debt consolidation for $13,000 in credit card debt

debt consolidation maybe your way out. Especially with your slow season upcoming. They can lower your rates and make one monthly payment. But let me warn you, you will loose your credit cards and they can report you late on your credit report. When I went into consolidation, my cards accounts where closed while I paid on them, and they all reporting me late on all 3 credit bureaus, so I suppose it is a trade off in some sense. The good thing is you will not have to worry about your accounts going into collections as long as you paid as agreed through consolidation.

Keep sending your partial payments before the credit card companies send it to some collection agency or intend to file a judgment against you. It is important that you keep your credit card accounts current for getting some facilities in your repayment. Have you tried negotiating with the companies for some payment arrangements? It will sound good to notify them in advance about your future payments. They might be willing to work as per your situation.

Have you considered an extra job during your slow period as a waitress? Those months are usually when retail stores begin hiring for Christmas? Maybe you could just work enough to make your payments? Just a suggestion.