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So many people are asking questions about how to go about settling credit card debt...? 'I'm up to my eyes in credit card debt. Where do I start in sorting out the mess...?' they ask.

So many people are asking questions about how to go about settling credit card debt...? 'I'm up to my eyes in credit card debt. Where do I start in sorting out the mess...?' they ask.

Just admitting that you have a problem is good. It's no good ignoring it. You have to face up to having a problem and it must be sorted out.

Facing up to a financial problem is the first, important step to reaching a solution. Ignoring your problems just makes them worse in the long run and the additional stress and worry increases the problems and doesn't do your health any good either!

You never solve problems by not facing them. They just worsen by the day and although it takes courage to face something painful, at least then something positive can be done.

What do you do to start sorting credit card problems?

The most important starting point is to get control of the amount you spend. Stop spending money like there's no tomorrow! Your spending habit will be hard to break but it's absolutely necessary!

You may decide that you can sort out your finances without help, but talking to someone with financial expertise can help you find a solution more quickly and effectively. A financial professional is trained to approach creditors, banks and mortgage lenders and aspects of debt management about which you'll have little knowledge. You'll receive valuable advice on settling credit card debt from a professional perspective. That's what you need.

The next action is to make a list of the money you owe and who you have to pay back. This makes you face reality and it is painful, even making you feel very down and thinking that you'll never manage to sort your finances out... But, you have to know the truth of the situation, have full knowledge and be able to plan repayments.

If you have a number of credit cards spent up to their spending limits, you need to to check which ones have the highest interest charges. These need to be tackled first as it's not a good idea to keep paying high interest levels when it's not necessary.

Look into whether you can transfer high interest balances onto a low level (zero level if possible) credit card and then pay off as much as you can each month.

By making a payment plan you've taken control of your debts rather than them being in control of you. You've probably known for a long time that your debts were catching up with you and you'll be able to summon the strength and discipline to address your money problems. Ask for help and don't be afraid to accept it but be careful to read the details of any new agreements that you may sign.

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