No credit, college kid on my own, -$550 in checking account. Help please.

Promethiaus · 4時間前

Don't spend money you don't have.. ask you parents for some help. I'm in college and I'm fortunate to live at home with my parents. I still work 30 hours a week despite having a full time program. It will be hell but you will get through it. Just remember that one day it will all be worth it

amlyb · 2時間前

My thinking is that you are already in a mess and getting student loans is only going to give you more trouble when you get done with school. I would say to try and get more hours at work and work your but off to pay off the creditor. It's okay to take a semester off and work full time.

BambiTheCat · 2時間前

Did your parents buy you a car? give you a roof to live under? Don't just throw them under the bus like that just because they couldn't afford college for you at least they helped you with the basic necessity. anyways check out your other options from the others in this thread first. if bad comes to worst just ditch the apartment you're in and ask friends if you could stay with them until you can get back on your feet. If you can't then start sleeping in your car, get a gym membership so you can shower there. the extra money from saving in rent will quickly put you back on your feet.

THEKONIG · 4時間前

Pardon if I seem disrespectful in any way if I say this..

but it never hurts to ask your parents. Parents give anything for their child, and the sacrfices my own parents made for me is a worthy example.

ebnozn88 · 3時間前

Get that checking account cleaned up NOW before they close it. That's your top priority - if they do, it can be literally 5 years before you can have a checking account again.

Itsyaboioutofgold · 1時間前

Hey you just described my life.

itsthedrivebyguy · 1時間前

open a new credit card.

do a balance transfer to that card which will have a 0% interest for 12-18mos deal. now you have another 0 balance card. do a balance transfer to that for the same deal. do it until all cards are on a deal. yes, you have to pay 4% on the balance, but i'll take 4% annually over 17-25%.

make min payments. pick up side jobs on the weekends - detail cars, mow yards, etc.

Maysock · 4時間前

You need to make more than ~$1200 a month if you're going to survive, which is probably why you're $3550 in debt and late on rent. 700/1200 means 58% of your pay goes towards paying your rent, which puts you in a very stressed financial position (Most people should be paying less than 40% of takehome pay towards rent/mortgage, preferably closer to 30%) . So you have two choices: Make more money or pay less rent. The answer to that question will depend on your situation, how many hours you're taking, what else you can do for money, and where you are in your lease with the apartment.

Really though, I'd talk to your parents. Ending up homeless/out of school really shouldn't be the result of falling ~$4k behind in your finances. You need help, you're in over your head, and this is the sort of thing parents help their kids with. If they do help you, take this experience to heart and don't let yourself get in trouble again. Also, I'd cancel that credit card and pay it off as soon as you're caught up elsewhere.

Your priorities should be:

Rent
Paying back the overdraft
feeding yourself
making the minimum payment on your credit card
paying off that credit card as soon as you possibly can. That card probably costs you $700+ in interest alone a year. That's a rent payment a year in exchange for things you already bought.

Edit: better explanation below, but I don't literally mean don't eat until you've paid rent. I just mean no eating out at all, bare essentials.

savvyxxl · 1時間前

Looks like you are living WELLLLLLLLL beyond your means. Why are you not living on campus for one? and secondly 700 dollars is a decently high rent for someone who has no money. As far as the rent goes i would recommend talking to your landlord and being straight up about your situation and letting them know you will rectify the problem and that there is money coming in and apologize profusely. also if youre struggling you need to find cheaper housing. You really should be living on campus and eating in a dining hall and right there that will add money to your student loans but youre not paying up front.... Idk man my advice is once you do get this current situation under control you need to get yourself a legit budget because youre definitely living beyond your means. I think we need probably some more info as to how you got into this problem in the first place

JonJonesCrackDealer · 1時間前

Why'd you go to college and have a place of rent by yourself? You lived outside your means.

614GoBucks · 2時間前

stop buying dip

stop wasting time playing games

pick up a second job

why are you paying frat dues when you can't even afford school?

take out student loans IF and ONLY IF you are going to a decent school and have a quality major, so you won't drop out or graduate working a crappy job.

