Since my hub is dedicated to two major aspects of life, education and money management, I've been doing a lot of research to continue to bring information you can use.

Today I listened to a clip on the Internet that talked about the many money excuses we give for the debt we are drowning in. As you know, the average American has more than $5,000 in credit card debt. Many analysts believe the number is closer to $9,000 but most Americans aren't ready to own up to just how much they owe.

So, let's say you've finally admitted to yourself: you have way too much debt. What now? First, dispense with the excuses. No matter how you go there, the point is, you're there. Now it's time to get out.

Many of us are working full time and what we make is barely enough to pay the bills, there isn't much left over to add extra money to the debt we owe. But the truth is, the best way to get out of debt is to find extra cash to make more than the minimum payment. Here's what I recommend:

1. If you don't have a budget, make one. Then, take a good look at what your bills really are. Find places where you can cut back. Let's be honest, we all have our guilty pleasures, and most of them cost money. Maybe you like coffee from Starbucks or lunch out with your co-workers. Cut back on your latte to 2 or 3 days a week (make it at home the rest of the time) and designate one day a week to eat out for lunch. Most lunch bills are an average of $8. Over five days, that $40 that you could use on your credit card bill.

2. Wash dishes: So what does housekeeping have to do with saving money? Many of us shop for convenience, even if it costs us more. We buy paper plates, utensils and cups even though we have a pantry full of regular plates, real utensils and real glasses. The reason why is simple, it cuts down on dish washing. But it also increases your grocery bill.

3. Try generic: For some reason, it's hard for some to buy the no-name napkins just because they grew up on Brawny. But the store brand is often just as good as is almost always cheaper. The same goes for many over the counter medicines. Next time you're in the store, take a look at your favorite brand pain reliever and then the generic equivalent. You will find that the ingredients are one and the same. You're paying more for the label. It's ok to have a few brand names that you can't do without and sometimes there is a difference between brand and generic. But when you can, buy the off brand.

4. Make it a game: Have fun with this process. The idea is to find ways to put a little extra on your debt in order to pay it off faster. It's for a good cause. So, if you budget $50 a week for groceries, try finding the best sales, using coupons and off brands to cut that down to a $40 grocery bill. Then, take the extra $10 and immediately apply it to a debt. If you do that each month, you are putting an extra $40 toward your debt a month and more than $400 in a year.

5. Take on small jobs, odd jobs, part time jobs, any jobs: Today, there are more opportunities than ever before to work from home. Research a few and if your schedule will permit, apply. For most, you only need a phone line, high speed Internet and a computer - something most of us have. The average work from home customer service job pays $9.00 per hour. If you worked 15-20 hours per week you will bring in more than $150 each week to put toward a debt.

6. Save your change: Every time you make a purchase, take your coins and toss them into a large container. Once you fill it up, take the coins to your bank and cash them in. Then, immediately put it toward a debt. My mother saved quarters when we were younger. She would save them all year and use them for extra cash during the summer (she worked for the school system and was off in the summer). In less than 9 months, she would save more than $500 in quarters!

Finding a few extra dollars here or there can make a big difference in the long run. As one financial expert put it, it isn't how much extra you pay, it's that you are paying extra, the amount doesn't matter. If you keep a steady pace, you'll get there eventually.