Paying something off for 30 years at 6% (tax-deductable) seems (on the surface at least) better than 30 years at 18% (non-tax-deductable).
"Paying something off for 30 years at 6% (tax-deductable) seems (on the surface at least) better than 30 years at 18% (non-tax-deductable)."
Well, that's why it should be a last resort versus not a consideration. If you're in so deep, there's no way out, ok. But, ideally, you'd cut back, budget, and pay the card faster than the 30 year time frame.
That tax write off comes at a cost. The additional debt changes your exposure on your primary residence. If something happens to your income, you have the additonal $XXk tacked on to your mortgage, and the corresponding payments. You can default on a card and keep your house. Default on your mortgage, and you're on the street.