PhilaBurt · 4時間前

Advice: QUIT SPENDING MONEY YOU DONT HAVE.

You have a new job - that's awesome. Get up every morning and bust your ass. Outwork every person you make eye contact with and get as aggressive with your finances as possible. It's not gonna be quick or easy, and will require more self discipline than I guarantee you've ever had to use, but grind. Do NOT eat a meal that you didn't prepare. Cook your food, budget your $300 accordingly, and knock this debt in the fucking teeth.

ABSOLUTELY__BASED · 5時間前

tbh you probably wouldn't be able to pay your bills on that income even if you weren't taking classes.

Are you able to move back in with your parents?

dbhammel · 3時間前

Take a student loan, this is what they are for.

Surpriseyouhaveaids · 3時間前

Rent a room on Craigslist. I rent a room in a super nice house in the expensive part of town for 475 a month includes power water cable and Internet.

electricgrapes · 3時間前

What are you majoring in? If its something that you can expect a reasonable salary from immediately after college, I'd just take a student loan. Your financial aid office should be able to help you with that. If you're maxed out with federal loans, go see a credit union for a private loan.

If you're not majoring in something useful, drop most or all of your classes and get a full time job. Completing some college is usually good enough to get an office job depending on the economy of where you live.

Please don't take out private loans for a useless degree. You will regret it.

Tamizander · 4時間前

Sorry to hear that. The first thing to do is not panic.

So we could help a bit further, could you detail your monthly budget. Are utilities included in your rent? How did your account get over drafted?

iwasawasp · 1時間前

This is scary, and you will get through this. You will get this under control and then you need to make some changes to your lifestyle to keep yourself on track. You are not alone. Some people are with you right now; others (like me) were you 5 years ago and are now financially stable. Panic, but only enough that it allows you to take action.

Visit your bank and speak to them about waiving any overdraft fees that they are able to. Walk in and ask to sit down with a banker. While you are sitting with them, you may consider discussing your options for obtaining a loan in order to help you pay off some of these debts. With no cash at hand, and no room on your credit card, you are definitely in a sticky spot. Once you get the situation figured out with the bank, close your checking account and switch to a new bank. More and more are offering no overdraft fees (Chase and Huntington are two of them) and you will want to have this benefit if you are prone to overdrafts.
Start an application with your county's Job & Family Services (assuming you live in USA) for food stamps and medical assistance. You can search online first to see what resources are there, but if you live near the county seat it would be an advantage to go right into the office. This process can take awhile so you will want to do it right away. I had assistance when I was in your situation in college and I am so glad I got over thinking as though I didn't deserve them. You receiving assistance does not take away from other people who also need them. Go apply.
Speak with your landlord about your situation and let them know exactly how much you can pay them and when. Are your utilities included in your rent? You will want to take this into account when speaking with your landlord, or you will find yourself not having enough to keep your lights, water, and internet on. If you have cable, call and cancel immediately. If you have reliable web access at your school, you may consider canceling the internet too (and thereafter Netflix, Hulu, etc.).
Talk with friends, parents, siblings, everyone you know about the possibility of crashing for awhile if you get evicted. Having a back up plan will alleviate some of the fear of being evicted. You are working to stop it, and if it happens you know you have somewhere to go.
Contact your financial aid office at school and let them know about your situation. I was about $2000 shy of graduating and my choice was to get out on time or pay my bills. My dad wrote a letter on my behalf to the president of my university, and they covered the remaining part of my balance. Reach out to them to see if there is anything they can do for you in any way at all.
Start selling stuff. Anything you don't need. Now don't undervalue things just because you are broke. If it is something you love and would like to have again someday (such as a gaming system) don't sell it for $100 when you would have to buy it back for $400; be reasonable and be ready to take a little less in order to get yourself some cash at hand. Your priority is getting your checking balance back into the positive. The credit card can wait for a minute.
If you drink, smoke cigs, or smoke weed, quit now. Even if you don't have a problem and even if you don't spend that much money on it, quit. It's really easy for that to get away with you during a stressful and broke time.

