I'm sure most people here have debt

I don't like credit cards! $13,000 doesn't sound too hard to pay off and paying it off can be fun! Maybe you can transfer this amount to another account that doesn't charge so much interest? Also you would probably be surprised how much you can save. Write down all your expenditures. "Sweat the small stuff" - it may only seem like $1 saving here and there but it all adds up. For example - read the papers online instead of buying them every day - this could save you several hundred dollars in a year. Make your lunch at home instead of buying it at work, buy homebrand stuff rather than going for the label items ( except where it really makes a difference ). Buy your clothes at Op shops like Jeff Steward. Stay home rather than go out - it can often be fun just staying at home!