At the end of U S consumer credit card debt hit over trillion The average balance per cardholder was about While not all credit card use is bad relying on them for necessities can be tough to overcome Luckily there are ways to break free from this cycle and take back control of your money this article will show you How To Break Free from Credit Card Dependence Key Takeaways Understand the signs of credit card dependence and the impact it can have on your finances Develop a plan to pay down debt and break the cycle of relying on credit cards for essential expenses Implement budgeting and spending control techniques to curb impulse purchases and lifestyle inflation Seek professional help if compulsive spending or gambling disorder is contributing to your credit card dependence Rebuild financial resilience by establishing an emergency savings fund and embracing a minimalist mindset Understanding Credit Card Dependence Credit card dependency can be a big problem It can trap you in a cycle of debt and financial stress If you can't manage without credit it's a warning sign It shows you might have a bad relationship with credit cards Another sign is using credit when it's not the best choice For example choosing a credit card over a debit card or cash This shows you value convenience over your wallet's health Lastly if your credit card balance never drops despite paying it off it's a red flag This cycle of interest and debt can feel hopeless... Login to read full