If you have credit card debt that keeps you up at night, it may help you to know that there are millions of people in your situation. But that does not mean that you should stay in that group. Learn how to use your credit cards wisely and you can get rid of that debt, boost your credit rating, and save money too.

Here is what you need to do to most quickly pay off your credit card debt. Although there are some who suggest other ways of paying off your balances, this one is the one I recommend. List your credit cards from the highest interest rate to the lowest. Determine an amount, in addition to the minimums for each card, that you can pay each month. Add that to the card with the highest interest rate. Let's say you are paying $50 on that card. Once that card is paid off, add that $50 to the minimum payment on the next card. Continue until you get to your last card and pay it off.

Your second step should be to call each of your credit card companies and try to get them to give you a better interest rate. Don't give up on this and you can save a lot of money and get out of debt faster.

If you have savings, think about using some of it to pay off your high interest credit cards. If your credit card company is charging you the typical 15 to 20% or more, then it makes sense to use some of your savings to pay this off as fast as possible. Getting rid of these higher interest charges as fast as possible will save you money in the long run.

Of course, it is just as important to stop charging more on your cards while you are paying off your balances. There may be times when you need to use one, but cut out the impulse purchases. Paying with cash makes you less likely to buy something, because you feel the impact immediately.

You know how easy it is to just take out the credit card when you want something. You don't feel the effect until you get the bill. The key is to stay away from that trap.

Another option for getting out of your credit card debt is getting a home equity loan. The interest rate for a home loan is a lot lower, and the interest is tax deductible. It is important not to start using your credit cards again once they are paid off, or you will end up in the same situation, but this time without any solutions.

You can get rid of your credit card debt. It will take time and effort. But once you get out from under all that debt, the feeling is exhilarating. You will finally be in charge of your financial success.