Life...and money... - and lack thereof

[Arthur Dent]

I just wish someone would hand me $25,000 so I could be close to free

Ouch. That's rough. Definitely look into the consolidation. It's easier to keep track of one payment than 10. Go to at least three different companies though and get a quote on what they can do for you. Always comparison shop on these things.

If I don't have the cash to purchase something, I don't need it.

Great advice. I also figure in that the bill won't come for 30 days and I'll get payed between now and then, so I just have to set that money aside in the next paycheck.

Try this. Sit down and list all the payments you HAVE to make each month. (Loans, Credit Cards, Utilities, Rent, Phone)
Then subtract that form your total income.
Now subtract the stuff you HAVE to buy (like food, medicine, hygene stuff).
Then take what's left and figure out where to best apply it. Savings account, paying down your debt, and just living (Do you really NEED cable? Do you really NEED to see that movie in the theater or can you wait for it on video? Or go to the early matinee? Brown bag lunch? Stuff like that.)
That's one of the first things a credit counsilor will do as they figure out how to consolidate your debt so you make only one, smaller monthly payment with lower interest.