Freelance swings are brutal. 24% is a house fire. Minimums are non-negotiable. I watched a tire shred and it erased three months of progress. Aim for 2k in cash fast even if the debt screams.
Then run a simple toggle. If the month lands under your 3.5k rolling average, push 70% of surplus to cash and 30% to debt. If it lands over, flip it to 30% cash and 70% debt. Cap the cash goal at one month bare-bones, then shift to 80% debt. A single car repair should bruise you, not bury you.
If a 0% transfer shows up with no fee, take it. Otherwise keep the system boring and automatic so you do not have to think when you are tired.
Been there, it's rough starting from zero. The good free stuff disappears in minutes and half the rest is wobbly junk, but wood glue, L brackets, and a staple gun can rescue a lot. I hit thrift stores right at opening and keep a small tool kit in the car.
