According to TransUnion, one of the three major consumer credit reporting agencies, as of October 2009, the national average credit card borrower debt was $5,600. Most of the Americans have at least 3 cards on hand. For people who are in deep credit card debt, what can you do to get yourselves out?

With the New Year in full swing, let’s start fixing our problems in a positive manner. Here are 7 ways you can take to dig yourself out from credit card debt:

1. Stop using the cards immediately

In order to control your finances, the “everlasting” way is to destroy all your cards and stop using them forever. By doing so, you are able to control your spending habits and you can prevent yourself from drowning in a deeper debt.

2. Keep the utilization of your card low

If destroying the cards is impossible for you as you need them for special purpose, what you must do is to keep the utilization of your card low. You are reminded to set a limit for yourself based on your monthly income. Avoid unnecessary expenses.

3. Negotiate with your credit card providers

You are advised to take the initiative to contact your creditors. Make a sincere request from them to reduce your interest rates or waive the late fees and annual fees. The main purpose of negotiating with them is to reduce your financial burden. Take a look at Can I negotiate credit card debt reduction?.

4. Do balance transfer

In general, the interest rates for all credit cards are usually high. During economy crisis, many financial institutions start to offer zero-interest cards to assist the cardholders. They usually offer zero-interest up to 12 months and free annual fee. In order to eliminate your debt with credit card balance transfer, you are advised to transfer your high-interest outstanding balance to zero-interest credit cards.

5. Set priority to pay off high interest credit cards

If you fail to do balance transfer, change your payment method. Set your priority to pay off high interest credit cards first and make the minimum payment for low interest cards. This will help to reduce your debt obligation faster.

6. Make the monthly minimum payment promptly

You are reminded not to spoil your credit score. Make sure that there is no late payment or missed payment every month. It would always be better if you could make more payment every month instead of just making minimum payment.

7. Set a realistic budget and stick to it strictly

During financial hard times, having a realistic budget is essential. Work out your monthly budget plan based on your monthly income, expenses and commitments. Then, follow the budget strictly. By doing so, you will be able to pay off your debts systematically. Read more at How to Eliminate Debt for Good with Budget Solutions.

Last but not the least, try out the self-talk script below:

“I am disciplined. I don’t spend my money on unnecessary items. I make my payment to my cards every monthly in a very prompt manner.

I am determined. I stick to my budget every month.

I am making a conscious effort to get rid of all my credit card debts from my accounts. Day by day, in every way I am enjoying and getting better and better in managing my debts.”

Talk to yourself every day and night. Reprogramming your mind and moving towards a stress free year.