<prompt> Human: Just wanted to share that this week I made my final payment on what used to be 20,000 in credit debt. Im not even sure what the actual amount was.I racked up the debt when I was in college. At the time, college campuses in the US would allow credit cards to come on campus and make you sign up for a card in exchange for a free shirt. I think laws have changed in 2006 They would convince you that you should sign up to build credit.I signed up for the card and over my 4 years I opened several others. I dont know how I got a credit limit of over 20K when I never really had a legit job. Like an idiot, I charged spring break vacations, fancy clothes, fancy dinners, etc... After college I got my first real job working at a major TV network doing Ad Sales. I HATED it. Six months in I quit. It was then when I realized what my real debt burden was. Thankfully my parents were very supportive and allowed me to live with them as I paid off my debt. Im now hoping to move out within the next few months. I feel so liberated now that its all gone. The whole situation sucked, but Im glad it happened in my early 20s and not later on in life. Now to pay of my 10K in loans. Edits: 1. It took me one year and 7 months to pay off.2. Best advice: Save up large chunks of money and send big payments, instead of making small payments every month. It will make you feel better about yourself.3. Try to transfer your balances to one card if you can. It will feel better to make one large payment, rather than several small ones to multiple cards.More Edits: Book I recommend reading: Money: A Love Story by Kate Northrup Being in debt is not only a financial issue, but also an emotional one. The emotional burden of large amounts of debt can significantly impact your life. This book addresses the emotional part of it all. This is why I recommend paying in large chunks, because although you maybe be paying a few hundred more in interest, what you save in emotional stress is more valuable. Being in debt comes with a lot of shame, embarrassment, and really makes you question your self-worth. Paying in large chunks made me feel like I was more in control.  <response>: You only have 10k in loans? Awesome thatll be like pie compared to the credit cards. 