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Statistics show that the average American today is under a much greater burden of debt than before. As this load of debt continues to climb it will become steadily more difficult for people to free themselves from it clutches, which is a vital goal for any person wishing to retire comfortably, or purchase a house or good car, or just be financially secure. Here are some tips that you can utilize to aid you in your pursuit of a debt-free life, the life that you have dreamed of.

First, eliminate the cards; if you're already facing a heavy debt load, don't add any more debt. The safest way to ensure that you don't incur any new debt is to make it physically impossible. Alternatively, you may choose to keep one credit card, in the care of a close friend or family member, and cut up the rest. You don't really need even one credit card.

2. The second step is to see a financial counselor -- a person trained specifically to assist people in debt to dig themselves out of the hole. A financial counselor can provide step-by-step planning, tips on communicating successfully with lenders, answers to your questions, as well as emotional support through this difficult time. Financial counselors are often available at no charge to you through non-profit and government agencies.

3. Choose debts to pay off wisely: this is a step often ignored by debtors, who are all too eager to rid themselves quickly of debt. They become ambitious, and pay off their first few debts haphazardly. Later, they often lose steam and stop paying off debts, leaving themselves in the same situation in which they began. Instead, with the help of your financial counselor, pick the right debts to pay off first. Select debts that are affordable to pay off, which are accruing at a high rate, and/or which are affecting your credit most severely.

4. debt consolidation : this is the single most important tip we can provide. For most or all people with debt problems, the total debt owed is so vast as to be impossible to pay off immediately. What to do? Consolidate your debts. debt consolidation is a process by which multiple smaller debts are "lumped" into a single sum. This sum can then be paid off with a reasonable monthly payment. Your debt counselor can find an agency to help you take out a consolidation debt loan.

Whether you're 25 or 65 years old, whether you owe a few thousand dollars or a hundred thousand dollars or more, and whether you're making six figures or just scraping by, debt consolidation will help you get out from under your debts. Being able to buy a car or house, or being able to plan your retirement or your children's college education, will be much easier once your debt problems are resolved.

Statistics show that the average American today is under a much greater burden of debt than ever before. Here is a summary of tips to leading the debt-free life you've dreamed of: 1. First, keep temptation at bay by destroying your credit cards. 2. Second, see a financial counselor. 3. Third, with the help of a financial counselor, carefully select which debts to pay off first. 4. The fourth step is debt consolidation using a consolidation debt loan, leaving you a single, smaller monthly payment instead of a large number of more expensive payments. Reducing your debt will give you a feeling of freedom from an otherwise oppressive debt burden.