by Martin J. Stephens

Created on: September 21, 2007

Credit cards can be a powerful tool, or a deadly one. Wielded correctly, they can boost your credit score. Used poorly, they can severely damage it. Why not avoid it altogether? For the average American, this is not an option. Buying a new car or house demand good credit - something that can be built by using one's credit cards wisely. So what can you do? Have you tried to use your cards wisely, only to find yourself slowly (or quickly) sliding down into a pit of credit woes? Employing these 7 tips may help you save on your credit card debt:

1) First and foremost: If you are finding it too hard to make monthly payments, seek credit counseling help. Be sure to choose a reputable non-profit organization as recommended by such organizations as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (www.nfcc.org) or the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov). These organizations can negotiate with credit issuers in reducing your monthly payments, the interest rate, and further credit use. This step may negatively affect your credit score, but only to a certain extent. Filing bankruptcy (chapter 7) will stay on your record for 10 years.

2) Always pay on time. Late payments often drive up the interest rate on credit cards. What once was a 0% can quickly rise to over 30% because of one late payment. If you are 30 or more days late in your payment, card issuers will likely report this on your permanent credit history. To combat this, use the automatic bill payment service offered by most banks with an on-line presence. Set up payments to go out on a regular basis, freeing you from the hassle of paper and stamps. Just be sure your payment arrives prior to the due dates.

3) Do not pay one credit card with another. Sounds like common sense, but a person can quickly amass debt by transferring balances. Card issuers often dangle a low to no interest rate for a set period if you transfer a balance from another card. Beware! Most companies will add a 3% (or more) fee for this service. Once the grace period (typically 6 months or less) expires, a higher variable interest rate begins. This rate is often determined at the time the period expires, and card issuers can raise it to the maximum at will. This option is only good if you can pay off the balance before the expiration period, and have the iron will to pay it off.

4) Carry no more than 6 credit cards. Credit reporting companies, such as Experian, (www.experian.com) highly recommend carrying 6 or less credit cards. They are concerned

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