Why is it that people believe "well, if you can't afford it, just put it on credit!" My mother recently asked me to join her for a trip to Florida (she recently went through cancer treatments and needs all the uplift she can get). I told her that would be great, however, I currently don't have the funding to pay for a ticket. I know as she looked at me quizzically she was thinking, "just put it on credit."
First of all, I am trying not to pay for things on credit cards. I am trying to learn how to budget and use the cash I have to pay for things. Second, I only have two credit cards that have very small credit limits. I am trying to build back my credit score (although due to Christmas and DS's 4th birthday, they are rather overspent, but will be paid off with tax return and money earned from coaching).
I understand that some people have a bigger base and they use their credit cards and pay them off in full every month. I am pretty sure, though, that this is not the case for people such as my siblings who must do things of this nature on a consistent basis. It's simply a philosophical difference, but it still floors me everytime. My family's way of thinking is what has gotten me into the trouble I'm in in the first place.
Credit Cards for Everything
February 7th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
February 7th, 2008 at 01:45 pm 1202391944
You should look at your budget and add some line items, like birthday presents, parties, and Christmas. This way you can start saving a little money now and it should keep you from over charging. I also have a house and car maintenance fund. These funds keep me from dipping into my emergency fund and adding new debt. Just some thoughts.
February 7th, 2008 at 02:04 pm 1202393058
February 7th, 2008 at 02:17 pm 1202393834
Coming up with free or less expensive alternatives is IMHO the most rewarding part of the world of frugality. Isn't is possible to have meaningful fun with your mom without spending a lot of money? For example, what if you and your mom had a "girls at-home spa day" (give each other pedicures, etc), or spent a day organizing family photos and sharing memories, or popped popcorn and watched chick flicks together? You can create special memories without breaking the bank.
February 7th, 2008 at 03:50 pm 1202399430
February 7th, 2008 at 03:50 pm 1202399457
February 7th, 2008 at 05:35 pm 1202405736
I certainly hope to get to the place where you are at one day! I have a lot of work to do in getting myself together--you're sure correct about discipline!
February 7th, 2008 at 05:36 pm 1202405786
Rest assure that I have let my mother know I don't have the cash now, but will pay her back later. We are certainly going! I hope your daughter has had a full recovery and is well.
February 7th, 2008 at 05:37 pm 1202405868
Thanks for the advice. I hope to work towards having separate funds in the future. Everyday is a struggle for me to keep to a more disciplined financial plan. I work on making everything habitual.
February 7th, 2008 at 05:38 pm 1202405914
February 7th, 2008 at 08:09 pm 1202414946
February 8th, 2008 at 02:43 am 1202438616