How did you get out of student loan debt?

34k in debt 4 years ago while making 10$/hr in a plastics factory. I had $200 in my savings and maxed at 3500 in credit card debt.

I asked my boss everyday for overtime, and whenever it was available I took it. I started by cutting all expenses to the bare minimum. I put a hold on all student loan payments to pay off my credit cards because my credit card were at 19% interest and my student loans were 6.6%.

After I paid off my CCs I saved up 2 months rent and quit my job. It was risky but I had to do something. I applied to a temp agency and got a job in a metal shop @$14/hr. Busted my ass, was never late, and always took any overtime available. After 6 months my contract was up and was hired at the company for $15/hr. All the while I was putting all money per month extra towards my loans. Got a raise and put more money to my loans. Got another raise and put more money towards them. Got a promotion and put more money towards them. I got down to 10K in debt(3 years paid ahead) and took a break to make a safety net. Saved one year of rent and finished paying off my loans.

That took 4 years of depriving myself of most comforts. Now I make investments and I'm looking for a house. I refuse to put myself in that kind of financial stress again.

/r/AskReddit Thread