Easy Debt Consolidation

Get Out of Debt In 11 Easy Steps

Let's get serious. If you are hooked to swiping all your credit card, it may be time to say goodbye to your plastics and focus on debt reduction. Here are 11 easy steps to get started.

Elect plastic surgery

You don't have to literally cut up your credit cards, but you must stop using them routinely if you're serious about paying off your balances.

1. Go green

For everyday spending, carry around a set amount of cash to use each week. You will find that you make better purchasing decisions when you actually have to fork over the green stuff and there's a preset limit on what you can spend -- when you run out of money, you stop.

2. Make debit your backup

When only plastic will do (if you're buying online, for instance), use your debit card. The debit card can also serve as an emergency substitute for cash if you run out.

3. Leave your cards at home

Enforce the cooling off period on new credit purchases by taking the cards out of your wallet. Store them in a place that's not easily accessible (in a safe-deposit box, maybe, or frozen in a block of ice).

4. Don't close the accounts

Having unused credit available from lenders with whom you've had long relationships will help boost your credit score.