[stevetcg]

Hi - not sure if this is the proper place for this, but seems it. Here is a semi-hypothetical situation:

Bank offers a HELOC of 50K @ 4.25% fixed, payoff at 10yr. No fees or anything associated with its use.

Current debt:
Student Loan, 25K @ 4.25% (20 yr variable)
Car Loan, 10K @ 12% (5 yr fixed)
Credit Card, 8k @ 6% (12k limit, acct closed)
Credit Card, 4K @ 18% (8k limit, acct closed)

Other considerations: current income easily exceeds payments, credit rating is fair but on the mend, 401k is maxed to employer match but less than annual max, no college savings but kids are only 3 and 1. I am 37, so a fair way from retirement.

Now my questions:
1. Which, if any, should I use the HELOC to pay off? Will this affect my credit rating?
2. Does taking the full 100k HELOC affect my credit rating, either positive or negative?
3. If I choose to use the HELOC, should I just request what I plan on using, keep a few grand extra or shoot the moon and open the account for the full amount and leave some unused?
4. 5 yr CDs are in the 5%+ range. Is there a reason not to take some cash from the HELOC (4%) and invest, providing the payments wouldn't affect my discretionary spending?
5. Are these the kind of questions I should be addressing with a paid financial planner?

thanks for any and all advice/insight. I am basically searching for solutions that would save me the most money and positively affect my credit which took a beating a few years ago and is in need of some TLC.