Despite that, I lost about six friends amid the process. They came from more affluent backgrounds and just couldn’t understand that some people have to say “no”

Despite that, I lost about six friends amid the process. They came from more affluent backgrounds and just couldn’t understand that some people have to say “no” to things so they can pay off their debts. We're better off without "friends" like these in our lives, of course. Really -- people like that are a major opportunity cost, and ultimately distracting you from finding the kind of people who accept you for being you -- and won't ding you for being temporarily challenged, economically.