Okay so by now you should have several plans in action for getting to more stable ground. You are on your way, this too shall pass. Now it's very important that you start handling your income and expenses very carefully.

Start a spreadsheet in Excel (can be done on paper, for organization + math purposes Excel is a real lifesaver). List every bit of income you expect to receive between now and the end of May, with the amount and date. So you've got $100 on Thursday, $600 the Friday after, another $600 two Fridays after, and so on. Then you will need to list your expenses in the same way. Account for rent, utilities, minimum payments, gasoline, your friend's birthday dinner, EVERYTHING. Don't change the numbers just because you can tell you're overspending. Obviously you are or you would not be in debt. Write down the real numbers so you can see what you're working with.

From there, subtract your expenses from your income and see what the balance is. Your goal is 0.00 - yes, even if you look at that and see "wow I actually have money left?" you NEED to account for it. Assign it to debt reduction, your savings account, or some other area, but you must determine where every penny will be going. If the balance is negative (which is likely) then you will have everything listed and can see where changes may be made. Shop at the dollar store, cut cable, get a roommate, walk to class, the options will likely be numerous.

Once you have this budget done, I highly recommend reading as much information as you can get your hands on about financial independence, getting debt free, zero balance budgeting, creating additional income, ANYTHING related to personal finance. You will gain practical skills, tips &'tricks, and plenty of inspiration. Do not stop budgeting, do not go a day without looking at your bank accounts and your spreadsheet. Track every expected expense and every actual expense. It may take you years before you are at a place where you feel totally comfortable with how your money is being spent, and if you have a spending problem it will be hard to change your mindset but it is doable.

Sorry for the novel, I am very passionate about this sort of thing because, as I said, I have been where you are right now. I really hope that you have found at least one golden nugget in here that you can use. Best wishes to you, always be vigilant.

PhilaBurt · 3時間前

OP I'm chiming in again - you mentioned depression and anxiety, and I totally understand. Finances can contribute to poor mental health incredibly, and neglecting finances is directly correlated with depression. It's a double edged sword. After glancing at your post history and subs you post on- personal advice, stop browsing Reddit and 4chan. This contributes nothing positively to your mental state, which we need to work on to get your finances in order. Take up a hobby! Im rooting for you, and want you to overcome this debt situation. Feel free to PM me friend.

billbert2014 · 3時間前

Wait tables...quick cash that you don't have to wait for

Nickadimoose · 4時間前

Okay, don't panic - you need to keep a level head to get through this. As a fellow person whose parents could not provide a dime there's a few things you can do here;

1) Food banks/Church donation places/Food Stamps. It's not glamorous, but it certainly beats starving (which is the route I chose until I passed out on a factory floor). Don't do what I did; the hospital bill alone for the ER/ambulance trip was enough to wreck me more than anything. edit: also apply for food-stamps, you can do this over the phone in some instances-- file an application at your local office first-- but mention over the phone you need something relatively immediate. They may even assign you just $20.00 for your card at first, but $20.00 is still more than nothing.

2) Ask your parents if you would be able to move in. You're in a tenuous spot with your landlord and you need a fall-back. Even if it's just a spot on the floor in their house, it will be a blessing to cut back your expenditures.

3) Why is your account overdrafted? If it's just for some nondescript reason and its happened recently-- you may be able to contact your bank and have the late-charges removed, as long as you cover the cost of the overdraft. I've done this for Chase once or twice when the automated overdraft fee got me before I deposited money. They sometimes do it as a good faith gesture for customers.

4) Assets. You need to get rid of some of the physical assets you have (if any) -- television, gaming system; anything that's a luxury and not needed for this process. It sucks, but when it comes down to living after clearing debt/enjoying a game while in debt, the choice is pretty obvious. You can negotiate sometimes with pawn shops to have them pay a bit more when you pawn an item. Typically you have 90 days to get your shit back. Failing that, the payout is much larger for ads on Craigslist. You need the money at this point. Just don't be stupid and take it to GameStop (they'll undercut you like crazy for a cash-payout.)

