Credit Card Debt Makes a Guy Homeless

Here's a piece I found a couple weeks ago on a guy who lives homeless by choice so he can save money and pay off his credit card debt. The details:

The 26-year-old has been living in his truck for nearly 19 months, skirting rules against sleeping in vehicles while otherwise living the life of a mainstream student. What started out as a way to save some cash has turned into a journey of self-reliance and independence.

"Even though I had a good job, I was tired of living paycheck to paycheck and not making any headway with my credit cards," he said. "I've learned that I can push myself, break down my own boundaries. I've been able to learn that I can change and adapt to different kinds of situations."

See? I've told you that credit card debt can drive you crazy. Now do you believe me? ;-)

Alas, his debt is not yet paid off -- it's close, but not completely gone:

Bussell planned to end his time in the truck after completing a nearly three-month road trip last summer, visiting many national parks in the West. But upon his return, he became busy with work and school, and hasn't had time to think about moving into permanent lodging. The credit card debt, which was part of the reason for his decision to live in a vehicle, is nearly paid off.

A few thoughts here:

1. Debt can make you do some really strange things. That's why you should deal with it and get it out of your life.

2. He's lucky. He chose to go homeless to deal with his debt. Many others have been kicked out of their homes because of massive debt.

3. On some level, you have to admire the guy. At least he's got determination and discipline to do whatever it takes to get rid of his debt. Too bad he didn't get serious until it was too late and he had to take drastic action.

If you need help getting rid of your debt, check out Best of Free Money Finance: Debt Posts and Best of Free Money Finance: Credit Card Posts.

Comments

[Moneymonk]

Luckily he was single with no kids, not everyone can go homeless by choice.

Debt makes you a slave. As you said debt can make you do strange things. Once he is out of debt it will be worth it.

It's better to deal with it while you are young, it's harder to get out of debt once you are older with children. I hope he learns from this. Because you have different priorities

Handle your debt wisely.

[Lord]

Wonder where they deliver the bills. Must operate online.