Best Tips to Pay Off Credit Cards Fast and Live Debt-free

I have recently paid off $20,000 worth of credit card debt and $8,000 in medical bills. Some of the debt was several years old. Here's are my best tips for paying off credit card debt, avoiding debt in the future and living without credit cards.

* Consolidate credit card debt. If you can, take out a new card, with lower interest and have all your balances transferred to one card. It's easy to manage fewer cards. Do the math and get the best deal on balance transfers.

Repay credit cards ruthlessly. Initially, I made conservative payments. I always paid more than the monthly minimum payment, but it was never enough to make a dent. Sometimes, the payment only covered the interest levied that month. When you get serious about getting out of debt, you have to make large payments.

* Shut off the cable television, satellite dish, GPS and other expensive non-essentials. Don't add apps to your phone, even if they come as a package. Cancel magazine subscriptions. Rent Red Box movies for a buck a night and skip buying expensive DVDs.

* Beware of all offers to "upgrade" (computer, vehicle, phone plan, internet, digital equipment). Upgrade is sales jargon for spend more. For monthly contract plans, look for ways to get your monthly amount down. Say no to any plan that increases your bill.

* If you take out a credit card from a retail outlet, ask for the store card instead of a revolving credit card (VISA, Master Card, etc.) You pay extra for the privilege of having a major credit card. Better still, skip the offered credit card.

* Don't keep buying on your card as you are paying it off. Don't keep a high monthly balance. If at all possible, don't carry a balance. Pay it off monthly.

* Log your purchases. Keep a shopping journal or calendar and make a note of purchases. Keep track of what you bought and when. It's easy to overbuy, especially with food. It's easy to forget that you purchased something. Keep receipts in your purchase log book.

* Shop less. I used to go shopping every other day. Now I go once a week at most. The less time spent in the store, the less I see to tempt me. I have reduced spending by about 25 to 30 percent by shopping less.

* Skip the store circulars. Unsubscribe from email sales flyers and online store coupons. If you need to make a purchase, check for a coupon online or at the store. I got into the habit of buying too much clothing because I wanted to take advantage of coupons and sales.

* Avoid buying at secondhand stores. Prices are lower, but often, so is quality. Shop from a list just as you would with retail shopping. It's very easy to buy more than you need.

* Budget your entertainment spending. Set a monthly budget for fee-based concerts, children's activities, sports and arts events. Include dining out in restaurants, tips and transportation costs in your entertainment budget.