Why I'm a starving artist...

It's very simple. I spent too much money. It started in college. I got the credit card because I wanted the free t-shirt. I said that I was going to tear it up as soon as I got it. Then I was going to use it responsibly. Then I was going to pay off that three hundred bucks... next month.

And it built. I've struggled for years with debt. It stresses me out more than anything. I don't buy things that are outrageous, by any means. I don't own a television, I don't own a house. I just spend my money on stupid little things, every day. I eat out, I buy drinks. I don't use coupons.

I'm a writer. I make my money as a technical writer, and I write fiction and the occasional article in my free time. Starving artist is a horrible misnoemer, actually. I make $45,000 a year, and I usually get a nice bonus. That means, after I pay all my minimum payments, all my bills, I have about $1,000 a month to spend on gas and food.

Actually, let me break this out:
After taxes, my takehome is $2,600 a month.

THIS IS MY DEBT
School Loans:
$12,633.67 - Wells Fargo (my account)
~$4,600 - Wells Fargo (my father's account -- money he took out for me that I pay back)
~$5,000 - Mac Loan (money I borrowed from the school itself)

Car:
~$4,600 @ 9% APR

Credit Cards: (yes, that is ominous music you hear in the background)
$982.70 @ 23%APR - Wells Fargo Visa
~ $1700 @ 23%APR - Chase Visa
~$4,500 @ 0%APR - Discover
~$2,500 @ 2% APR - American Espress

GRAND TOTAL (approximate)
$36,516.37

$9682.70 (oh my god) in credit card debt.
$22,233.67 in school loans
$4,600 for my car

Wow. Go me.

Other miscalaneous payments that I make every month:
$500 - rent
$45 - cell phone
$130 - parent support (mother is disabled)

This really isn't where I want to be in my life. I hate this. I'm almost 30 years old.

This blog is to help me get a handle on things. I don't feel free. I feel trapped, and I am so frustrated.

I have to go and meet some friends (writing group). I'll be back later.