Of course, when you lose you job is the worst time to think about paying off your CC balance. Should have thought of that when you had INCOME. I have been unemployed since 2 weeks after 9/11 (yes 8 years!) but I started with NO balance in the cards and have been able to keep from using them except in emergencies. Of course, you cant see unemployment coming - but you should have had a hint - the economy and the other layoffs should have made you scramble to pay off the debts and prepare for a stretch of reduced income. After the fact is a little late. Now of course you cant do much - time travel is one direction only i'm afraid. A good lesson for others when you see your industry or area is having trouble - circle the wagons!

How do you pay off all of your balances when you are starting over and living on as little as possible while keeping your credit score high?