If you owe more to credit card companies than you would like, here are tips for reducing your debt:

- Discontinue use of your credit cards. Many financial experts advise cutting up credit cards and cancelling the accounts.

- Stay out of malls and shopping centers to reduce the temptation to shop.

- Make a budget so you know how much money it takes to cover monthly expenses and what's left to apply to credit card debt.

- Pay off the credit card that you owe the least first, while making minimum payments on the rest. It's a psychological trick that will make you feel good and get you headed in the right direction.

- Pay more than a credit card's monthly minimum if you can.

- Use your savings to pay credit card bills. But avoid using money from your 401(k).

- If you can't pay the minimum balance for a credit card, call your creditors and ask to negotiate a lesser amount or lower interest rate.

- Beware of a home equity loan that would pay off your credit card bills but might put your home at stake if you're unable to pay the note.

- Be aware that many consumers who consolidate their debt into one loan often end up getting back in debt.

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