Getting Rid of Credit Card Debts 29 Oct 2009 by Johan Kriegbaum in Getting Ahead Blog

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Do you know that many people would have thin or less bulky wallets if they remove the credit cards? True, really. What I mean is, take away the credit cards, people have less cash in their wallets. Is it a good thing? Well, it's a matter of perspective. For example, if you only have what you have, you don't have the reason to overspend or overstretch your budget. Most of the time, believe it or not, many people regularly use their credit cards for even the smallest things! Why not pay in cash? When you pay cash, you are more conscious of your financial state and you have more control over it. But with credit cards?

What is my definition of a credit card? Simple. A credit card is what you use today to buy what you cannot afford tomorrow while you are still paying for it yesterday. Funny? But true. Credit cards are basically for convenience—not just for you, but also for the credit card companies. Every time we use plastic, instead of paper (and this is not just in grocery stores), we are borrowing money. Money that, more often than not, is never part of the weekly or monthly budget. That is, if we do have a budget. We pay sky-high charges if we don't pay off our balance every month.

Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with credit cards as long as you use them properly. You should use your credit card only for convenience. And, the operative word there is use. Of course, when you're buying big ticket items, such as a microwave that conked out or a month's worth of groceries, it is convenient to use your plastic, instead of wads of cash. But when you get home, write a check to your credit card company and pay it off quickly. That way, no problems with overdue fees and such.

If you can't control your credit card spending, I suggest you get a pair of shiny scissors and perform your own plastic surgery! Get your credit card and cut it in half. There goes your problem. Now that's a major step to getting out of a debt-ridden lifestyle.