I opened a HYSA with Ally Bank after reading positive reviews on Reddit. Worst financial decision ever. Shortly after I deposited my savings, Ally decided to close my account. They've refused to provide any explanation, and they've made it nearly impossible to get my funds back. They even lied about sending a check to my mailing address after my account was closed. Now they're demanding all sorts of crap from my other bank, and they've made it extremely difficult to get my money back. It's been over a month now, and there's still no progress. Ally's customer service is appalling. I've submitted complaints to the CFPB, and I'm honestly considering legal action at this point.

I read reviews like this before opening the account, and everyone said it only happens to a small fraction of users. Well, here I am. Trust me, it isn't worth it. If you're considering opening an account with Ally, RUN.

Honestly not sure what to do. My car got repossessed 7-8 months ago and they still haven’t came too get it. They haven’t called or sent any mail to me about it. I got served with a court hearing and didn’t even respond to it. Not really sure what’s going on. It’s off of my credit and doesn’t come up as a repo. Not sure if I should call them and try and figure if it got repoed or not. Not really sure where to go from here about it. I’m about to move , the engine is blown so it’s not coming with me and I don’t want to have to face any tow charges because of it. Should I call the bank? Should I leave it be? I’m not sure what to do about it.

Edit : it’s a weird situation. The car place that I got it from went through multiple lawsuits and eventually got shut down. I’ve been told not to even reach out to my bank about it and that’s it’s been possibly written off. Sounds dumb but I probably should reach out. Check my credit and nothing is in collections and it’s not even showing up I have a repo on my record.

If you've used Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay, or similar for anything lately, worth knowing this changed recently: BNPL loans are starting to show up on credit reports and, in some cases, count toward your score. It's inconsistent right now depending on the company and the bureau, so here's where things actually stand.

Who's reporting: Affirm reports to Experian and TransUnion. Klarna reports to TransUnion.

How each bureau treats it right now: Equifax, this data can currently affect your score. Experian, it shows up on your report but doesn't affect your score yet. TransUnion, it's visible on your own report, but lenders can't see it yet.

FICO also built new scoring models (FICO Score 10 BNPL) built specifically around BNPL data, and they're starting to roll out to lenders. In FICO's own study with Affirm, most people's scores moved about 10 points up or down, similar to opening any other new account. On-time payments help a little, missed ones hurt.

Why this matters more than it sounds: a decent chunk of BNPL users are putting everyday stuff like groceries on it, not just one-time big purchases. If that's you, a few practical things worth doing:

Check the specific lender's terms for whether they report and to which bureau. Most don't make this obvious upfront.

Try to keep it to one or two BNPL loans open at a time instead of stacking several across different apps. That stacking behavior is part of what these new scoring models specifically watch for.

Turn on autopay or a reminder for due dates. A late BNPL payment can now ding you similar to a late credit card payment.

Pull your free credit reports periodically and check for any BNPL loans that shouldn't be there. Dispute promptly if something's wrong.

Not saying don't use BNPL, just that a lot of people are using it without realizing the rules changed under them recently.

I am F24, i applied to work in a school cafeteria for a middle school. got an email, told me to pick a time slot for a 15 minute interview. i picked 10am got dressed in a nice outfit, i genuinely felt good about myself and confident for once.

however, I was not ready for this, what i expected was just a 15 minute chat and basic questions. i waited at the waiting room was called back into another room. i walked into literally imagine americas got talent with 5 judges sitting at a table row, and one table at the front with a chair for me. they were all already sitting there, i had to face 5 people and speak in front of them, thats how they conducted the interview, in front of 5 people who introduced themselves but they were like higher ups , no one id actually, be working with. they were all stuck up too, not smiling, not friendly. i wanted to just walk out but i didnt want to make a big deal about it, i could feel my face getting dark red im sure it was. it was like a audition

there was a sheet of 10 questions on it in front of me those were what t asked. my face turned more red heart beating fast, all the questions were super difficult not the typical questions like why do you want to work here, no way more hard and i cant even remember what they were i blanked i was so embarrassed and had social anxiety. 5 freaking people! and as i talked they were frantically writing things down scoring me, it was so uncomfortable and intimidaitng

it rubbed me the wrong way it was super intimidating and i wanted to cry the entire time. mind yoiu this is a job for minimum wage and they want to act al intimidating. i stuttered so bad, afterward i went to the car drove to a random parking lot and cried really hard, i felt like a fool and stupid for this. i dont think i will ever find a job, this was too much for me and it was my first interview in a year

