Hey everyone, I've been really stressed out lately because my credit card debt has gotten way out of hand. I racked up about $5,000 over the past year, mostly from emergency expenses and some impulse buys I regret. Every month I try to pay more than the minimum, but it feels like I'm barely making a dent, and the interest just keeps piling up.

I've thought about consolidating or calling the credit card company to negotiate a lower rate, but I'm not sure where to start or if that would even help. It’s hard not to feel overwhelmed and a bit ashamed, especially when I compare myself to friends who seem to have their finances together.

Has anyone else dealt with something similar? What helped you stay motivated or get your debt under control? Any tips for negotiating with credit card companies or managing payments better would be really appreciated.

On 01/04/2026 at 1:35 PM, PennyPincher123 said:

Hey everyone, I've been really stressed out lately because my credit card debt has gotten way out of hand. I racked up about $5,000 over the past year, mostly from emergency expenses and some impulse buys I regret. Every month I try to pay more than the minimum, but it feels like I'm barely making a dent, and the interest just keeps piling up.

I've thought about consolidating or calling the credit card company to negotiate a lower rate, but I'm not sure where to start or if that would even help. It’s hard not to feel overwhelmed and a bit ashamed, especially when I compare myself to friends who seem to have their finances together.

Has anyone else dealt with something similar? What helped you stay motivated or get your debt under control? Any tips for negotiating with credit card companies or managing payments better would be really appreciated.

Totally get how frustrating it is when you feel like you’re stuck in the interest trap. I was in a similar spot a couple of years ago with about $4,000 on a credit card, and what helped me was breaking down the payments into smaller, manageable chunks and focusing on paying off the card with the highest interest first. It’s called the avalanche method, and it really saved me money on interest over time.

Calling the credit card company can feel intimidating, but it’s worth a shot. Sometimes they’ll lower your interest rate or offer a hardship plan if you explain your situation honestly. If you want to explore consolidation, just make sure the new loan has a lower interest rate and fees don’t eat up your savings.

Also, don’t beat yourself up comparing to friends - everyone’s financial journey is different. Taking small, steady steps is what really counts. If you want, check out free resources like the National Foundation for Credit