IDAHO FALLS- The average American carries more than three thousand dollars in credit card debt. And most families owe about $10 thousand not including their mortgage and car payments. This may seem like a lot of money, but if you're using your card daily, it adds up fast.


"It shouldn't be used as a deferred spending plan, 'I'll pay for it later, I'll get what I want now and worry about it later. Credit cards need to be viewed more as for emergency situations," says Dana Gneiting, a financial budgeting expert.


"I had some credit cards when I was in my early twenties and decided they were not a good idea when my interest rates and things like that continually went up and I didn't understand why," said Heidi Green, who doesn't use credit cards anymore.


Is your interest rate a "low, no hassle, no fee" credit card offer? Sounds too good to be true, it usually is. If you miss one payment, your 0% interest now becomes 13%.


"They went from the introductory price of 3.9% to 6.9% to 12%. Anytime you miss one small payment or even if you're a few days late on a payment, your interest rates go up," says Green.


Experts show most credit card users are struggling because of added charges that can be avoided.


"Pay on time. Make sure you know what your due dates are. Your late fee can in turn push you over your credit limit and then getting you an over limit fee as well," says Gneiting.


Also, did you know your APR can change on one card if you're late paying off another? All APR's are based on your credit history, just read the fine print.


"It's not just for shopping and enjoyment and that kind of thing. You need to focus on paying them in full. I cannot say that enough, paying them in full each month and staying away from your credit limit," she adds.


Advisers at places like Debt Financial Services is another way you can seek help in lowering your APR rates and they can also help you budget better.


Or you can do what i do and Freeze your credit card, so when you really need to use it, you have a little extra time to think about it while it thaws out.