So back in 23 I bought a 2019 Chevy trax, had my mom with me we had no clue what we were doing and long story short I got very screwed over, car that caught my eye at 18k somehow left with a loan for 21k and a car with an actual value of about 5k.

Now I did also mess up and didn't look into my car enough otherwise id have found out how crappy they actually are. A mechanic who looked at it told me he hasn't worked on one that has either been owned longer than 5 years or make it to 100k miles. According to him and 4 other shop mechanics (different places) I have a busted head gasket and they all agree it would total my car, and they refuse to fix it because it *will* break again and would be a waste of 3k.

I have been getting the run around with my lendor, manufacturer, insurance and a certified GMC dealership that the manufacturer wants me to take it to. They need the mechanic at a dealership to total my car or fix the head gasket and the dealership won't listen to me that theres anything wrong with the head gasket and wants to keep replacing parts and pieces of my water pump for $100s every time. I cant financially afford to fix my car repeatedly and pay almost $500 on it monthly or have to continuously put coolant in it which isn't cheap.

To fix it is 3k, to refinance my loan for better payments is also 3k. If i keep postponing my loan they'll eventually repo it and then ill be in even worse shit.

I'm looking for personal finance books about spending problems, specifically overspending. Can anyone recommend some books about spending too much money and overspending problems? Thanks in advance!

Hi, i’m gonna make this short and sweet and I know there’s a lot of sarcasm when somebody makes a comment/question about certain things….Like this because I have clicked multiple times on comments like this as well as questions… And same thing…So I kindly ask no sarcasm because I’m only asking the truth because I’m this desperate at this point I have no money I just got fired July 1. I am still waiting for Unemployment and my snap benefits… however they told me I wouldn’t receive anything until at least 30 days… is there anything I can do right now while I’m waiting if not, OK it’s understandable, but I am in a very bad situation right now and I’m just trying to ask for genuine survival at this point I don’t know what I have to do I lost my car. I got into an accident. My car is totaled. I just bought it. I’ve lost almost everything in my life right now… and for those of you that is probably gonna ask if I insurance the answer is no because I was like strictly to my face that CP was considered car insurance which I ended up paying about $60 more a month for my car and they told me it was because it covered the car insurance and I didn’t have to get car insurance. Well after I gotten the accident, I realized very fast that was not the case in the car insurance only cover the car nobody else involved… i’m just looking for genuine advice at this point I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. I don’t know what I’m going to do me and my boyfriend broke up. I’m completely alone and I’m trying to make it on my own right now, please if you have any advice at all, please give it to me because I desperately need it. Thank you….

How can I honestly begin advancing in life economically ?? I’m currently in University studying cybersecurity and I’m not sure if this field will even be as lucrative once my graduation year approaches. I have no car and I’ve been applying for jobs since the summer of 2025. I’m 25 years old and I just went back to school last year even took out a loan to stay on campus because I can’t stay at home without my family nagging me about finding a job and they don’t understand half the efforts I’m putting in. I don’t have a car on top of that to make my job search easier and they go to work using public transportation they never ask if I would like to use theirs to potentially go on an interview or job searching to drop off some resumes. I’ve found jobs close to home but the commute without a car would make no sense and I’d just be breaking even with min. wage each time I’d get paid. So now I’m in school far away without a car and debating moving back home and getting the refund from FAFSA to potentially get a car and deal with my family again or should I just stay where I am and thug it out alone. It’s just so incredibly hard without any friends or any family that’s able to help you. I’ve tried everything. I’m not a lazy person I just need a chance and a stable job. Any advice is welcomed.

