Credit Card Condoms Reduce Your Credit Card Debt

While there are a number of issues that need to be addressed
when tackling credit card debt, the habit of using the credit
card when you really shouldn't is a huge contributing factor for
most people.

The most difficult part of changing this habit is recognizing it
in the first place. The fact that it's a habit means that you
probably use the credit card to purchase things without even
giving it a second thought. So the challenge becomes learning
how to make yourself realize when you are about to use your
credit card in a way which is detrimental to your finances.

There are a couple of parts to this process. The first is
recognizing that your current credit card habits need to change.
Recognizing them and setting up a plan of what can and what
shouldn't be placed on your credit card is the first step. This
first step, by itself, however, is usually not enough. You must
also put into place a system that will help you take notice so
you don't fall back into your past habit before you realize it.

A simple way to remind yourself and help break the habit is to
place your credit or debit card into a credit card condom
(referred to as such because they help protect you from
unwanted consequences when used properly). Basically it's simply
a paper sleeve that you slip around your credit or debit card
that has some type of warning on the outside so that you have to
think twice before using it. While this may sound so simple that
it seems almost silly, it's often the exact motivation a person
needs if they are serious about decreasing their credit card
debt (if you aren't serious, then credit card condoms - or any
other tactic - isn't going to work).

While there are a number of sites that sell these sleeves for
about $5, you can also
print you own credit card condom for free and give it a try.
If you use your credit card more than you should and are serious
about trying to get your spending back under control, a credit
card condom may be exactly what you've been looking for to help
curb your spending. Sometimes it's little reminders that end up
being the most effective tool to help you establish your self
discipline when trying to get yourself out of debt.