What would you do if you had $12,000 in credit card debt?

I'd pay it down, never be late with a payment and consider the difference between 'want' and 'need.' If you needed it to survive it is what it is. If you wanted stuff that's not the way to handle credit. Your credit score will become more important the older you get. Gotta' take it seriously. It can be really helpful or really detrimental. Good luck.