Help! My Credit Card Debt Is Growing!

Well if you find yourself facing the ever mounting credit card debt problem, then you are certainly in good company!  The current debt of consumers in this country is $2.46 trillion as of June 2007.  This debt encompasses mortgages, car loans, and unsecured revolving debt (i.e. credit cards). Total U.S. consumer revolving debt reached $904 billion in June 2007.  While the majority of American households have no credit card debt, and about a quarter do not even have credit cards, the households that do have credit card debt appear to be struggling. Approximately 60% of credit card users are not able to pay their balance in full each month (2006 statistic).  And that figure is not coming down as Americans face rising unemployment rates, and corporate cutbacks, and a sluggish economy. Unfortunately, the “new mentality” of Americans has become a cliché’.  If you can’t afford it, then charge it!
So what can you do to stop the credit card debt problem “growing right before your very eyes” and taking on a life of its own?  Before it becomes necessary to explore credit card debt settlement or credit counseling services to resolve your unsecured debt problem, below are some suggestions you can try first!  They are basic and grounded in common sense, but will take your personal commitment to be successful.
First, stop applying for new credit as the attractive offerings pour into your household on a weekly basis.  Don’t be taken in by the “10% off your purchases today” if you apply for our department store card!  Exercise self control and repeatedly keep your goal to be “debt free” foremost in your mind. 
Second, change your spending behaviors!  Use cash or checks or debit cards and make a commitment to yourself to stop pulling out the plastic.  Assess each purchase to determine if you need it, or if you just want it.  If it is a luxury item, then perhaps you need to forego the purchase.  Don’t forget you are facing a growing credit card debt problem!
Third, develop a plan of attack for the credit card debt that is already a major challenge in your life!  Face the music and sit down and list all the credit card companies you owe.  Don’t forget gas cards or department store cards!  Set a goal to pay off the small ones first while still insuring you make all monthly minimum payments to the other creditors in a timely manner.  After a few months have passed, regroup and see what you have accomplished!  Is the overall unsecured debt balance declining?  Or are you stuck with the same credit card debt problem?  Is tèe credit card debt problem actually still growing because of unfavorable interest rates on your large balance credit cards?  Be honest in your assessment of your financial dilemma. 
 If you find that many months pass, and you have changed your behaviors (no longer applying for new credit cards, using only cash or debit cards for your daily purchasing), and you are still getting nowhere with your total credit card debt balance, then it may be time to explore credit card debt negotiation.  Credit card debt settlement is an ethical yet aggressive option for reducing unsecured debt.  Debt settlement companies offer this service to consumers struggling with at least $10,000 in unsecured debts.  Credit card debt settlement may be your only way out as it is understandable that bankruptcy is an undesirable alternative for most.  Take the time to research and explore several credit card debt settlement companies.  Do your homework thoroughly, checking their BBB records for ratings and their length of time in business.  These debt settlement companies do provide free consultations with no obligation.  This will let you assess if credit card debt settlement is an option you should take seriously.