You should always strive to use credit cards wisely. You don't ever want credit card debt because the more debt you have the more difficult it becomes to get back on top. However, it's even harder to manage credit card spending in times of economic hardship like the current credit crunch. Below are a few tips on how to avoid increasing your credit card debt during a credit crunch:

1. Do your best to start aggressively paying down your credit card debt. Things are getting worse and interest rates are going up so if you can, pay them off.


2. Think twice before using credit cards to pay for frivolous things. Ask yourself, do you really need the item? Is it a necessity? Forgo purchases unless you know you can pay them off as soon as the bill arrives. Not being able to pay off these items will end up costing you much more in the long run because you will be paying the interest fees added to your purchase.


3. If you have no choice but to purchase daily necessities using your credit card such as groceries and gas, pay those items off as soon as possible. Credit card providers these days are reducing credit limits while increasing interest rates so if you're not paying off your purchases immediately, those items are costing you double or even triple the price if you were to pay in cash.

The main point to keep in mind is that, even more then usual, you should be spending wisely and saving aggressively so you can pay down any credit card debt you may have. The ease of using credit cards is not worth ruining your credit.