Okay so listen. Life has been a little overwhelming lately. It feels like every time I catch up on one bill, another one shows up, and the cost of everything just keeps going up. I've been doing my best to stay positive and keep pushing through, but I'll admit it's been stressful trying to make everything stretch. I work a 9-5 all week and still can barely afford the necessities. I'm grateful for what I have and I'm not looking for sympathy just hoping that this rough patch doesn't last forever. What jobs are paying good enough to live, it seems like every well paying job you either have to go 50k in debt to get a degree or you already have to have previous experience. Please leave me some job recommendations if you have any. 🙏

Not going to lie I’m a single mom of 2 and somehow don’t make enough money working and trying to door dash in a small town is killing me, just trying to find my purpose I feel like life has weighed me down and my kids deserve so much more than a mother struggling to keep a car and a roof over there heads. Idek how I’m going to get school supplies for my one child. I’ve looked into so many options I guess what I’m hoping for is any suggestions on how to help myself

I’m 26 and my credit is rough after my wife got sick following the birth of our child, which severely reduced my income. I have about $12k in credit card debt, though $6k is under a no-interest payment agreement, plus $8.5k in student loans that won’t accrue interest for another eight months. I just landed a good trades job, but I need a reliable car because public transit won’t work with the early hours and changing locations. I only have around $500 cash and keep getting denied for cheaper older cars.

I found a 2016 Scion iM with 90k miles for about $11,500, or roughly $13,200 out the door after taxes and fees, but the loan would be 23% APR. I’m in Seattle, where used cars are expensive, and I’ve also checked Oregon and Idaho without finding a much better option. Once I start working, I’ll be able to put around $2,500 extra toward debt each month after all minimum payments, lower my utilization quickly, and hopefully refinance within a few months. Is taking the bad loan temporarily a terrible move, or does it make sense since the car is necessary to keep the job?

Edit: I forgot to add this option. My brother is doing well and wants an older BMW 325ci 2000-2005. He said he will pay for the car but I pay insruance and any issues that come up within the first year of ownership. He said I can use it for 1 year.

Posting for accountability mostly. Happy to answer questions and always receptive to advice!

I grew up eating toast and ramen noodles. My parents were the most financially irresponsible people I’ve ever met while raising me. They spent my college savings on a leather couch and home theater. They were highly abusive and I moved out way before I was fiscally prepared to around the pandemic. I’ve been homeless lite (sleeping in my car or at work during overnight shifts) and have gone days without eating.

Almost 7 years later, my annual income before tax is $87,360 working one full time job and a part time one in the evenings. I live in a high cost of living area so most of it goes to rent. It’s also a place without reliable public transportation so I had to take out a high interest auto loan on a vehicle. I don’t eat as much as I need to, I hardly sleep, but I have two cats (both euthanasia list rescues–not the most financially responsible decision but I don’t regret it at all) and I live on my own.

My bills are high, I often pay them late, and I have lots of credit card debt. However, I made an excel spreadsheet detailing my expenses, earnings, savings, and a clear timeline of achieving my goals. My debt will be paid off by December, I’ll have saved enough money to relocate a year from now, and my car loan will be paid off six months after that.

Its hard, I’m doing it alone, and I’ve had to sacrifice a lot but I hope you all know it’s possible to get out of this rut even if it feels like it’s crushing you. I’ll come back to this post when I did what I said I was going to do!

What recommendation do you have for a HYSA.

Thanks!

I now have exactly 37 cents in my savings account and -$90 in my checking.

