Debt..
- Thread starter Kels823
- Start date
MiCHiE
Well-known member
We've all been there. You would not believe what becomes an 'emergency' when you have a CC. But, you live and learn. Now, I have instant gratification in NOT owing and saving and actually having money. I use my debit card for almost everything and when I do use my CC (usually for ebay or paypal), I make sure it's paid back and then some. I don't carry checkbooks or the 1 CC I do have. You would be surprised at how much you can do without.
MxAxC-_ATTACK
Well-known member
Yeah.. I got rid of my credit card.. it had a $25,000 dollar limit..
I am in debt 5 grand, I knew if I didn't hide it for ACTUAL emergencys I was soon going to be in debt 10 grand.. then 15, then eventually to my max. I use my Check card for everything now.. and its great because I cant use money I don't have ..which is good for me.. haha.
so now my credit card lives in the safe. and is for emergencys Only!
I am in debt 5 grand, I knew if I didn't hide it for ACTUAL emergencys I was soon going to be in debt 10 grand.. then 15, then eventually to my max. I use my Check card for everything now.. and its great because I cant use money I don't have ..which is good for me.. haha.
so now my credit card lives in the safe. and is for emergencys Only!
MxAxC-_ATTACK
Well-known member
Quote:
Its true.. I haven't been out to eat with my friends in at least 3 months.. I still see them but I dont always suggest the fancy resturaunts just because a card will pay for it.
Originally Posted by ♥MiCHiE♥
I don't carry checkbooks or the 1 CC I do have. You would be surprised at how much you can do without. |
Its true.. I haven't been out to eat with my friends in at least 3 months.. I still see them but I dont always suggest the fancy resturaunts just because a card will pay for it.
GalleyGirl
Well-known member
Try putting your cards in a place where you won't even think about them or be able to reach them. The only cards i have nothing to pay off on are the ones I've had no access to for the past two years! One I threw behind a heavy vanity and the other I left at my mom's house. (Of course I am not suggesting this as a long term solution, developing good spending habits covers that, but I am still working my way there). Also, try to keep track of how much you owe (like have it out in writing in front of you, in a spreadsheet, somewhere where you can track it), because I have found that out of sight is definitely out of mind when it comes to CC debt. Good luck! I know how incredibly hard it is to stop spending for fun.
mans_x_ruin
Active member
Quote:
I did the same thing hon..I chalk it up to being young and super impulsive..Half the crap I charged, I don't even wear or use now...and it does get frusterating/depressing to think about..
But, the one thing that it took me months and months to realize is that it IS fixable..it might take a little work, some cut backs, etc.
Trust me, I've spent nights stressing myself sick about my debt, and I'm not even that far in (a couple of grand, and that includes what's left on my car) At times, it does catch up and seem so overwhelming, but really, it's a learning expirience...Now, when I shop, I've learned to really think about what I'm about to buy, and assess whether or not it's a need or a want; if I'm going to get good use out of what I'm about to buy or if it's merely there to buy..(I was really, really bad at that..I shop just to shop; cause it's fun for me..then, it just snowballed from there)
Good luck, hon...
| Originally Posted by Kels823
Its frustrating that Ive dug myself this deep.. I mean I plan on being out in a year but wow.. taking a WHOLE year+ to pay back a few months' purchases... thats depressing.. |
I did the same thing hon..I chalk it up to being young and super impulsive..Half the crap I charged, I don't even wear or use now...and it does get frusterating/depressing to think about..
But, the one thing that it took me months and months to realize is that it IS fixable..it might take a little work, some cut backs, etc.
Trust me, I've spent nights stressing myself sick about my debt, and I'm not even that far in (a couple of grand, and that includes what's left on my car) At times, it does catch up and seem so overwhelming, but really, it's a learning expirience...Now, when I shop, I've learned to really think about what I'm about to buy, and assess whether or not it's a need or a want; if I'm going to get good use out of what I'm about to buy or if it's merely there to buy..(I was really, really bad at that..I shop just to shop; cause it's fun for me..then, it just snowballed from there)
Good luck, hon...
Chic 2k6
Well-known member
I use a debit card (im 16) and TBH i wish i didnt have it
i keep on spending but im slowing down now since im not allowed to buy anything now (its only like 7wks til xmas) because mom said that if i keep buying she wont know what i want or already have
I just buy Magazines and xmas stuff now.
I hope you get it sorted quick!
I hope you get it sorted quick!
user79
Well-known member
I have had a credit card for good 8 years now and have never been in debt with it. I don't think I've ever even had to pay interest on anything because I don't use it that much and when I do it's for making big purchases that I always pay off. I've set it up so the bill is automatically deducted from my bank account each month.
Just don't use your CC on everyday purchases, use your bank card and set your limit to 0 so you can only use what you have. Also, if you don't want to get rid of the CC entirely, get a direct debit Visa, which is linked up to your bank account and you can only spend as much money as you have in the bank.
Just don't use your CC on everyday purchases, use your bank card and set your limit to 0 so you can only use what you have. Also, if you don't want to get rid of the CC entirely, get a direct debit Visa, which is linked up to your bank account and you can only spend as much money as you have in the bank.
YvetteJeannine
Well-known member
It's SO easy to get yourself in trouble with credit. Credit can be a great thing...but more often it turns good people into credit demons!!!!
