Shift any existing credit debt to your lowest-interest credit card
You will need to pay off your existing debt as soon as possible. To do that, you need low interest payments. If your debt is too large for this kind of transfer you may want to consider other types of loans.
Cancel all other credit cards
If your spending is out of control, you need to cut down on your credit options. Make sure you cancel any and all department store credit cards. These cards are the worst you can have. Also, numerous credit cards, even without balances, can actually hurt your credit rating. Creditors prefer to see you with one credit card that is well below its limit.
Get a debit card
If you like the convenience of not carrying cash or checks, get a debit card from your bank. It can be used anywhere that a credit card is used. Be careful how you use your debit card though. Banks have heavy fines for overdrawn bank accounts.
Only use credit in an emergency
The advantage of credit is knowing that it is there when you need it, if your car breaks down, if your plumbing springs a leak, if your idiot brother needs to be bailed out of jail. Once you use the credit, you lose that flexibility to respond to an emergency, so guard your spending closely.
Pay off your balances at the end of the month
Once you have eliminated any debt from your card, be sure to pay off your entire balance when you get your bill. Sometimes that isn’t possible, but if you can’t, than don’t use your credit again until your debt is paid off.