's so very tempting to apply for credit when something catches your eye at the store. Maybe it's a big screen TV, surround sound system, new sofa, or just some clothes. Carrying an excessive amount of credit card debt can wreck your household finances as you struggle to make just the minimum payments every month. Eliminating credit card debt takes discipline and time.

The Federal Reserve estimated in December 2007 that Americans owe $920 million in credit card debt. That's a hefty chunk of change. Although there's no real way to tell exactly how much of that $920 million is accumulated interest charges, that number is certainly high. It's the bulk of what we pay every month when we make just minimum credit card payments.

Credit card debt management is one of the most difficult things a person can do. It takes honesty and perseverance. It takes commitment and a vision for a future that is debt free. The plain truth is that it takes literally forever to pay off credit card debt with minimum payments. Simply put: you're throwing your money away for the basic cost of doing business with a credit card company.

Still need some convincing? Take a look at the credit card calculator at www.bankrate.com. This calculator allows you to put in your exact credit card balances and interest rates. It computes how much money is applied to principal and interest on your credit balance. It will shock you to realize how little is applied to your balance and just how long it will take you to pay off the balance with minimum payments.

Getting credit card debt help can begin in your own home by setting up a plan. It starts with realizing that you will need to control all areas of your spending to have enough money to pay off your credit card debt. Here's a sample plan"

1. Stop using your cards!

Freeze the cards inside a block of ice or tuck the cards in the bottom of your sock drawer. Make a firm resolution to stop acquiring more credit card debt. And Don't Apply for More!

2. Establish a basic budget.

Before you can really attack your debt, you need to figure out where your money goes every month. Make a list of your household expenses including rent/mortgage, utilities, car payments, insurance, and daycare. These are fixed expenses with dollar amounts that don't change. Next, list all of your credit card debt including balances, interest rates, and fees. This is the beast you need to tackle so be as accurate as possible. Finish up your budget with monthly grocery costs, parking fees, entertainment expenses, gasoline, and clothing expenses.

Once you have your budget, you'll have a much clearer picture of your financial situation. Many people throw up their hands in defeat at this point. Don't do it. There's plenty of fluff in your budget to apply more than minimum payments to your credit cards with a little sacrifice. Bring your lunch every day, drop the fancy coffee, read the paper on-line, and really cut down on unnecessary grocery spending. Stop eating dinner out and try entertaining at home instead.

3. Plan your attack!

Consider your debt list. Some financial specialists recommend paying off the highest balance card first, some suggest paying off the lowest card balance first. ALL recommend tackling the highest interest rate card first. You want to make sure you are paying the minimum balance on your other cards every month, without fail, on time! Late payment interest rates can jump as high as 26 percent and stay there!

Put your credit card debt list in the order of payoff. Remember that this light might be modified so consider it as very flexible. Keep this list in a prominent place so you can monitor your progress! Use the money you've saved from eating lunch in to drop extra every month on your highest rate card. Once that's paid off, you'll have even more money to attack the next one!

4. Negotiate those interest rates!

Odds are that you've made at least one late payment. Odds are that you're credit card interest rates are high. Pick up the phone and call the credit card company. Ask for a reduction in your interest rates. Most credit card companies are willing to work with customers. If you can't get results from a representative, ask to speak to a supervisor. Keep at it! Working to reduce your rates could save you thousands of dollars!

Other options for credit card debt management

Credit counseling services are another option to aid in debt management. Be sure to choose a counseling service with caution. Some services might charge fees to help establish a workable budget for paying down your debt. The idea is to help you create a credit card debt management plan, not acquire more debt paying for services to help you regulate your spending. Counseling services will help you set up a budget and provide educational materials to help you along the way. Consult with your local bank for recommendations for good counseling services.

Debt consolidation is another option. It is possible to acquire a single loan through your bank to consolidate all your debts into one monthly payment. Applying for these loans is not easy and be aware that sometimes these loans will not cover all of your debt amount. Some people choose to refinance their mortgage to roll debt into their main loan. But beware! Do not go back to using your credit cards after your debt is consolidated. It's still there it's just hidden inside another loan.

Finally, consider what you are trying to achieve. You are changing your own behavior, changing your spending habits, and taking responsibility for your finances. You might slip up, there might be an emergency, but stick to your plan and you will eventually see a future that is debt free!