Swamped by credit card debt, a 26 year old California State Fullerton senior works at the Apple Store, goes to school, and sleeps in his pick-up truck. From The Seattle Times:

The 26-year-old has been living in his truck for nearly 19 months, skirting rules against sleeping in vehicles while otherwise living the life of a mainstream student. What started out as a way to save some cash has turned into a journey of self-reliance and independence.

“Even though I had a good job, I was tired of living paycheck to paycheck and not making any headway with my credit cards,” he said. “I’ve learned that I can push myself, break down my own boundaries. I’ve been able to learn that I can change and adapt to different kinds of situations.”

The odyssey began in 2005. Bussell was working full time as a “Mac genius” at the Apple Store in Newport Beach, sharing a $1,600-per-month apartment. He had racked up more than $10,000 in credit-card debt and was struggling to pay for school and save money. So on July 29, 2005, he started living in his truck, with the goal of lasting one year.

For Bussell, homelessness is a game, with co-workers betting on how long he’ll last, but for many people it is not. On the bright side, after 19 months of peeing in Gatorade bottles and eating yogurt, Bussell’s credit card debt is nearly paid off. —MEGHANN MARCO

Debt drives student to live in pickup [Seattle Times]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.