Ways to Reduce the Temptation of Buying with Credit Cards

Credit cards are one of the major causes of people going into debt. Credit cards are so convenient as you don't have to worry about having the money at the time of the purchase, you can just hand over the piece of plastic. This is what gets so many of us into trouble. We buy on credit and when the bills comes, we still don't have the money to afford the item, so you may the minimum monthly payment and go about your spending again. This only leads to the accumulation of debt and a never-ending cycle of stress and worry about paying the bills.

What everybody needs to do is to get rid of the credit cards. If you must keep them around, in case of emergencies, then here are some ways to reduce the temptation that you will face to buy anything with credit cards.

Get rid of your extra credit cards.

There is no reason to have 5 or even 3 credit cards. You should have only one credit card, preferably the one with the lowest interest rate and only use that one card for absolute emergencies. The more credit cards that you have, the more likely you will be apt to use one of them.

Reduce your Credit Limit

Most credit card companies will keep raising your credit limit on your card as you continue to use it. Just because they automatically do this, doesn't mean that you have to keep the credit card at such a high credit limit. Call the customer service line on your credit card to have the credit limit decreased. Also, let them know that you don't want the limit increased unless you ask for it. The lower the credit limit on the card, the less money you have to spend.

Destroy Any Retailer Credit Cards

Most department store and gas station credit cards charge and extremely high interest rate. There is no reason to have retailer credit cards as they will accept your VISA or MasterCard with no problem. If you have one to get the coupons or points, it is not worth it if you are stacking up debt with them. Remember, the bigger the line of credit you have, the more likely you are to use it.

Leave The Credit Card At Home

When you leave the house, leave your credit card at home. Hide it away somewhere like your underwear drawer or in the freezer so you won't be tempted to take it with you. Especially do this when you know you are going shopping or someplace that you know you may overspend. If you don't have the credit card, you can't use it.