If your credit card debt is getting out of hand, the first thing you need to do is stop using your credit cards. Many people get into the mindset of "I'll pay it off later" or "I'm already in debt, what will a little debt hurt?". They keep using credit cards for everyday expenses so they don't feel broke and don't have to change their spending patterns. Retire your credit cards, set up a budget and start paying with cash.
I highly suggest Dave Ramsey's total money makeover plan. He advocates not using credit cards at all, paying cash for your cars and paying off your mortgages. You can use a debit card for things like travel. Debit cards are not credit cards. We all need to get back to basics and this is a great plan. You can find Dave's plan on the internet.
By fenderthinline (Guest Post)
10/02/2008
Yes, the key to this is IF your credit card debt is getting out of hand. The Visa I have gives me cash back, like 3% on GAS, office supplies, building supplies, and restaurants. I get app. $350.00 back a year! FREE MONEY just for using the card. I receive 1% on all other purchases like groceries and even snacks or clothes, everything. IF you can control yourself and pay off your card every month, you can make GOOD Christmas money.