Crawling out of the self-inflicted financial hole...

Somebody mentioned checks. Don't send checks, pay the bill electronically. You will get a confirmation email they can't really dispute.

 

I've crawled out of four-digit credit card debt more times than I can count.

I agree with the above advice, but I especially think you need to talk to each card company and come up with a plan and stick with it. If you get any kind of mail from one of those card companies, read everything. Especially the fine print.

Don't allow them to give you any surprises. I can't emphasize that enough.

 

I'm not sure how that's possible, especially if your monthly rate is a set amount.

I'm pretty sure you could have gone to court with them, and won.