If you think you are in trouble, I think there are loads of people who would love to switch places with you.

The basic question is would you borrow money from a credit card to put into your savings? That is essentially what you are currently doing--only worse--you've got single stocks in the mix.

So you have over $21K in stocks and another $9.7K in savings--and you dare use the "b-word"?

It's very simple. First, you prioritize your debts to be paid: cc's, then HEL, then car. Second, sell all single stocks. Do you still have debt? Then sell the mutual funds with the worst track records. Do you still have debt? Then, use the $6K savings account or the rest of the mutual fund. Do you still have debt? If you are, then that must be some car.

<<Other bills are normal monthly bills but we are constantly $250 short a month since the car loan was taken out. >>

That means you were $44 in the hole before you even bought the car. If you follow the above plan the -$250 could easily shift to +$250 and with better budgeting, you could probably improve on that.

<<I am terrified that if we drain the savings account(s) my husband will get laid off and that's it...we are on the street.>>

So terrified that you would rather be paying ridiculous APR rates? That's a certainty, while the layoff is a big "if." You should have a strong modest sized E-fund after paying the debt AND it will be much easier to build it when you are not paying interest.

Also, when your finished, ditch the cards, and enjoy being debt free.

Fred