<prompt> Human: I have about 8-9k in cc debt, and I was planning on paying it all off with the check Im getting at the end of the month. The check is from my VW TDI buyback, so its pretty much found money. Is there a better plan than to just pay everything off all at once? Is there any way to transfer some, and take advantage of any potential benefits that are out there?Thanks in advance for any advice!Assistant: Follow the sidebar. Make sure you have an emergency fund. Once that is established start aggressively paying down your debt. If after establishing an emergency fund you have the full amount needed, go ahead and do it.Human: IMO high interest credit card debt IS an emergency.Assistant: Thanks guys. My wife and I have a healthy emergency fund over 20k, so I think were alright there, but we make monthly contributions anyway. Looks like its a good idea to pay down the debt and keep the cards open. I was curious if there was any benefits to transferring some of the balance to another card to take advantage of any joining bonuses?  <response>: Thanks guys. My wife and I have a healthy emergency fund over 20k, so I think were alright there, but we make monthly contributions anyway. Why did you let yourself fall into 9k of credit card debt in the first place if you have a 20k emergency fund? 