By Richard Townsend

Most Americans have too much credit card debt. Duh, we've all heard that

before, right? Only now its gotten a bit personal... right again? You

personally have too much credit card debt and its about to drive you crazy.

Well there IS hope so don't file those bankruptcy papers just yet. One

major thing you have to keep in mind is your creditor is probably very

willing to work with you. Its in their best interest to have you making

some payment versus no payment. So here are a couple points to help you deal

with your credit card debt.

The first thing you have to do is simply contact your creditor and let them

know your situation. Ask for a lower interest rate or a repayment plan.

You might not have thought of it because you're just naturally so polite but

its a very good strategy to be courteous at all times when negotiating with

your creditor. Polite, but firm. Come across as one who knows what you're

asking for and expect to get it. If you're not sure what you're asking for

in the first place you might consider a reputable credit counseling service.

There's a lot of great, honest organizations out there whose mission is to

help you work things out with your creditors.

Next you've GOT to stop using your cards. Cut them up, freeze them in a tub

of water, whatever you need to do to get them out of your wallet or purse,

do it! You simply can't keep adding to the problem by running the debt up

any higher. This is actually one of the hardest parts of cutting your

credit card debt. Its like you're addicted to spending money you don't

have. So go cold turkey and drop the habit.

Start paying the ones with the highest interest rate first and work from

there. How do you do that? Concentrate on those high interest rate cards

by paying more than the minimum balance each month. The minimum is just

designed to keep you on the hook longer anyway. The credit card companies

are in this business to make a profit and want to have you paying them for

years to come. Even a little extra each month makes a big difference in the

long run.

Lastly, keep your chin up and have a good attitude. Millions of folks just

like you have begun to cut their credit card debt by following the common

sense steps outlined above. You can do it too. Good luck.

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