Alluring credit card ads, loans for anything you might need, limited time specials…what do all of these have in common? They are all lures placed by credit companies to bait and trap you into a mind-numbing amount of debt. You may need debt free consolidation to help you get out of debt for good and stay away from shady credit card practices like these.

While some people can take advantage of all of these great deals, some find themselves caught in the moment of rash thinking and spending sprees that catapult them into a deep pit of debt. Once you are buried in debt, how do you dig yourself out? There are a couple of tips that experts offer those of us who need a hand in digging ourselves out.

One, and perhaps the most obvious, is to stop taking the bait! Just because you can qualify for a loan or a new credit card doesn’t mean you should! Some companies do not do extensive credit checks and approve more than you can afford to manage. Even if it seems like a good deal the basic rule of thumb is to stop spending and start managing. It is impossible to climb out of the pit of debt if you keep using your credit cards unwisely or foolishly using credit to obtain things you can’t afford.

Another useful idea is use debt free consolidation to combine your high-interest credit cards onto one lower interest card with the goal of eliminating hundreds of dollars going to interest charges instead of on your principal balance. Watch for cards that offer introductory rates on transfer balances and use the card ONLY for that purpose.

Also, to avoid paying much more than necessary in the long run, pay more up front instead. Try to tack on whatever you can afford in additional principal payments every month, this small amount might not seem like it makes a big difference, but it does. You can save hundreds of dollars and years of the debt by taking this small but effective step.

If you really feel overwhelmed by it all, most communities have low-cost programs that can help you put together a debt free consolidation program that is tailored to fit your needs and lifestyle. They will help you sort out and prioritize all of your existing debts, devise a method for managing your money and propose a plan for getting rid of it once and for all, even if you have bad credit.

As with any consolidation program, the best way to get out of debt and start improving your credit is to avoid taking on more debt. Stop using high interest credit cards, stop paying only the minimum amounts, and take time to make credit decisions, don’t act on a whim. Doing these simple things can help you take charge of your credit, before it takes charge of you.