The total amount of credit card debt held by Americans is nearing $1 trillion, a milestone that hasn’t been reached since before the Recession. As the economy has improved, so it seems has consumers appetite for risk. Plenty of Americans use credit cards the smart way. They accumulate perks and freebies and always pay their balance on time. 

But, sometimes the dark side of credit cards creeps up on us. Debt can pile up quickly, especially if you lose the safety net of a steady paycheck or experience some other financial calamity. 

Morning Shift talks to financial planner Louis Barajas about tips and tricks consumers from every financial bracket can use to win the credit card game. We also hear comments and questions from listeners.