How To Get Rid Of Credit Card Debt

By: Catherine Woods

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Knowing how to get rid of credit card debt is one of the most important things you can have in your financial knowledge. Credit card debt can cause an endless cycle of charging because you do not have enough money, only to find the credit card payments getting higher and higher forcing you to charge some more. Stop the credit card trap and use these steps to get rid of credit card debt for good.

  1. Stop charging to your credit card. Too many people try to get rid of their credit card debt while still charging to their card. You will not successfully get out of credit card debt if you keep diving into it. So cut up those credit cards that are tempting you and stop spending on credit.
  2. Create a budget. Not having a written budget is one of the main reasons people get into credit card debt. Simply write down your income and expenses down to see exactly where you are financially. A simple budget is the best way to keep you from spending on credit, so get one started.
  3. Write down your credit card debts from smallest to largest. This is the order you are going to be paying off your credit cards. By getting your smallest balances paid off first, you will see progress faster which will help you stay motivated. 
  4. Cut extra costs from your budget and apply the difference toward your first credit card on your list. Cut your cell phone bill, car insurance, eating out and your morning coffee so you can apply that extra money you have toward your lowest debt while making minimum payments on your other cards. Once the first card is paid off, move onto the next.
  5. Find ways to make extra money to pay down your debt. If you want to get rid of your credit card debt even faster, find ways to make extra money. Get a second job on nights and weekends, learn how to make money online or even do freelance work in your current field to bring in more money. Even just $100 extra dollars a month can make a huge dent in your credit card debt.
  6. Keep going until you have gotten rid of your credit card debt. Once you start working through these steps, do not stop until your credit card debt it gone. Even though it may be difficult at times, it will be worth it in the long run. So keep paying off your credit cards and the monkey off your back.
Posted on: May. 04, 2010