Also, you should never put yourself in a position where you're paying interest on your credit cards. There are so many 0% options available that there's simply no reason for this.

That's interesting, yet no matter what the arrangement is interest has to be paid on the outstanding balance. What 0% options are you talking about?

Nod. The key to getting out of debt is often making more money. . . working more overtime, getting a part time job, and working your behind off.

Definitely more money helps, but if you adjust to that money and don't control spending habits, you're going to stay in debt.

that is so true, bangfor. i suddenly remember this thing i learned from robert kiyosaki's rich dad poor dad. he said that instead of always saying "i can't afford it", we must train ourselves to say, "how can i afford it?" like you said, it's not that easy to be an entrepreneur, but i bet one can start small, even through selling simple stuff like cookies or fancy jewelries. i remember my mother managing to add some more money to her income several years ago by letting my siblings sell these cookies she bought from a friend. she also does her selling to her officemates--cookies, RTW clothes, etc. she may not have earned great profits but the selling sure helped in paying the bills.

The quick way I feel to get out of debt is to not get in it in the first place!
Although I dont know anyone at all who doesnt have debt afterall a mortage is a debt and is something we all do at one point!
Its the unneccesary debts that get me, the buy now pay next year ones are always the worst!

I have worked with several families in serious situations where "making more money" was not a real option. I think that the most important thing to do when working to get out of debt is to learn how to control spending. Until you can do that, any amount of money will not save you from debt.

I did run across a great site that would be of help to anyone in any kind of debt. It breaks down the steps to debt freedom:
"Debt elimination involves three steps:

1. Stop acquiring new debt.
2. Establish an emergency fund.
3. Implement a debt snowball. "

It really pushes step one and gets kindof harsh, but in a "gotta have it now" society, I think it's important.
"Stop acquiring new debt
(This step can be accomplished in an afternoon.)
This may seem self-evident, but the reason your debt is out of control is that you keep adding to it. Stop using credit. Don’t finance anything. Cut up your credit cards.
That last one can be tough. Don’t make excuses. I don’t care that other personal finance sites say that you shouldn’t cut them up. Destroy them. Stop rationalizing that you need them.

• You don’t need credit cards for a safety net.
• You don’t need credit cards for convenience.
• You don’t need credit cards for cash-back bonuses. "

Check out this site for more information. Get Rich Slowly » How to Get Out of Debt

I hope this helps get you on the way.

Some of your ideas are great. But sometimes are hard to follow. But my husband and I sat down and figured out much we spend a month on smoking. I could not believe it. So we have both decided to stop smoking. It is not going to be easy but we are going to try.

I pay more than minimum each month and I have two credit cards paid off now.

Generally you want to stop accruing new debt and find ways to better live within your means. Look for ways to reduce your expenses and split the 'found' money between building your savings and reducing your debt.