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Absolutely. Prioritize secured debts first. The consequence of default—losing your home or car—is typically far more severe than the consequence of defaulting on an unsecured credit card (damaged credit, collections). Keeping a roof over your head and a reliable mode of transportation is paramount.
Generally, no. Closing an account reduces your total available credit, which can instantly increase your overall credit utilization ratio and lower your score, even if you owe nothing on other cards.
Explore options for a side hustle, freelance work, overtime, or a part-time job. Every extra dollar earned that is put toward debt repayment directly lowers your principal balance, which in turn reduces your minimum payments and improves your PTI over time.
It creates a massive opportunity cost. Money that should be compounding in retirement accounts (like a 401(k) or IRA) or going toward a down payment on a house is instead being used to pay interest on past consumption, dramatically delaying major life milestones.
Non-profit credit counseling agencies can provide invaluable guidance. They can review your situation, help you understand if you're a candidate for a consolidation loan or balance transfer, and may even offer a Debt Management Plan (DMP) with better terms through relationships with creditors.