The terms of different credit cards can vary a great deal. It is important to choose a credit card that will not be too expensive. The most obvious point to consider is the interest rate that will be charged on debts. Ideally, this should be as low as possible. Many credit cards offer special interest rates or even zero interest for a limited period, particularly on balance transfers. These offers can be very useful, but it is important to take note of when the offer will expire and what will happen to the interest rate once it has ended. Other factors that may influence your choice of credit cards are the minimum monthly repayments that are required and any fees that apply.

Once you have chosen the best credit card, you will be able to begin spending. It is easy to lose track of how much you are spending when you are using a credit card. In order to avoid running up debts that are too large, it is, therefore, important to keep some record of how much you are spending, and to be careful about how and when you use your credit card. You should make sure that you know exactly how much you owe and what terms apply to your debts.

When paying off credit card debts, you should repay more than the monthly minimum each month in order to clear your debt as quickly as possible and avoid paying too much in interest. If you have multiple credit cards, you should repay the one with the highest interest rate first. You should also be aware of any savings you can make by transferring your debts between credit cards.

If you are going to be using credit cards then you should try to ensure you have a good credit rating. A better credit score will allow you to get credit cards with better rates and terms. You may also be offered or be able to obtain better terms from your current credit card provider. In order to keep your credit rating good, you should make sure that you make your credit card repayments on time.

There are options for dealing with credit card debts that you are no longer able to control, but these should only be used as a last resort since they will have a negative effect on your credit rating. Debts can, for example, be consolidated into one larger low interest loan. Another option is to use a debt settlement company to renegotiate the terms of the debt and to attempt to arrange for a reduction in the amount that is owed.

Here a seven ways to “find” extra money each month. Make a list and prioritize your credit card bills—pay off the highest interest rate first and quit carrying the card so you aren’t tempted to use it.

As you accumulate money from day to day, keep it separate from “regular” money. At the end of the month, make a payment on your targeted priority credit card. Once one card is paid off, move on the next one.

If your town started charging a fast food tax tomorrow, what would you do? You’d probably gripe—and pay it. By charging yourself a “fast food tax” of $.25 on snacks and $1 on meals, you can begin to build a fund to pay down debt.

Every week, grocery stores offer hundreds of dollars in coupon savings. Your receipt usually has the amount printed in bold at the bottom. Move that much cash into your payment fund.

Every time you make a purchase, track the amount of change you had to the nearest dollar. Move that cash into your payment fund.

Times are tough, and good full-time jobs are hard to find. But temporary part-time jobs are still available. You can either put all your temp wages into paying off credit cards (and get them paid off faster) or use half your wages for debt and half for savings.

Recycling is another way to add to your fund. It’s simple enough to toss aluminum cans into a separate trash can and take them for recycling once a month.

You probably have all kinds of used stuff just sitting around gathering dust. You can have a rummage sale—or list items on eBay or Craigslist to sell. Remember, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

Finally, you may be able to raise extra money from a hobby. Rent a table at your local craft show or flea market to sell your crafts. You may even be able to sell goodies like homemade fudge or cookies.

While bringing in more money is the fastest way to pay down debt, you can also make an effort to spend less. And combining the two is the fastest, best way to build your payoff fund.