1. Use cash. Carry a set limit of cash each week for everyday expenses. You will be surprised how much better your spending decisions are when you know you have a finite amount to spend.
2. Use debit as plan B. When you can't use cash, then use a debit card (not a credit card). For example, you can make online purchases with your debit card.
3. Leave the cards behind. Don't carry your credit cards with you.
4. Avoid closing accounts. Even though you might not use them, closing accounts can hurt your credit score.

Reduce those interest rates. The best and most effective way to reduce your interest rates is to enlist the help of a debt consolidation reduction company to negotiate with your creditors. Once you've done that, follow these tips:

1. Shop around. When you really look, you can find great credit card deals with rock-bottom APR's.
2. Use a balance transfer, if you must. If you are paying high interest on one card but have a competitive balance transfer offer on another, think about taking the offer to save on interest while you pay down the balance.
3. Talk to your creditors. Call your creditors and say you intend to transfer the balance unless they agree to lower the rate. This can move mountains.

Pay down balances. If you are enrolled in debt consolidation reduction, your non-profit company will do this for you as long as you make your monthly payments, of course. Here are some guidelines to reduce balances:

1. Pay high-interest debts first.
2. Automate your payments. We offer automatic withdrawals every month for your debt consolidation reduction payments.

See our home page for more about us and debt consolidation reduction.