With unemployment levels at historic highs, how can I pay my credit cards off without a job? Without a regular stream of income, the weight of credit card debt can feel miserably high. However, it is never too late to discipline oneself and get back on track with the task of getting out of debt and paying credit cards off.

Discipline holds the key to financial health and personal wealth. When you don't have a job or some other source of income, you are entirely dependent on current savings/emergency funds or on sources of credit, like a credit card. In times of stress, keeping track of spending becomes doubly important and knowing where to cut corners is crucial to survival.

If you have current savings and can avoid credit cards for survival, then you are in terrific shape already. Any current debt on credit cards can be handled through the minimum payment route. If minimum payment cannot be maintained, re-negotiating with the credit card company is the best route forward - to a lower minimum monthly payment. Sometimes, one can settle one's debt by paying a certain portion of what is owed, back, and asking the company to write the rest off. This is easier said than done, but if there are no other options, you can take that route.

Our recommendation however is to NOT worry about credit card debts until you have a steady stream of income, and to maintain your credit-worthiness by making the minimum payments on any loans taken. Getting a job is a full-time job in and of itself, and you need your energy as well as available cash to get you back in the workforce in a reasonable time frame.

Lack of discipline during this crucial period, on the other hand, would lead to unmitigated disaster - as credit card usage would balloon and making minimum payments would become impossible. It is only a matter of time before access to all credit would be denied.

Watching what you spend, using current savings wisely, and spending where needed to find your next job will lead you to a strong place financially and emotionally.

Happy job hunting!