It's best to get that balance down to zero.

You can start by consolidating it. The best way to consolidate your credit card debt is to transfer the balance of all your credit cards onto the one card with the lowest interest rate. This can save you thousands because annual percentage rates can get reduced.

Pay as much as you can each month without putting more money on the card. Always pay more than the minimum.

And we all know watch out for late payments. Just one tardy payment can change your rate from less than 10-percent to more than 20-percent.

Double check when introductory rates expire.

To keep the debt away, don't buy what you can't afford. That means paying off what you spend each month. That's also important so you don't have to pay interest, which is wasted money.

And here's a biggie -- resist the urge to get more credit cards.