How Fast Can I Become Debt-Free?

[Dante84]

The answer was 10 months.

Today I paid off the car; last month the credit card (it ballooned up to 2k after necessary flights and the holidays). I got a new job 6 weeks ago, as I mentioned in another thread, and it has been a Godsend.

Thanks for the thoughtful advice in this thread.

My next objective is to save my ass off. What are some good goals to shoot for? How many seperate piles should I be creating? (House, ring, future kids, retirement, etc..)

original post:

Spoiler!

How fast can I get out of debt? I'd like to start saving for a house and taking control of my finances, and though I don't waste money regularly, I'd like to get this off my back and get into the black as soon as reasonably possible. I want to be ready in case of an oops-baby, or if/when I need to buy a ring, or the car shits out, or if I break a bone... etc..

I really have no savings at this point, which is sad and scary. I have, however, knocked the shit out of my school loans and a stupid car payment from after I got out of school. I'm pretty proud, considering I graduated college in the worst economic climate in the last 100 years.

I'm 27 now, and I need to get to the point where I start saving money. What's your advice? What do you do that is helpful?

Debt Breakdown: $5,400

Credit: $500
Car: $4,300
School: $100
Interest Free Parent Loan: $600

Monthly Net Income: ~$3,100 (after benefits and taxes)

1st: ~$2,200
15th: $900

Current Monthly Bills: $1,430
Fixed- $980

Rent: $800, due on the 1st
Car Ins.: $100, due by the 15th
Phone: $50, due by the 15th
Gym: $30, broken in half on the 1st and 15th

Debt- $450

Credit: Minimum Payment of $100, due by the 4th
School: Minimum Payment of $50, due by the 15th
Car: Minimum Payment of $250, due by the 15th
Parent Loan: $50

I'm currently spending about $250/week on food, entertainment, gas, and general purchases. It's easy to spend a lot down here in Austin.

Also, the random $200 charge slips into a given month, for a plane ticket, car maintenance, etc... I know I've got a ~$700 tune-up in the next month or so...

Taking all that into consideration, what is a reasonable amount of time in which I can turn my debt costs into savings? I'm probably not going to track every penny, but a general plan of action is needed.

All bullshit aside, thanks for your advice and tips!