by Robert Stadnik

Created on: January 13, 2009

Credit card debt has become a way of life for most Americans. There are many out there who feel that no matter what they throw at their debt it just doesn't want to shrink. Those who feel they need some sort of respite from their credit card debt may not be looking at their entire financial picture. If one looks at their spending habits they will most likely identify trends that can be eliminated by modifying their spending habits that will free up additional income to go towards paying off their credit card debt.

The first thing one must do to feel some relief from credit card debt is to get a reality check. It's no secret that most people who have a sizeable debt incurred it to obtain instant gratification, whether it's was a down payment on a new car, clothes, or new appliances for the house. But that's ok, no one's perfect. The key is to look yourself in the mirror and admit to what you did. If you can do that then you've already taken the first step and will feel better about yourself.

Now that you've faced your follies, the next step is to look at your finances closely. Too many people go out and spend money but don't take the time to sit down and see where they are spending their money. Print out your bank and credit card statements (if you are still using your credit card for purchases) and look where your money is going. Catalog your expenses down on a spreadsheet. It doesn't have to be fancy, just lump your expenses into general categories (utilities, gas, food, etc) and see what your expenditures are for the month. Just by doing that you'll be able to instantly identify areas where you can reduce your spending. Food is most often an expense that can quickly add up. A lot of Americans go out two or three times a week and that can quickly result in a large food bill for the month. Just by Reducing your dine outs to once a week you'll be surprise how much money you'll save for the month and all or a portion of those savings can be thrown at reducing your existing credit card balances.

Take a look at other areas of spending. Things like cable are a luxury items; if you really need relief from your credit card debt then you have to free up as much of your income as possible and that means giving up the luxury items for awhile. Most everyone has a cell phone. If yours operates in your home with a good signal then consider ditching your land line. Even a basic land line service runs around forty dollars a month.

The key is to position yourself so you are paying

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