So are you sending them anything? It is confusing to me reading what you wrote - are they deferred or have you entered the payment phase for some of them? It seems like the second to me. If so, why is the $250 only doable after a new job? You have $600 left in this budget - seems like you could send them the $250 and start sending $250 to the other loan to at least show good will. I'd drop that phone - I make a whole lot more than you and my phone is $30 a month for unlimited data/text/voice. It kills me that people owe other people money but won't give up their top of the line phone plan. I've had this $30 plan for 10 years - started at $20 with two increases - it's been a dream. Food - that should be all make at home. When you owe money, you don't live like the money is yours. This isn't lecturing, it is stating the obvious that sometimes isn't obvious to those who need to hear it. Live the way you'd want to be treated and you won't blame others as much and won't need therapy. When I got my first job - all of my "extra" money went to paying off student loans and my first car. Within 4 years they were both paid - I kept making those payments to myself and didn't "upgrade" my life much and had a nice nest egg in 4 years to buy a replacement car and a house downpayment. But you need to respect who you owe, stay disciplined, and not upgrade you life until you can do so with your own money.