Mindy Neira, a financial planner in Westwood, N.J., recommended that if you were having trouble managing card debt, take stock of your spending. He advised paying off the card with the highest interest rate first by making more than the minimum payment. (This is sometimes called the “avalanche” method: While paying off that card, you make minimum payments on the others. Another suggestion: Use two separate checking accounts, said Alvin Carlos, a financial planner in Washington, D.C. Use one for fixed essentials like your rent, mortgage or loan payments. (Ask your bank to make sure there are no extra fees for a second spending account.)

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Persons: Mindy Neira, “, ”, Neira, Rob Williams, Charles Schwab, Luis Rosa, Alvin Carlos, Carlos Locations: Westwood, N.J, Las Vegas, Washington ,