2011 marks the second year in a row that we have seen the amount of credit card debt decline, leading many to believe that personal debt relief strategies are working, at least for right now. The average credit debt load dropped by nearly 11 percent last year, and this is something that has been seen across all states in the U.S., even those hardest hit by the ailing economy.

Wisconsin saw the lowest average credit card debt of $5,062, while Alaska had the highest, at $7,937.

It is thought that is decline in credit card debt is a result of two main factors. Consumer confidence has been on the decline through the ups and downs of the economy over the past few years. Consumers are watching their spending habits, saving more and spending less. This means that they are more able to repay old credit card debt without racking up new debt.

Lenders have also been a lot stricter and choosy in whom they will extend credit to. Requirements for securing lines of credit are steeper now than they were a few years back, meaning that only the most qualified can obtain certain lines of credit. But many believe the debt decline might not continue.

As the economy stabilizes, and things are looking up in that respect, consumer confidence will likely increase. In theory, this could lead to another increase in the amount of consumer credit card debt. It remains to be seen just how much Americans will begin to spend.

Source: CNN, "Credit card debt drops 11%," Blake Ellis, Jan. 17, 2012