<prompt> Human: Hello, PF. I am a long-time lurker, first-time poster. I am 20 years old and have made a lot of financial mistakes; mistakes that I have learned from, but mistakes nonetheless. I have been perusing numerous threads but I havent found any information that is completely relevant to my situation. I quit my previous job without any sort of backup plan for personal reasons, which I know was not the most intelligent move, but it was in best interest of my mental health. When I left, I had a little bit of money in the bank and didnt think that I had to worry. Immediately after quitting that job, I began searching for a new one. That process took a little bit longer than I expected and now I am technically out of money. What money I do have left is already spent. The positive aspect of the situation is that I am beginning a new, higher paying job in less than two weeks. Once I begin, I will be paid on a bi-weekly basis and can get back into the swing of things. Until I receive my first paycheck, I am really unsure of what to do. I am officially late on all of my credit card payments by a couple of days. I have enough money to cover my auto loan and insurance this month and really nothing more. I am carrying relatively high balances on all of my credit cards due to some severe life changes which arent really relevant and that has provided me with the inability to get approved for any sort of debt consolidation loan. Trust me, Ive tried. The stress I am under because of this is immeasurable.Total, I am 12,000 in CC debt. I know this is a totally recoverable amount, especially considering the fact that I am starting this new job, but I just really need to know what I should do in the interim. I am trying to pave the way for a better financial future for myself and all of this is really wearing on me. Please help.  <response>: Food, shelter, and insurance come first. If thats all you can handle, I would call your credit card providers and let them know about your situation, but stress that youre starting a new job and show them a plan to get back on track. This link might help you out. 