5 Tips to Avoid Credit Card Debt

But to use credit cards to your advantage!

So many people fall victim to credit card debt far too often. Credit cards are so simple to use, and you don’t have to have to money on hand to purchase something. That’s where they drag people in. The credit card companies love it when you run your bill so high you can’t pay it off at the end of the month and they get a big chunk of interest. That’s how they run their multi-million dollar business. Arm yourself with the tools and know-how to not get sucked in the credit card black hole.

1 – If you are an impulsive buyer, don’t even sign up for a credit card. If you cannot control your spending habits before you have a credit card you certainly won’t be able to after you get a credit card. This will just lead you into a black hole you’ll have a hard time finding your way out of.

2 – I have several credit cards for retail stores – Belk, Cato’s, & Old Navy, but you know the kicker? I’ve NEVER paid interest on them. I purchase the items in store and turn right around and pay off my balance. I get to reap the store rewards, and never accrue interest. It’s a win/win for me.

3 – if you need an item (like school clothes) and you don’t have all the cash to pay it off at the register, it’s okay. Pay what you can that day with cash and every week when you get paid save a little back. If your bill was $150 and you paid $50 off at the register, just save $25 every week and you’ll have the money when your bill rolls in.

4 – I have a friend who has a credit card (not a retail CC) and she uses her card for all her bills. She’ll pay everything with it and then at the end of the month she pays a big payment to the credit card company. She said this way she earns their cash back rewards and still pays off her bills. I haven’t personally tried it. But if you have, please comment below and let me know! I would love to hear about it.

5 – If you find yourself with a bill that you cannot pay, try other ways to make money to pay it off. Have a yard sale, handcraft things to sale on the side, limit your going-out-to-eat nights, pack lunch for work, save on your grocery bill by eating cheaper meals. Save in any way you can. Every bit helps.

I hear so many people complain about being in credit card debt and having a hard time getting out of it. Don’t get yourself into that position. Once you get in the hole, it’s very hard to dig yourself out. But credit cards are not totally bad, If you use them the right way!

Please let me know your thoughts, suggestions, and comments below.

Have a blessed day!

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