How to get out of debt....and stay out! Work hard to pay off your credit cards and then or even before, tear, cut, spindle, mutilate them as in this instructable that outlines how to make a bracelet out of one or more credit cards. This renders them useless thereby aiding in your resolve to quit charging.

Step 1: Gather Your Old, Expired, or Cards You Want to Eliminate.

It doesn't take more than one card, but if you use more, you get a better selection of light reflecting areas to cut up and use in your bracelet.

Step 2: Cut Out Circles, Rectangles, Other Shapes As Needed.

I used the bandsaw for this step, but the plastic is very soft and can easily be cut with scissors.

Step 3: Clean Up Edges by Sanding.

Trim edges by using scissors, nail file boards, sandpaper, etc.

Step 4: Drill Holes for Connecting Links.

I used a one-sixteenths drill bit in the drill press to accomplish this task.

Step 5: Make Links From Wire

I went to buy jewelery links at the craft shop, but thought I could do just as well, or at least passable with some floral wire that I already had. By wrapping the wire around the "Post" (which is a 16d nail in a board clamped to the table.), small links are made, cut and then used to link the parts of the bracelet together. The wire used is 22 gauge.

Step 6: Arrange and Join All Parts

Just lay the bracelet out in a pattern you like and start joining the cut parts together.

Step 7: Voila! a Bracelet

Show your independence by wearing or giving to your girlfriend/wife, sister, etc. It's more a statement of your financial status than it is a fashion statement.