Comments on: Are You a Credit Card Junkie? Learn How to Kick the Habit

By: Jerry

Jerry — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 23:24:02 +0000

I think most of us have been here at one point or another. Using credit unwisely leads to seriously problems in the future and curbing the habit while you’re young will only serve you better in the future. Our only insurance at one point to (for my wife and I) was to put them in the freezer. I’m happy to say now that we are credit card debt free. It can happen if you work hard at it.
Jerry

By: Jimmy Kibler

Jimmy Kibler — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 18:35:05 +0000

Great article. I tell people to stop buying what you cannot afford with money you do not have. This is step number one. The rest will fall into place.

By: Credit Girl

Credit Girl — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:54:13 +0000

It’s so easy and convenient to be a credit card junkie! This is such a true article because many Americans enjoy having various credit cards- some for certain grocery stores others for retailers like Macy’s that offer reward points with use of their credit card.

I also use an AmEx card and they give a small percentage cash back at the end of the year and you can redeem that for cash or a gift which I think is great because it’s better to get something back rather than nothing.

By: Ken87

Ken87 — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:29:29 +0000

I love this blog because it always amazes me how easy it is to save money if people just keep their heads up. It’s also ridiculous how people are always trying to trick you and take your money.

I was clicking around the other night and noticed an advertisement for a FREE TV with purchase at their stores. I expected to see something pretty cheap, and was surprised to see it was a name brand. I have needed a TV for a while now so I decided to look at this further.

The fine print is what killed me though:

Please allow eight weeks delivery for merchandise redeemed online.

You DON’T ACTUALLY GET THE TV. You get a voucher for a TV — that you’ll get in 8 weeks and will at that point be a lot less expensive.

So, as I’m want to do, I came up with two options if you need new glasses and would love a new TV.

Option 1:
Pearle Vision

$350 for 1 pair of eyeglasses.
Your “Free” Camera Arrives in February (if you remember to redeem your voucher)
Total: $350 (Start taking pictures in February — in overpriced glasses.)

Option 2:
Online Retailer, for example http://www.eyeglasses.com (You can use the code UPS1DAY for free 1 day shipping.)

$120 for 1 pair of eyeglasses.
Order your Canon A470 from Amazon for $93 + $10 shipping (it arrives the day after tomorrow)
Total: $143 (Save over $200 and get the TV this week).

Don’t let these marketers trick you. We are too smart for them.

By: Evolution Of Wealth

Evolution Of Wealth — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 13:21:50 +0000

No one ever says ‘I want to be a junkie when I got up’. Unfortunately it can help. Do they have a 12 step program for this? Admitting you have a problem would be a great start. Good job getting people in the right direction.

By: nomoremortgageblogger

nomoremortgageblogger — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:09:10 +0000

Don’t forget the double whammy that comes from getting addicted to credit card debt. You don’t put enough towards your retirement soon enough and end up trying to catch up in your later years when it may just be too late.

By: Rick Vaughn

Rick Vaughn — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:33:14 +0000

Jeremy,

This is a great post. However, like all good plans they take execution. The junkie in this case needs understand it’s probably going to be one of the hardest things they will ever embark upon. Also they need it explained that its as painful process to get back in good financial shape.

This is a good post to start with!

By: Credit Card Chaser

Credit Card Chaser — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 07:04:26 +0000

I think that the most recent stats that I have been able to find puts the percentage of Americans that carry a balance at 55% – definitely not smart. I try to use my AmEx cash back card for as much as I can and I just have the card set to pay off the balance in full every month from my checking – no hassles and I earn 1% to 3% cash back on everything I buy.

By: ctreit

ctreit — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:36:10 +0000

This treatment plan gets you to kick the habit, but what about relapsing? I have a friend who got herself out of huge debt with great financial discipline. She lived debt free for a couple of years, but now she is back in a big hole again.

By: Debthelper.com

Debthelper.com — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:57:49 +0000

What a great post! I can remember as a teenager with my 1st credit card…i became a complete addict! I ended up putting myself into debt of over $20k with 15 cards. Live and Learn!