5) Talk to your landlord and explain your situation. Tell them that you just started a new job and could use some leniency. Some people might be willing to help, as long as you're willing to make some type of financial downpayment. In the long run it beats finding a new tenant/going to small claims court if you should happen to get evicted. That being said, this is also why you have the fall-back for your parent's house, in-case this option doesn't work.

6) You need the extra money. This is also what I did to feed myself, but it cut costs quite readily. Do you have a plasma donation place nearby? I'm a bigger guy so it didn't affect me as much, but selling plasma is a viable way to make income in the interim. I used the profit from plasma centers to pay for my food/gas. Just make sure your well hydrated and eat carbohydrate/protein rich foods before/after you donate to ensure you don't pass out. It's vitally important to remain hydrated during the plasma process.

7) You mentioned you were in school. If you have a degree; sperm donation is also a viable alternative to getting a bit of extra cash. Once again, it's not the glamorous option, but you definitely need the money.

8) Credit Card companies are a bit of a bear. Talk to whoever manages your credit card and explain the situation. There are sometimes programs for this that allow you to go down on your minimum payments a bit. You never know until you try. Just don't sit there and do nothing/watch the late payment fees stack/accrue.

Your first priority needs to be your rent/feeding yourself. Those two are critical to your continued success if your parents cannot provide for you. If your money is getting direct-deposited into your overdrafted checking account you won't be seeing a dime of it -- make sure you understand this before-hand. This is why obtaining money for the physical assets you have/starting the plasma donation process is important. You need any and all extra cash you can get. Sometimes plasma donation provides you with a pay-card (it did for CLS Plasma donation spots) but you can use the cash-back return option at grocery stores to tap into physical cash up to $100 per transaction (also why I recommend it for covering grocery bills).

This is all the advice I can offer at this time without knowing more of the situation. I feel for you, I was there in College -- no one can save you, but you. Don't let your pride get in the way of digging out of this hole. Talk to someone, immediately. You only beat this by fighting as hard as you can at all times.

ExcellentNothing · 4時間前

See if there is a nonprofit or government program in your area that provides emergency grants for youth. In Philly, the DHS provides one-time emergency grants particularly for kids trying to get through school.

rocky5100 · 4時間前

Sounds like a private student loan will help you out for the rest of the semester. Check out your local credit union or Discover.

Make sure to fill out FAFSA after you file taxes this year, for next school year. You may get some grants.

HannahLRounds · 4時間前

This is my advice coming from a landlord's perspective:

Eviction takes a few weeks. They have to give you formal notice, so you have some time. At least two weeks. Let your landlord know your situation, and when they can expect their money.

Make the minimum payments on your credit card until you've got the rent situation stabilized.

Finally, find a checking account that doesn't require you to pay overdraft fees, and doesn't allow overdrafts.

You'll get through this, you just need a step by step plan.

Also- on the expense side- can you get a roommate?

happylittlepleb · 4時間前

Why is your account over drafted? Are you keeping a budget? Do you have anything to sell? I would try to pay rent. You don't want an eviction on your record. It will make it hard to rent from most property management companies.

Greenwaldo · 4時間前

Even after you start work, you're not making enough to make ends meet, let alone pay down your debt. You need an injection of capital to get back to zero. This isn't a situation that can be solved by being frugal and scraping pennies.

Do you have student loans? Student line of credit? Try the financial aid office and explain your situation. They might have grants and scholarships you can apply for, or some kind of emergency loans, or can help you get student loans.

If you already have a student line of credit, go talk to your bank about extending it. Figure out how much you need to get through the semester into summer working season. If you have to withdraw from school because of financial hardship, the bank's loan becomes a lot riskier. They would rather help you stay in school.

lilfunky1 · 3時間前

Student loans?

FeatofClay · 3時間前

Go to your college's financial aid office for help. They may be able to help you on several levels.

First off, are you already getting financial aid? They might be able to reexamine all the assumptions that went into your calculation of need (such what your real cost of attendance might be, or what your ability to contribute is). Maybe they can make an adjustment based on your circumstances and increase the grant you qualify for.

