Budgeting is also important. Another issue in mind is the failing economy. Many people believe they have to pay whatever they can to stay afloat. There is actually a level of importance. Utilities are number 1. Then useful items as car, cell phone and mortgage come next. After that is all of your credit cards and non-collateral loans. Fact it is goes in level of survival, turning the situaltion around and then things where they can't get you. Mortgages will usually let you default for awhile before foreclosing. Wasting all the money you make on credit cards isn't putting a roof over your head.