Thanks Keen for your input and a very good point too!
We weren't as fortunate as some people are who can pay off credit card debt and have an emergency fund on hand at the same time. Hubby and I just started accounts with EmigrantDirect and HSBC this year. We are able to bank hubby's check now after the mortgage payment. Something we could never do before!!
I do like the rewards on our Amex card and I don't want to lose my 15 year history with Capital One.
"Kind of like a drunk keeping a bottle around "just in case". I understand your point, but I look at credit card debt like this. My husband smokes but I quit 2 years ago on December 23, 2003. There are cigarettes around but I have been there and done that. I have exercised control and I don't want to repeat my past. I am in control cause I choose to be and because my prayers are what got me this far.