Best answer from question by Alison:
Answer by I_think$
If you have trouble staying out of debt (as opposed to being in debt because of a medical emergency) and you consolidate your debt, cut up your credit cards (or freeze them in a block of ice – not joking) so you do not end up in debt again.
When you refinance your mortgage, take out a couple thousand more than you need to clear your bills (and then near term bills) to jumpstart your ability and mental attitude of savings. {Very small increase in your payment amount, and a good strategy if interest rates go up.} {For example, put $ 1,000+ of the extra borrowed $ in your checking account AND MAINTAIN that balance so you can pay bills when they are due, and not when you get your paycheck and thus incur a late fee. Also helps you avoid overdraft fees, etc.} [ use the rest of the overage over the next 6 or 12 months as part of the extra you pay against your mortgage. Set it up for autopay to draft on the 11th, and you will gain cash flow flexibility without incurring late fees or "lost in mail" fees, etc. ]
Have an attitude of frugality and savings, keeping your retirement in mind for motivation.
Pay in cash.
Pay some extra every month on your “mortgage” which is actually a 30 year loan added onto your mortgage to pay off your consolidated debts in less than 30 years, and save interest $ .
Best answer from question by Red Death 266:
Answer by Kathryn
It can approach 100% (especially if the amount borrowed is relatively small). As an example, I posted a link to Cash Call’s site so you can see what they charge by state.