For all those paying off your debt?

[ziggystardust]

Do you carry an "emergency" CC with you? I always have 1 CC (plus my bank card) on me just in case, but I'm finding that just in case means those really cute shoes in the window.

So what do you do? Do you chance it - going w/o a card? or is there some little montra you tell yourself to stop the temptation?

(and for the record, I've never actually had an emergency where I needed my CC urgently so I don't know why I carry one)

Thanks?

 

[PlaneJoy1]

I carry a credit card with me for strict emergencies. If you need a tow truck or auto service when you are stranded, some won't even come out without giving them your card number.

Those cute shoes just have to wait another day.

 

[tinaluis]

I, too, carry a credit card for emergencies and ONLY for emergencies. Those "cute shoes" will just have to wait.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I carry a cc for emergencies and I try to stay out of places where I would be tempted to use it. I haven't been to a mall since June, my DD's birthday. My downfall is internet shopping, but I'm getting better.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I'm getting out of the "emergency credit card" business.

I have one in my wallet while hubby is away..but when he's home for good, I may ditch it.

We've completed baby step #1 and the money is accessible enough to not warrant needing a credit card as the primary means of paying--though it may be utilized and then immediately paid off. But nothing that requires it being on my person 24/7.

My psuedo-emergency purchases have dwindled dramatically to almost nil and can be covered in cash when I do make the poor decision to follow through on the "emergency".

If you are finding to many psuedo-emergencies...it may be time to keep the card at home.

 

[Debbie Jean]

Do you carry an "emergency" CC with you? I always have 1 CC (plus my bank card) on me just in case, but I'm finding that just in case means those really cute shoes in the window.

So what do you do? Do you chance it - going w/o a card? or is there some little montra you tell yourself to stop the temptation?

(and for the record, I've never actually had an emergency where I needed my CC urgently so I don't know why I carry one)

Thanks?

I've had the same problem myself though I'm definitely getting better about it. I've thought about not carrying the "emergency" CC but as a single full time working mom with no family in the area, I have no one to call on if anything happens to me or my DD. Carrying the CC gives me a bit of comfort in case an emergency should arise.

What I need to watch is that insane little voice in my head that sees thing on sale and tries to convince me that you have to spend money to save money!! One thing I love about reading the Budget Board is the constant reminder of the difference between a want and a need. I can never hear it too much!!! If you don't NEED it, it's never a bargain no matter what the price is!

 

[lisajl]

we have completed baby step #1 and on our way with one of our debts.

I don't know if I will be able to cut up the CC. I only have one, my DH has one and we have a BP gas card that we pay off every month.

My CC has the biggest balance on it right now due to 2 unexpected car emergencies.

My emergencies don't include shoes, but do include surprise car repairs!!

 

[WDWorBUST]

Just an idea I read somewhere (from one of the financial wizards ) - either keep a $100 travelers check in your glovebox OR something I've considered is a visa gift card you can get from the mall - you can put an amount on it you're comfortable with and know you have that available.

 

[etwinchester]

I do carry a CC just for emergencies. For some reason, I haven't been tempted to use it.

I recently purchased a cute outfit for DD at the Limited Too. It's an expensive store but not if you find good things on the clearance rack. I was totally shocked that I wasn't tempted to use the card in there. I paid cash and put back a few things that we could do without.

I managed to be a very good girl and just get the things that were needed...most will be for her birthday or xmas gift.

The visa gift card would be a good idea but just watch some of those cards. If you don't use them after 6 months or so, some deduct fees.

 

[dixipixi]

DH and I are mostly debt free. We don't have a huge savings but our home, 10 acres of land, and vehicles are paid for.

I have learned to be prepared for any uncertainty in life. Over the last couple of weeks, cash in your pocket has been priceless around here.

Of course we have utility bills, insurance, and all the other things that come along with daily life.

I do use a CC. We only have one. I try to use it at least once a month just to keep the account active. But, I'll only use it when I know I have the cash to pay the bill in full when it's due.

I'm so grateful that we've always put our extra money toward paying off our debt!

 

[Shelby5514]

Do you carry an "emergency" CC with you? I always have 1 CC (plus my bank card) on me just in case, but I'm finding that just in case means those really cute shoes in the window.

Thanks?

Is your name Becky Bloomwood?

 

[disneyandme]

If you are really worried about an emergency-- kepp the CC in your glove box. It's less likely that you will trek back to the car to get it before making any non-emergency purchase.

 

[Mickey&JoshNut]

Is your name Becky Bloomwood?

 

[Reese]

Our cc is frozen in a block of ice. This way if it is a real emergency than I'm not going to feel guilty well defrosting. If it is an impulse I have the entire defrosting time to think about it. I'm awful for impulse purchases, especially when it's a good sale. But I carry my CAA card that will get me a tow if I need it, and than I can go home and defrost if it's more than my emergency fund has.

