1. Freeze the Cards

While this technically isn’t a way to get out of the hole, it’s the first step towards eliminating credit card debt. Reasoning: if you continue to swipe away, any payments made will only offset the balance increases, not pay your balance down.

You may be thinking freezing all your cards is a stretch, especially if you don’t have an emergency fund intact. If you’re in this boat, keep the card with the lowest credit line at your disposal and commit to only using it if it’s absolute emergency.

2. Financial Windfalls

Tax season is right around the corner and you know what that means: Hefty bills for some and refunds for others. If you’re fortunate enough to fall into the latter category, consider allocating a large portion, if not all, of your tax refund to credit card debt. It may be a bit painful to kiss thousands of dollars goodbye, but your wallet will thank you.

The same rule applies for work bonuses, financial gifts from family and friends, or any other windfalls.

3. Create a Spending Plan

Want to automate your debt-repayment efforts? Create a realistic budget and stick to it. That way, every dollar will have a name on it before the month starts and your credit card debt balances will have no other choice than to decrease. And while you’re at it, tackle the most costly debts, in terms of APR, first.

4. Sell Some Stuff

We all have unwanted items lying around the house collecting dust. So why not place an advertisement on Craigslist or host a garage sale to make a little money? It will take some effort, but you’ll rid your home of clutter while axing debt.

5. Use Your Talents to Boost the Debt-Reduction Fund

Do you enjoy walking dogs or babysitting? Maybe you’re a great event planner or artist. Whatever your talent is, use it to boost your debt-reduction fund.