Credit Card Debt: One Way To Avoid It

One of the biggest problems people have in these modern times is Credit card debt, and worst is USA.Simply because there have always been so many laws and regulations before you could have acard in the rest of the world, you can't for instance borrow someone elses card and go shopping becauseyou always have to show some ID before they accept cards in Europe.

Credit card debt is an ever growing problem in the U.S. Countless American's are finding themselves in a financial bind because of their over spending habits. Credit cards are a dangerous convenience to those who tend to impulse buy.

Recent statistics in regard to credit card debt are staggering. According to The Motley Fool Credit Center (http://www.fool.com/ccc/secrets/secrets.htm) total U.S. consumer credit debt has reached 1.7 TRILLION dollars. Collectively, these card holders pay over 50 BILLION dollars in finance charges, every year.

It is said that, on any given day, approximately 78% of the nation's population would qualify for some type of credit. More than 1.3 million of these card holders will file for bankruptcy, each calendar year.

Credit card companies are as lenient as they can afford to be when it comes to issuing new credit cards and spend MILLIONS of advertising dollars, each year, singing the praises of their specific offer.

They count on the fact that the majority of card holders will, indeed, possess an impulse buying gene. These companies also hope that card holders who apply for a line of credit, to be used only on an emergency basis, will give in when tempted with appealing merchandise.

If you suddenly find yourself struggling with credit card debt there are things you can do that will help to ease your stress and reduce your balances. These common sense steps will assist you in getting your credit card debt, under control.

1. Stop using the cards - this is the simplest way to start reducing your debt. Yes, you still owe for past charges, but cutting up your cards or putting them away in a secure place, will alleviate the urge to purchase things that you don't really need.

2. Stop new credit card offers - It's always tempting to take advantage of a new credit card offer, especially if it is pre-approved. You can easily obtain the forms needed to remove your name from credit bureau lists, by calling 1-888-5OPTOUT.

3. Always pay more than minimum - Credit card companies offer low monthly payments for a reason. The longer it takes to pay off a balance the higher their profit margin. In the long run, you'll be surprised at what a savings this will make.

Credit is a wonderful thing if used wisely. Don't become one of the millions of card holders who are struggling with debt. By setting limits and avoiding un-needed purchases you will stay on the road to healthy credit.

The obvious alternative is to use a prepaid card, that way you can never use more money than you haveloaded to your card.

© Gunnar Berglund
Gunnar Berglund has been working on the Internet for about five yearsand run http://www.global-prepaid-cards.com since September 2003.

More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

More Credit Information:

Related Articles

When You Are Eligible For A Free Credit Report
By Federal law, you are entitled to one free credit report per year directly from a credit-reporting agency only if you certify that:1. You are unemployed and seeking employment in the next 60 days.
Credit Scores and Loan Applications
Keep Your Credit History Clean - Remove A Negative Credit Record From Your Credit ReportIt can make a difference of up to 18% in loan repayment costs.For example, on a 30-year, $150,000 fixed rate mortgage, a borrower with the best credit score, 760-850, will pay 5.
Trying to Land a Job? Poor Credit Scores May Hurt Your Chances
Many employers are now looking at an applicant's credit report for hiring purposes. During an interview process a potential employer may request your written consent to access your credit report.
Update Your Computer System With Bad Credit Computer Financing
The moment I placed myself in front of the computer screen a whole new world beckoned me to join it. And years of strolling have proved incompetent to get me acquainted with the full panorama of computers.
Building Your Credit History
Today, credit is an indispensable part of our lives. In order to get the things you need, such as a home or a car, you have to apply for a credit.
Dont Trade Your Future for Todays DooDads
"Easy Low Down Monthly Payment," "Buy Now Pay Later," "You Deserve the Car Today and We Can Finance It for You," & "Spend Today, 0% APR until Next Year!" We see those statements above every where today, on TV commercials, car dealership, banks and magazines. Those statements have put a lot of people into a financial disaster, because the statements make a lot of people believe that acquiring bad debts is an ok thing to do.
Small Business Credit Cards
So what do you look for when applying for a credit card for your small business? One thing is for sure, wasting money isn't an option because it can make or break your business. Things to look for are low interest rates and good customer service.
The Three Largest Factors In Your Interest Rate
There are three major factors that affect how much you pay for a loan. Understanding these factors can save you time, money and frustration.
Credit Card Rates - Negotiating Rates with Your Credit Card Company
Ok, let's face it, everybody hates high credit card rates, and they drain hard earned money out of your wallet. As a valued consumer, it is apparent that you learn how to negotiate to get the absolute best rate that you possibly can.
Understanding Your Credit Score
When you apply for credit one of the first things almost all credit officers do is check your credit score. Although not all of those officers explained to us what a credit score is, we are all rated according to it and the offers we receive were all dependent on that score.
Bailiffs & Council Tax - Knowing What To Do
This article is about bailiffs who may call trying to collect Council Tax or Community Charge (Poll Tax) arrears. If a bailiff has contacted you to collect another sort of debt the law might be different.
Credit Card Debt: How To Control It
A lot of people spend more money than they can afford to repay toward their credit card debts. To regain control over your finances and to manage your debt, here are some solutions you can try.
Saving Money: Quick Cash, High Cost
I didn't think it was possible. But it is.
19,178 Identity Theft Victims Per Day - Are You One Of Them?
Identity theft statistics are shocking. And we are told that it will only become worse, before it gets any better.
4 Steps You Can Take If Your Online Credit Card Application Has Been Refused
Help! I've Been Turned DownYou received an envelope in the mail with a great offer for a low interest credit card. You read all the details, even the boring small print and decided that this card fit your needs to a tee.
A Cure for an Ailing Credit
Credit has become a much-used word, thanks to the various connotations that it is being used in. Transactions in which the payment is deferred to the near future are termed as credit transactions.
Why Should You Use Credit Cards
Believe it or not, the way society, especially the commercial side, is set up these days, the only alternative to using credit is to pay cash for everything. But it's actually quite hard to do that.
Avoiding Credit Card Traps
The next time you open your credit card statement, take a closer look at the small insert titled "changes to your credit card agreement". You know the one I'm speaking about.
Establishing Credit - What You Need To Know Part 1
Establishing credit is one of the most important things you can do in order to add stability to your financial record and dramatically increase your ability to borrow necessary funds in order to purchase a new home, new car or even pay for college expenses. Unfortunately credit has two sides to it that consumers can exploit.
What is Credit Card and Debit Card Blocking?
Have you ever been told you were over your credit card limit, or had your debit card declined, even though you knew you had available credit or money in your bank account? If this happened shortly after you stayed in a hotel or rented a car, the problem could have been card "blocking."What is Blocking?When you use a credit or debit card to check into a hotel or rent a car, the clerk usually contacts the company that issued your card to give an estimated total.