 

[CajunDixie]

visa gift card you can get from the mall

You have to be very careful with gift cards because after non-use in some states they can expire or deduct monthly fees.

My aunt had an emergency cc and she literally wrapped it in gift paper, 3 layers, to prevent herself using it on impulse buys.

 

[deltachi8]

I use my CC for everything I can and then pay it off every month as a rule (i like getting the hotel points or FF Miles). IF I have to finance something, its a put on a low rate card - but thats rare. Because I had debt problems in the past, I cringe at carrying any balance on my cards, but found that when I just used cash - I spent MORE. I thought nothing of the $1 sode/coffee or snack, etc ...things I wouldnt charge. So now, i have little or no cash on me and that has actually controlled my spending.

Of course everyone is different, you just have to find what works for you.

 

[can'twait]

First, stay away from the mall or whatever your weakness is. Once you change your shopping habits, it will be easier to avoid temptation.

Second, it's like a diet where you think before you put anything in your mouth. You ask yourself if eating this piece of cake is worth going to the gym for twice as long later. I HATE the gym, so usually I decide it's not worth it. Get in the habit of thinking HARD before you buy something. Do I REALLY need this? If I pay interest on this item for the next year, it's really not on sale, is it? There will always be another sale and time to save cash before that sale.

Recently DH and I went out to dinner. He whipped out the cc to pay and I nearly gave him the riot act right in the restuarant. He's the one stressing over $! I said, "Please, don't add to the pain" and he put it away. I felt like we fought and won a battle with those marauders in the Capital One commercials! Again, it's like a diet. Once you see the pounds coming off or the $$$$'s coming off the debt, you will be even more motivated to keep up your new habits. Good luck!

 

[ajksmom]

About 9 years ago, I realized that the balance we were carrying on our CC's would take 3 mos. to pay off. Not too horrible, but more than we were comfortable carrying. I thought just recognizing the problem would curtail my usage of the card. Well it didn't - I'd be out and find that great "bargain" or I just couldn't resist that "cute" thing. In the past this was okay, these were purchases that were paid in full at the end of the month. But we did some home improvements along with our normal buying and started building up this balance. My shopping habits had to change. I also wanted to continue to carry one for emergencies only, but I needed to use it wisely.

Don't laugh!!! I first wrapped it in cute disney paper, then some flowery paper, then a piece of brown grocery bag. On top of this I added a few layers of duct tape wound around it.

My logic was it would be a pain to get all that duct tape undone, then I would discover the grocery bag which would signify the necessities that are important. If I allowed myself past that grocery bag I'd find the flowery paper which signified what I'd most love to spend any extra money on - my yard and garden. Of course the next layer was the disney paper - if I made it to that it meant that what I was about to purchase would need to come out of the disney savings!!!

I never once started to try and get that duct tape off! LOL! Way too much work!

BTW - I now carry an unwrapped CC and don't misuse it!!!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

One thing that I try to do, in order to keep impulse expenses down, is to avoid buying anything that can't be returned. If I do make a somewhat impulsive buy that I feel iffy about, then I try to wait a week before using the item. If it is something I don't feel I need after a week, I return it. Of course with gas prices the way they are, I'm starting to rethink those iffy purchases.
Usually, though I'm pretty good about buying within my means. I try to avoid the mall, and I put certain limits on myself. Often you can watch items in department stores, and wait for them to come down in price, only buying them when they come down to a certain price range.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

About 9 years ago, I realized that the balance we were carrying on our CC's would take 3 mos. to pay off. Not too horrible, but more than we were comfortable carrying. I thought just recognizing the problem would curtail my usage of the card. Well it didn't - I'd be out and find that great "bargain" or I just couldn't resist that "cute" thing. In the past this was okay, these were purchases that were paid in full at the end of the month. But we did some home improvements along with our normal buying and started building up this balance. My shopping habits had to change. I also wanted to continue to carry one for emergencies only, but I needed to use it wisely.

Don't laugh!!! I first wrapped it in cute disney paper, then some flowery paper, then a piece of brown grocery bag. On top of this I added a few layers of duct tape wound around it.

My logic was it would be a pain to get all that duct tape undone, then I would discover the grocery bag which would signify the necessities that are important. If I allowed myself past that grocery bag I'd find the flowery paper which signified what I'd most love to spend any extra money on - my yard and garden. Of course the next layer was the disney paper - if I made it to that it meant that what I was about to purchase would need to come out of the disney savings!!!

I never once started to try and get that duct tape off! LOL! Way too much work!

BTW - I now carry an unwrapped CC and don't misuse it!!!

You won't hear me laughing, I love that idea! I think I need to do that.