Finally pulling my head out of the sand at 38 and trying to turn things around

I am a 38 year old husband and dad with two jobs, making about 120k a year. I have around 30k in credit debt (4 different cards) and 105k in student loans, and I am three years into the ten year PSLF path. I honestly do not know how I let things get this far. I have had a lot of sleepless nights wondering what I am doing with my life and how to get back on track.

This week I finally decided to stop avoiding the problem and start making real changes. I canceled everything I can live without for now. That includes the non toxic cleaner subscription, the Montessori play kits, DoorDash, and all the random impulse spending. The only things I am keeping are my concealed carry insurance and my range membership because if I am going to carry, I want to stay trained and responsible.

We switched from Hy Vee to Trader Joes. I removed Amazon from my phone. I started taking my ADHD medication consistently again, and it has already helped with impulse spending. I bought a chest freezer and a vacuum sealer, and we are planning to garden again this year. Last year we grew a ton of vegetables and herbs but wasted way too much of it. I want to do better.

I put one hundred dollars from every paycheck into my daughters account and one hundred fifty into retirement. I plan to increase that once the debt is under control. My only hobbies are woodworking and guns and AR builds, and I have paused my third build for now.

The only trip we have planned this year is to Canada for my grandmas ninety second birthday. I want to take my daughter to see Niagara Falls since it will be her first time leaving our state.

I am feeling strangely grateful tonight. Finding this community gave me the push I needed to stop hiding from my debt and start making changes. I know I have a long way to go, but for the first time in a while I feel like I am moving in the right direction.

Thank you for being here.