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the biggest issue with confronting debt is that people don't want to compromise their lifestyle. they think that "Oh, i can only afford $300/mth payments" is sufficient. No. you have to change things to make it work. move somewhere more affordable, stop buying brand name things, stop going out or buying starbucks everyday. if it's a luxury and not a necessity, you have to consider where your priorities are at.
some people say invest the money at a higher rate of return. while i would normally agree that is a smart thing to do, i don't believe this is a good path for someone who has difficulties managing her finances. sure, you earn a tiny bit of extra money, but this is potentially someone who would also spend it. you have to have the self control and will power to put money aside and not touch it for any other reason. will someone who spends $1400 on rent and $9000/yr on travelling be able to resist the temptation of going on another vacation next year when there's $16k accessible? she's got $11k sitting in her bank (which based on her salary and spending, takes awhile to save), there's a reason she hasnt invested it already or put it away, and it's because she wants to have the option to spend it when she wants to.
she needs to re-evaluate her monthly expenses and get rid of her debt as soon as possible. unless she's amazing at investing or playing stocks, put the money towards the debt. bringing down the size of the debt is a morale booster, makes you feel good that you made progress, and also makes the amount much more manageable.
people don't like to ask for help. they might be embarrassed to ask or think that they must take on the problem themselves. Truth is, if it comes down to it, you have to do what you have to do and ask (as long as you're not a douchebag that won't repay them). family is the best help, because most of the time it's interest free.
if she puts $13000 from her bank towards the debt ($3k emergency), borrow $5000 from family/friends, all of a sudden, her $33000 debt becomes $15000. if she is willing to move and rent for $1000 instead of $1400, that's already $400/mth she can put towards the debt, before even accounting for any cutbacks to her other monthly expenses, which i bet there's at least another $200. hell, if she is able to move home, she could even have it repaid within 1 year, and then she's free to rent an $1800 place if she wants.
people dont realize how much money they can save till they're forced to do it. but if you can convince them to do it, after coming out of debt, they become much more financially responsible.
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