Creative Ways to Avoid Impulsive Use of Credit Cards

You know that you shouldn't impulsively use your credit card. Perhaps you've even made numerous New Year's resolutions not to increase your debt, and yet you just can't seem to refrain from using your credit card for nonessential items.

The problem is, credit cards are so convenient. There they sit, in your wallet, practically begging to be used. Thus, the secret weapon for many is to make it impossible or at the very least, inconvenient to use their credit cards. Here are some ways to do just that.

1. Cut up your credit cards. This is the most common way people make it not only difficult, but impossible to use their credit cards. You can't use what you don't have!

2. Literally freeze your credit cards. I have a friend who did this. It made me laugh, but it works. Here's how he did it. First, he filled a coffee can half full with water. He then stuck the can in the freezer. When the water was frozen, he placed his credit card on top of the ice, and added a very small amount of additional water. He then placed the coffee can back into the freezer so that the credit card would freeze in place. Next, he filled up the can with more water and stuck it back in the freezer. This resulted in his credit card being frozen in the middle of a big hunk of ice. In order to use the credit card, he first had to thaw the ice. He is now debt free!

3. Place all credit cards in a safety deposit box. This keeps them in a safe place, and although they are available, you'll have to go to some trouble to use them. It's unlikely that you'll drive to the bank to get your credit cards unless it's a true emergency. The trick with this method is to get the credit cards back into the safety deposit box as soon as possible.

4. Give your credit cards to a trusted friend or family member to hold on to for you. For instance, if your spouse is disciplined with finances, let him or her hold on to your card for you. If your family members are not any more disciplined than you are, then perhaps a trusted friend can help in this matter. Just make sure the friend is one you can truly trust. Before handing your card over to the friend or family member, put in writing the conditions under which they are to release the cards to you. To solidify the agreement, both parties should sign the agreement. The agreement will not only help to avoid misunderstandings and unnecessary arguments, it will also help your friend or family member to stand strong when you beg for your credit cards.

All of the measures listed above are extreme, but at times extreme measures are needed in order for people to win the battle against impulsive use of credit cards.