Hubby and I pay EVERYTHING with cash...well..cash or debit (which is essentially cash, anyway). When we booked our trip to St. Lucia last year, and the travel agent asked which card we were using to pay for it, we said "CASH" in unison, and pulled out a wad to the tune of $7,000...the travel agent was wide-eyed. She said "We don't get many people at all that choose to pay cash!"....I said "Well....we could never have fun on vacation if we knew how much interest we'd have to pay!"
Lesson learned; stick with cash. Except for on 'big' purchases (that you can't do without), or TRULY emergency purchases, go by the golden rule I always use: If you don't have the funds to pay for the item(s) you're purchases NOW with CASH, then why assume you'll have the funds to pay for it LATER + INTEREST!
Don't get so down on yourself. It's a common situation; especially for younger people
Hubby and I pay EVERYTHING with cash...well..cash or debit (which is essentially cash, anyway). When we booked our trip to St. Lucia last year, and the travel agent asked which card we were using to pay for it, we said "CASH" in unison, and pulled out a wad to the tune of $7,000...the travel agent was wide-eyed. She said "We don't get many people at all that choose to pay cash!"....I said "Well....we could never have fun on vacation if we knew how much interest we'd have to pay!"
Lesson learned; stick with cash. Except for on 'big' purchases (that you can't do without), or TRULY emergency purchases, go by the golden rule I always use: If you don't have the funds to pay for the item(s) you're purchases NOW with CASH, then why assume you'll have the funds to pay for it LATER + INTEREST!
Don't get so down on yourself. It's a common situation; especially for younger people
mzcelaneous
Well-known member
Quote:
Me too. It's either cash or debit, which is as good as cash. I use my CC for planned, expensive purchases that have been well thought out (ya know....new washer, new bed, or car repairs...things that are of absolute necessity). Not for impulse shopping which I'm sure we all have that urge once in a while. Keep the CC @ home!
| Originally Posted by MxAxC-_ATTACK
I use my Check card for everything now.. and its great because I cant use money I don't have ..which is good for me.. haha. so now my credit card lives in the safe. and is for emergencys Only! |
Me too. It's either cash or debit, which is as good as cash. I use my CC for planned, expensive purchases that have been well thought out (ya know....new washer, new bed, or car repairs...things that are of absolute necessity). Not for impulse shopping which I'm sure we all have that urge once in a while. Keep the CC @ home!
MiCHiE
Well-known member
And, as sad as it is, it's become the way of life for many people. When I worked in a spa in Dallas, I would routinely see people pay for spa services on credit. The tip would be placed on there, too. And not saying any of these people's credit is bad, because they may just want points and pay these services off as soon as they get home. But, credit is nothing to play with. At Nordstrom, I would see people get turned down for cards, which is funny because they you can qualify for any one of their cards with one application. Some people were not even able to get the Debit card-type CC they had. It was all based on credit history.
So, Kels, right now you HAVE to dedicate yourself to paying more than the minimum, depending on how close you are to to the limit. And, most importantly, pay on time or before time. That will keep your rating up and this thread will be a thing of the past for you.
So, Kels, right now you HAVE to dedicate yourself to paying more than the minimum, depending on how close you are to to the limit. And, most importantly, pay on time or before time. That will keep your rating up and this thread will be a thing of the past for you.
Kels823
Well-known member
Quote:
See that annoys me... not what youre saying but just that its a common situation for younger people.... I feel like such a commerical..... if that makes sense. Oh well..
| Originally Posted by YvetteJeannine
Don't get so down on yourself. It's a common situation; especially for younger people
|
See that annoys me... not what youre saying but just that its a common situation for younger people.... I feel like such a commerical..... if that makes sense. Oh well..
MarniMac
Well-known member
I am personally going through debt woes as well. Chalk it up to a learning experience. Pay as much as you can every month on the card and then DON'T USE IT AGAIN. It can be so tempting...just tell yourself that your good credit is MUCH more valuable than whatever "thing" it is that you want. Its easy to get caught up in materialism (it was for me anyway). Good luck!!
litlaur
Well-known member
I have about $2000 in credit card debt, but I was kind of lucky. My mom transferred my balance to her lower interest rate card, so I give her the money to make payments. I learned quickly, cancelled that card, and started using another one responsibly. I only buy what I can pay for (i.e., I have that amount of money in the bank so I can set it aside to pay my bill).
Be happy you don't have student loan debt! My fiance recently paid off one of his loans, it was about $1000, but he has about $10,000 more to pay.
Be happy you don't have student loan debt! My fiance recently paid off one of his loans, it was about $1000, but he has about $10,000 more to pay.
CrystalStars
Well-known member
Im in debt about 6 grand. Almost all that is from student loans. And atm I dont have a job...and Im supposed to be paying my loan off each month.. Ive been searching for a job for over a year without any luck! I live in a pretty small town that if you dont have loads of work experience you dont get a job. How the hell do i get that with no one hiring me. And I cant go elsewhere to live because I have no money. And so I have to live with my parents for now. I hate having this debt on me because its such a weight on your shoulders. Every single day I think about it and worry about what im going to do.
You are lucky you actually can get a CC. I have such crap credit I cant even get a CC!
You are lucky you actually can get a CC. I have such crap credit I cant even get a CC!
