I worked myself into $44,300 of consumer debt because of stupid choices starting in my mid-twenties and leading up to now - when I am 34 years old. I am ashamed of this debt and cannot bear to think of how I have been hurting myself and those who are close to me by making choices that will eat up the bulk of my finances for the next several years.

I want to be honest here because I have not been able to be honest about this with anyone - including my partner, my sister and my parents. The most I have told people is that I have considerable consumer debt. My partner thinks it is about $33,000. I feel so ashamed! How could I make choices that would put me in a position to have to lie to people I care about?

I resolve to never again be in a position like this. I will work towards eliminating this debt. Thankfully, I have a job that pays well enough where if I scrimp and save and live frugally, I should be able to pay this debt off in about 3 years. I hope sooner than that too. Please lend me your support. I need every bit of it that I can get.