Statistical analysis shows that the average American has the highest debt load in history. As these increase, people are finding it almost impossible to get out of debt --- which is what most people wish for, in order to retire comfortably, make a major purchase, such as an auto or home, or just to be financially secure. Here are a few simple tips that can help you be debt-free, and live the life you dream of.

1. Destroy the cards: this tip may seem simplistic, but for people facing heavy debt loads, the first step to the road to recovery is to stop incurring new debts. This can only be done by making sure you have no means to do so. An alternate strategy is to entrust a single credit card to a close friend or family member in case of an emergency, and to destroy the rest of your credit cards.

2. The second step is to see a financial counselor -- a person trained specifically to assist people in debt to dig themselves out of the hole. A financial counselor can provide step-by-step planning, tips on communicating successfully with lenders, answers to your questions, as well as emotional support through this difficult time. Financial counselors are often available at no charge to you through non-profit and government agencies.

3. Choose debts to pay off wisely: this is a step often ignored by debtors, who are all too eager to rid themselves quickly of debt. They become ambitious, and pay off their first few debts haphazardly. Later, they often lose steam and stop paying off debts, leaving themselves in the same situation in which they began. Instead, with the help of your financial counselor, pick the right debts to pay off first. Select debts that are affordable to pay off, which are accruing at a high rate, and/or which are affecting your credit most severely.

4. debt consolidation : this is the single most important tip we can provide. For most or all people with debt problems, the total debt owed is so vast as to be impossible to pay off immediately. What to do? Consolidate your debts. debt consolidation is a process by which multiple smaller debts are "lumped" into a single sum. This sum can then be paid off with a reasonable monthly payment. Your debt counselor can find an agency to help you take out a consolidation debt loan.

Whether your debt is small or large, or if you are young or old, and not matter your financial status debt consolidation and reduction will be of great benefit to you. Imagine how free you will feel to be able to get the house or car that you are after, or retire comfortably, or even put your child through college, all without worrying about the constant threat of your ever increasing debt problems.

More Americans is burden with debt than ever before. To free yourself of its clutches the first thing you need to do is: destroy the credit card, this is harsh, but it's one step to debt recovery; see a financial counselor to assist in your planning; carefully select which debts to pay off first; (choose debts with high interest rates first); debt consolidation: lump together smaller debts into a single, larger debt where a manageable monthly payment can be obtained. The smaller debts are repaid with a consolidation debt loan leaving you a single, smaller monthly payment. Using this process will lead you to debt recovery.