Second, and this is true whether or not you already get aid-- some colleges maintain a fund of emergency loan $$ or bridging funds to help students in crisis. It can be a lot cheaper to address issues early (and have you pay it back slowly) than to have your costs escalate because you have moving fees, legal fees, and everything else that can happen. So find out about that.

dalbrno · 3時間前

Take out student loans to help keep you afloat until you graduate then pay them back when you are making real money...

fireball121 · 2時間前

Get a second job waiting tables. I used to make over $100.00 daily in cash. Saved my ass a few times

petitefleur12 · 2時間前

Your college might have some aid they can offer you. Definitely give them a call!

Prof_Acorn · 2時間前

Have you taken any loans from the school?

Your financial package should include the cost of living, and therefore should guarantee your ability to attend.

If you haven't seen financial aid yet, go talk to them. They may be able to find some money, or move some money from the next semester back to this one. If that doesn't work see if there's a retention grant.

They make more if you stay all 4 years, and will work with you to ensure you do. Yes this might mean taking out Stafford loans - welcome to higher education in the US. Most graduate with debt, or don't attend. It's the exception to graduate without debt in the US.

churnbetter · 2時間前

First place to look is the college bursar's office -- are you already receiving financial aid (stipends, loans, grants, etc?). If so, have you maxed your semester eligibility? If not, ask to have the remainder disbursed. If you are maxed, then ask that you be reevaluated based on the current situation (losing job). That's your best bet -- student loan debt isn't pretty after school is all done, but the government is more forgiving than private banks.

If that doesn't work, talk to your landlord and explain the situation and that you'd rather be honest rather than going through eviction. Landlords hate the eviction process because it requires lots of court work. But don't think that means you get a free ride -- if you lose credibility with the landlord that'll hurt any future rental checks.

Next, find a way to pay the bank account first -- banks are quick to shut you down for overdrafts and if you lose that good luck opening another account with any other banks for the foreseeable future. Banks share the ChexSystems for your banking score.

This is the last resort -- you'd rather apply for one or two more student credit cards, preferably the same day so you can get approved for both. Then use a online bill pay service, like Plastiq, to pay your rent and bank account with your credit cards. You're going to max out quickly but credit card debt is better than eviction/bank account closure. This is because credit card companies are highly regulated and you'll have more leeway to repay your cards -- including a low minimum monthly payment until you get back on your feet -- but don't get complacent you'll need to pay it back. (And yes no debt would be ideal but we don't have that situation).

Don't even think about payday loans, you'll be in over your head. Consider a family/friend loan. This one isn't glamorous -- but sell your plasma (around $50 a pint), else sell your sperm/eggs.

middleofthemap · 2時間前

Put the next 2 months rent on your credit card. Buy some time. If you get evicted its a pretty nasty downward spiral. Create a budget and stick to it.

b4xt3r · 2時間前

Work with your landlord. Show them the money coming in, the job, the future regular checks. Eviction costs them money and they don't want to do that. If you can make a good faith payment and show up with a plan to get rent back on track that is going to go a long way in keeping your in your apartment.

If that doesn't work write up a backup plan for where you are going to go and how you are going to keep a roof over your head. Stick close to public transportation so you can get to work and school without a car if need be. Look on Craigslist for roommate wanted ads. You can save a lot of money that way even if it's not your ideal living situation.

I've been in this exact position when I was in school only I didn't make a plan and I panicked. Don't go that route, it really doesn't work out very well.

swampcakeface · 2時間前

Sometimes if you keep your landlord updated on with what's happening, they'll give you an extra bit of time to pay. Obviously if you avoid them, they're gonna get pissed and assume you're wasting their time. Just be honest, say you just started a job, explain your situation, and that you have every intention on paying them back.

randme88444 · 2時間前

Not sure where you live, but $700/month for rent is too much. Either find a $300/month apartment or get a roommate.

Gigatronz · 2時間前

Look into food bank or any free food service including EBT or food stamp card not sure if you would qualify but you might and thats up to $200 right there.

hunterhunting · 2時間前

Here's what I would do: - Sell blood plasma. This isn't fun or glamorous but you could probably raise an extra $200 or so. - Sell anything you can. Old college textbooks, entertainment systems, etc. - Pick up any spare jobs. Check out Craiglist ETC or see if there are anything like catering jobs.

