Avoiding Credit Card Debt

Tips on how to prevent credit card debt problems

Avoiding credit card debt is easy if you don't use a credit card at all, but let's face it - just about everyone has at least one card.

There are some standard tips that are common sense but it's worth just reminding ourselves them every now and again:

Only use a credit card as a last resort
Pay cash (or switch/maestro) whenever you can - you'll have more haggling power too as there is generally a 2% surcharge on goods bought by credit card
Consider a personal loan instead if the terms are good and the purchase is big
If you do use a card pay it off in full every month to avoid getting into debt
If you have got a balance on your credit card that is in the thousands then make it a priority to avoid the debt getting worse. Start by chopping up the card.
Do you really need the item? Walk away with the view to perhaps come back in an hour.
Always pay the balance in full - or at the very least pay more than the minimum payment.