You never cash out a 401(k) or IRA to pay off debt, unless it's to avoid a foreclosure or bankruptcy.

There are no shortcuts when it comes to getting out of debt.

You can't be in debt and win. It doesn't work.

You need some quick wins in order to stay pumped enough to get out of debt completely.

You must gain control over your money or the lack of it will forever control you.

This is not a game, ... Debt has become a part of who we are. It's become that spoiled child in the grocery store with their lip stuck out: 'I want it. I want it. I deserve it because I breathe air.' And, well, that's an uphill climb in our culture right now, to go against that and say, 'Hey, let's be grownups here. Let's be mature, learn to delay pleasure, save up and pay for things.'