Let me start by introducing myself. I am a long time lurker but unfortunately have been very stupid throughout my entire 20's and made a lot of mistakes that I am dealing with now. All help is appreciated. My longterm goals would definitely be early retirement by 50 but I have a long way to go. I currently have no retirement savings other than a pension.
I am currently 29 year old male, divorced, and have a fire lit under my ass to help me pay down my debts and overall progress towards my goals. I know that face punching is going to happen and I am eagerly awaiting each of your inputs.
Life Situation: I have been an RN for the past 6 years and recently graduated as a Nurse Practitioner. I currently work as a hospitalist in the hospital that I have been at for those number of years but I work with an independent practice group of physicians. The hours and work are pretty flexible. I am recently divorced (early 2019).
Net Pay: My net pay after Alimony ($200/month for the next 1.5 years) is $4600
Current expenses:
Rent - $1050 (Nice area, roughly <5 minutes from my hospital so I save a lot in gas money and my owners pay the Water/sewage)
Renters Insurance - $20/month
Electric - Around $80 but it fluctuates given month/season
Car Insurance - Geico $90 I did check around and this was the cheapest I could find
Internet - $60 200mb Internet for work/gaming
Phone - $150 Verizon ( It's very high I know, this is one area that I need to improve on)
Food - $800/month (this is probably my worst area as far as expenses. I know I need to cut down)
Gas - <$20/week
Debts:
Student Loans (federal) - $105K (unfortunately I was not smart about paying for my education. I know, I know...) $300/month
Car - $13k $300/month through Ally
Student Loan (independent) - SallieMae $3300 , $90/month
Credit Card 1 - $12400 (ya, stupid decisions...) $340/month
Credit Card 2 - $2800 $85/month
So as bad as the above may be I do have a plan. I have currently payed off two other credit cards totaling around $3000 in the last few months. I have been putting about $700/month and anything else extra towards my debt. I should have my credit cards payed off by the end of next year and then I am going to focus paying off my car.
Of note: I pay $200/month alimony for the next 1.5 years which should free up cash by then. I currently make $85k/year salary which should increase to $100k within the next year or two. Also after two years of working I can apply to be a teacher at the University ( I have connections with the staff) and that should bring in an extra $2k/month for some part time work.
I guess my main question would be: If you were in my situation how would you handle my debt situation? I know its really bad but I do have a plan and have been doing better lately with my money. I have been eating at home more and trying to cut my grocery bill and did invest in a crockpot which has helped.
Do you think early retirement is still possible given my situation?