Tip #1: Don't misuse balance transfers
If you think that by transferring your balance from a high interest card to a lower interest rate card is a good idea you are wrong. It's true that if you transfer the balance onto a card with low interest rates can save you money if you refrain from using the card anymore, but most people will continue using the card and will end up with more debt than they started with. Make sure if you decide to transfer the balances that you read the fine print, or better yet if you're really in a rut then try getting a second job to pay it off.

Tip #2: Keep track of your credit report
If you have credit cards and more importantly if you know you have credit card debt then you should pull your credit report at least once a year to check for errors. Inaccuracies can be detrimental to getting lower interest rates and perhaps even getting a new job. Pulling you r credit report can also stop a thief from stealing your identity. Credit reporting will also affect your credit score which affects the interest rate and your chances of getting future loans. If there are things on your credit report that shouldn't be there then you can dispute them so they are corrected or even deleted. You are entitle to one free credit report from each of the three separate credit bureaus each year; Experian, Trans Union, and Equifax.

Tip #3: Budget
Budgeting is sometimes referred to only those individuals that have low incomes because those with high incomes and credit card debt don't ever need to budget. Get real. Everyone can benefit from a budget that helps them figure out where the money is going and helping them stick to a certain amount of spending each month. Budgeting can also help with future expenses, unknown expenses, and just emergency funds. Budgeting is a great way to find out what's really draining your finances so try and keep track of where your money is going for an entire month. Save your receipts and keep your check book balanced with pulling cash out, writing checks, and debit transactions. Most important try and put off using the credit card for that month and see where you finish up. The most important thing is to spend less than you make; if you can't do that, that's usually where the credit card comes into play.

Credit card debt has become one of the highest forms of debt in the country. With so many different companies offering credit to virtually anyone it makes it tempting and easy to sign up just in case an "emergency" comes up. Learning how to avoid credit card debt will help you plant your financial feet firmly on the ground so instead of using the extra cash to pay off the debt, you can begin to put it into a savings account or investment.