‘That terrifies the crap out of me’: Texas woman spends 39% more than she earns — struggles with massive $30K auto loan and is going through a divorce. Caleb Hammer responds

“That terrifies the crap out of me,” Hammer remarked, while pouring over Jenny’s credit card paperwork and overdrawn bank statements.

However, Jenny’s situation isn’t helped by her penchant for reckless spending. Here’s what Hammer suggested she do to get herself out of debt.

Consumer debt crisis

According to data from the Federal Reserve Bank, auto loans are one of the largest borrowing categories for the average consumer, just behind mortgages and student loans. At the end of 2023, households across the country collectively had $1.61 trillion in auto loan debt alone.

In Jenny’s case, she underestimated the burden of the money she’d borrowed to buy her 2021 Toyota Camry because she was married at the time. “That wasn’t based on my [income], it was based on my husband’s income,” she told Hammer.

However, Jenny is now in the process of getting a divorce — and the car’s liability remains in her name. Hammer discovered that Jenny’s interest rate is 11.97%, with an outstanding balance of $30,656. She has 63 months left on the term and monthly payments of $646.

“That’s 30% of your income,” Hammer gasped. Jenny’s payments are not unusual given that the average monthly car payment for a new vehicle is $738, according to Experian’s latest data. However, she clearly can’t afford that amount because her monthly income from her part-time job as an assistant manager is just $2,251.

This situation is compounded further by her reckless spending habits.

Unfettered spending

Since her breakup, Jenny has moved back in with her parents which allows her to avoid housing costs. This would’ve given her some breathing room, financially — had she not maxed out her credit cards on vacations, online gaming, high-end makeup and nights out with friends.