We are a nation consumed with buying. So much so, that the average person has 3 or more credit cards and as if that's not shocking enough, all 3 of them are maxed out! Behind the scenes credit card debt is crippling our financial system and so many people are living on credit. Credit companies have extortionately high interest rates and borrowing money at those rates are just not smart.

There's an old saying that if you want to get out of a hole, stop digging. People who face serious credit card problems are usually "diggers" who can't stop spending more and more on their cards. If you want to get ahead financially you do not have to cut up your credit cards. You just have to learn to be sensible and to use them intelligently. Here are 3 simple tips to help you get smart with your credit cards and your spending.

1. Pay It Off In Full

If you are deep in debt then this might sound a bit extreme, but if you really want to be smart with credit you need to make sure you pay off your debt in full every month. The upside is that you won't get penalized for late payments, your debt won't grow and you will most likely be rewarded by your credit card company.

2. Emergencies Only

When credit becomes your main source of money, then you are in financial trouble. When all your cash goes into just paying off your cards, then you can get into a very deep financial hole very quickly. The best way to use a credit card is to have it for emergencies only. Don't buy your luxuries on credit!

3. Don't Double Up

One of the first things most people do when they max out their card is to just get another one. The ironic thing is that usually within a month or two they max that out as well and consequently it doubles your debt. For many people it becomes a compulsive habit and with department stores now offer their own credit lines its very tempting to just buy more luxuries on credit. Don't get sucked into this - it's a dead end street and game you cannot win.

Cards are designed in such a way that you cannot win on the deal. It's nothing more than a loan and a loan comes at a price. Don't let the lure of quick money suck you in. Be smart with your money and take control of your expenses.