A Novel Approach to Reducing Credit Card Debt

Suddenly, credit card debt is a hot topic. We've all been charging stuff at the store big time, and now we're paying the price. So now everyone is doling out advice about reducing your credit card debt. After careful study, the experts advice: Make a budget, cut spending, use cash instead of credit cards to control impulse spending. Wow, gee thanks, guys. I'd never have thought of that myself. Next, you'll be informing me that if I eat less and exercise more, I might lose weight.

And here is a suggestion for reducing your credit card debt:

Credit cards may seem like small pieces of plastic, however they can cause a great deal of trouble for the owners. It is common for people to make unwise purchases, which they would have avoided otherwise, because they had the credit card in their wallet. The best solution for many people is simply to get rid of credit cards and begin paying only by cash, check, or debit cards. You may want to keep one card handy for emergencies, but it is probably best to keep it out of reach, and far away from your wallet.

It's good advice, but can you actually do it? Now here is MY unexpert advice.

Step 1: Get mad!

It is essential that you recognize the credit card companies for what they are: blood-sucking monsters that laugh at you behind your back and wouldn't care if you were living butt-naked under a tree. Those hypocritical jerks pretend they want to be your friend. "Enjoy your home and your time with your family." Gosh, they can help with that little home improvement project. They can help get the kids new clothes for back to school.

And we fall for it. We charge today because we are expecting money soon and think we will pay off that bill with our next paycheck. But the car stops running or our kid gets sick and that paycheck isn't enough to pay the credit card. And all the while the credit card companies are still pretending to be our friend. "Just use this convenience check to make your life easier. Only 1.9% interest for six months. Surely you'll get the money in six months."