There's always the possibility of approaching your current creditors and seeking an extension of the payment term if you're having problems in the short-term.

That *would* mean paying more in the long run, but I can appreciated that when things get really tight it's good to look at options.

kelkat is full of good sense, though - trying to repay one or more early is quite possibly the best idea, though, if you're able to.

Ya you can, but you just need to check all the options.

I refuse to go into consolidation. However, I can see the problem if your finance charges are horrible. I currently have a loan with a finance rate of 30% which makes me sick. I didn't read the fine print when signing and now I'm paying forever. However, I am paying more than the minimum so I hope to have it paid off before too long.

The best advice is the one that told you to do a search and don’t forget to include your region, wherever you are. There are many companies whose sole business is to consolidate loans. It'll be tailored according to your ability to pay and that includes the interest. To cap it off, some of them even can get a loan deduction or reduction from your lenders, because there are channels these companies know, and mention it to them when it’s time to approach one of them. But you shouldn't sound like you are shopping around for something a little bit better, you really have to show them that you need help and that’s when they will work on the deduction.

great point there, brian. although if you search online, a lot of articles would give you several options in consolidating your loans (e.g. credit card transfers, home equity loans, borrowing from relatives ), my vote goes to kelkat's suggestion which is one of the basic rules in paying debts wisely.