The first thought that comes to mind is never consolidate credit card debt with a bank. You're not only extending your repayment time, but you are allowing your unsecured debt to now become secured debt. What that means is if for some unforseen reason you are not able to make a payment(s), the bank can, eventually, take your house away. With unsecured debt, you are a little safer. The credit card companies may legally get a judgment against you, but they cannot take your house away from you.

There are simple steps to consolidating your debt and, eventually, seeing the "light at the end of the tunnel". Discipline, determination, and patience are a must! You do have the capability of doing this.

Take your highest interest card and see if you can add even $10.00 more than the minimum payment. It wouldn't hurt to call your creditors and see if they can offer you a lower interest rate. Don't run away from them, but work with them. Your sincerity and honesty may weigh heavily where they are concerned. Pay the minimum amount with your remaining cards. When that first card gets to a zero balance, take that amount and put it towards your next high interest rate card plus whatever amount you were paying on that particular one. Keeping up with this plan of action will eventually reap positive results.

Another idea is to pay cash only for your necessary expenditures. Save your change and, at the end of the month, put that change towards paying off your debt.

None of this information is really new. The reality of it is that you can't wish away your debt. You, and you alone, are responsible for what you have created. Now take that responsibility and do what you know is right and good. Ask yourself this...how do you feel when the bill comes in the mail? You can start by looking at it "face-to-face" and deal with it.

There is a time and a place for a credit card which should mainly be for emergencies. Notice I said credit card...not credit cards. Instant gratification for a want and not a need is not one of them. If you cannot change your bad, unnecessary spending habit yourself, then find someone who can. Do whatever it takes to assist you in getting free from your credit card prison. Slavery was abolished back in 1860. But there is another form of slavery, and that is what you did by enslaving yourself to the obese, corporate fat cats (the banks)who have been continually feeding off your misery. Set yourself free once and for all. The power does lie in you. It is there and it IS real. Look at yourself, your lifestyle, and focus on what is most important to you. Don't demoralize yourself one minute longer. You are better than that. After all, isn't this mainly about low self-esteem? Take a deep breath and begin taking the necessary steps you need to take today.

Learn more about this author, Yvonne Cerkas.
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