog.
Work & Health Limitations:
I live in McAllen, Texas. I would love to work remotely, but I am required to physically be at my office location. Due to ongoing medical issues, I need to use the bathroom frequently, which makes finding and keeping a traditional job incredibly difficult and stressful.
Upcoming Housing Challenge:
I currently live with my dad and sister, but my dad is going to sell the house soon, meaning I will not have anywhere to go. I've spoken to my dad but he's mostly looking out for himself than thinking of me.
Where My Head Is At:
I’ve read The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins and watched financial videos, but I am still fearful and anxious about investing, especially without a safety net in my early thirties. Paid investing courses are out of reach for me financially right now.
My Goals:
Stop living paycheck-to-paycheck.
Rebuild a true emergency fund and eventually a retirement fund.
Learn how to actually start investing without panic.
Secure stable, independent housing in the McAllen area before my dad sells the house.
If you were in my shoes, what would your immediate step-by-step triage plan be? Given the local Texas housing market and my health/work constraints, how do I tackle housing stability on a low, fluctuating income? Thank you so much for reading.