• Speak with anyone who carries thousands of dollars of credit card debt and you'll likely hear a desire to live debt-free. Credit card debt is a vicious trap. Some people are irresponsible with money and use credit cards to satisfy their wants. But on the other hand, some people are forced to use credit cards for essentials because they don't have adequate cash. Regardless of the reason for excessive credit card debt, there are ways to lower the debt and eventually become debt-free.
  
  

Pull Out the Calculator

• You can't establish a debt elimination plan if you don't know how much you owe. Understandably, facing your debt is frightening because it forces you to come to terms with your situation. However, having an exact amount in mind is key to getting rid of or lowering the debt. Get your credit card statements and use a calculator to add the totals.
  
  

Increase Disposable Income

• Getting rid of debt often entails making higher monthly payments to bring down the balances. People with sizable savings accounts can easily dip into their personal funds and start to erase their debt. But what if you don't have this kind of cash? In this case, it helps to brainstorm ways to increase your income. Talking with your employer and asking for additional hours can help, as does cutting back on extras such as household services, dining out and unnecessary shopping. A part-time job in the evenings can also bring additional money into your house. Of course, earning extra money requires self-control on your part. Rather than use this money to shop, put this money toward your debt.
  
  

Get Rid of Credit Cards

• Do not call your credit card company and cancel your credit cards. This may seem like a logical solution to controlling your debt. However, closing accounts, especially older accounts, reduces your credit history and may bring down your credit score. Keep the account active, but get rid of the credit card. Use scissors or a shredder to slash the cards into pieces. Retaining one credit card for emergencies is wise, but you'll need to keep this card out of reach---perhaps locked in a safe.
  
  

Tackle Your Interest Rate

• Periodically checking your credit card statements and examining your interest rate can provide clues as to why your balances do not decrease. Typical minimum payments on credit cards are just enough to pay off the new interest charges and a bit of the balance. Therefore, making just the minimum payment will not reduce the balance quickly. However, if you have a good credit score and you've always paid your bill on time, you might qualify for a lower rate. Request a better interest rate by calling your credit card company. If granted, you can expect a drop in your minimum payment. But rather than reduce your monthly payments, continue paying the original amount or higher, and you'll notice a drop in your principal balance.