The average American household that carries a credit card balance is on the hook for $8,000 to $10,000, but a new poll conducted by the nonprofit advocacy group Consumer Action shows that many families are trying to reduce their reliance on credit. Nearly 70 percent said they will try to pay cash for purchases and try not to add to their debt loads over the next year. Some of these cutbacks could be out of necessity. Forty-five percent said they are more worried about being able to make their credit card payments this year than last. The organization has a variety of information about keeping your financial house in order at http://www.consumer-action.org.