by Hope
I am finding myself tempted to spend more often now that I have money in the bank. With a comfortable savings account and most bills on auto-draft, my financial life feels safe right now. A very new feeling for me.
And I find myself tempted to spend money without any forethought and without a budget line item. This is especially tempting with my credit card in hand.
But I’ve also found the solution…leave the credit card behind.
I can’t take credit for figuring out that this works for me. I accidentally left my credit card at a restaurant in Atlanta the last time I had to go to the city for work. Instead of going back to get the card I ordered a new one. It took over a week for the new one to get here.
During that time, I had to really think through every purchase. Was it in my budget? Was it budgeted for now? Because every purchase was coming directly out of my cash account.
It was a really good lesson for me. Really, really good.
Long term application
I’m trying to figure out how to apply this lesson for more long term affects.
I’m thinking that when I am home, most of the time, I do not carry my credit card in my wallet or purse. That will make me continue to double think any purchase. I don’t like using my debit card, in general, or accessing my cash account. It just makes me nervous. This will make me plan for purchases or at least think about them a bit longer.
Not to mention, I hate leaving my house most of the time, so having to go home to get a payment method will be a deterrent in and of itself. Can anyone else relate to that?
Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.
Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.
Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.
I don’t know who needs to hear this. But I’ve come across several people in my life who didn’t know and then have paid the price.
Don’t use a debit card for your daily expenses! Don’t swipe it anywhere for purchases or use the number online. If a scammer gets your debit card they are pulling actual money from your checking account. It is a long painful process to get it back from your bank (if you even get it back!) and while they are investigating the money is not available. Credit cards are preferred due to fraud. If a scammer gets your CC number and uses it. The CC company immediately gives you the money back while they do their investigation.
100% agree. And I tell my kids the same. We all share access to a credit card and they are encouraged to use it and pay it immediately.
Protecting cash accounts is a lesson I had to learn the hard way.
I knew someone that had to totally rework their life after amassing a huge cc debt. They didn’t have a budget and no spending control, so that’s what happened.