A recent survey showed that, while the credit card debt of Alabama families has gotten lower in 2011, credit scores are at an all-time low. Alabama had an average credit score of 642 in January, which was the fourth lowest credit score in the U.S.

These statistics could be due to the fact that people are not using credit cards as much as they used to because they are afraid of accumulating debt, so, while debt is decreasing, credit scores are also decreasing. Low credit scores can have a negative effect on buying a house and car, so maintaining a good credit score is vital.

To decrease debt while still using a credit card freely, make sure to always check for hidden fees and charges by your credit card company. If you know your company’s rules inside and out, you should have no problem using a credit card without sinking into debt.

If you or someone you love is in debt because of credit cards, please contact the Birmingham debt negotiation lawyers of Greenway Bankruptcy Law, LLC, at (205) 324-4000.