<prompt> Human: We just got married, and we have started our monthly finance reviews. Everything there is great. We have a joint checking account where our direct deposits go, we have a joint savings and have our 1000 emergency fund, and we agree our where our money goes each month. I bring about 10,000 in debt from being stupid with credit cards a few years ago. I no longer use them, unless I have to to use it for work. These charges are expensed and paid off, and I only have to do it when our travel company screws up on a rental car not going on the company card. She has around 25,000 in debt - car and credit cards. She no longer carries her credit card with her. We have been listening to the Dave Ramsey podcast, and we are wanting to follow his baby steps, but when talking to my dad about it, he thinks it is silly for me to stop contributing to my 401k to pay down the debt. For this year, Ive been contributing 20 until I just dropped it to 0. My wife has just reached the employment term to begin contributing to her 401k. They have a financial advisor that goes over finances with them, and he suggested we at least contribute the minimums to our 401k. My question is - should we strictly follow Dave Ramsey and not contribute to our 401k until our debt is paid down and we have 3-6 months of expenses saved, or should we be contributing to our 401k while paying down the debt? More info My income - base of 75k, with an additional of 50k variable.Her income is 43k, with additional variable income that averages to around 6k taking average of last few monthsWe are mid-to-late 20s in TexasIm not sure what else I need to include to help you all give me advice. Please ask, and I will provide. Thanks in advance. EDIT: These are the debts and interest. I have also include info about 401k contributions. 1. Collections - 1,3732. Car 1 - 4,587, 5 interest3. Car 2 - 3,099, 0 interest if paid by Oct our plan has us paying this by then 4. CC 1 - 5,587, 20 interest5. CC 2 - 3,200, 20 interest6. CC 3 - 15,870, 20 interest 7. CC 4 - 3,720, 7 interest My 401k match is a flat match not sure of correct terms of 15 of total contribution I contribute the 10k and they contribute 1,500. Hers is 3; Im still trying to figure out of what.  <response>: See if you can consolidate the debt under a more reasonable rate. Try one of these methods: Once thats done I would probably max out your 401k and get your wifes match, then throw the rest at the debt. 