and it might build an entirely new stream of income potential for you over time. If you truly feel you need support, consider joining a local group of Debtors Anonymous. Debtors Anonymous is a 12-step program for people who have trouble with debt and spending and can be a source of great support and inspiration for you if money management is a habitual problem in your life. See the links below. You are allowed a free credit report from each of the three companies every 12 months through AnnualCreditReport.com. Use cash as much as possible. Paying with cash has a more significant psychological impact than plastic. It feels like you're spending more money so you spend less. When paying down debt, pay minimum payments on everything but the bill with the smallest payoff. Once that is paid off, move to the next smaller bill. This is another psychological "trick". It will keep you working your plan because you see progress. Remember: Minimum payments lead to the maximum amount of money paid over time. Paying more than the minimum applies more money to the balance, which decreases the amount of money you will end up paying overall. Note that some creditors frown on this practice. Realize that Credit Card companies are not your friend. They want you to remain in debt paying a minimum payment on their credit cards every month for the rest of your life. (They list your credit card payments to them as one of their assets.) So