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Taking a year off to pay down debt before finishing school

It takes discipline, a solid plan, and a candid money conversation with the people at home.

Q: I’m almost 21 and just wrapped up my second year of a business program. My parents let me live at home rent free the whole time so I could focus on school, but between an unexpected laptop replacement, pricier textbooks than I budgeted for, and honestly too many nights out with friends, I’ve racked up close to $4,500 on two credit cards. I’ve decided to take next year off, work full-time, and get it paid off before I continue with school, because the payments stress me out. The part I’m dreading is asking my parents if I can keep living at home for cheap, or free, while I do it. I don’t want them to think I’m taking advantage of them, but I also can’t pay off debt and full rent on one income. How do I bring this up, and what should I actually be asking for? ~Mia

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