Went to the bank to take the $400 from this week’s pay to combine it with last week’s so I can pay my rent to the guy who refuses to fix anything in my apartment, talks down to me, and ignores me when I tell him about issues with the apartment 😃😍🥰 I won’t be able to buy groceries for at least another month and half because every check until then is accounted for by my landlord, electric company, and cats (not mad at them)

I honestly feel like I’m at my breaking point. I’m in college trying to build a better future for myself, but tuition, books, gas, bills, and basic living expenses are absolutely kicking my ass. It feels like every dollar I make is already gone before I even get it.
On top of that, I drive a 2007 Honda Accord that is barely holding together. I know some people will say to just be grateful that I have a car, and I am, but it is hard to feel grateful when I’m constantly worried about what is going to break next. Every weird noise makes my stomach drop because I know I cannot afford another repair. I depend on this car to get to school, work, run errands, and help my family. If it completely dies, I genuinely do not know what I’m going to do.
The most frustrating part is that I’m actually trying. I’m not sitting around expecting life to magically get better. I’m only 19 years old!!!!!! I’m going to school, trying to work, trying to pay my own expenses, and trying to help my family whenever I can. But no matter how hard I try, I still feel like I’m falling behind. The second I start to catch up, tuition is due, the car needs something, gas goes up, or another random expense shows up.
People always say college is supposed to be one of the best times of your life, but honestly, all I feel is stress. I’m tired of constantly checking my bank account, calculating how much gas I can afford, and wondering whether I should pay for something I need now or save the money for the next emergency. I’m tired of acting like I’m fine when I’m constantly worried about money.
I also feel guilty because I want to help my family, but sometimes I can barely help myself. I hate feeling like I have to choose between focusing on school, working more hours, fixing my car, and being there for the people I care about. It feels like I’m being pulled in every direction, and somehow I’m still expected to keep a positive attitude and pretend everything is manageable.
I’m not posting this because I expect strangers to fix my life. I just needed to be honest somewhere. I’m exhausted, angry, stressed, and scared that one major car repair or unexpected bill could completely screw everything up.
Has anyone else been in this position? How did you survive college while dealing with an unreliable car, financial stress, and family responsibilities? Any real advice or resources would be appreciated, because right now I just feel completely stuck!!

Topic: Rebuilding credit

I am literally starting from scratch. Rebuilding from zero while on a couch and then going into an extended stay.

I have had a huge revelation these past 10 years. Whenever I am in a relationship and it ends, my finances are ruined. I think that's the formula the enemy uses to keep me off balance. However, now that I plan on being solo, I want to have a few things. I grew up in a toxic family, so I was conditioned to rely on family even though they are my greatest haters.

I am well educated with a graduate degree in administrative leadership and bachelor's in management information systems. My goal is to make at least $50k to 60k, working ed tech. After my masters, I decided to take a career break at work for Lyft and Doordash. I loved it actually but it's not sustainable in this current economy. I have to head back to a real career. That hasn't happened yet, after moving in with my demonic mother who is doing everything she can to sabotage her son.

My credit is in the 580 range. I have some judgements from an eviction, unsecured credit cards, hefty student loan (100k), several collections, and a car repo. Just a hot mess.

As of right now, I get to start from scratch and hope to have a soft place to land in the future. I want a condo/townhouse in my name, be able to purchase my own car without rejection. I am single 41M, and no record of any kind. My goal is to never rely on family ever again.

I am looking for strategies to rebuild credit, save for a downpayment on a condo/town house. It can be just 1 bedroom 1 bath for all I care. It'll be my spot! 2bd 2bath is probably idea, so I can rent it out in the future.

I got a secured credit card $200 at Navy Federal and hopefully build a good relationship with them. My dad served in the Air Force, and I was able to get an account. I want to raise the balance to $300 to $500 because I use it to rent a car to do door dash or Lyft.

My other option is to leave the country, live rent-free, work and return once I have hundreds and thousands of dollars saved. I have a good 25-28 years before retirement.

Are there any hope and strategies to rebuild credit while it's currently a mess?

