I hate, loathe, despise, and abominate money.

I had this big idea that I was going to pay off my credit card in three years.

It would be nice if I could actually live on a completely restricted budget, but there are always issues that arise. For example, having to travel for family-related things that you didn't plan for, therefore spending more gas money. Having to buy a new bite guard to prevent myself from grinding my teeth to pieces in my sleep. Having to buy new glasses. It's always something. This past week has definitely been something for me. In the past year, not only have I not made a dent in my $3600 of existing credit card debt, but I have built up $600 more. ($330 of this since last Thursday.) I could always get a second job again, which never actually allows me to get ahead financially and makes me tired as fuck to boot. I could take on a roommate, which would definitely save me a couple hundred a month in living expenses (if not more).

But what do I have to sacrifice in order to get out of debt? Granted, I've known of people who had tens of thousands in credit card debt, so I don't suppose I have all that much to worry about right now. I can afford my monthly credit card payment, so at least I'm not paying late fees and overages and having things charged off on my credit report. I just sometimes feel that I'm under unnecessary pressure. I'm only 25 years old, and I have a car payment and student loans to worry about. I'd have to be making twice what I do in order to feel like I'm making a dent in my debt. But why am I in such a hurry to get it all paid off? I'm not behind on things. I'm not going to get evicted; my car's not going to get repossessed. Why can't I just chill out? Why do we all feel such pressure to keep up with the Joneses?

It's America, man. What the hell is our problem?