<prompt> Human: Plain and simple, I need help. I have never been financially responsible, and now that I am nearing thirty 27, I feel it is time to take charge of my finances. I recently just got a great job and moved across the country from the Deep South to the North East. It is more expensive up here. I need to set reasonable expectations of how to live frugally without racking myself into further credit card debt, and also concurrently plan how to pay off the debt I am in.Speaking of debt, I am in quite a hole. Thankfully, I am in the mindset that it is attainable to dig myself out. I realize that there are people who were far worse than I who have achieved their goals of being financially free from debt. I have not always made the best decisions in life, which has led me to the hole I am in today. I realize it, and I realize that I can and want to change my life. Now is the time.So to get down to the nuts and bolts, here is my financial situation:---Debts---Credit Cards:8500 7.9 interest4188 12.9 interestPersonal Loans:14,945 10.99 ; 13.84APRStudent Loans:5987.33 6.805500.27 6.801807.18 4.50758.82 6.80--- Total Debts: 41686.66So I am 40K in the hole. Here is my income and monthly expenses:---Total Gross Income Monthly: 4583.34---Monthly Before Tax Deductions: Health Plan - 170.72Dental Plan - 21.68Vision Plan - 13.08Fed Taxable Gross: 4377.86Net PayMonthly: Not sure since I just started; not sure how to calculate Fed withholding, medicare, state, and local taxes. I live and work in Massachusetts---Expenses Monthly---Rent: 1050 all bills includedCell Phone: 116.14Subway Card: 75.00CC1 Min Payment: 269.00CC2 Min Payment: 86.00Student Loan Min Payment: 226.57Personal Loan Min Payment: 589.22Total Expenses monthly: 2411.93---So I know it might be hard to calculate without my net, but assuming I net 3000 every month that leaves me with 588.07 left over to spend on groceriesentertainmentmisc.I realize that is not that much and have had to cut back on how much I spend going out and on food. Basically, Im trying to find a silver lining. How do I pay off what seems like a mountain of debt when I can only just afford to pay the minimums. I def. need some advice on how to tackle this.Wild Cards:1. So with my new job I really think there is room to progress in the next 2 years. If I work hard, stay diligent, and prove myself I think that I could easily get a raise to 65k a year conservatively, from 55k.I would really appreciate some advice. You guys are experts and I really want to turn my life around...  <response>: Yup, this is a tough one. Have you put all your debts into unbury.us It only takes a few minutes and gives a great picture of your situation. I highly recommend it. What you need to do is find a way to pay more than just the minimums focusing all that extra cash on the highest interest loan.Some thoughts You are spending 1,400 a year on your cell phone. you need to think of that for what it is: a luxury spend. You cannot afford to pay that much on a phone. Check out Ting or Republic wireless. Can you take a roommate or move somewhere cheaper? check out reatcheapandhealthy Read News Flash: Your debt is an Emergency! entertainmentmisc. Start tracking your spending very carefully with something like mint.com. 