You’ve probably read many opinions about the pros and cons of credit cards.
And that’s precisely what it is: opinions born out of personal experiences.
This post is no exception.
And we know there’s no shortage of companies and individuals who promote the benefits of credit cards.
The thing is, though, that they almost always have a vested interest in doing so.
They earn a commission when we purchase goods and services through their recommendation.
They don’t know what the devastating effects of debt really are, like you and me.
So, it’s important we assess the good, the bad and the ugly as objectively as we can to suit our needs and circumstances.
Regardless of what everyone else says, you need to start with one question and answer it honestly with either “Yes” or “No.”
Note that “maybe” is not an option.
Are you good with money?
If you are unsure what it means, here are a few questions that will help you decide your answer.
Think about your past three months’ purchases. Try to be as honest as you can when answering each question.
No one is judging you.
It’s to assess your spending habits—whether they’re getting out of control or you’re in total control.
Ready?
- Do you have credit card debt?
- Did you plan for your purchase, spending several day or weeks looking for a bargain, comparing prices, or reading reviews? Or did you buy them straight?
- Did you use the stuff you bought regularly? Or are they stashed away in a wardrobe or garage?
- How many times did you order takeaways or eat out?
- Did you pay the full balance of the credit card bill each month?
Now that you’ve thought about it, let’s ask again.
Are you good with money?
If your straight and honest answer is “yes”, that’s great.
You’re probably here out of morbid curiosity to find out how credit cards can be so bad that you dismiss the “awesome” benefits. Ha.
If your answer is “no” though, you’ve got some work to do.
The first thing you need to understand is this.
Forget about the Benefits of Credit Cards
Fixing bad money habits has to come first.
Deep down, you already know this.
Bad money habits and credit cards are BFFs.
Trust me.
You don’t want to put them in the same room. They get up to all kinds of naughty stuff and wreak havoc on your life.
Happily.
From here on, your mission is to break their strong bond, as evil as that might sound. Ha!.
It means saying goodbye to the “benefits” of credit cards.
You can’t have the best of both worlds: enjoying the benefits of credit cards and living a debt-free life.
Sorry.
That’s just not going to happen.
It doesn’t matter how much air mileage you rack up or how much many rebates, points, or rewards you accumulate.
The benefits pale into insignificance when you grapple with mounting debts or bad money habits.
Debts set you back so far in life that, sorry, but you’ll feel like a loser (I’ve been there) and lose your dignity and self-respect.
This won’t go away (completely) until the debt goes.
You may not feel it that way because they’re “manageable” right now.
Guess what.
Everyone started thinking exactly that.
Even if you aren’t in serious trouble now, if we go by your honest answer earlier, you’re likely heading that way.
And you really want to stop that train wreck from coming your way.
But Many People Advocate the Benefits…
Remember, they make money from recommending products and services, including credit cards.
And most of those people are very good with money.
Whether owing to their background or a role model they had, somewhere along the way they firmly grasped the right money mindset.
A few may have turned their lives around, breaking the bad money habits of overspending or relying on credit cards.
But most financially secure people are sensible with money.
You don’t accumulate a few hundred thousand dollars in savings and investment accounts while keeping huge credit card debts.
It just doesn’t happen that way.
They know you can’t build wealth while accommodating an inflated lifestyle with a fat balance on your credit cards.
They’ve learned, honed, and mastered their money skills.
They don’t have impulsive tendencies.
They’re SO good with money that they can truly enjoy the benefits of credit cards with full control.
You Think You Can Too?
Let’s go over your spending with a fine-tooth comb.
Your current credit card debt strictly belongs to your old spending.
You’re 100% confident you’ll stick to your budget, as you’ve done it for the past 3 months.
You’ve made no “silly” purchases during that time.
Maybe, just maybe, you too can enjoy the benefits of credit cards.
But let me ask you this:
Was there ever a time when you would have spent less if you hadn’t been enticed by credit card rewards or points?
If you answered yes, you still have some loose ends to tie up.
Remember, it’s a mug’s game to keep spending (and spend more than necessary) to accrue points or cashback WHILE YOU ARE IN DEBT.
So, Let’s Do Us a Favour…
Forget all the benefits of credit cards for now.
Work on paying off credit card and store card debt first.
Once the mission is complete, reintroduce those few benefits of credit cards.
I’m certain that living a debt-free life far outweighs any benefit that credit cards might promise.
Besides, you’ll realise you didn’t miss much.
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