Red-hot stress. Know the feeling? Maybe your credit cards are out of control. Maybe you see an opportunity to lower your mortgage rate but just can't pull the trigger. Debt has a way of twisting us in knots, but it doesn't have to. Used wisely, it can be a valuable financial tool. This section of worksheets and advice will help you put it to work.

Mortgage Refinancing  Refinancing can save you money, but the process itself can be expensive. Our worksheet will tell you what new rate you'll need to make refinancing worthwhile — and how long it will take to recoup the costs. Should I Prepay?  What makes more sense — prepaying part of your mortgage or investing that money in the open market? Our worksheet has the answer. Consolidating Debt  If you're paying the piper every time you turn around, you may be a candidate for debt consolidation. But first you have to figure out whether you'll end up paying through the nose. This worksheet can help. 401(k) Borrowing  You've got all that money sitting there. And the rules say you can tap it. But does it ever make sense to borrow from your retirement fund? This section will help you find the answer. Credit Cards  Trouble with plastic is epidemic these days and it's no wonder given the snowstorm of junk-mail offers. Here's some advice on how to get control of your credit-card debt.