Unmanageable credit card debt is one of the most common and troubling issues that consumers face today. The high cost of credit card debt is paid by many, not only with dollars and cents but also with untold anxiety and sleepless nights. I am frequently meeting with clients who talk to me about their feelings of dread in anticipation of receiving the daily mail filled with collection letters and bills, and of their reluctance to answer their own telephones for fear of an aggressive collector on the line.

Nowadays, it seems every person needs to have at least one credit card, not only for travel reservations and the like, but those who do not have access to a credit card are virtually excluded from the many modern conveniences and the potential advantages of shopping and doing business over the Internet. For many, however, the blessing of credit card convenience has become a curse. According to the American Bankruptcy Institute, Personal bankruptcies peaked in 2003, when a record 1,625,208 cases were filed.

Irresponsible credit card spending on the part of consumers cannot be excused, but it can be at least partially explained, as the product of aggressive marketing tactics on behalf of many credit card companies. The average consumer is bombarded by credit card offers, which are very enticing, promising everything from low rates and promotional gifts, to "cash back" and "frequent flier miles." More than ever, credit card companies are marketing their cards to everybody and anybody, regardless of their economic situation and ability to pay. Credit cards are given freely to young college students with virtually no income other than parental support, and I personally know two separate individuals who both have obtained credit cards in the name of their family pet. To make the situation worse, credit card Agreements usually contain difficult to understand "small print" terms, which may allow for unexpected fees, or drastic changes in interest rates.

I recently represented a young woman in bankruptcy who when asked, " how she got into such financial trouble," responded, " "I had two credit cards with low interest rates. I was barely able to manage my monthly payments, then I missed some payments and they both raised the interest rate to nearly thirty percent, I simply couldn't handle that increase."

To avoid getting in over your head with credit card debt, here are a few things to think about:

• Take time to carefully review all of the written terms of any agreement before you accept it. Check for language about "rate changes," "default rates," "membership charges" and "penalties," or "late fees." If you have difficulties understanding the terms, don't hesitate to ask the lender to explain them to you. Don't be afraid to try and negotiate better terms, such as a lower interest rate, it never hurts to ask, and sometimes can result in substantial savings.
  
  
• If a credit card is being offered to you over the phone, insist that the lender send you written information detailing the offer. If the lender is unwilling, or unable to send you their terms in writing, this should be a "red flag," signaling you to avoid doing business with that company.
  
  
• Don't enter into more credit card agreements than necessary. In my practice I frequently encounter clients with multiple credit cards, often times as many as ten or fifteen. It is no wonder these folks find themselves in financial trouble. Having more credit than one needs is an open invitation for financial disaster.
  
  
• Never use "cash advances" to pay off balances on other credit cards. This "juggling" of credit card debt inevitably makes a bad situation worse. The interest rate on advances of this type is almost always very high. If you are creating new debt to pay off old debt, it is usually a sure sign that you are in over your head and you need to seriously consider corrective measures to reduce or eliminate your debt. A variety of options exist, such as "Debt Consolidation," "Debt Counseling" "Debt Workout" and "Bankruptcy." Each of these options can be a valuable tool, depending on your individual circumstances. To find out what is best for you, consult with an attorney specializing in Consumer Debt/Bankruptcy, most attorneys offer a free initial consultation.