Hello to all the talented researchers at Google answers, and thank you
for your interst!
My question today is aimed at getting me to a state of financial
freedom!  Just think you could be the one that rescues another from a
miserable state of existence.
Here's the background of my question
I'm a 24 year old Child Care Worker in Cleveland Ohio through a social
service agency
and earn about 25k.  I've graduated from a College with a bachelors
degree in Psychology and truly hope to return to school and get my
Masters and eventually my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. 
Unfortunately my College degree has left me with a substantial amount
of debt and halted further education.

Currently I owe 
-$20,000 in School Loans (Stafford Subsidized)(this is not an issue) and

-$15,000 in Credit card debt (from 3 credit card sources - A Citibank
Card, A Unionplus card (www.upcard.com) and an A T and T Universal
Card (The first 2 providing the most significant source of debt))

I'm at the point now where I'm not making any headway into the
Principal of these balances because I can only afford to pay the
minimum monthly payments, which goes completely to finance charges.
Otherwise I DO make all of my payments on Time, my credit standing is
good (except for my credit to income ratio which stops me from being
able to consolidate all of these onto one credit card with a low APR)

My question is one of financial advice.  How can I consolidate these 3
credit cards into one manageable monthly payment that works on
eliminating my debt while maintaining a "decent" credit rating (if
possible consolidating with the Stafford loans - but i doubt this is
possible).  If the best answer is just to go through a consolidation
service, please give examples of reputable services that charge
minimum to no fees.  Please keep in mind that I do not own my own home
and am still making payments on an automobile through my fathers
credit union ($4000)
Please recognize that your advice could greatly impact my future and
only answer if you have some experience in dealing with these
problems.

Thanks in advance for your help, good luck!
march5th00
Dan

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Clarification of Question by march5th00-ga on 02 Feb 2004 11:06 PST

I would like the answer to this question to revolve less around what I
"could" do, and more around what I "should" do given the information
provided.  Think in terms of "if I was him, I would..."
Thanks again

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Clarification of Question by march5th00-ga on 03 Feb 2004 08:30 PST

I have seen and understand the disclaimer "Important Disclaimer:
Answers and comments provided on Google Answers are general
information, and are not intended to substitute for informed
professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal,
investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Google does not
endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product,
manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or
any opinion expressed in answers or comments. Please read carefully
the Google Answers Terms of Service. "

I'm not necessarily asking for professional advice as much as an
informed researchers opinion as to the options available.