Today I've received a third bit of expensive news on top of my $1400 back bill, $730 unexpected CSU bill, and now I am due for new tires on my car which is over $700. I have no job because I can't handle going to school full time and a job at the same time. Lucky for me the $1400 back bill is being paid off with Care Credit, but with needing to get new tires that leaves me with $1430 sitting on my credit card. Sure I can pay if off once I get my student loan refund in late August, but then I have nothing left to live off of for the semester. Fantastic.
Hi Orca, I can understand the struggles of studying full-time and trying to support yourself. Is there a reason why you have to pay off your credit card right away; is your interest high? You can try to negotiate down your interest or transfer the balance to a new 0 or low APR credit card. My friend just did that and it alleviated his monthly bills tremendously.
My dad always scared me with credit cards and said to always pay it off in full every month or else your credit will suffer badly. He said in all his life he's never let a balance carry over...
Orca, what's more important right now is your well-being. You have to weigh out what's more crucial at this time, and that's what I have always done. You can pay off your credit card when you have the money to do so and your credit only suffers when you don't pay on time. Prioritize and make a plan, that will help you get through this period of time.