Reality Check

freshstart85

Hi All,
I am completely new to this forum so don't know any of the rules or abbreviations but have been a long time subscriber to MSE Emails. I have recently turned 30 and have decided that I need to get a grip on my finances before its too late.

When I graduated from university back in 2007 I decided to go travelling and then on a series oh nice holidays all over the world. Whilst I don't regret going away I do regret putting the ticket costs on credit cards. Back then credit was easy to come by and when one balance transfer 0% deal ran out I would just transfer to another card.

However, all the while I was increasing the debt little by little over 8 years. I have come to the point where I have balances on 3 credit cards and one car loan.

I don't know how to import a formal SOA so I have gone freestyle below:

Credit Card 1 - £8,560 (5k is 0% the remainder is 24.9%)
Credit Card 2 - £8,769.42 16.9% APR
Credit Card 3 - £200 per month (This card I use for fuel +air miles and repay in full each month)
Car Loan - £9500 (12.9% apr 44 months remaining)

My salary is £34,000 per year which equates to a take home pay of just over £2k after pension and student loan contributions are removed.

I am looking to make the minimum payments on all cards but start to pay £500 per month off Card 1 as this has the highest APR. I will continue to repay card 3 in full each month so that I don't increase the debt I already have.

I am going to have to cut back a bit to be able to afford to overpay on the cards as much as I am but I now its worth it. Any tips or moral support will be much appreciated.

I am paid monthly so most of my debt payments will be paid straight after pay day in the 15th.