Credit card debt tends to sneak up on you. One day you're using your credit cards, and the next you realize that you are managing credit card debt hell. However, it doesn't have to be like that forever. There are some basic things you can do to get your credit card debt under control. And this more than simply cutting up the offending credit cards. Real credit card debt management requires changes in the way you spend money.

Why manage your credit card debt?

One of the first questions that pops up when one realizes that he or she is in credit card debt hell is: why bother? The answer is that it can save you money. But you have to be ready to make a few changes. Plus, once you start getting a handle on your credit card debt, your FICO score will go up. This is important because your FICO score affects a wide variety of money issues, from how much you pay in interest charges to even whether or not you get a certain job. Boosting you FICO score is a an excellent finance decision in and of itself.

Another reason to manage your credit card debt is because it will save you on interest charges. If you pay nothing but the minimum on all of your accounts, then you are looking at hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars going straight to the credit card company. You can pay back three or four--or more!--times what you actually borrowed. Debt management can help you get out of that hole.

Credit card debt management tips

If you are serious about managing your credit card debt hell, then here are some tips that can help you work toward getting out from under the credit card companies.

• Transfer your credit card balances to one loan. This can be a debt consolidation loan, home equity loan, or even a balance transfer to a credit card with a low introductory rate. But be sure that you can make the payments.

• Make a household budget and stick to it. This is very important. Limit the unnecessary items you purchase and focus on what absolutely needs to be paid. Cut grocery spending by buying generic items and clipping coupons for things you need. Getting out of credit card debt hell means that you have to stop accruing more debt.

• Engage in aggressive debt reduction. This is a process that helps you engage in debt management that reduces your debt, taking you beyond mere management.