When Gregg Renfrew was a year out of college and racking up credit card debt, she called her mom for help — only to be told, bluntly, "Well, it's time to get a new job."
"Living in fear of not being able to pay my bills — having literally no idea — it forced me to start hustling," she tells CNBC Make It.
Less than a year after moving to the city, she "immediately racked up credit card bills," owing more than $1,000 on her American Express card, she says.
Instead, her mom instructed her to find a way to make enough money to pay off her own debts.
"I was fortunate to have a debt-free education and to receive any money," says Renfrew.
Persons:
Gregg Renfrew, Renfrew's, Renfrew
Organizations:
CNBC, University of Vermont, American Express
Locations:
Renfrew, New York