Small steps

Obviously, I've had to slow down on paying off my credit cards since being laid-off. However, I am still slowly crawling out of the hole. I am officially under the $9,000 mark. And now that I am working steadily again (though not full-time) I can make better plans. My lowest balance is only a couple hundred dollars ($344) so with some luck, I can have that paid off by February. My largest balance (and highest interest rate) is well under $6,000 now, which is a major accomplishment.

I have 4 cards with balances. When they're paid off, I will keep 2 active for emergencies. In case you're doubtful that I will only use them for emergencies, I have to say that I have stopped using my credit cards for about 4 years now.