Outstanding credit card balances can get the better of you if you don't keep them under control. Here are five essential tips for reducing the amount you owe:

Most people finance their homes with mortgages and pay for their cars with loans. Young people often obtain loans to pay for college. And, of course, lots of people make purchases with credit cards.

Good credit is valuable. Having the ability to borrow funds allows us to buy things we would otherwise have to save for years to afford: homes, cars, a college education. Credit is an important financial tool, but it can also be dangerous, leading people into debt far beyond their ability to repay. That is why learning how to use credit wisely is one of the most valuable financial skills anyone can learn.

Credit is valuable. The importance of how much credit you have and how you use it goes far beyond shopping. Whether you have good or poor credit can affect where you live and even where you work, because your credit record may be considered by prospective employers. That is why you need to understand how credit is awarded or denied and what you can do if you are treated unfairly. The major laws that regulate credit are outlined in this brochure.

Speaking of things adding up, there is no investment strategy anywhere that pays off as well as, or with less risk than, merely paying off all high interest debt you may have. Many people have wallets filled with credit cards, some of which they've "maxed out" (meaning they've spent up to their credit limit). Credit cards can make it seem easy to buy expensive things when you don't have the cash in your pocket-or in the bank. But credit cards aren't free money.

A thief goes through trash to find discarded receipts or carbons, and then uses your account numbers illegally. A dishonest clerk makes an extra imprint from your credit or charge card and uses it to make personal charges. You respond to a mailing asking you to call a long distance number for a free trip or bargain-priced travel package. You're told you must join a travel club first and you're asked for your account number so you can be billed. The catch! Charges you didn't make are added to your bill, and you never get your trip.

Bad credit? No credit? No problem. You hear lenders saying it all the time but who's really paying the price? You! Sub prime lenders charge higher interest rates, usually three percentage points above what prime borrowers with good credit pay plus thousands of dollars in fees. Ultimately this vicious cycle of accepting sub prime offers can result in catastrophic debt overload which then leads to bad marks on a credit report or even bankruptcy.

These days, having good credit is more important than ever. A bad credit rating can prevent you from obtaining the things that are important, like car insurance, a house, a car, or even a job. If you have you been unfortunate enough to experience late payments, judgments, charge-offs, or possibly even bankruptcy that have made your life a living hell, don't despair; all hope hasn't been lost. With a little bit of time, patience and persistence, you can rapidly boost your credit score 25, 50, or even 100 points.

You see the advertisements in newspapers, on TV, and on the Internet. You hear them on the radio. You get fliers in the mail. You may even get calls from telemarketers offering credit repair services. They all make the same claims:

If you are having trouble paying a bill, talk to your creditor and make arrangements. It is important to make realistic arrangements so you are able to follow through with your agreement. Document all conversations with dates, times and who you spoke with.