A New Year has brought no promise of respite from the current financial crisis and the credit crunch appears to be still in full swing. With the financial forecast still pretty gloomy as we head into 2009, its chilly winds are affecting not just big business, but ordinary consumers as well. However, a new year opens up a new opportunity to take control of your finances and despite the doom-laden headlines there are still plenty of financial bargains to be had if you know where to look.

Minimize credit card debt and eliminate it now before it takes on a terrifying shape \” This is really the gist of the story. So, how do you reduce credit card debt? Well, you reduce credit card debt by preventing it from increasing and by paying off what it is currently. Easy, is it not so?