Comments on: April went well, and hopefully May will, too

By: Kacie

Kacie — Sat, 10 May 2008 16:14:11 +0000

Hi Shirley and Jane-

I’m not saying everyone shouldn’t use credit cards. I’m saying I don’t want to have anything to do with them. Part of the “personal” aspect of personal finance, know what I mean?

In the past, I’ve let my credit card debt build up, even though I always intended to pay the balance in full each month. Things happened, and I couldn’t pay the balance, and suddenly I was racking up the debt.

I’d rather skip a step by not paying the credit card companies a dime. Even if I get 1 or 3 % cash back, I’ve never heard of anyone striking it rich thanks to credit card reward points. True, every little bit counts, but it’s just not something that works for us.

Finally, yes, some people do well with a rewards credit card. However, we find that if we use our credit cards to get a reward, we overspend.

If we think “Ooh, just need another $100 spent to get a reward” then we might be tempted to spend an extra $100 somewhere that we don’t need.

To each her own.

By: Shirley

Shirley — Sat, 10 May 2008 14:35:33 +0000

I find your comment about “don’t use your credit card for anything” very wrong…If you use your credit card responsibly you can make money with them if they have a cash back card like Discover or any others that give you a cash back. If you have cash to pay for something simply put that in a safe place and use your card. At the end of the 28 days pay off the card with this money. No interest to pay and you just earned money with your credit card. Just remember to always pay it before it is due. With the cost of gas and food this amount builds up fast. It’s free Christmas shopping money.
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By: jane

jane — Fri, 09 May 2008 23:16:32 +0000

it is great that you have a budget set up for yourself. but one thing I question is why people don’t use credit cards.

if you are paying cash for everything, you are not building credit for larger investments like cars and homes.

I would think, if you are able to, that using a credit card that pays you like Discover or even better the Citi bank Upromise card is a better way to go, if you can pay it off at the end of each month.

i use a citi bank upromise card when I actually spend money and I get 1% of all my purchases back in cash plus bonus for buying certain products.

just a thought

jane’s last blog post..May 9, 2008

By: Maria

Maria — Fri, 09 May 2008 19:07:37 +0000

Good rule of thumb for tipping:

10% (or less) for horrible, horrible service.
15% for inattentive service
20% for adequate/good service
25% for really good service

That may sound high, but most people who accept tips need them to pay their bills. Also, it’s well known (especially in the restaurant industry) that Christians are the worst tippers. I like to make up for that fact by treating my server/cab driver/etc. respectfully and paying them well. I budget tips into what I’m willing to pay for a meal if I plan to eat out.

By: Kacie

Kacie — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:01:09 +0000

Lol thanks! It is a huge check, I’m excited. Ebates had an amazing double-bonus going on for its referral program, and so most of it is referals, and $5.51 or so is from purchases I made.

Thanks for signing up through my link!

By: Marcy

Marcy — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:25:04 +0000

Great job in April! :-) You have great goals for May as well! Have fun next week! Marcy's last blog post..My Meijer Loot

By: castocreations

castocreations — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:05:58 +0000

Holy cow that is a big check from eBates. Is that from shopping or from lots of referrals (I signed up through you). :) Your goals are intense. And mine are nothing in comparison. In fact I haven't even set any formally...I may have to start. castocreations's last blog post..Go Boom Boom Fall Down