Credit card debt is at an all time high. We know this because our client base has grown 600% from this time last year.

That’s great for us, but that also means it's bad for the economy. We shouldn’t be growing this fast, it’s scary and it means you need help. Before you can help yourselves get out of debt, you have to stop the bleeding.

Below is the 5 fastest, easiest things you can do to begin your road to recovery.

1) Stop the credit card offers – Opt out of the credit bureaus mailing lists. Ever wonder why you get all these credit card offers (or why collectors always seem to find you)? Because the bureaus sell your name and address. Make them stop by calling 1-888-5-optout.

2) Have a plan to paying off your cards – Most people just pay the minimums or throw the biggest payments to the credit cards with the highest balances with no regard for interest rates. Prioritize your cards from highest interest, to lowest. Pay minimums on all cards except highest rate. Once that’s paid off, move on to the next highest interest rate. Repeat until all paid off.

3) Request lower interest rates - If you’ve been a loyal customer for a while, calling and requesting a lower rate is not hard at all. You should be able to get all cards down to about 11%. It doesn’t hurt if you mention potential financial problems. If lowering your rate a little insures their payments, they will do it.

4) Consolidate, consolidate and consolidate – No, not those sleazy consolidation companies. Shift your balances around  from highest interest rate cards to the lowest.

5) Cut up the credit cards – I’ve heard this since I was a child in my own house. Cut those suckers up. Couple things to keep in mind. I do think it’s a good idea to have an emergency card, just use restraint. Do not close the accounts! I’ve seen some pinheads recommend closing good accounts after they are paid off and that’s the fastest way to drop your credit score.

A good account is a good account. Don’t lose those precious fico points by closing it, just cut them up so you cant bury yourselves again.

I’ve given you 5 steps toward getting credit card debt under control. Now, go to this post and lets start finding some more money each month. Stick with me, I’ll get you out of this debt, restore your credit and turn you into a regular financial guru in no time.