Still, she couldn't escape her anger at having failed herself. I used to be proud of the fact that I paid my bills on time. It took more than four years for Ms. Malone to pay off her debt. During that time, she moved back to New York City and began a new career, working with the mentally ill. While not high-paying, she noted that her job is rewarding in other ways.
Bankruptcy is an immediate solution.
When you go to a credit counselor, you take responsibility for the debt you've accumulated, and pay it off. I know how much money I can spend and still pay these credit cards off. I have a decent credit standing now. However, she doesn't believe in accumulating possessions as she once did.