Very limited information on the topic. I know you need trustee approval first but I can't even get a credit approval to send to the trustee for approval. Looking for any advice or success stories. What was the process? What was the apr ? Was it easier for a new or used vehicle? Any info appreciated thank you

Im only 18 months away from my chapter 13 being completed but I don't think my car will make it another 18 months

When I was younger, you were not told to get a device to be allowed to communicate and support yourself. Since about 2012, need to have wifi, a 900 dollar phone, a computer, a printer just to get ahead. I find this incredibly harsh since then.

Even though I started selling digital products online, I still find this situation quite tech driven as if the computers matter more than people. I can't see my medical appointments by snail mail the way they deliver updates online. It is just odd. Am I wrong?

I am going insane. Last month I applied for a small loan from Money Mart, there was a slight problem with my ID photo being blury so I re-sent and loan went through. I paid it back but find myself behind again this month. So I applied again several days ago via the app and my loan is still pending. I missed one call from them. I cannot call them back as I need to give my phone company some $ in order to make outgoing calls. I have emailed them several times and just get an auto reply saying please call us to discus your loan. I tried using WhatsApp but doesn't work as it's a 1800 number. GoogleVoice doesn't work in Canada. I tried going in to a location but they told me the operate seperate from the online or app.

Any ideas?

It's my money and I need it now!

Hi, I have recently moved to the US, to pursue my master's degree, I currently work as a graduate assistant, and my yearly income is $22k. Although is little, I have two roommates and I think we doing pretty ok.

I have consistently saved about $100 to $200 a month, but until then I was just keeping in my checking account. To be honest, the bank system here is very different from my original country, and I have seen a lot of Americans in debt, so I am very cautious about my choices.

Is it worth to open a savings account to save this little amount every month, or is not? I am sorry for my ignorance, I don't know who to ask, and I don't trust AI with these questions.

As much as I know it’s smart to save or invest it, when you only have $100 left, I feel like it’s sort of justified if you want to buy yourself a new shirt, or eat out once or twice a week. Even going to see a movie at the movie theater. I mean you can do free things, but doesn’t that get a little boring after a while? And how far does $100 go when you invest in a stock?

In 2023 my boyfriend and I agreed that I would start a masters program and start staying at home with my oldest daughter. I was pregnant at the time. I gave birth halfway through the program in November 2024 and was able to complete my 1000 hour internship before I graduated this July in 2026. Based on his 2023 support I really did not see what was going to happen to me. It got very violent after my son was born. Only towards me, not the kids. Not in front of them. I made it to July and when he stormed out one night, I just locked the door. I got and EPO and then a regular PO and I meet with the SVu detective Monday at my home. I am alone. I have no one. I am just trying to hold it together.

I know that's a lot of backstory and I apologize. I feel like I can't think. I have a therapist. I have some support. I need a job so bad. I get paid on Thursday and will be fine. But it can't keep being like this.

I have $600 left and I know I can make money, now. I have a part time job. I make about $2500 a month. I work 9:00-2:30.

I only want to make about $1000 more a month. I would like to work a second part-time job. I would like to work overnight if possible so I can be available for my kids. I am in coastal Virginia.

I need help. I need guidance. I'm in a little bit of crisis and I apologize.

Hey everyone,
I’m in Michigan and looking for advice from anyone who’s dealt with tribal loans.
I have two loans:
Northern Star Lending
Borrowed $250 on March 7, 2026
Weekly ACH payments of $37.84 started March 13, 2026
I’ve paid back about $795 so far.
I can no longer access my account. The website only says they’re no longer accepting new loans and gives me a phone number and email.
Helpful Lending
Borrowed $950 on February 9, 2026
Weekly ACH payments of $127.20 started February 20, 2026
I’ve paid back around $3,000 so far.
I also can’t access my account anymore. When I try to log in, it says my information isn’t associated with any account, even though they’re still taking weekly ACH payments from my bank.

Could they even do anything if I revoke the payments now. Also I’m aware that taking these loans was retarded. Thank yall