Is there a way to erase my personal data without losing my apps?
Backup your apps using Astro File Manager or MyBackupPro or Titanium Backup.

THEN perform a Factory reset to wipe everything.

Finally, from the backups, restore the Apps, but NOT the data. (Most backup apps allow you to do this.)

Be warned that some apps store data on the storage card, so a fresh install might still pick up the old data off your SD card. Be sure to erase your SD Card too.