Gatoradedrinker97 · 2時間前

Sometimes the bank will remove some overdraft fees. Happen to me once and I called and they removed some of them!

huggybear0406 · 2時間前

PLEASE GO TO YOUR SCHOOL COUNSELOR RIGHT NOW!

I work for a university and there is often FUNDS AKA MONEY that we can get you in emergency situations, like not being able to afford rent or food. This may require you turning over bank statements for confirmation but trust me being embarrassed for a few hours is way better than getting into more debt. They may have to deposit the money directly into your checking account which means $550 is gone first but at least it will get you out of the hole. Please PLEASE go ask for help on campus! Even if they don't have an emergency fund they can help with the anxiety and depression part.

tf199 · 2時間前

I recommend working as much as possible (even under the table work). Sell everything you own that you dont really need: gaming systems, old phones, TV, half used bottles of cologne on ebay, name brand clothes, shoes, etc at consignment stores. Cash in textbooks you dont use or need anymore, some places used bookstores buy any books. Do everything you can to save money, turn off lights, turn down your water heater, adjust your thermostat, get a roommate or two. Dumpster dive for extra items to sell or use. Cook your own meals, walk/bike everywhere you go, arrange for a ride or take public transit. Be creative.

Relevant_Truth · 2時間前

never received any financial help from my parents

Some kind of "ism" or philosophy preventing you from this ?

Perhaps it's high time for them to kick-start your adult life.

Better now than later.

LogRayleigh · 2時間前

As impossible as life seems right now, know that this is just one more hurdle you will soon be looking back on. The advice here is great and if you're smart enough to use your resources (like posting this on Reddit as you have) then I have no doubt you will find your way out of this.

Sorry for the mush, just got through a similar situation and I know how scary it is. You got this!

gorbyf · 2時間前

Draft a detailed plan showing your landlord when you get money and what you can pay biweekly to catch up. And then most important do NOT miss hitting a commitment.

Communication is very important.

Be sure that you can deliver on what you tell them. Keep in mind other critical expenses such as taxes dedicated from your paycheck, transportation costs (car or bus), food, electric bills, etc.

You can consider selling assets (bike, furniture, etc.) If desperate enough.

Perhaps you could offer the landlord collateral if they do not accept your payment plan.

619429 · 2時間前

Go outside, get to the park, something different to break your mind free from the jail your thoughts and emotions have created. Then (the top comment's advice).

likeaspacemonkey · 1時間前

Ask someone, even someone you wouldn't feel comfortable asking, to borrow money from. A friend of your parents, a professor, someone you know who has it. Setup a plan to pay back $100 month.

Taking debt is never a panacea. But remember that time is more valuable than money. If you take on other work or spend time finding little drips and drabs of money it's going to eat your precious time. Time that in the long run would be better off spent on school.

You're two years from graduation and a job. Keep your focus on what's important, your education. Do this by finding a no interest personal loan.

Don't be shy about asking for money, lay out the facts and commit to doing exactly what you say you will. Following through is not only the right thing to do but it will give you a lot of well-earned confidence.

realmp06 · 1時間前

I use to be in your situation as well. First, no bank will take you if you have an overdraft looming over your head. Second, I cancel all recurring transactions coming from that bank account until you have a positive, healthy amount in there.

Last, some ppl may not agree to this, I'd get a pre-paid card (I used blue bird from walmart at the time) and have your direct deposits go into there. That way, you can save for the rent that is looming over your head, pay the minimum amount on the credit card and start digging out of the negative debt in your checking account.

Once all that is done, get rid of the prepaid card and start off again in your checking account with a different bank that doesn't have overdraft fees or doesn't let money go out if their is a risk of an overdraft (USAA works like this, but you need to have a family member that has served or yourself has been in). I know this is a daunting task, but this will help in your favor for the immediate time. I've had to do this, and while it was painful, I grew from it and refused to ever get in another situation and have been making better financial choices after that. Good luck and I hope this helps out.

