Part 4/8:
Despite her initial success with cash purchases, the return to credit proved tempting. After a fateful trip to Home Depot with her parents, the author acquired a Home Depot credit card, which quickly hit its limit. Further purchases piled on—including significant dental work and a new couch—and soon her debt accumulated to about $10,000 spread across various credit cards.
What began as a manageable financial strain quickly morphed into a cycle of minimum payments amid the pressure of payday advances. Entering into a relationship with Jason provided some respite, leading to a phase where they managed to pay off the $10,000 in debt. Yet, the warning signs of cyclical spending were evident, as they soon spiraled into a much larger problem.