Credit cards are a convenient spending tool. But more often than not, they get people into financial trouble. Steer clear of debt on your credit cards by learning to live without them. Here's how to stop using your credit cards.
STEP 2:
Keep them out of sight. You haven't got the convenience of using a credit card if it's not in your wallet. Stop using your credit cards by taking them out of your wallet or purse so that you're not tempted to use them. Freeze them in some water, shred them, or have your spouse hide them. You'll surprise yourself at how quickly you will learn to stop using credit cards.
STEP 3:
Do the math. Although credit cards can help to get you through the month, you'll be surprised at the long-term repercussions of using credit cards. A balance of $1000, when you pay only the minimum payment each month, will take you nearly 5 years to pay off, costing you almost 3 times as much as you initially spent. Next time you consider purchasing something on your credit card, ask yourself if you really want to pay three times as much for it. You'll quickly realize that you need to stop using credit cards in order to save in unnecessary interest fees.
STEP 4:
Give yourself some incentive. Another way to stop using credit cards is to give yourself a reason not to. Treat yourself to a little something each week that you manage to go without using your credit card. (Just make sure that you pay for that little treat in cash!) It will give you incentive to stop using credit cards, and some reward for sticking to your goals.
STEP 5:
Use some self-control. The final and perhaps most difficult option to help you stop using your credit cards is to go cold-turkey. Use some self-control and learn to say no'. Learn to live on cash. And if you can't afford it or if you don't have the cash, you won't be able to buy it. Stop thinking about your credit cards as an option for making purchases, since you'd be spending money that's really not yours. Instead, live within your means, pay with cash or debit card and watch what you buy. Before you know it, you'll be out of the habit of using your credit cards.
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