Goal_PhD_EE · 1時間前

700 a month for rent? I know this can't be done immediately, but get a roommate next time to save some money.

avgazn247 · 1時間前

Is it possible to ask for help from parents? If even they only loaned you money, the rate would be so much lower than a cc

hamdinger125 · 1時間前

When you say you have never received any financial help from your parents, is it because they were unwilling to help you, or because you wanted to do it on your own? If they are willing to help, let them. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. Talk to your landlord and tell him or her what's going on. Maybe scrape together what you can as a good faith payment until you start getting regular income. I would also try to find a cheaper place to live. Don't let them evict you- get current with them, but maybe put in your last month's notice if you can.

Also, get a second job waiting tables or doing deliveries. Even a couple of nights a week, or a weekend shift, could make a big difference for you.

caverunner17 · 1時間前

Biggest red flag here: You can't afford a $700 monthly rent.

You're pulling in $1200/month and owe ~$4,200.

Get a roommate, live in someone's spare bedroom or basement or whatever. Do you qualify for food stamps?

bravesgeek · 1時間前

Open a bank account at Simple. No overdraft fees.

nickaclark · 1時間前

What about credit with parents, uncles/aunts or friends? Do none of them trust you enough to let you borrow $1,400?

dopadelic · 1時間前

There are bank accounts with no overdraft fees. I'm using Capital One 360 and their bank account comes with $1000 line of credit for when you overdraft.

GunnerMcGrath · 1時間前

This is not all the advice you are looking for but it is one very important piece of advice you need going forward: If you are overdrafting, it is because you are not paying close enough attention to your spending. You are likely looking at your ATM balance to see how much money you have, rather than tracking it yourself. Debit transactions often take a day or two to clear and checks can literally be held for up to 6 months or more before they're cashed. Your bank balance is NEVER trustworthy on its own.

You need to be tracking your spending on a daily basis, and comparing to your bank statement daily. It takes 5-10 minutes a day, but you will always know how much money is actually available to spend vs. how much has been promised to someone else but hasn't come out yet.

A checkbook is the simplest place to do this, but is prone to math mistakes. Personally I use the YNAB software, which costs a few bucks a month, because they have a sweet phone app that I can enter each transaction in as soon as I make it. Plus, it's a budgeting app.

Speaking of budgeting, it's time to start. Planning your spending based on what you have, rather than what you can get away with on credit, is vital to getting out of debt. YNAB again is a phenomenal tool to help you, but if you can't afford that, check out Mint, which is free, but be careful that you are still entering your transactions manually, not trusting the bank download to keep your transactions up to date. Same problem as what you've been doing so far, if you do that.

It can sound overwhelming at first but you can do it!

I also recommend finding a new place or a roommate. $700 a month rent with $1200 a month income (is that before or after taxes?) would be extremely hard to live on without all the additional debt. You can talk to your landlord and let him know where you're at... but if they're threatening eviction I would guess that they are not going to be super sympathetic, they likely have bills they need to pay too. Can't hurt to try though, worst thing they can say is get out.

novemberdream07 · 1時間前

Your college may have a counseling center which could help your anxiety/depression

Perish2 · 1時間前

Most universities have an emergency loan through the cashiers or financial aid for a few hundred dollars. Ask them and you usually get the cash immediately. If this is truly an emergency, try this. I work for the university and I know this to be true.

ThunderKunt65 · 1時間前

Your college should have some kind of food donation that you can get your groceries from for the next couple of weeks. If you can donate plasma do that it's an extra $200 a month. See if you can get a roommate or maybe a smaller apartment. I'm sure you can rent a room for around $400 a month. I would also look into doing some side gigs if you have time. Maybe take fewer classes so you can focus on getting back on your feet financially.

dixienormas07 · 1時間前

So I was in the exact same situation when I went to college. 0 help from parents and I couldn't even get loans because, I had no co-signers. I made it by working nights as a security guard. Security companies are always hiring because most security guards are complete and total fuck ups so they have to fire a large percentage of guards. And there is a ton of down time as a guard which I used to study. You just have to schedule your classes during the early morning or late evening because you will need to sleep during the day since security guards work mostly nights.

movingtoredding · 1時間前

Whatever job you are in, the money is not enough. Find the top 10 fine dining restaurants in town, show up at 3pm on nights they are open and beg for a job as a busser or runner. 7 of 10 of those places are always looking and pay $6-10 plus tips. The better ones will average $17 or more an hour and cut you loose earlier than the servers. Best part, a little bit of cash, if not all, except your hourly. Then get on your knees and beg whoever you pay rent to.

