We work hard and plan carefully in order to achieve all these. We budget our money, do away with the luxuries and invest all in the name of these aspirations.

Or at least, we try to. There are times when the pull of acquiring better things completely overpowers our ambition of financial stability. We want something with more spark, glitter and splash. Instead of settling for something that is already nice and affordable, we dare to reach above means and suffer the consequences as a result: Many Americans have more debts than they can afford to pay, while the unpaid credit card loans in the country have been steadily been in the incline for the past few years.

It's not a pretty picture from afar, and less so by close inspection. Those who have unpaid bills will tell you how the situation has stressed them out and depressed them. Just thinking of the next month causes them to worry and fret about the bills that are again coming their way.

As someone who succeeded in finally paying off his debts after going through all the pains and sleepless nights, I have gained a fair share of what-to-dos and what to avoid.

Here's the thing that sealed the deal for me.

Know the options available to you. Despite what you think, there are a lot of companies that offer programs to keep your finances on track. Some will offer loans, negotiate with your creditor for you, or offer advice.

One of the things you will keeping hearing while scouting for options is the phrase consumer debt consolidation.

This scheme is a great help to multiple credit card holders like you, or even to those who have lots of loans. You can get good advice on consumer debt consolidation from a bank or credit union.

They will teach you how consumer debt consolidation not only merges your debts into one account, but also lowers the interest rates you have to pay.

Here are things that can help you out:

1. Keep track of your finances. Even if you haven't reach your credit card limit yet, just knowing that you're already having a hard time paying for your loans is enough of a reason to keep a tab on your purchases. Avoid splurging, and if possible, avoid paying with your plastic money. Credit cards always have interest rates, so the lesser you use it, the lesser your monthly dues.

2. Be a wise shopper. You know how sales often seem to creep up when you don't have money? You think this is such a great deal ? I'm getting $50 off of these gorgeous shoes that I got to have it ? well think again. The fact is you're still shelling out hard-earned cash on this purchase. Cash which could easily go into paying the mortgage, or the credit card bills that's been piling up on your drawer.

3. Stay away from e-Bay. True, there are a lot of interesting stuff for sale on this on-line store. But you've got to acknowledge that these things are just for show and are not really useful at all.

4. Avoid transferring your balances from this credit card to another. They might have interest-free transfers, but in the end, this is not the solution to your problem.

It's consumer debt consolidation coupled with wise spending that will spell the difference between success and failure.