How many times have you been in this situation? You`re enticed by a new credit card offer with an 8% introductory rate. You activate the card, start enjoying the new freedom... and then forget about it. Pretty soon, the 19% interest rate sneaks up on you... and before you know it, you`re $2,000 in the hole. With so many offers barraging us daily, it`s no wonder some people keep a running balance on as many as eight credit cards. A messy situation, but it`s nothing that can`t be cleaned up. Credit card debt elimination is possible for those who really want to make a change for the better. Here are some options.

Streamline your bills. Transfer all your balances onto one card with the best interest rate you can negotiate. All it takes is a couple of phone calls to a credit card company where you remain in good standing. You may be charged a fee for closing out your other accounts, but it`s still better than paying nearly 20%. Or, if your credit is still respectable, but you know you`re getting in hot water, you can apply for a bank loan and open a line of credit account - which only requires a minimum monthly payment and accrues no interest charges. Once you simplify your situation, credit card debt elimination is just a few payments away!

Promise yourself to pay on time. If you don`t own a calendar, buy one tomorrow. Mark down the days when bills are due, and place the calendar where you can see it. Are you married? Consider handing the responsibility of bill-paying over to your spouse. Sometimes the fastest way to total credit card debt elimination is by passing the buck to someone who`s a bit more disciplined!

If you`re in serious financial dire straits, look into debt settlement programs, which take hardships such as divorce into account. Non-profit debt consolidators can help you with credit card debt elimination by reducing your interest rates, simplifying your bills into one payment and then charging you a fee... but you`re at the mercy of their payment schedule, and being affiliated with one may in fact damage your credit.

Finally, reassess your budget. There are so many ways to pinch a penny... from ordering less takeout to skipping that morning trip to Dunkin Donuts... from coupon cutting, to cutting out shopping sprees. With the right mind set, you CAN live a more frugal lifestyle. Credit card debt elimination is something that`s elusive to many - but it doesn`t have to be! Consolidate your debts, take control of your spending... and then take control of your life.