Reply #34: I really can't answer that but....

[ramapo]

My general feeling is people should pay off as much debt as they can afford.

Are you earning more interest than you pay? If you earn 10% interest and pay 5% interest then debt isn't such a bad thing. The other way around and you're losing money.

$75,000 is a decent amount of money. You should never cash in a CD early (unless it is an emergency) as you get a penalty. Have a home equity line is a nice convenience but remember anything you buy with it is secured by your house. Not so good. $10K credit card debt sounds a bit nasty.

Again, I'd pay that off as best you can afford to from current earnings. Maybe cut back on spending and reallocate that money to reducing your debt. Taking part of your savings to pay down debt might be appropriate but you should leave some cushion there. Only you can judge that equation.

Just read a remark today by a recent immigrant who didn't have a credit card. He explained "Why would I buy something I couldn't afford?". Bravo.