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BastidChimp t1_j23hqu6 wrote

Try using either the Avalanche or the Snowball method to bring down your debt. There are YouTube videos that have extensive information on these two methods. Prep your own meals and refrain from going out to eat. Pause all investments including IRAs. Just invest enough of your salary to receive your company's matching contribution. Once you have ended your debt your options will open up immediately to save and invest more aggressively.

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slamspamslam OP t1_j24j81w wrote

Thanks for the answer! I am familiar with the Avalanche method and am doing that in theory, but in practice there is nothing left over after paying the minimums. I prep all my own food and do not go out to eat; there are no outgoing investments.

I'm aware of the best practices for saving - as it is, after paying for minimums, rent, and transport to/from work, I often dont have enough for food for the month. Hopefully I will get a raise or two over the next few years, but as things stand the timeline for paying off my high interest debt is >10 years, and assumes I continue to get 60hrs/week.

Appreciate any advice about the process of defaulting/bankruptcy, and how that could impact either my legal ability to return to the US, or the ways judgement can be enforced overseas.

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BastidChimp t1_j24mrac wrote

Bankruptcy should be your very last resort. Switch to the Snowball method for a change. You never know. Sometimes the Avalanche method can be grinding in that you don't see immediate results. Some people like the easy wins the Snowball method brings.

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