Hey everyone, I’ve been feeling really overwhelmed lately with my credit card debt. I racked up about $7,000 over the past year due to some unexpected car repairs and just everyday expenses. I’ve been making the minimum payments, but it feels like I’m barely scratching the surface and the interest keeps piling up.

It’s starting to affect my sleep and I’m constantly worried about how I’ll manage next month’s bills. I tried budgeting more strictly, but with rent, utilities, and groceries, there’s not much left to put toward the debt. I’m thinking about calling the credit card company to see if they can help with a payment plan or lower interest, but I’m nervous about making that call.

Has anyone been in a similar spot? How did you handle the stress and get on top of your payments? Any tips or encouragement would be really appreciated right now.

That sounds really tough, and it’s so normal to feel overwhelmed when debt feels like it’s controlling your life. Calling your credit card company can actually be a great move - sometimes they offer hardship programs or lower interest rates if you ask, and it doesn’t hurt to try. I was in a similar spot a while back and just making that call helped me feel like I was taking back some control.

Also, if budgeting feels tight, maybe try focusing on small wins like cutting back on one or two non-essentials for a bit or looking into local credit counseling services. They can sometimes negotiate on your behalf or help set up a manageable plan. It’s okay to take it one step at a time - you’re not alone in this.

That $7,000 debt creeping up from unexpected car repairs really hits hard, especially when minimum payments barely move the needle. I’ve been there - feeling like you’re stuck on a treadmill with interest stacking up faster than you can pay it down. One thing that helped me was breaking the debt into chunks and focusing on paying off the smallest balance first to get some quick wins and motivation.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of calling the credit card company. I was nervous too, but when I explained my situation, they offered a temporary lower interest rate and a payment plan that made a real difference. It might not solve everything overnight, but it can ease the pressure a bit and help you sleep better.

In the meantime, if you can, try to carve out even a small extra payment beyond the minimum - it adds up more than you’d think. And hang in there; it’s a tough spot, but you’re not alone in this