It hangs on the sales rack calling your name. The twice-reduced red tag draws you closer. It’s your size. It’s in your favorite color. And heck, you’ve had a tough week. You deserve this. STOP RIGHT THERE.

Fifty million Americans are currently drowning in credit card debt. In this world of impulse shopping, internet bargains clogging your inbox and the need to keep up with the Jones, is there truly a way out? Are credit cards a necessary evil?

While nabbing a bargain or scoring some bling feels pretty darn good (until that bill comes in at the end of the month), you can experience much more elation. How about opening that bill at the end of the month and seeing a zero balance? Now that’s priceless.

The average amount of credit card debt per U.S. household hovers at $6600. How crazy is that? Fear not. There is a solution. One that could make you look even crazier but trust me, it’s so worth it. The solution? Start talking to yourself.

It’s as simple as that. Every time you see a must-have pair of shoes or the latest techno gadget, stop and ask yourself these six little questions:

1. Will it hurt my future goals?

If you’re trying to save for a vacation or a special night out on the town, do you really need another sweater? Just think how much quicker you’ll reach your goal if you keep the money in your pocket.

2. Will I die if I don\’t buy it?

Unless you have unfortunate luck of being hit by a bus on the way out of the store, chances are you will continue to live and breathe on this planet without buying those Italian black leather boots or that leopard-print shirt.

3. Did I compare prices?

Your life’s not a game show where you have to beat the clock. Take your time. Go home and check out a variety of prices on the Internet to make sure you’re getting the best price possible. You could end up saving a lot more. Then stash the money you saved for a rainy day.

4. Can I get it free?

The latest best sellers or hit movies just out on dvd can be found in your local library. Why spend it if you can rent it for free?

5. Is it a status symbol purchase?

Is this a purchase I really need or is it to prove to others, how absolutely fabulous I am? Want to prove how absolutely fabulous you are? Stop being in debt up to your eyeballs. Now that’s impressive.

6. Is it a comfort purchase?

How am I feeling today? Am I blue? Am I bored? Am I lonely? Discover the real reason behind your emotions and save yourself a lot money and anguish.

A helpful tip: write these questions down on an index card or a post-it note and wrap it around your credit card. That way you’ll always have to answer the questions before racking up unnecessary charges. It will not only save your money it will save you a lot of grief.

Judy Guralchuk has lived through her own financial nightmares and has come out on the other side. She\’s author of A Life Preserver in a Sea of Debt and shares her life experiences and down-to-earth money management skills with kids, teens and adults. Visit her @ http://www.ALifePreserverInASeaOfDebt.com

Judy Guralchuk has lived through her own financial nightmares and has come out on the other side. She\’s author of A Life Preserver in a Sea of Debt and shares her life experiences and down-to-earth money management skills with kids, teens and adults. Visit her @ http://www.ALifePreserverInASeaOfDebt.com

Author Bio: Judy Guralchuk has lived through her own financial nightmares and has come out on the other side. She\’s author of A Life Preserver in a Sea of Debt and shares her life experiences and down-to-earth money management skills with kids, teens and adults. Visit her @ http://www.ALifePreserverInASeaOfDebt.com

Category: Finances
Keywords: credit card debt, drowning in debt, get out of credit card debt, Judy Guralchuk, consumer advice,