If you’re tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of dollars in debt, it may be impossible to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Just know, paying off your debts is possible. Regaining your financial freedom will take time, and personal strength, but it is doable, even if you’re working with limited resources.

Spending beyond one’s means seems to be an American tradition. It is quite common for US households to hold thousands of dollars worth of credit card debt. In fact, the average US household carries $17,000 in combined credit card balances – the equivalent of nearly one-third of their annual earnings.

Before signing up for your first credit card, you should take the time to educate yourself on the basics. Understanding the terms and conditions of your credit card, how debt and credit usage affects your financial security, and the overall pros and cons will help you make wiser decisions when it comes to swiping that plastic.

As your credit score improves and your salary increases, credit card companies may reach out and extend your credit limit – and sometimes they even offer high available limits to those who couldn’t possibly afford them. However, you shouldn’t allow yourself to be tempted by ever increasing credit card limits. Remember, that money isn’t yours and you eventually have to pay it back.