Credit card debt can be a major stress factor for consumers. Erica Sandberg, a prominent personal finance authority and author of a financial planning book, listed some tips for those trying to tackle credit card debt on the website CreditCards.com.

The first step, she says, is to understand what led to your debt. Whether it was risky spending or a lack of budgeting and organization, knowing what got you into your predicament can help you avoid similar mistakes in the future.

Creating a budget can help you gain control over your finances and prevent more debt from accumulating. Once you have an initial budget in place, look for areas where you can cut your spending.

Use a good online debt repayment calculator to create a timeframe for your payments, which will help you focus on a realistic goal.

It is essential to cease using credit cards and rely on personal finances to pay for bills and expenditures. Increasing the amount owed on a credit card will only lead to further credit trouble.

According to MSNBC, those with large amounts of debt should put any extra income, such as bonuses from work or lottery winnings, towards their credit card debt.