How to Get Rid of Credit Card Debt

Work down your credit card debt.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Self-control

1. Gather all your credit card bills.

2. Research credit counselors. Make sure they are non-profit, and are listed with the Better Business Bureau. (We used Debtscape.org, but there may be a local organization near you.) These credit counselors work with credit card companies to either reduce or eliminate interest rates.

3. Pay the credit counselors your monthly amount. They will then make payments to the credit card companies. With a little self-control on spending, and depending on how much you owe, a few months to a few years, you will be free of credit card debt.

Tips & Warnings

• Close all credit card accounts.
• This should not show on your credit report. Double check with your counselor.
• Use a debit card (that is directly linked with your checking account) instead of a credit card for online and other purchases.
• Those credit cards that you list with the counselor will be closed.
• You must ALWAYS make your payments on time. Otherwise, you will be dropped from the plan and the credit card company will raise the interest and can place that late payment on your credit report.