So, I don't really talk about my real life here outside of some funny anecdotes or bitching about work, but I have a cautionary tale with a happy ending for you, my lovely flist.

In the years immediately after I graduated from college, I made a series of incredibly poor financial choices that ultimately resulted in me being 29 years old and carrying approximately $28,000 in credit card debt.

Yes, you read that right. Twenty eight thousand dollars.

Don't ask me how it happened because I wish I knew.

Anyway, I was absolutely not making ends meet and constantly dodging calls from collection agencies. I was at my wit's end and at a loss as to what to do. Getting a second job wouldn't really solve anything since the interest rates (I think they topped out at 31%) were killing me.

One day, my stepdad called and said, "Call these people."

The number he gave me was for Lutheran Social Services Credit Counseling department.*

I met with them and they took me on as a client so now, four and a half years later?

I am debt free. They did not negotiate the amount down, only the interest rates. I paid off every cent of my unsecured debt and now I don't even know how I feel. Relieved, for sure, but beyond that I feel like if I think on it too hard I'll just start crying.

But, yes, do not despair. It can be done.

* I'm not even Lutheran!