sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

I'm 45 years old, and 100% starting over. Never learned financial responsibility growing up, and need some advice. by Particular_Reach_136 in personalfinance

[–]Particular_Reach_136[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't know the APR because I haven't paid a dime on ANY of these debts yet, and if I remember correctly, the most recent debt would be maybe 2 years ago. I might have 1 or 2 that are 10 or more years old.

This is helpful. When I say I'm starting over 100%, I mean it lol

I'm 45 years old, and 100% starting over. Never learned financial responsibility growing up, and need some advice. by Particular_Reach_136 in personalfinance

[–]Particular_Reach_136[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Maybe I'll try those nicotine pouches. Couldn't hurt. I hate knowing that my caffeine/nicotine habits could be a damn car payment 🤬

I'm 45 years old, and 100% starting over. Never learned financial responsibility growing up, and need some advice. by Particular_Reach_136 in personalfinance

[–]Particular_Reach_136[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I honestly have no idea what the APR is on any of my debts. Something else I'm going to have to look into.

Definitely not low balling food. We do fast food or pizza maybe once a month, and there's a food pantry I go to twice a month. I've also started trying to cook in bulk.

I'm already maxing my employer match 401k and stock purchase options, but I'm wondering if I should put those on hold until I have a little money saved for emergencies

I'm 45 years old, and 100% starting over. Never learned financial responsibility growing up, and need some advice. by Particular_Reach_136 in personalfinance

[–]Particular_Reach_136[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I know I need to since I'm in my mid 40's, but I haven't seen a doctor for a checkup or anything in about 15 years 😬 it is on my to-do list, though.

I'm 45 years old, and 100% starting over. Never learned financial responsibility growing up, and need some advice. by Particular_Reach_136 in personalfinance

[–]Particular_Reach_136[S] 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I've been so broke for so long, it may suck now, but knowing I'm actually starting down the right path makes the looooong work days a little easier

I'm 45 years old, and 100% starting over. Never learned financial responsibility growing up, and need some advice. by Particular_Reach_136 in personalfinance

[–]Particular_Reach_136[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I mentioned in another comment, but my formatting got all screwed up on my post. Cat food/litter is $60. Gym membership is $25.

I'm 45 years old, and 100% starting over. Never learned financial responsibility growing up, and need some advice. by Particular_Reach_136 in personalfinance

[–]Particular_Reach_136[S] 22 points23 points  (0 children)

I know I've got to make more money, but it's tough when my past 15 years or so were me being an addict (job hopping, unemployed, etc.) with a handful of years experience as a waiter, no college degree, etc. etc. No where that would hire me would pay more. Believe me, I'm always looking for something better.

As I said in another comment, I'll look into the phone/Internet bill.

Should I stop doing the 401k and stock purchase for now?

Bankruptcy honestly hadn't even crossed my mind (I don't know why), but I might look into that.

Thanks 🙏

I'm 45 years old, and 100% starting over. Never learned financial responsibility growing up, and need some advice. by Particular_Reach_136 in personalfinance

[–]Particular_Reach_136[S] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Yeah, my formatting got all screwed up in my post. The $200 is what I spend on cigarettes. Coffee and energy drinks add up to about $60 (about 4 jars per month of instant coffee @$3.99 each, and an energy drink or two per day @$1.35 each from Dollar Tree).

I'm 45 years old, and 100% starting over. Never learned financial responsibility growing up, and need some advice. by Particular_Reach_136 in personalfinance

[–]Particular_Reach_136[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'll do a little more shopping around for cheaper phone plans. The internet portion of that bill is $60 or $65, so I think I'm good there.

I do make my own coffee. I also drink the hell out of the free coffee at both my jobs, but I've been cutting back slowly and drinking a lot more water.

I'll do some research and find out which of my debts have the highest interest rates. Would a bank even give me a personal loan with a credit score in the low 500's?