Badmoodsbear · 1時間前

A lot of schools can provide an "emergency loan" if you still have federal student loans available. Go ask your financial aid office for options.

OhShnigums · 1時間前

Go file for financial aid at school. Take as little as possible.

eightyraindrops · 1時間前

Where are you living that you're paying $700/mo for rent as a single (assuming you're single) college student? Even when you'll be making $1,200/mo that is still way too high for rent.

Move to a crappy (but livable) apartment with lots of roommates. Cut your expenses. Get out of that credit card debt or at the very least don't add to it. If you have to take out student loans, do it. The federally subsidized ones have super low interest rates and you can get some of that back with your taxes. Apply for food stamps.

I would also recommend you start working only with cash. Withdraw your weekly grocery allowance in cash and use an envelope system. Once the cash is gone, it's gone. No whipping out credit/debit cards. Spend the cash wisely. Make a meal plan. Don't eat at restaurants or take out-- not even fast food.

MajorMuff_ · 1時間前

I've been in the same trouble and it's a real burden on you, mentally but eventually also physically. No sleep, the constant feeling of paranoia (for lack of a better word) that at some point someone will ring your doorbell to get you and your stuff out of the house is terrifying. I always find it sad to read these kind of stories, especially because you're in college because you want to make something of yourself and this kind of puts the handbrake on that. I hope you get it all figured out and I wish you all the best.

sinisterdexter24 · 1時間前

Are you receiving FAFSA funds ( pell grant, student loans)? I know this isn't an ideal solution but if you are absolutely desperate you can use student loans for educational expenses this can include rent, transportation costs , medical, etc. You won't have to start paying on your loans until 6 months after you graduate or are no longer enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours.

Often times federal loans through FAFSA have much lower interest rates then many credit cards or private loans. If you go this route be extremely careful it is easy to rack up large amounts of debt quickly. I understand that you are robbing Peter to pay Paul but it is better than being evicted and drowning in high interest credit card debt.

Doperambo · 1時間前

Are you receiving financial aid OP

millymills87 · 1時間前

Become a bartender. Much better money.

gusmurphy · 1時間前

by now you probably know that you need to pick up the phone and talk to people, and I am sure that is not easy for you. Just remember this: No one on the other end is going to be mad at you. They will be helpful, I promise. You don't need to make excuses, they aren't going to ask how you got into this mess- they are only interested in helping to get you out of it- and getting paid. Landlords and banks deal with broke people all day long. It happens. You're a good person in a bad situation.

nathan_scheelhause · 1時間前

To begin, you need a written budget. This takes the most self-control, because only YOU can manage your money and tell it where to go. Write down your income for each paycheck, then write down the basic bills you have (rent, lights, water, etc). The extra money will be used in a moment.

First things first, start saving $1000 cash. Do whatever you have to do to get there: sell things, get an extra job, work overtime, do it. This is your emergency fund. If an emergency happens, you need cash, not credit card to further put you in debt.

Next: the debt snowball. List all your debts, ALL of them. Start with the smallest and work your way to the largest, like this: if you can only pay $50 a paycheck on one of your debts, that's fine, do it. When you totally pay it off, use THAT $50 and apply it towards your next bill, in addition to whatever new money you can spare. Keep doing that, until everything is paid off.

This will take time, it's not a quick fix. You are probably looking at 1.5 years, maybe 2. That's fine, you will have an emergency fund, have learned how to budget, and have your credit card gone.

These steps helped save my life. Check the books "the Total money Makeover" and "financial peace" by Dave Ramsey out. They show you what to do next, and expand on these steps I listed. Good luck, stick to it, it WORKS.


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