4 Steps to Getting Out Of Credit Card Debt

Cut Them Up

First, cut up your cards. You're going to be working on getting into debt. If the cards are there for you to use, you might be tempted to run that debt back up once the balances start to go down. Do not put them in the freezer, do not put them in a lock box for safe keeping. Shred them through your shredder and toss the bits and pieces into the trash.

Forget the Novelties

Those $4 cappuccinos? Forget about them. Those $9 movie tickets (plus the $5 popcorn)? None for you. If you're thousands of dollars into debt you have no business spending money on the frivolous novelties. Put that money towards your credit card balances instead. Then, for each $500 you pay off (not counting minimum monthly payments) treat yourself to a latte or a movie.

Ignore the Minimums

If you only pay the minimum monthly payments on your credit card, you're going to get nowhere fast. Forget those minimum amounts exist. Pay as much as you possibly can to get your credit card debt eliminated. If you can't manage to pay anything more than the minimums or can't even meet your minimum payments, you're going to have to consider drastic measures - like bankruptcy.

Avoid New Cards

Once your debt becomes lessened and you credit begins to improve, you're gonna be getting more credit card offers. Avoid them like the plague. You do NOT want to get yourself in the same situation all over again. Remember, once your debt is paid off your in the clear. Don't screw it up.