Using your debit card instead of a credit card can seem like a wonderful way to help reduce your debt. For instance, they don't provide the easy temptation that your credit cards can offer and you are limited to spending only what you have available in your checking account. In essence, debit cards are simply a check card or an instant withdrawal-from-your-account card.

The bad news is that studies show that those who use debit cards to pay for their purchases usually spend more than people that strictly use cash. Regardless of whether you are shopping online, eating out, or buying clothing, a debit card makes it too easy just to swipe every time you get the urge to buy something. The problem you run into is that you all of a sudden realize that you've spent all of this money and you have not left enough to pay your bills.

Don't fall victim to the use of your debit card just because you are not tracking your spending. Here is a strategy that help you avoid the debt trap that debit card use can cause.

The first step is to set up auto-bill-pay at your bank in order to pay your bills each month. If it's possible, be sure to pay an amount above the minimum payment for all credit cards. Be sure to also send your bills early enough to get there before they are due.

If you don't have one, open a savings account and deposit a certain amount from your checking account every month. It doesn't need to be a lot, but deposit as much as you can into your new savings account on a monthly basis.

Then, determine how much you spend each week on your other expenses. Whether it's coffee at Starbucks, gas for your car, or lunch money, simply withdraw the amount you need in cash for the week. But after you have spent all the cash, your spending is done.

In the end, you are better off if you don't carry your debit card or any credit cards. They only lead to temptation and can cause you to fall deeper into debt.