I don't think we disagree. Everything you said in your last post makes sense, just a difference of strategy. Ideally, you get balance transfers over reducing APRs by begging the banks. Even if they reduce your rates, they will still be more than the commonly available 0% balance transfer offers, even factoring the 2-3% fees.
It really depends upon the interest rates of the debts.
Take for instance General Stalin's debts:
Auto Loan - remaining balance = $18,000 @ 5.74%
Unsecured Loan - remaining balance = $2,300 @ 9.09%
Credit Card - remaining balance = $5,000 @ 16.15%
His auto loan is most likely on fixed payments per month. It should be an installment loan. General Stalin, how much is your monthly payment for your car? Also, how old is the car, and how many miles do you have on it? Depending upon his credit, he may qualify to refinance his car loan, with a better rate through a credit union. Most of them have lower rates than that of commercial banks.
As for his unsecured loan at 9.09% and his credit card at 16.15%, it is HIGHLY unlikely that he will be able to invest whatever extra funds he has in the marketplace and get reliable returns that will best those numbers, especially after paying capital gains. I strongly reccomend that he build up a 3-6 month emergency fund first. Any additional funds that he can save, should go towards servicing the above debt. Ideally, he transfers it out to a 0% card, and he makes only the minimum payments for now, while saving the extra amounts and putting it in a high-interest savings account. Doing so will keep him liquid, plus have the funds available in case of emergency, plus to pay off the balance transfer(s) at the end of their term.
So, to recap:
For General Stalin:
1. Get a balance transfer for your unsecured loan and credit card debt ASAP.
2. Pay only the minimum monthly payment on the new 0% card.
3. Save the extra money that you aren't paying towards your new 0% debt and set it aside for an emergency, and also to pay off the new 0% card after the promotion period ends.
4. If he still has extra funds saved up, he can attack his car loan with more than the minimum payment. But even before he does that, I suggest he look into Penfed or USAA or Navy Federal credit unions to see if he can refinance that car note at a lower rate. I've been offered car loan rates at half of what he's currently paying.
The first step to paying off debt fast is lower your rates!
Oh, and check my signature, I just created a guide tonight on how to become more credit savvy. You might find it helpful.