This should be a topic that most all of you have heard of quite frequently, but it deserves some extra attention in today’s economic landscape. Credit card debt is very widespread throughout the country, and it is bringing down a huge number of families in what is the ugliest economy most anyone has ever seen. Quite frankly, there is a never a good time to have credit card debt, but if there is any single worst time for it now is that time.

Debt guru Dave Ramsey believes there is no single positive to the use of credit cards. While I wouldn’t personally go as far as he does, he certainly makes some very good points. When a person pays with cash they can absolutely feel the cash leaving, but with a credit card the same sense is not there, leaving the person very vulnerable to feeling as if they have plenty to spend no matter their real situation. The number is thrown around that the average American is over $8,000 in credit card debt, and while that is disputed by some, it is certainly clear that Americans have a serious issue with paying off credit card debts.

As a wise consumer I highly suggest you train your mind to realize just how expensive that credit card you are carrying can be. If you are already in debt, please get help with your credit card debt immediately. A credit card debt consolidation company can help most people save a decent amount of money. Keep the number of credit cards you carry to a minimum! The best rule of thumb that I can give any consumer can use is this, do not spend any more monthly on your credit cards than you will be able to pay off fully when the bill comes. Credit card interest rates are very expensive and once you get behind the eight ball then you have lost to the credit card companies. Don’t let yourself get into credit card debt, especially in this economy!