<prompt> Human: Quick background: Im a software developer, 25 years old. I make 65kyr, and I have around 26k in debt, broken down thus: 14k in student loans 3.3k on credit card 1 at 22 on purchases and cash advances but I never use it anymore 3.4k on credit card 2 at 8 on purchases and 14 on cash advances if I use credit, this is the one I use 5k auto loanSo I work at a pretty terrific place, and its probably a long term gig for me. Ive been there almost two years, starting pretty much right after I graduated. My income to expense ratio is pretty good, so I have a nice chunk of change at the end of the month to throw at my debt and I admittedly splurge on stuff I shouldnt, like eating out too much and buying gadgets, but I accept that.We do performance reviews every 6 months, which can come with raises. So far, Ive averaged a 5k raise per review overall - and its important to note that they work off of straight dollars, not percentages due mostly to the frequency of reviewsraises. My two year review is next month, and Im considering asking for a bonus instead of a raise. Its unconventional, but management is very focused on being flexible and awesome to work with - for example, some people have asked for additional PTO days every year, top of the line UpDesks, etc. I dont -know- theyd go for a bonus, but its definitely possible, so Im considering asking.So, my question is, assuming that I can get it, would it be more worth getting a 7k bonus instead of a raise? That bonus would immediately be used to pay off my credit cards, which I then should never need to use - I almost always use my bank account for purchases, and I only ever dip into credit if Ive overpaid my credit cards and cant swing my normal expenses doesnt happen often. So Id have more money to savethrow at other debt and I wouldnt be being hit by my highest interest rates. The trade off, of course, is that in the long term sense, 7k now is a lot less than, say, 5k over many years.If it matters, I am also hoping to be able to buy a home in the next year or two, and I havent even started on saving for the down payment though it would be FHA, so totally doable.  <response>: Raise. Youre essentially costing yourself money in the long term because you cant control your spending in the short term. 