“Dear Steve,
I am 25 years old and have been married for six months. I have a substantial amount of debt from my student loans (almost 100k), a credit card with approximately $750, several medical bills that equal around $200, and a debt for $800 that is going to court. My husband and I live on about $2000 a month. We are struggling to pay off our debt, evening with living rent free in my parent’s “soon-to-be-foreclosed” home. Between the day to day living costs, utilities, and these debts, we are completely strapped. Here’s the kicker…I just found out I’m pregnant and I do not have medical insurance.
What would you suggest for my husband and I to do? We are completely scared and are trying to hard to be financially responsible. We recently paid off my husband’s vehicle, paid off his credit card, and sold my leased car in order to pay off the loan and buy me a new car (now no car payment). I feel like we are continually just sinking into a bigger and bigger hole. Please HELP!!!!!!
Kelli”
Dear Kelli,
Congratulations on your recent marriage.
Your decision to have the baby is one only you can make. Some have had to make tough choices based on their ability to care for the child.
You should certainly check to see what public benefits you may be eligible for by visiting Benefits.gov. It sounds like you’ll need them.
Do You Have a Question You'd Like Help With? Contact Debt Coach Damon Day. Click here to reach Damon.
It seems you have some tough choices to make ahead of you. You need to be concerned now about where you are going to live once your parents home is foreclosed on and you all need to move out.
When it comes to the student loans the most important factor is if these are private loans or government backed loans. If they are government backed loans they the Income Based Repayment (IBR) program is a good potential solution.
The small debt you are currently being sued for may eventually result in a wage garnishment if left unattended. That could further lower your income. Luckily it is a relatively low balance debt but I imagine legal fees and other costs will be tacked on. Just be prepared for a higher balance due.
Have you sat down with your parents to ask what the game plan is once the home is foreclosed on? We need some family input on who is going to pay for this child and care. These are important and difficult realizations to deal with. It is certainly scary.
At least the good news is you don’t have any car payment.
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