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Debt from credit cards and other unsecured debts have become a big problem for the majority of families in the United States. So many people have become to accustomed to just using their plastic to get whatever they want, whenever they want it, without truly having the income to pay for it. Below I am going to list the top three reasons that Americans end up becoming so stuck with credit card debt.

1. Buying Impulsively and Weak Spending Habits!

Impulse buying represents a lack of self-discipline. People will simply stumble across something in a store and charge it on their card, all due to that they cannot wait to get, whatever item it is they bought, regardless of whether they have the income for it then or not. Credit cards feed the fire of buying on impulse that is what the cards are there for to gratify our need for instant gratification. You know the old proverb "patience is a virtue" if some debtors kept to that law they would not be in so much debt.

Weak spending habits run along the same line as impulse buying. Some debtors just pamper themselves way to much in life. A good example might be, somebody might end up at a restaurant, and instead of buying a sandwich and fries, they order the filet mignons, the pre meal appetizer or two, the happy hour special, and the dessert special. And of course charge it on their plastic. Don't take me out of context every once in a while splurging isn't bad, but for some individuals it is a everyday occurance. And these weak spending habits can build up to a mountain of debt very fast.

My Advice: Upon the next time you find yourself at a store any type of store, and you are going to make a charge with your credit card. Look down at the items you are going to buy and think to one's self 'Are these items necessary?' If you find yourself charging merchandise that is more of a want then a true need then promptly put it back on the shelf, and promise yourself when you have actual cash not a plastic card, to return and purchase that item for yourself without utilizing your card. The key here is to differentiate between wants and needs, your groceries are a need, your shampoo is a need, the brand new James Bond flick is a want, the brand new pair of shoes are a want. A tune up for your vehicle is a need, a supercharger for your vehicle is a want.

2. Holding Too Many Credit Cards!

This is the next largest contributor to debtors getting into heavy debt issues. People basically just can't reject the credit card offers they receive. People get solicited in the mail saying your pre-approved and your line of credit is 5k. For some people this is too much to take on and they will graciously accept every card and almost instantly use them.

My advice: Just throw these offers away! These offers are not necessary. You must think of each one of these card offers you receive in the mail as a large financial time bomb waiting to explode. The only way to cut it off is by placing them promptly into the trash bin. Learn to reject the new credit applications you do not need them, this cannot be stressed enough.

3. Cash Advances!

This is a very large factor in people piling up debt. It is just so easy to go to the ATM and take out cash against your card. Becoming extremely addicting to debtors and becomes a huge reason why they accumulate so much debt.

My Advice: Avoid cash advances. This really is just about the same as just paying on your card, you are still going to be paying interest and pile up a skyscraper of debt.