I've got cash temporarily. Should I pay down credit card debt?

I think you hit it on the head when you said you will need the cash later for living expenses. I personally recommend first catching up on any past due payments (if any). Then, build up an emergency savings account. It's not a matter of "if" but "when" the unplanned emergency is going to strike, and it's usually at the worst time ever. And it sounds like you can actually forsee the bills in the near future. How much do you need to live? Put that away first. Then, see what you have left over and pay that torwards the credit card debt. A little breathing room now won't do you any good if you will just be struggling in the near future. Good luck!

Try taking your example a little bit further. You know best with regards to how much you spend on average during the year. If you set up a scenario that starts with your credit card balance being at $0, then start adding up all of the amounts you charge on your card you will quickly be able to tell how much debt you might owe once summer ends. If it adds up to less than what you currently owe, then it would be a good thing for you to pay down your debt. Not only that, but it will help your credit score by a couple of points, which is always a good thing.

Now on the other hand, if you - for example - pay down 1/2 of your debt and keep enough cash on hand for incidentals that you need during the summer, you would not have to charge as much on your card. Always think first before you buy - can you do without it without making things more difficult for yourself? If the answer is yes, then don't buy it - at least not yet.

That is just my opinion. Good luck.

pay the balance down is a nobrainer. You pay less interest.