Balance transfers 2

Just in case anyone is looking at doing a balance transfer, I thought I would mention about how payments are applied in most cases.  I have noticed that in all the credit cards that I have come across is that the payment is usually applied to the lowest interest balance first.  So, for example if I have a balance transfer of  $5000 at 2% and then I use the card for purchases and spend $200, my monthly payment would be first applied in this case to the $5000 which means that the $200 would still be owing at the regular interest rate which for a lot of cards can be around 20%.  In this case, when doing a balance transfer, it is best not to use the card for purchases or else there will be little savings in the end since all purchases would have a higher interest rate.  Also, it is important to never be late on a payment since the promotional rate can be taken away in this case and it will become the regular interest rate.  In all cases, it is best to read all of the small print that is included in your credit card agreement and then call the credit card and ask questions to be clear.

Some of my steps towards freedom from debt....

As I mentioned before, I have quite a lot of debt to continue working through.  A couple of years ago, I decided to move back in my parents to attack this debt.  I rented out my property and the rental income allows me to break even and have about $15 left over.  This and monitoring my spending has allowed me to pay bigger chunks towards my debt than I was able to before.  As of today, I have a total debt of $25,937 (not including my mortgage).  I have brought down my expenses as much as possible and minimize my spending each month.  I am currently working on figuring out how to start bringing in some side income apart from my full time job.  So, I am learning how to complete income tax returns so I can get have a chance to get a part time job during the 2013 tax season.  This is also will help my family, boyfriend and myself save the money of paying someone to complete our taxes every year.  I am also working on decluttering and fixing small things on my clothes, such as sewing back a button or sewing a small hole so I can avoid buying new clothes.  I have also been working on learning how to cut back and save on essentials such as haircuts, oil changes and groceries.  This week coming up I am planning on being able to put about $800 towards my debt.

What are some of the steps that you have taken to pay back your debt?