NOTE: I am currently at 2000 in debt. I can pay off half and be left with a remaining 1000.

I’m looking for some advice on how I should structure my finances over the next several years. I’m currently in school and graduate in May of next year. I don't currently have a job, but I’m planning on getting one. Right now I make some money buying and selling things. On a good day I might make $20–$50 profit, but it’s inconsistent, so I don’t consider it reliable income.

I’m trying to be very intentional with my money and keep my expenses low. I don’t eat out much and I’m trying to avoid unnecessary spending.

Credit card situation

I currently have two credit cards. I have enough cash to pay off one of them completely while leaving approximately $1,000 on the other.

My main question is: how should I actually pay them off?

Would it be better to:

• Pay one card off completely right now and then attack the other?
• Make large payments toward both?
• Pay them off in smaller increments while keeping more cash available?
• Keep some cash as an emergency fund and use the rest to pay them off?
• Invest some of the money instead of using all of it to pay down the cards?

I’m especially interested in hearing how people would approach this given that I currently don’t have stable employment..

What I want to do after the cards are gone

I also want advice on what I should do after becoming debt-free.

My long-term goals are:

1. Get a stable job after/while finishing school and increase my income over time.
2. Build an emergency fund.
3. Eventually move into my own apartment and, ideally, work toward buying a home.
4. Continue improving my career so I can move up and earn more rather than staying at the same income level.
5. Invest consistently, primarily in the stock market.
6. Eventually reach a point where I have enough invested that I have the option to stop working or at least work because I want to rather than because I have to.

I realize that last goal is a long way away, but I want to start building toward it now rather than waiting until I’m making a lot more money. So if you were in my position, what would your financial roadmap look like?

I’m interested in hearing how you would divide money between:

• Credit card payoff
• Emergency savings
• Investing
• Housing
• Career development
• Enjoying some of the money along the way

Any advice, mistakes to avoid, or personal experiences would be appreciated.

I will be looking forward to what you all have to say

-from a brand new person who joined reddit