Need advice on making decisions with some debts and auto loan.

Auto

Hello all.

I'm 29M in Texas. I recently went through a not great separation from a relationship that incurred a lot of debt after having a rough time recovering from issues back in covid times (I was on a repayment plan for much of my cc debt). My current debts are as follows:

\~ 30k unsecured credit card, all in collections.

\~ 16k auto loan, currently 3 months behind. Calling lienholder on Monday.

\~ 60k student loans in good standing.

I just spent several months with family that allowed me to get enough money saved up to get my own place while I searched for a new job in a new state. It was a very tenuous offer and the few months were already overstaying my welcome, or else I'd have stayed longer and saved more money.

I recently, as in just got my first full paycheck, started a new job making around $1700 biweekly. I also donate plasma twice a week giving around $400-$500 monthly.

My expenses are as follows:

Rent - $1050

Electric - $150

Internet and phone - $120

Car payment - $450

Car insurance - $250

Bankruptcy attorney - $200-$500 a month.

I am declaring Ch 7 bankruptcy and charging off the credit cards. So that should take care of that.

I need to figure the auto loan out. I'm worried I'm one click away from repossession, and rather than continue paying the $450 a month and trying to catch up for the $1200 past due, I'm tempted to just start setting that money aside and once they do repossess it then just buy a cash car for 5k and cut the car note out completely. I also have a friend a few states away willing to sell me a car for $2000.

The student loans, I'm considering re-enrolling in an 100% employer funded program, so that I am on forbearance, and then making payments towards the principle.

Any advice in these areas, especially the automotive, is appreciated.

Posted Sep 13, 2026, 6:06 AM UTC

08
Loading comments…