<prompt> Human: I know many people are currently in the same place I was 10 years ago, so I write this to let you know there is hope. When I graduated school I was in a really bad place financially but even more so mentally. I was still jobless a year out of school and had over 180k in debt 150k school loans and 30k to my parents. I was clinically anxious and depressed in no small part due to the overwhelming debt. Im proud to say that this month I broke into the black with my liquid net worth I havent included my retirement accounts in the figuresI made some mistakes along the way and am no expert, but it can be done. Here is what I did: Moved in with my parents to whom I am forever grateful Took a 10hr job outside of my field to at least some money come in and increase my confidence Put ever dollar I could towards my 8 private school loans and consolidated my govt loans 30 year, 2.15 After 1.5 years, I found a job related to my field 50kyear and with benefits I built up a 3 months of expense cash cushion. After another 1.5 years, I found a great job at 75kyear. It was 800 miles away but at least I could finally live on my own. Around that time I finished paying off my private school loans and finally started putting money towards my retirement. During the next 7 years, I was able to build that cash cushion up to 6 months, pay my parents back the money I owed them, and just recently start aggressively paying down my govt loans of which I still have about 30k.And most importantly, Im happy. It was and still is hard work but I never really had to sacrifice when it came to necessities such as healthy food and safe living conditions. I just accepted a new job in a new city so Im excited to see where the next 10 years takes me.  <response>: I dont even know you but Im proud of you!! 