My husband and I do financial coaching. One thing we see a lot is that people feel beat up and they don't think they can get out of the whole they have gotten themselves into. I'm here to tell you you can. You can do more than you think. We tell people that they need to shoot for getting out of debt (except for the house) within 24 months. Most reading this are thinking that their situation is so far gone there is NO WAY. We have seen all types of "hopeless" situations that have turned around that quickly. It won't be fun, but for 2 years (or until you have paid it all off) you need to go get extra jobs, and budget and skip the eating out and vacation. Things like cooking at home and making your own laundry soap or toothpaste (for recipes go to www.savemoneytoday.net ) have to be part of the game plan, but it is completely possible. Also, make a vow that you will never use credit again! Cut up the cards and close the accounts after you get $1000 or so in the bank and then start paying down your debt...FAST!