Many of us are more concerned about credit than debt.
That's because the majority of us have a relatively easy time getting credit.
In the mail, we are bombarded with pre-approved credit card applications and most of us carry around a fistful of cards.
This causes the mentality of being able to think we can buy as opposed to what we owe.
Here are some steps to consider alleviating debt problems:

1. Face the problem.
   Until you admit you have a problem, you are not prepared to fix it.
   
2. Make a plan.
   Review the last six months of your spending habits to figure out just where your money goes.
   How much money comes in each month and what do you need to pay off debts?
3. Curb spending habits.
   Find ways to reduce spending, and make no new major purchases.
   Stop using credit cards.
   If you can't bear to cut them up, tuck them away in a safe deposit box.
   
4. Consider using your savings, if you have any, to pay off certain debts.
   If your savings account is paying 5 percent interest and you are paying 20 percent interests on your credit card, you are getting way behind.
   
5. Can you increase your income? Maybe you can put in extra hours at work or get a part-time job during the weekends.
   Do you have any assets you can sell? Extra furniture, a car you really don't need? If you have a lot of personal belongings you can part with, you might hold a garage sale.
   
6. Consider re-financing your home if interest rates are in your favor and it makes financial sense.
   
7. Beware of debt-consolidation loans.
   In theory, the loan sounds appealing; a lender agrees to pay off all of your bills by making you one big loan.
   The lender handles all the creditors and you make only one monthly payment to the lender.
   
8. Don't hide from your creditors.
   Let them know you are having financial problems and express a sincere desire and commitment to pay your bills.
   In most cases, a creditor will be flexible and work with you to design a repayment plan that you can meet.
   
9. If necessary, seek professional advice.
   There are nonprofit counseling offices across the country that offer assistance to people who are having debt problems.
   To locate a counseling center near you, contact: The National Foundation for Consumer Credit.
   
10. Pay more than the minimum for credit card bills.
    You will have to make a few sacrifices for this (giving up a few luxuries), but the increased payments will save you hundreds or thousands in interest payments.
    
11. As a last resort, you can file for bankruptcy.
    Your credit record will hold this for ten years which might make it impossible for you to obtain credit even if you can afford it.
    Do a thorough research on bankruptcy and find out if it's the best option for you, what it entails and its end results.