How can I break free of my $8,000 debt with a $400 monthly salary?

I am sure many people would think that I am gambling, but this is not true.

I am a 28-year-old single woman who only moved from the countryside to HCMC two years ago. As I am a free-spirited person, I have been easily tempted by the bustling city life into reckless shopping and eating out.

These habits are way above my means, but since consumer loans and credit cards are so easily accessible, I would just borrow more whenever I ran out. Over the years, these small loans have added up to VND200 million.

Now, I desperately want to escape from this debt to start anew. I have somehow managed to make adequate monthly payments, but I am at my wits’ end. Sometimes I have considered taking drastic measures, but I do not want to break the law.

What should I do to get out of this situation?

Reader Bao Chau

*This opinion was translated into English by AI. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress’ viewpoints.