Tips on getting out from under credit card debt

On behalf of Bankruptcy Law Firm of Clare Casas on Tuesday, December 17, 2013.

No one in Florida wants credit card debt. For some credit card debt may be harder to get out of than one might think. Numerous reasons exist as to why anyone falls into the credit trap, including but not limited to, unexpected medical bills, a divorce or even the loss of a job.

With holiday spending quickly approaching, one woman has a few suggestions to eliminate the pitfalls that often accompany the use of credit cards. For example, pay off the monthly balance as quickly as possible. Try to keep the monthly household costs at a minimum. Another helpful hint is to do more "do it yourself" projects for the home instead of hiring contractors to do the work.

Anywhere money can be saved can go towards paying down a credit card bill. Staying on top of unnecessary spending and trying to pay off bills may need to be a major goal. After the credit cards are paid off, cut them up and start saving money to have cash on hand for one of life's unexpected emergencies. Some of those little things may be buying new tires for the car or replacing an old appliance.

These are helpful suggestions, as many Florida residents may agree; however, credit card debt may not always be from a lack of impulse control and poor planning. Being overwhelmed financially can happen quickly if faced with a possible emergency; a family member can become sick or injured or the car might break down and need major repairs. Trying not to fall into the credit card trap is not as easy as it sounds. There is hope, however: The option of filing bankruptcy may give some a fresh start and the opportunity to learn better ways to manage money for the future.

Source: Yahoo Finance, First Person: I'm Saying Goodbye to Credit Card Debt for Good, Melissa Matters, Dec. 9, 2013