Credit Card Condoms: Paper with Financial Goals Helps You Avoid Debt

Do you pull your credit card out for every purchase? When you open your credit card bill every month, do you wonder how you could have spent that much money in one month? If you can't remember, then it's time to admit you have a problem: you're using your credit card too much.

Credit card usage has gotten out of control in our country. It seems like everyone is using their plastic to not just buy the things they need, but everything else on their wish list. This irresponsible use of credit cards has racked up thousands of dollars in debt and has plunged many families into bankruptcy.

What's the best way to deal with this problem? Well, first of all, you need to admit you have a problem. For some, that can be the hardest part. But if you don't come face-to-face with your problem, if you keep your monster hidden in the closet, then there's no way for you to battle it.

Secondly, you need to change your credit card habits. It's best to sit down and decide what you can and cannot charge on your credit card. A credit card is not a free ticket to buy everything you want. If I may quote Spider-Man, "With great power (your credit card) comes great responsibility."

Once you've made your list, put it on a small slip of paper and wrap it around your credit card. Every time you take your credit card out, you'll have to remove the paper - a physical reminder of your new spending habits.

There you have it - you now have a credit card condom. No, I'm not joking. I did say "credit card condom". Just like the real thing, you use one of these to protect yourself, this time, from unneeded debt. Yes, I know it sounds silly, but some people need this little reminder of the consequences of careless credit card debt.

Every time you pull out your credit card, you must ask yourself these simple questions:

Do I need this? (Yes, there's a difference between "need" and "want". Learn the difference!)

Can I afford this?

Can I pay this item off completely on my next bill?

Does this get me closer to one of my personal goals?

If you can't answer these questions successfully, then put your card away and leave the store immediately.