Don't involve yourself in gambling. Too much gambling is not good. It may cause you to addiction. Don't buy too much jewelries, appliances and other equipments taht are not necessary.

Greetings!

Here are some thoughts for you.  I hope they help!

View debt as a DISEASE that can eat away at your finances and piece of mind.

My wife and I have no more than two credit cards and in our 21 years of marriage we have tried to only use these for emergencies only. 

We do not like using credit cards because we know that they will have to be paid off at some point!  So, why not just spend within your means.  For those special things you are wanting, save up for them.  It's fun.

Best Regards,

Ed Phillips

Credit cards can really help your credit rating, just don't go silly with them. The best way to look at a credit card is to give yourself a credit card allowance if you really MUST spend on it. Only allow yourself to spend what you KNOW you can repay by the next time it comes due. This will boost your credit score and you won't get into debt.

The real bottom line here is to make the credit card work for you, dont become its slave! If you do the above, you will place an established line of revolving credit on your line and you probably wont get up there where a credit card becomes a problem. Remember NEVER LOAD A CREDIT CARD ABOVE 75% OF ITS LIMIT, this will be negative in ways you can't see on your report.


Thanks,

DAN

I mostly use a debit card, and actually only write checks to my mortgage company. Apart from that I generally carry very little cash.

These are all great suggestions. Pretty much what I was looking for. Thanks.

I think the idea of treating debt like a disease might be a good one.

Create a fund forecast ahead of time. plan for your purchase. Even a dishwasher say $650 price. Put aside $50 a month and you have the washer in one year. Without oing in the hole. Start whatever fund you need, for whatever you will buy. Cash is king.

Keep yourself from making irrational, quick, and unplanned decisions regarding major purchases.  It is too easy for people to panic if a car breaks down and go down to the dealership the next day or have to buy a new washer immediately if one breaks.  This sort of mentality can create a lasting effect.  If you are unsure of how to proceed, ask someone who is not wrapped up in the situation.  There is usually a temporary solution until you have to make a purchase such as a rental car, or using a laundromat for a while. 

Also, learn how to repair your own vehicles or find a reasonably priced mechanic.  I have access to a shop at work that is $4/hr to use lifts and all kinds of tools.  The mechanic on shift gave me tips on some tricky repairs and I have done complete brake jobs on both our vehicles and saved hundreds.

Tom,

You must be a Dave Ramsey fan too. LOL. Cash is King, and I was going to add don't buy anything you can not pay for in cash. Save your money and buy in cash, and when you are paying cash you can usually negotiate a lower price on things like a car, or furniture, or other things usually financed.

Christine

Don't keep a credit card around for emergencies.  The last thing you need in an emergency is to incur (more) debt.