Comments on: Using my credit card feels bad

By: Melodie

Melodie — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:35:26 +0000

I know exactly what you mean. I used to be able to pay in full regardless of the large amount owing, but ever since getting married and having kids I haven’t been able to and now I’m/we’re in massive debt. I hate it because I’m actually quite good with my money. Or at least I thought I was! ha!

By: The Little Dough Girl

The Little Dough Girl — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:31:54 +0000

I know exactly what you mean! I call it credit card guilt. I try to only use mine in emergency situations. Sadly, my definition can get pretty lax!

By: Bobbi

Bobbi — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 13:08:04 +0000

Yuck, I feel the same. I hate using my credit card anymore. Most of the time it just sits in the drawer all by itslef, but every once in a while I do bring it out and use it. I don’t like to though. I like being able to be done with something and just move on. How’s that baby boy? :)

By: TGIF Round Up: I Spent Edition | Frugal Living Tips & Money Saving Ideas | Living Well on Less

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:03:39 +0000

[...] to Save hates to use her credit card because it feels like paying for purchases twice. It’s an interesting perspective that might make it easier for you to avoid [...]

By: Erin

Erin — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:22:06 +0000

My card is like yours, Kacie, it limits the number of payments you can make per month to 4.

For the last year or so I’ve used one credit card for everything I could use a card for during the month, and then pay it in full at the end of the month. It’s a big bill, but in a way I used it as a budget checkpoint: If that bill is too high, I get to see why we spent more than usual this month.

I’ve been trying to wean away from it some because the end result is that I always have something to pay back, and I’m feeling extra nervous about the economy lately, so I’m not sure that will affect my perception of paying the big bill each month or not…

By: FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com

FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:36:31 +0000

I understand what you mean.. but what I do is I basically buy something on credit card, and then I go home, and immediately pay the exact amount of the bill as if it was debit :)

Then I don’t worry about it.

By: Kacie

Kacie — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:34:59 +0000

My card has a limit of payments you can make each billing cycle (is that silly or what?). I think it’s something like 4. So, once per week, maybe?

Anyway, Cheryl, sounds like you’ve found something that works for you!

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:26:24 +0000

Hi
You could set up on line to make payments after every purchase and it doesn’t hurt so bad like that. I use my credit card (Discover) for everything including groceries and gas. I just log in to my account twice a week and pay it off. I average around 180 cash back per year doing it this way.
This year I discovered “gift cards”. I can buy them with my cashback and they are worth more than face value. For instance I can “buy” a CVS gift card for 40.00 cash back and I get a 45.00 card. This is so great, I actually increase my cash back. My latest was 40.00 for a 50.00 Sams club gift card. This is going to pay my membership fee plus 10 dollars left over. I was not going to renew my membership this year, but for free I am willing. This is a great program if you pay off your credit cards in full every month like we do.

Cheryl

By: Kacie

Kacie — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:55:41 +0000

Karen, I think you’re right. It’s definitely reminding me of my broke ol days!

By: Karen

Karen — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:54:56 +0000

Ugh. I feel the exact same way. We use credit cards for the same reasons, especially if we have to make a big purchase and we don’t have the money immediately available in checking. I don’t know why it feels easier to charge it and THEN move the money out of savings to pay off the bill. It’s actually not any easier to do it that way.

But I do hate getting a big credit card bill. Maybe it’s because for all those months I looked at the big credit card bill and didn’t have the money to pay it back in full, so it reminds me of that helpless feeling?