I’m drowning financially for reasons the better-off can’t comprehend. That’s why I gravitate towards those with similar experiences

It felt like I was having a bubble bath with a nice glass of wine every time I swiped my little piece of plastic

How did a program designed to help public servants confine me to what feels like indefinite servitude?

My husband-to-be insisted on finding out everything I owed. And then he took the debt upon himself

I work three jobs – one of which is in biomedical research – but I am only coping financially because of my inheritance

We never take for granted that our work will see the light of day. Or that we will be paid

I was in an abusive relationship, and money worries exacerbated our problems. One of the worst fights broke out when I went to a slightly more expensive store to buy food

I just owe more money every month regardless of what I pay. When will this ever end?

The city is full of restaurants, bars and clubs we could never afford to visit. I don’t miss it one bit

I spent my summers as a child on a private plane, a luxury home and a yacht – yet my life has been defined by financial disarray

My accident set me back by $50,000. But everything changed when I finally received a settlement from the driver’s insurance company

He insisted we split everything 50-50, even though he earned much more than me. The monthly payment helps me remember my mistakes

My past financial recklessness will chip away at his accomplishments for the next two decades. I feel such guilt for dumping this burden on him

With debt collectors calling me nonstop, I used to wake up fearful of the future. Then I decided that was no way to live

I didn’t have one until I was 47. It helped me through turbulent times – but now it is time for us to part ways

I am not the only one. I know that there are bank workers across the nation who have mortgages, student loans and families, and are struggling every day

With credit card debts mounting, I realized my only hope was to push my employer to raise wages – and offer fair scheduling

When you lose a child, you don’t really care about what you still owe Sallie Mae. I had to change my phone number and ignore the world to stay sane

With no way to pay back my debt, it wasn’t long before the long arm of the law started to hammer down on me

I do not believe wanting to gain experience and education without mental and physical exhaustion is unreasonable