I found myself paging through a magazine in the doctor’s office recently and quickly realizing that I was looking at a magazine more than a decade old. This was evidenced by the large hair, odd fashions, and recipes without a drop of olive oil. As I enjoyed the trip through time, I saw an article on credit card debt relief. Considering the credit climate today versus the credit climate of the 1990′s, I assumed the methods and theories of debt reduction would be different. At least, that was what I was expecting to read.

Surprisingly, basic credit card reduction principles haven’t changed very much since 1992. You might think that during times of loose credit that debt reduction would be different than in times of tight credit. However, it appears my assumptions were mistaken.

Standard money management methods apply as always; spend only the cash you have on hand and put money away every month. Basic economic principles do not change over time no matter what shape our credit industry is in today as opposed to a decade or more ago. What’s changed is we have become dependent on credit cards.

Debt relief tips didn’t get much notice in the 90′s, but I’m sure there are many people in today’s world that need solid advice for getting out from under their credit burden. We have become too dependent on personal credit cards over the years and now appreciate good, solid advice on how to reduce our debt.

So, what are the basic strategies for a family like yours to get rid of their credit card debt for once and for all? Briefly outlined, here are the steps you need to follow to get on the right track. Amazingly, these 6 steps are just as true today as they were back in 1992:

1) Destroy Your Credit Cards – This may hurt a little if you’re used to having a never-ending supply of credit, but it’s critical. Get rid of those department store cards first, than when you get to your Visa, Master Card, or American Express, stop. Check out the terms of your major credit cards and determine which one you should keep for emergencies. You’ll want to be able to make reservations, use the kiosk at the airport, etc., so you’ll need one major credit card. Cut the rest of the cards up now.

2) Crunch The Numbers – Now it’s time to do a family budget if you haven’t already done one. Without spending a lot of time on detail, simply take your net income each month, subtract the expenses that must be paid every month such as mortgage, rent, heat, lights, food, and clothing. What’s left is your disposable income; what you have to work with to pay off the credit card debt. This is information that you must have on hand in order to move on to the next step.

3) Be Brave and Call the Card Companies – This step is considered by many people to be the most difficult, but it is also the most crucial. You won’t get very far making minimum payments as late fees and high interest keep piling up. Get the last statements together and call the credit card company customer service department. Tell them you are going to pay off your balance but it is only possible if the late fees are dropped and the interest is lowered. Credit card companies are looking for every payment they can squeeze out of you, so be ready to negotiate and don’t be intimidated. You are talking to credit card company employees doing their job, and you are doing yours.

4) You’re Going to Need to Sacrifice – Perhaps you’re expecting a tax refund, or a bonus, or some other “found money.” We all like to have a little extra money to spend, however, this time it’s different. Sorry to rain on your parade, but you have a goal of being debt-free and you have committed every penny to spending down your debt. Look at the interest each credit card company is charging you, even after negotiating a lower rate, and that money becomes more valuable than ever. Your found money is going to have a much bigger return if you use it to reduce that interest-laden debt.

5) Don’t Give Up and Don’t Give In – You won’t be living in a new debt-free world overnight. That’s the reality. You might not be able to breathe easier for a year or more, but you will be making progress toward freedom from credit card debt. There are no instant fixes, contrary to what those commercials tell you. Your credit card debt didn’t happen overnight, so it won’t disappear quickly either. You should see some progress in roughly six months or so. This encouraging news may entice you to splurge on yourself to celebrate, but don’t. Just look at the interest you’ve been paying all these years on those fancy treats for yourself. Haven’t the credit card companies gotten enough of your money? Hang in there; rewards are coming.

6) Approach Debt Consultants Carefully – A never ending barrage of commercials promising fast debt relief has been added in recent years to the business of credit. There are legitimate companies that do handle debt consolidation and financial planning, but you have to check them out carefully. If a debt consultant offers you a quick and easy fix to your credit woes, they are not to be trusted. There are no easy ways out from under a pile of credit card debt. If you consider using a debt consultant, interview them in person and ask pointed questions about how much of your money goes directly to the credit card debt. If you are certain you want to pursue a debt consultant, do so only after checking them out with the Better Business Bureau. Also, ask for recommendations from trusted friends. Get all the information up front before you decide.

When it comes to debt, times really haven’t changed. Your parents and grandparents were right about how to handle money; don’t spend too much and put some away every month. Credit has been too soft and too available for much too long. Now, many of us find ourselves in a very difficult position. We can’t enjoy our lives if we are drowning in debt and unable to break free. These simple steps have worked for people through the years and can work for you, but only if you follow through all the way to the end…the end of your credit card debt. Then you can breathe deep and relax; finally free to enjoy your own money.

Nicole Dean is the mostly-sane mom and owner of ShowMomtheMoney.com – a fun and informative site to help moms achieve success working from home. She welcomes you to learn more ways to save money in her Frugal Moms section. Be sure to sign up for her free lessons for work at home moms.