People get into debt for a variety of reasons, but one of the big ones is spending money before you have it. And it’s so easy to do, right? We whip out that credit card one too many times and suddenly we’ve got a bigger balance than we can pay. It happens to the best of us. I’ve recently taken to leaving my credit cards at home so I don’t have the temptation to swipe recklessly.
How have you stopped yourself from spending money before you have it? Talk to me in the comments!
Yup. Have been there. Have the credit card bill to prove it. Ugh.
Cash diet, then? Is that the answer? I suspect you cultivate a great deal more awareness going cash-only. Money…good grief.
Kim, using cash has definitely helped me to think of money in a more tangible way. I don’t think the answer will be the same for everyone though.
I’ve started leaving my credit cards at home too and it’s been great! Though the first few days it’s weird, it has also shown me that you don’t need to buy small things every day and the joy of saving
Excellent idea! I’ve done this before too, but I always worry about emergencies!
I think the only time I really have ever done this is if I know the money is coming and can put the expense on a credit card knowing that the money will be there by the time it’s paid off, and if it’s for a major expense. Maybe with a tax refund where we’ve already received confirmation. But, you’re right as a general rule, spending money you don’t have yet is a dangerous practice.
That’s why I’m not a fan of credit card, I still prefer to use cash. :) Some people just don’t know how to use their credit card properly.
Credit cards can be helpful to improve your credit score, but I agree, they can be dangerous too.
I use my credit card to receive frequent flyer points, so like to pay most things on my card. BUT, I only put on there what I have in the bank and then make a bank transfer straight away. Essentially my credit card balance always stays at zero, but I still get the benefits of having it.