I think the way that I keep/kept my CC balance down is I don't ask for a credit hike or allow it. All my credit cards max out at $8 TOTAL between all cards and I hold a 25% balance on them.

yes I pay a lot month to month but I don't go too crazy.

On that fact I have thought of selling the car and bike, being upside down on those loans a few thousand and buying a used pos car to bust down some of my debt.