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How many times have you snatched an item off the shelf because it was unbelievably priced, then you paid with a credit card? Credit cards are great for spontaneous purchases, but if there are too many spontaneous purchases they start to counteract the sale that pleased you so much.
This isn't a bad deal if you have the $300 set aside to pay for them (or at least you will by the time the credit card bill comes.) However, if you are like most people, you will carry a balance on that card. Paying a minimum of $20 a month plus interest will take a little less than a year and a half to pay off with $27 in accumulated interest charges (13% APR). Still, this isn't a bad deal.
However, if you apply the previous logic to a sweater that is on sale for $6 off and add it to an already mounting credit card bill, things change. If the sweater is $34 on sale, you're adding $34 to a bill that already isn't being paid. Suppose you still make the $20 monthly payment, but your balance is $1238. It will take six years to pay off this debt (assuming you never add to it) and you will pay $488 in interest (13% APR.) Rather than save the $6, apply the $34 towards your monthly payment and reduce that $488 interest to $193.
The premise is simple - you're not saving on sales if you're adding to accumulated debt.
Keep your balance manageable on your card. If there is a month that asks for the sudden flight to Aunt Jo in Denver, then avoid using the card again until this emergency is paid off. Likewise, if those golf clubs are on sale and your card carries little or no balance, buy them. Even at paying the interest you're saving $123 on the set. However, the sweater isn't worth it.
Have trouble keeping your hands off your credit card? Try this trick. The first is to keep the card in a lock box at home rather than in your wallet. Yes, revolving balances and internet purchases are still possible, but the temptation of a shopping spree at the local department store which is having a blowout sale will disappear. If something is on markdown, the drive home to get the card will make you think further about the purchase and its validity. If you're too tired to drive back out to the store (not to mention add the expense of the gas for another trip) then you really didn't need it in the first place. It forces you to think about your purchases more.
About The Author: Kelly Ann Butterbaugh is a freelance writer who regularly contributes to a variety of magazines and has written a history book for middle readers. Visit her website for writing help, lesson plans, history fun, or work for hire at http://www.kellybutterbaugh.com
By
09/18/2007
I couldn't agree more with this post. People need to pay very close attention to credit card balances and keep spending in check. My financial motto is don't spend money you don't have and if you can't afford it today with cash don't buy it until you can!
By Merry (Guest Post)
09/18/2007
I agree about not using a credit cards. There is a retailer in the town I live in. Say I want a nice shirt to wear with the jeans at home. I look at the tag and it says $38.00. And they are "kindly" reducing it to $19.00. Last year I know I could have bought that same shirt for $19.00. Guess what, its NOT on sale. I say go somewhere else where I can buy that same shirt for $12.00-$15.00. I promise to forget about shopping where they have overly inflated prices so they can make a huge profit. SHAME ON THEM!
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