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Many of us consumers continue to struggle to get out from under our credit debt. In fact, the average American is carrying almost $2,500 in credit debt each month. These financial consequences can be critical, and long lasting.

For a consumer paying only the minimum payment of $50 a month on a $2,500 credit card bill, (at the average 16-percent interest,) they are paying off a mere $10 of principal. There's another $40 being added on in interest EVERY MONTH. So in only one year of paying minimums, they still owe $2,380. Now imagine if the credit bill is $15,000 or more...the word dangerous is certainly appropriate.

Want to do things differently? Want to put your debt on a diet? Try these five super strategies and break your dangerous spending habits today:

1. Step away from the counter. Give yourself a time-out when you feel the temptation to make a purchase. For an item over $100, put it on hold, and leave the store. Let the idea sit for 24 hours, and then ask yourself whether you really need the item: the answer is likely "no." For clothing and other purchases, put the item on the 10-minute hold rack. Walk away, get a drink or a snack and decide if you really need it or just impulsively like it.

2. Set goals. Decide how quickly you want to reduce your debt, and how much you can afford to pay down each month - but don't stop there. Set financial goals that involves "positive" incentives, too, such as savings and vacations.

3. Start canceling cards. How many credit cards do you really need? Most people need at least one to handle payments that can't be made easily any other way - and you may need two, depending on where you usually shop or travel and which card is accepted.

4. Lower your limits. Save yourself the grief of overspending and not being able to afford it. Most people don't know that you don't have to accept the maximum credit limit that your issuer is willing to provide. Choose the limit that you're comfortable with, and tell your credit card issuer - in writing - that you don't want any automatic increases. That way you stay within your budget.

5. Consolidate. If you're dealing with several cards with debt, look for a financial institution and apply for a consolidation loan. This loan at a competitive lower rate will allow you to make one convenient monthly payment that is far lower than your various cards and will give you a fresh start.

Stanley J. Kershman, a.k.a. The Debt Doctor, is a leading authority on solving financial disasters. Consumers you can now defeat your debt problems by downloading your FREE COPY of Stanley’s Handy Budgeting Worksheets, http://www.debtonadiet.com/usa/budget.html

And don’t forget to check out “Put Your Debt on a Diet: A Step-by-Step Guide to Financial Fitness” available at http://www.amazon.com and http://www.debtonadiet.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stanley_Kershman

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Yes, low APR credit cards are on the rise. Many credit cards are competing for your business to give you the best and lowest rates available today. There are so many credit cards from you to choose from that they are doing all kinds of things to get your attention including lowering their interest rate and giving you no annual fees.

Why is this happening? Because there are so many credit card companies. They all want your business and this is an attractive incentive to get you to apply and own one of their credit cards. If you choose a low APR credit card over one with 19.99 percent you are sure to go with the lower APR.

The only problem is that sometime these 0% and low APR credit cards are only promotional ways to get you to apply and then later your interest rate will rise. Many credit card companies have low APR credit cards for a certain amount of time such as 3 months, 6 months and some up to one year. You will have to compare to find out which one keeps the lower APR after the promotional period to ensure you are getting the best deal around.

No matter what the reason low APR credit cards are here to stay as long as the companies are competing for your business. Just remember to compare everything they offer besides the lower interest rate. You may find that several credit card companies are now offering other wonderful incentives for you to apply with them such as reward programs.

No matter which company you choose, you will enjoy the low APR credit cards even if it is only for a limited time. You will be able to save money on your purchases because you will not have to pay any interest until the promotional period is over. Just be sure your balance is very low when the interest rate kicks in and you will be fine.