In my search for personal finance gurus/ cool people who “get it” with personal finance I found Farnoosh Torabi. Farnoosh is a young success story, in addition to writing books and co-hosting with Jim Cramer, she has a TV show called Bank of Mom and Dad, which is conveniently available on Hulu. My credit counseling advice is to check it out! It’s a good show about finance.
To avoid credit card debt, look into work study options.
Episode 1 confronts Christina, a part-time New York bartender with overwhelming credit card debt and no health insurance regardless of her failing knees. Yet, Christina was able to find $160 a month for yoga classes thanks to Mr. Crazy Credit Card Debt.
As I come into my yoga practice again (hopefully for good this time) I’m facing the same daunting price tag, which I try to rationalize away by dividing the price by how many times I hope to attend class a month. Well… if I go 5 times a week every week EVERY MONTH for as long as I do yoga, then the price would only be $7.50 a class (my amazing studio South Boston Yoga charges $150 for the month).
But alternatives exist! How do unlimited classes for no cash sound to you?
Welcome to the world of work-study. If you cover 2-3 shifts a week of signing people in to class (and sometimes tidying the studio after class) many studios will “pay” you with unlimited classes. Christina found the same thing in Brooklyn. And while Christina wasn’t excited about working for her peace of mind, for those who enjoy frugal living, or especially those who really cannot afford yoga any other way, work study is an important option.
So ask your studio if they have this program. If they don’t currently, then explain your situation and offer your services within this kind of system.
If yoga isn’t your thing, or you haven’t chilled out upside down since you were 2 ½ feet tall and your center of gravity was lower, ask whatever recreation organization you DO enjoy if they can make a similar offer. Ask your gym/ soccer league/ Jiu Jitsu instructor if answering calls, signing people in for class, or doing mailings would give you some cost relief.
Then you can really enjoy your recreation because you know Mr. Crazy Credit Card Debt won’t be toweling off next to you for years into the future.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
