The simple problem is that it is so very easy to spend money. We get it in our minds that we deserve something, that we need something, that something will make our lives better -- and we just buy it. No matter how little we can afford it.

Have you been there? Well chances are that you've used a credit card to buy the thing that you couldn't resist. There are many people out there that shop as a outlet for stress or for other negative emotions.

If you are in this position, you can change it. All you have to do is take control of your spending. If you start now, you will save yourself a lot of stress and sacrifice down the road.

You see, debt isn't the main problem. It is your spending that gets you into the debt. Without the spending there would be no debt.

So ask yourself -- why do you charge things you can't afford? And the answer isn't that you can pay for them later. Why did you feel the need to use your credit cards when you know what a financial trap they are? You know that you will struggle to make the payments, so why do you risk it?

Many people simply put the danger of credit cards out of their mind. After all, it is just a little swipe through a machine and the card gets hidden back in your wallet.

You need to face the reasons that you are spending what you don't have. If you don't address them, you may never get control of your spending and the subsequent debt.

If you are putting all of your money to paying off things you bought yesterday, how will you own anything tomorrow?

Start with putting those credit cards where you cannot quickly access them. I use a safe deposit box in a bank in another town. If there is an emergency, I can always drive there and get a card out. But it is too much hassle for just shopping sprees.

Now start carrying only cash on you. This way, you won't spend more than you have. Studies indicate that most people will buy less when they are carrying cash. Personally, I've found this to be true.

And don't worry, we all slip up every now and then. All you can do is get yourself back up and start working on it again. Remind yourself why you need to control your spending. What is it you want out of your money? Do you want to retire? Do you want to be debt-free?

Reassess your goals and continue to work on them. But keep in mind that the things you buy today may not last you into tomorrow, but the debt (or savings) will