'I'm 28 and living back with my parents after I got myself in $36k worth of debt'

A woman forced to move back in with her parents after racking up $36k of debt despite earning $88k a year says people shouldn't be ashamed of money troubles.

Brittney Reynolds, 28, was comfortable until her then-girlfriend lost her job - and then they split up - leaving her to foot all their household bills and rent.

Soon the $2,700 a month rent became too much to handle along with her other household bills - and overwhelmed her $5,000 a month after-tax salary.

Over seven years she racked up $36k of debt on credit cards - mostly on rent, basic necessities and paying debts.

She finally confessed to her mum after her breakup and moved from Bay Area, San Francisco, back into her childhood bedroom in August 2023.

She's now paying off $4k of debt a month and admits she struggled because she was ashamed to ask for help but still wanted "the best" of everything.

Brittney from Temecula, California, said: "Living in the Bay Area, the cost of living is wildly expensive.

"My debt accumulated over seven years and over the last two, it went from $20k to $36k.

"I went through a breakup and I just couldn't afford to live on my own anymore.

"I called my mum and explained the situation.

"It was a positive conversation. She was very understanding.

"There is so much shame about debt and I don't think it is necessary. It happens and it can happen to everyone."

Brittney and her then-girlfriend contributed to the $2,700 a month rent for their one-bed apartment until they broke up.

Over seven years, Brittney accumulated $36k of debt.

Spending her salary on rent, food, furniture, socialising and paying off her debts.

Brittney said: "It is so expensive to live in the Bay Area. It has been for a long time but recently started getting worse with the cost of living.

"A lot of tech companies have their HQs here so you have a lot of highly paid people pushing the residents out.

"The debt was really all-consuming. I still wanted to live my life and meet up with friends but it was just not manageable.

"You almost don't feel human. It is like there is nothing you can do apart from paying your debt."

In August 2023, Brittney left the Bay Area and moved back in with her mum Susan, 69, and dad, Charles Reynolds, 63.

Brittney said: "I definitely feel a sense of relief. I feel really impatient about it now, but I am happy to pay it off quickly.

"It has been an interesting adjustment to be back with the parents but luckily my job is fully remote so I was able to make the transition easily."

Brittney has paid off $4k in the past month.

She said: "It is going so quickly. My monthly income is $5k and I am putting $4k into my debt each month.

"I am hoping to pay it all off my June or July.

"My advice for people with debt is to ask for help. We live in a very individualistic society where we need to buckle down and do life on our own.

"I think that contributed to my debt. I wanted the best apartment and furniture and it adds up."