<prompt> Human: I have accumulated 50k of student debt that I havent paid because of being irresponsible for the past few years. Now, Im 37 y.o. have a family to support sincere in changing my ways. I admit, I made a critical error by ignoring my loans now its biting me in the butt. My SO is understandably unhappy with my financial situation, as it holds us back from our goal of buying a home. It is an absolutely debilitating feeling of not being able to be approved for many things. I spoke with a loan counselor to work with me consolidate my loans a few years back, but just gave up paying after a few months because of poor financial habits. Ive been with my current employer for the past 15 years. I work in the medical field net 2.8-3.4kmonth. For those who have survived a similar nightmare situation, where should I start? Thank you in advance.  <response>: Where should I start? Make a budgetList all of your expenses including that 540month cell phone billList all debts with minimum payment and their interest rates. 