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Experian, a credit bureau specializing in consumer credit reporting, scoring and financial services,  released a survey indicating that San Antonio, Texas is the city with the most per capita consumer credit card debt with an average of $ 5,177 in credit card debt as compared to the national average of $4,200 as of December 2010. The survey only considered balances on bank issued credit cards; cards issued by retail establishments weren’t included in the survey. Although survey results provide entertaining reading, they don’t help much if you’re drowning in credit card debt.

Finding debt solutions requires understanding the problem

Whether you live in San Antonio or Kalamazoo doesn’t matter if you can’t see past the pile of bills and late notices piling up. If you’re in trouble with credit card debt, it’s important to uncover the underlying reasons. Debtors Anonymous, a self help group, suggests signs of addictive spending:

1. Not knowing where you stand financially: You don’t balance your checkbook or monitor your credit card balances. You continue spending with the hope that you have enough cash or credit to cover your purchases.
2. Living for today and not worrying about tomorrow: Failing to budget for predictable expenses such as health care, taxes and other non-recurring but expected expenses.
3. Difficulty meeting basic obligations: Do you put off paying your rent or mortgage until the last minute? Have you borrowed money to pay for groceries, or used credit card cash advances to pay utilities or rent? When you pay all of your basic expenses in a timely manner, do you feel as though you’ve accomplished something extraordinary?
4. Debt brings drama: Are you always wondering how you’ll pay your bills, or robbing Peter to pay Paul? Are you frequently in crisis mode with money?
5. Gaining a sense of status when using credit cards: Credit card ads succeed in convincing many consumers that carrying (and using) their cards is prestigious, and that carrying a piece of plastic named after a precious metal is somehow admirable. Wake up call: A credit card is a piece of plastic that functions as a financial tool when used responsibly or that can ruin your life if not used with care.

Don’t be afraid to admit that you need debt help. Depending on your situation, you may find help from sources including debt consolidation loans, consumer credit counseling and debt consolidation services, or through consulting a bankruptcy attorney. Facing debt problems and finding debt help today is your first step toward achieving financial security.

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