re: Say you were to "give up" and go with debt consolidation?

OP: If you are only reading the book and haven't actually taken the class, go to the class. If you have already taken the class then you should go through it again. Going to the actual classes on a weekly basis will surround you with people who are going through the same thing that you are battling. You will have a support group and may even find some accountability partners to keep you steered in the right direction.

To quote Dave, "paying off debt is not about math and interest rates, it's about momentum and self discipline." Sure...you may save a few bucks by combining everything and coming away with an overall lower rate, but you don't have the self discipline to use that plan. Someone like you will simply go and finance a jet ski, or something flashy and fun because you now have an extra $300.00 per month to spend.

I'm not trying to bash you or beat you down, but I know too many people in your same situation that could have so much less stress in life if they just gained control of their finances.