Managing credit card debt can be a daunting task for people.
The balances can add up rather quickly.
In our society, people are bombarded with advertising telling them that they need to purchase a multitude of products.
Peer pressure can play a role as well.
People see their friends with the latest electronics, clothes, and other goods and feel that they themselves need to own these products as well.

1. Do not give in to advertising - Just because the manufacturers of a product indicate that you need to have a product, does not mean that you should go out and immediately purchase the item.
   Naturally, the advertisement is meant to make you feel that you would be better off with this item.
   This is not necessarily the case.
   For instance, if you already have an item that is in fine working order, you do not need to replace it with the latest version of that product.
   
2. Do not give in to peer pressure - Your friends may buy the latest styles of clothing or the latest electronics available.
   You can find clothing that you will be happy with in second-hand stores, or in the clearance section, or in discount stores.
   Electronics manufacturers are constantly coming out with newer products.
   If you buy the product that is no longer the most current, you can save a lot of money.
   
3. Know your limits - You do not have enough money to buy every product that is on the market.
   Every month you have a certain amount of income (your take home pay).
   Every month you have a certain amount of fixed expenses, such as rent, utilities, and car and insurance payments.
   You can easily estimate how much money you need for your fixed expenses.
   The difference between your take-home pay and your fixed expenses is how much money that you have left over for food and entertainment.
   Ideally, you would also carve off a portion of that excess portion in order to save some money for your future.
   

Understanding and following these three basic guidelines will likely help you to control your spending and to attain your ultimate goal of financial independence.
The main way to achieve that is by controlling your spending.
You must know, and stay within, your financial limitations.
Managing credit card debt may be the more important thing that you can do to allow you to keep your financial records in sound order.