Listen to a short passage three times. When the passage is read for the first time, listen for its general idea. When the passage is read for the second time, fill in the blanks with the exact words you hear. When the passage is read for the third time, check what you have written. In a perfect world, we would all avoid too much credit card debt and would never have to deal with the trouble of being unable to meet our credit card payment obligations. But this is not a perfect world, and unfortunately, these 1) situations are the norm for many people. If you find yourself in this position, or heading there, you should cut your spending now. Don’t wait until your situation is so 2) that you have few options available to you. Facing the factors that give you the 3) to spend money carelessly can be uncomfortable, but if you don't face them, how will you control your debt and 4) the things you truly want? One negative aspect of using credit cards instead of cash is that you 5) the fact that you're spending real money. The pleasant feelings you experience when you purchase the item 6) the unpleasant feelings of making the payment when you get the credit card statement. Studies 7) that most people are much less likely to buy when paying with cash as opposed to credit cards. So, trying leaving your credit cards at home, and pay with cash or check. To really control your spending and your credit card debt, you need to examine what money means to you. Make an effort to notice how you 8) money and what beliefs and attitudes you have about money. Studies also show that peop l e with low self-esteem engage themselves in more 9) spending and buying things they don't need. Remind yourself daily that your worth as a person has nothing to do with how much money you have. Once you 10) this, you will break the psychological barriers that were keeping you from handling your money wisely.