Tackling $14k Debt. What would be a solid plan to utilize?
Hi. So I'm trying to figure out the best plan to tackle my debt. I thought I had a solid plan lined up before some unexpected expenses hit me along the way with some not so good advice I got, so now I've had to pivot a bit. It's a bit of a mess. Here's my situation:
Leftover Income (after all other expenses not including CC): ~ $1,400 - $1,600
Current HYSA: $2,000 @ 3.10% APY
CC 1 @ 26% APR: $1,350
CC 2 @ 6.99% APR: $7,500 (balance transfer promo ends 8/21/2027 - can still transfer balances until 5/19/26)
CC 3 @ 0% APR: $6,800 (balance transfer promo ends 5/21/2027, can no longer transfer additional balances)
My original plan was to pay the minimum on CC 3 while transferring leftover income from my salary to my HYSA. Then at the beginning of May 2027, withdraw from HYSA to pay off CC 3 completely. Unfortunately, life happened and I had to take on more debt than I had anticipated on my CC 1.
I decided to balance transfer from CC 1 to CC 2 using the 6.99% APR Promo instead of the 0% APR Promo because of transfer balance fees. Then as I was hoping to not use CC 1, but then another life event happened and I had to use my CC 1. I am now planning to transfer the rest of CC 1 to CC 2.
Anyways, I'm not sure what my plan should be now and if I should continue with my original plan of transferring leftover income to my HYSA. Should I:
A) Aggressively tackle CC 2 with some or all my leftover income? Then continue my original plan of throwing what I have into my HYSA, withdrawing in May 2027 and paying off CC 3?
B) Throw my leftover income into HYSA, pay minimums on CC 2 and CC 3 (~$70 for each). Then in May 2027, withdraw and pay off both CCs? My calculations has me saving enough by May of next year to pay off both, but it looks a bit risky and I'm not sure if my calculations are that accurate. Would this even be viable?
Barring other life events, I do plan on not using CC 1 for the time being.
I'm also open to other better options too.
Thanks!
Posted May 6, 2026, 11:23 PM UTC