We know how easy it can be to plunk down a credit card and figure: "I'll just pay it off tomorrow." But a "buy now, worry later" attitude is a surefire way to hit the deep-debt blues.

Charging everything has made spending so easy, whether you're parting with $5 or $500, we don't think as much as we need to about where our money is going.

That's why Interest.com has come up with six smart moves that will get your credit card spending under control. Use one. Use them all. Here they are:

Smart move 1. Study your spending

Keep a receipt for everything you buy and record those purchases in a spending journal. Review each expenditure and ask: How will I feel about this purchase when the credit card bill arrives? How does this item fit my goals in life?

In other words, did those three dinners out last week help in your quest to lose 10 pounds? Did buying that new cell phone (with all the latest bells and whistles!) bring you any closer to finally going back to school to finish your degree?

Now start asking yourself those kinds of questions each time you pull out a credit card. Make sure you're spending your money on the things that matter most to help achieve your goals.

Smart move 2. Cut up your cards

Chances are, carrying a single piece of plastic rather than a wallet full of cards will decrease your debt accumulation. Trust us, it won't kill you to travel light.

Just choose your card carefully: A reasonable interest rate and limited fees works best. Store credit cards, which often carry the highest rates, are easiest to eliminate.

What to do with those extra accounts?

A popular option is to break out the scissors and cut, cut, cut.

You can call or write each creditor to close your account and get a letter of confirmation. (Remember, snipping away at the plastic does nothing about those unpaid balances. You're responsible for them even after you close an account.)

But your credit score could fall if you do that even if those cards are paid off.

Why?

You're reducing the amount of credit you have without substantially reducing what you owe.

The formula used to calculate your credit score makes it look like you're closer to "maxing out" your available credit.

If your credit score is a concern (and it should be if it is already low or you'll need a mortgage or car loan soon), destroy the cards but leave the account open.

When the cards expire and new ones arrive in the mail, you'll just need the willpower to whip out those scissors again.

Smart move 3. Put your cards away -- way away

Let's face it: Impulse spending is the root of many plastic-induced problems. Forcing yourself to avoid impulse purchases is similar to placing a cookie jar out of a child's reach.

Lock up your card with all your important papers at home, or, better yet, in a safe deposit box.

Plastic freezes well, too.

Some former spend-aholics swear by this recipe: Fill a plastic container with water, add your credit card, and place it in the freezer. Thawing for use could well take several hours -- long enough for you to think twice before buying items you can't afford.

Smart move 4. Hold your breath

Vow to wait 24 or 48 hours before buying anything with a credit card, including online and catalog purchases. That's often enough time for the urge to pass.

Mull over this question, too: Do I need this item or simply want it? Remember that true needs involve life's necessities -- like food, water, and shelter. Your values and goals can also come in handy here; ask yourself if the expense supports what you want most out of life.

Smart move 5. Buy and budget with cash

One way of spending only what you have is to establish how much you have to spend each week on everything except recurring bills like rent, a mortgage and utilities.

Go to the ATM Monday morning, withdraw that amount from your checking account, and use it to make all of your purchases throughout the week. You'll be much more aware of where your money is going and much more thoughtful about how you part with it.

If you don't feel comfortable carrying cash get a debit card that pays for purchases directly from your checking account. Each time you use it, subtract the purchase from your weekly spending limit. Don't spend any more than if you were doling out cash.

Smart move 6. Lean on a buddy

For bigger purchases, make a list of "must-haves" that you intend to buy with your credit card. Then share that list with a money-savvy friend or family member.

Ask that helper if there's a way to avoid using your credit card for a purchase?

Or perhaps you can brainstorm an alternative solution that doesn't involve buying the item at all. For instance, with a Kinko's down the street, getting a copier for your home business may not be cost-effective.

A credit-check buddy might also help you see ways to reduce an expense -- such as holding off for a good sale or promotion. After all, sweet rewards often come only to those who wait.

By Melissa Ezarik

Interest.com Contributing Editor

Have a question about your finances? Ask us at editors@interest.com