<prompt> Human: I thought I had a grip on personal finance. This was wrong. I was unemployed for three months, and accrued 1500 credit card debt. The money went to car repairs because rent and utilities ate my savings.Finally, I get a job. It takes one month for my car to crap again. Perhaps Im frustrated, but Im finished with repairs. The car was a gift about 4 years ago and Ive spent 3k on it.Im mad. Here Im trying to get debt-free. Bullshit happens and Im losing money everywhere. Its amazing I can pay bills.I know nothing about car hunting or if its a good idea. Maybe Im too riled to do this. A while back, I considered buying a motorcycle. Would that be a good idea?I think I hate money now. Im sad.EDIT: Thanks for the posts, folks. Heres more info to answer questions:I drive a 2000 Chevy Impala. 162k miles. Has 2 year old tires, a new radiator, and hoses. I had the radiator and hoses replaced a month ago, too. So, like I said, Im being irrational. Ive called the auto shop who did the repairs. The parts have warranties, and Im riding the bus tomorrow to work. Picodick is right - I should be grateful.I currently live 30 minutes from my job. Im moving closer around August. My new place will be 40 bucks cheaper, and my landlord will pay water bills.I currently live alone. I know thats bad, and Ive considered living with roommates again. My present place is 719 bills monthly. The new place will be 675 monthly and 8 minutes away from work.2nd Edit: Turns out my car only needed a thermostat. It cost 115. Things went easy.Thanks for all the comments. Ive gained much perspective. Budgeting for maintenance is important.  <response>: Do not feel bad, this happens to everyone. First step, build up an emergency fund. With your car, you obviously need it. After that, start putting a small amount in a fund for a new to you car. You dont need to over save here, just 5k or so will do it, and hopefully you can ride that impala until 200k miles. Taking the bus like you mentioned Or biking will go a long way here.As for the debt, I know EXACTLY where youre at and how you feel. 5 years ago, I was just out of school with a shitty car literally - the seat caught on fire while I was in it, but I put it out and kept driving and a lot of debt. I had a job making 39k a year and I was just waiting for the day my car died. Well, eventually it did, leaving me with 55k in debt all told. It sucked, and I woke up at night wondering what would happen if I lost my job. I was on the edge of a cliff.I buckled down, got another job in my free time, and started to go after my debt. It took FOREVER and I didnt focus as much as I could, but right now 5 years later I have 2,400 of it left, and more than enough cash to pay it off. Im going to wipe it out some time in june. Its HARD work, but its worth it, every step of the way. Go to the library, check out the dave ramsey book and get started. Your wages are low, so think about getting an extra job - delivering pizzas is fairly lucrative though could bring about the demise of your car sooner. Get a roommate and turn that 700mo rent into 350. There are plenty of things you can do - cut cable tv, get a cheaper cell phone ting or republic wireless. Start there, and PM Me if you have any questions. 