We often sign up for credit cards and think to ourselves: for emergencies only! "Emergencies" end up being loosely defined and you end up charging everything to your credit card. Well, you're not alone.

If you have too much credit card debt, read on my friend...

1. Pay from Smallest to Largest Use this method if you are goal-oriented. This was my method. I paid off my smallest debt first. Ticking loans off my list gave me great satisfaction and kept me moving forward.

If you're a detail orient person pay from the highest interest rate to the lowest. This method makes mathematical sense as you get rid of the most expensive debt first.

2. Consolidate

This is my least favorite method, as I find that it bundles up your debt without really teaching you discipline. Debt consolidation collects your debt into one while offering you low-interest monthly payments.

*Read the fine print of any debt consolidation as sometimes there are rules and parameters that are sometimes applied.

3. Budget

Review your expenses and your budget. Take a look at what you're paying for and cut or limit something that you won't miss - put that money towards more payments towards the debt at the top of your list.

4. Treat Yourself

Paying off debt often gets a bad reputation for being restrictive and never-ending. Debt is very emotional. Each time you pay something off - treat yourself!

Buy yourself something small that will help you think harder about what you value.

5. Be Discipline

I have wrapped up my credit cards and wrote on the envelope, "Are you kidding me?!"

Paying off debt is no easy feat and requires tremendous amounts of discipline and support. Technology today means I would now have to delete things like PayPal and Apple Pay.

There's no shortcut, you have to do the work and establish discipline.

Track your spending and create a budget using AFIREFi, then set up weekly money dates to check in on your finances. You will be amazed at the things you can do and the things you won't miss!

You will conquer your debt and come out on the other size. There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for how you become debt-free.

Have specific questions that pertain to your situation? Book a complimentary financial reading session here.