I (24) have decided to take control of my money after living paycheck to paycheck for many years, especially now after having my child. I’m trying to save up for a small $1000 emergency fund (currently at $450) and I have been throwing all our money toward that. However, we currently have two credit cards with about $6300 in debt, and I haven’t been making my minimum payments. Banks are starting to call every day, and I’m worried about my cards going to collections. I have about $250 in interest and over-limit charges now. Should I ignore the credit cards and focus on my emergency fund, or should I postpone saving for the fund and prioritize paying off the cards? I feel like I’m just throwing money away in either situation. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you 
Never ignore your minimum payments on debt or bills. You should be building your emergency fund with excess funds after all bills are paid. If there isn’t any excess, cut down on spending and/or increase income. Share your budget and we can take a look for you.
Consumer credit card debt IS an emergency. You’re paying a premium to have some money in the bank. Cut every unnecessary expense, eat beans and rice, and pay off those cards. Don’t put anything on them until you can pay off any balance the same month. Never miss a minimum payment and pay more than that to dig yourself out.
Pay your credit card debt off first. Keep your $450 as your emergency fund for now. Start paying off your credit cards; you’ll lose more money the longer you stay in debt.
Pay your credit card debt off first. The minimum payment is crucial, or you’ll just have to use the credit cards again if you don’t have an adequate emergency fund.
You weren’t living paycheck to paycheck; you were living in debt. You need a budget and to pay off the debt before creating an emergency fund.
Credit card debt IS THE EMERGENCY. Don’t stop paying your bills to save money. Get current with your card payments and look for ways to increase income.
List out all your expenses and bills, including credit card payments. Then work on your emergency fund. If you’re familiar with the snowball method for paying off debts, that could help you get control.
You need to write down a budget. Why would you get a puppy when you’re pregnant and already in debt?
That’s what the emergency fund was for.
Pay credit card debt first.
The minimum card payments need to be incorporated into your budget. Slash other expenses and/or get a second job to boost your income.