Debt from undisciplined and irresponsible credit card use is a big problem across the world as the economic climate makes consumer come face-to-face with their debt. For some their debt is not from frivolous spending but a medical emergency or some unforeseen event, but most people with credit card debt find themselves dealing with the stress and burden of debt because of unwise spending or use of their credit cards.

There are many ways to take on the task of paying of credit card balances. For example, paying highest interest first or paying the lowest balance owed regardless of the interest rate. Whatever method used it takes extreme focus, dedication, restraint and discipline to pay it off and pass up the check out counter.

Paying off debt of any kind is one step in the process, but what happens once all your debts are marked paid-in-full! Does your spending life change?

The road into debt is usually littered with a variety of purchases that ever so slowly begin to multiply and poison a consumer's life. These consumers are confused. They confuse fun and pleasure thinking it will make them happy.

No everyone who starts the journey to bury their debt wins and is successful. The path to debt was slow and so will the journey out of the grip of debt. Some make it and celebrate with a buying spree instead of learning debt lifestyle lessons.

The goal of paying off debt should be one step but the next should be of greater or equal importance, which is to remain debt-free. The payoff is a less-stress life. You'll gain a new perspective on buying needs and not financing wants.

The "rules" you need to follow are so basic but it is simple rules far too many consumers ignore and bury their head in the sand. Here's a quick run down to get those credit cards paid down and off.

Take all those multiple cards and consolidate them into if you are facing high balances and the process will take some time. Move the open credit card balances over to a new low interest balance credit card to consolidate the debt and give yourself one focused bill.

A sale on something you cannot afford is no deal. Stay out of the stores if the temptation is too great.

Stay well below your credit limit. The target is 50%. Whatever your credit limit try to get below 50% of that total.

Pay bills on time and pay extra. It is best to stop charging all together but if you must charge pay off all charges made during the month and then pay the minimum plus more. Remember this takes focus.

No more than 2 cards. That means only 2 accounts. Close all the other accounts.

Start tracking your spending. Write down each expenditure to see where you are spending extra money - everyone does. Stop the extra spending and apply the extra money to the credit card balance. This is above the minimum.

Those are just some very basic items to get started. Look at creating a spending plan as you start seeing where your money is being spent. Attack the debt on those credit cards.