You can do what I did, I saved up 1000 dollars, took it to the casino, played very conservatively at first, doubled up to 2 grand then started betting like crazy and turned 1000 bucks into 18 grand! I played off my student loans and made 3 car payments! Just a thought! It might back fire though, so you have to be willing to lose your initial cash. I know its not nearly as sound advice as consolodation, and dave ramsey books, but its what i did!