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ALBANY, GA -- Struggling with the economic downturn and limited income, more and more consumers are turning to credit cards to help make ends meet, something that allows them to pay their bills while deepening their debt and worsening their financial woes.

The national debt crisis, financial experts said, is similar to a private citizen’s because in both instances more money is spent than is had. “When you boil it down, the national debt crisis is much like an individual is much like an individual – we can't spend more than we make,” said Wayne Whitfield, the senior vice president and director of mortgage banking at AB&T bank.

Although there are options for those interested in getting out of debt, financial experts recommend avoiding debt by not getting into it in the first place.

“If they're a homeowner today, and they've got other debt it's certainly a good opportunity to consolidate and pay off other debt is through a home mortgage refinance,” Whitfield said. “Credit card debt is never a good thing. Credit cards should be used wisely. Credit cards should be paid off as quickly as possible.”

Barbara England, a retired Navy shipyard worker, relies on her Social Security and Civil Service checks. Her fixed income has forced her to charge everyday expenses. “When I get low I have to use it for gas, surprise gifts that I have to buy, but the balances are going down.”

According to Credit Card Debt Resources, the average consumer credit card debt in the Peach State is $4,333, less than half of the national average which is $10,000. The average credit score in Georgia is 668 which is considered good.

Each person is entitled to one free credit report each year. If you would like to get a copy of yours, just call one of the three major credit reporting bureau: Equifax, Experian or TransUnion.