metal shavings covering trans pan magnets

I took in my Kia b/c the OD OFF light was blinking and check engine light on solid. He referred me to a tranny guy. When they took off the pan, the magnets were completely covered in shavings. (They sent a pic) They are recommending a total rebuild, but that's not possible for my budget right now. Do I have any options besides a total trans rebuild? How dangerous would it be for me to keep driving around with the trans that bad?