No one wants to be a (negative) statistic! While many are drowning in credit card debt, we can show you how to reduce – or even eliminate – the amount you owe with just a few small changes.

Be clear on how you will use credit

Develop a plan for how you will use your credit cards, then find a way to reduce your temptation to spend unnecessarily. For example, think of your credit card as a part of your budget. Know your limits and spend only what you can afford to repay in full every month.

Set a realistic deadline to pay off debt

To deal with credit card debt, start with a debt payoff deadline, so you can focus on your end goal. Think about what it will take to reach that goal. Then create checkpoints and milestones so you stay motivated to move on to the next level.

Give your cards a rest

Put the cards away and try an all-cash diet for 30 days to help you control impulse spending. Give yourself a fixed amount of cash every week to pay for nonessential purchases. Just be sure to track those cash purchases, as it’s easy to lose sight of what you spend.

Other ways to manage and reduce your debt

• Add more to your minimum payment so you can pay off credit card balances faster
• Consolidate your outstanding card balances at a lower interest rate. The Civic Classic Credit Card may be a reasonable option. Not only will you pay less in total interest if you get a lower-rate card, you may cut the time it takes to pay off the debt
• Keep with your new spending habits once the high-interest debt has been transferred
• Close all but the oldest credit card account, because you have the longest credit history with that issuer and you want your credit report to reflect that — then put that card out of reach

 Focus on your payoff plan to help keep you on the road to being debt-free.

Celebrate a job well done

Take time to review your credit card debt load occasionally and see what progress you’ve made. Reward yourself for lowering your balance with a no-cost or inexpensive treat. Just continue to stay focused on your small but important lifestyle changes and keep the momentum going.