Question:   Credit card debt in America is scary. I want out of the debt trap, but can I still have fun and buy occasional extras while paying off credit card debt?

Answer:When it comes to paying off credit card debt, now more than ever people seem unable to stop their negative spending pattern. They either don’t want to stop; they’re in a total state of denial, or they just don’t know how to begin a different path.

Credit card debt is America is due in large part to the mass marketing from the credit card industry as they work to convince people that “FREEDOM” is all about getting what you want now, regardless of whether you can actually afford it.

It’s a sad reality that plastic has become some sort of status symbol.

Quite the contrary; using a credit card for everyday purchases provides a false sense of security that too often means spending more money that you earn. Failure to pay balances in full each month means an additional percentage to be paid the following month… and the month after that… and so on.

This is another reason credit card debt in America has become such a huge problem. People only pay the minimum balance and are never able to free themselves from debt because of the added interest and fees associated with the account. Consumer debt solutions never seem to exist for these folks.

Before you know it, you’re paying twice as much for your purchases and wondering, "Why can't I pay my debts off?" You must change your spending habits and pre-plan payment amounts to begin eliminating your debt.

If you are constantly using credit cards – STOP - immediately! Change your spending habits so that you are not at risk of spending more than you make in any given month. This behavior only ensures that you will becoming another statistic on credit card debt in America.

Always use cash or a debit card to track what you have in your bank checking account. Purchase only what you need. Not what you want. It's time to grow up!

A good way to see how much you are saving is to mark down prices of items you have passed on. After a month, add them all together in order to find out what you may have spent on frivolous things. This will motivate you to continue to save.

Plan diligently to pay extra toward your credit cards and focus on bringing the balances down to zero.

When you are better able to see your finances and budget them accordingly, you will feel more in control. That’s because you will actually be in control. Your money will only go where you direct it, so direct it toward paying off your credit cards, not toward another purchase you don’t need.

It is true that a specific household budget can become like following a strict diet; denying yourself for too long may lead to a dangerous splurge. It’s important to remind yourself often why you are making the sacrifices today – so you can reap the many rewards of being debt free later.

If your indulgence equates to the cost of a paperback book, do what you can to allocate money for it every so often and only buy the one item you truly desire. Do not allow yourself to ever spend more in any given month than what you have allocated on paper in your personal budget.

However, if your “occasional extra” is a $200 pair of shoes, then it is time you take a very serious look at your spending habits overall. You have to ask yourself if you are truly serious about getting out of debt. How bad do you want to experience personal and financial freedom?

Credit card debt in America is an illness. The only surefire cure to getting out of debt is within you and your willingness to commit yourself to a solid get-out-of-debt plan so that you can enjoy a healthier financial future.

» Should I consider using debt relief companies to start paying off my debt or is there a better way?
Do not fall for the scams offered by debt relief companies. There is nothing they will do that you cannot do yourself.

» What is the deal on department store credit cards – and what separate accounts should I establish?
Establish accounts where you save money, do not establish accounts that cost you money. Credit card debt in America has skyrocketed due in part to department store credit cards.

» How should I be paying off credit card debt? Do I pay off my highest rate cards first, the largest balance first, or other?
When paying off debt, every math genius will tell you to payoff the highest rate cards first. But there is a better way.

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