I am no different from many people. I am in debt. I am in $6000 credit card debt now. I can pay it off within 6 month if I do follow these 5 steps. I must identify the problem. I must put a freeze on my credit card. I also think that you should have at least $1000 in emergency fund in case you lose your job.

Identify The Problems
The common problem that people have is that they can’t stop spending. You partner might be part of your problem. You need to know if you girlfriend is a type of person that see things and must have it now. You need to tell her this has to stop because you’re really in debt. If she doesn’t care then she is just using you for your money. You need to know what is stealing your money from your wallet. How much is eating out with your girlfriend? How much is gas costing you when you go see her if you have long distance relationship? How much is hotel costing you? Create a spreadsheet and identify what is costing you.

Freeze Your Spending On Credit
Don’t add more to your credit card balance because you can never get it pay off. Put you credit card away, and hide it from yourself. Put it into a safe so you don’t even touch it.

Use Cash For Most Of Your Spending
Put a sticker on your credit card and remain yourself that this is only for emergency only. Learn to break away from credit card by using cash to pay for most of your spending.

Have $1000 At Least In Your Emergency Fund
This $1000 should only be use for when you are running late on payment or lost your job. What ever you earn in the future should be use to pay of your debts. I recommend that you pay on the one you own the least amount. If you own $1000 in one credit card, and the other in $5000 in another credit card, then I want you to pay the $1000 first so you can get a quick victory from combating debts. The reason for it is that you are making progress when you start from small to big.

Learn To Use Cash Instead Of Credit Card
When you are so use to paying most of your items with a debit card or credit card, it is very difficult to pay in cash. Start using cash every time you spend and see what different it make.