Going checkless and no credit cards

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bargetrav

Banned
Apr 2, 2009
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Like I stated in the opening post




Thats it, nothing more, nothing less.


The real problem here (at least in my opinion), is that someone posted they lead a different lifestyle then the majority of the people. The people that use credit cards then rushed into the thread to justify their actions.

Did I ever said that credit cards were bad, or evil,,, or anything along those lines? I dont think so.


troll gonna keep on trolling

I dont think I ever lead-on that my wife and I were irresponsible with money? We do well for ourselves, our bills are paid, my truck is paid for, her SUV is paid for, Christmas is paid for and over - no left over credit card bills there. We do not receive any social assistance, we got to the movies when we want, cook a steak on the grill when we want, and everything else in life that we want to do.

So I do not understand why people keep saying that I'am irresponsible?

Maybe its more to the point that people do not understand why or how my wife and I live like what we do? Instead of accepting that my wife and I lead different lives then most of the people here, people start throwing rocks and sling mud.

Its human nature to distrust, dislike and even hate stuff that we do not understand. Most people do not "understand" how someone can live without a credit card or checks, so what do they do? The people that do not understand post insults and personal attacks, its just human nature.

The attacks are ok, I expect no less.

If someone wants to use credit cards - that is fine with me and I do not care. That has been stated over and over in this thread.

My wife and I have made the decision not to use credit cards or checks. For everyone else, live your life the way you want.


You're the one who is attacking everyone else, sorry there troll. I understand exactly what you're doing, just as the other 12342131 people in this thread also understand that you simply don't have enough self control and knowledge to hardness the power of credit, and using it to your advantage.


You are IGNORANT, just because your ex-wife was some retard who screwed you years ago and left you with the damages, it's clear it's YOU WHO DOESN'T TRUST THE CREDIT SYSTEM.

You obviously don't want to take the time to learn how to make credit cards work for you.



I'd consider possibly reaching out to some Omish communities, your family would enjoy their lifestyle.
 
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Jul 10, 2007
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Stupid for thinking your way is the only right way.

to be fair, I don't think the OP ever said that.

he's entitled to live his life the way he sees fit, but he also has to realize that anyone exhibiting an ounce of self control will be better off with cc's.
 

TheSlamma

Diamond Member
Sep 6, 2005
7,625
5
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Maybe its more to the point that people do not understand why or how my wife and I live like what we do? Instead of accepting that my wife and I lead different lives then most of the people here, people start throwing rocks and sling mud.

Its human nature to distrust, dislike and even hate stuff that we do not understand. Most people do not "understand" how someone can live without a credit card or checks, so what do they do? The people that do not understand post insults and personal attacks, its just human nature.
Get off your high horse, we all know exactly how you are doing it and why. It's nothing special and in my and many others opinions is a poor financial practice.
 

SSUSeaWolf

Senior member
Mar 12, 2009
224
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How is saying "My wife and I do not use credit cards" trolling?

Because it's impossible to believe anyone could be that stupid. Don't you find it odd that no one supports what you have posted, and many people have proven why you'd have to be mentally challenged to not use credit cards?

Why bother posting? You clearly don't understand the basics of finances. Have fun getting embarrassed genius.
 

kami333

Diamond Member
Dec 12, 2001
5,110
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The biggest problem with this is that opening and closing credit cards a lot can hurt your credit rating, and I have a plus 800 rating that I'd like to keep that way.

A good credit score is useless unless you use it.


(Not saying that you should go crazy and open a bunch.)
 
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SSUSeaWolf

Senior member
Mar 12, 2009
224
0
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My truck is paid for
My wifes SUV is paid for
Hopefully, our house will be paid for very soon
We have no other outstanding bills

I do not see a problem with that.

You don't see a problem because you're blind. Just shutup already. We all know how stupid you are.
 
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Texashiker

Lifer
Dec 18, 2010
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You dont see a problem because you're blind.

There, I fixed that for you.

The only problem I see, are people that do not understand why my wife and I live the way we do. Instead of respecting our lifestyle, certain people would rather sling insults.

We spend within our limits and stay out of debt - and stay out of the possibility of debt.

If you want to call me blind, that is fine, I don't care.
 

lord_emperor

Golden Member
Nov 4, 2009
1,380
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I'd go crazy if I had to carry stacks of cash for all the places that don't take debit payments.
 

blinblue

Senior member
Jul 7, 2006
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I'd go crazy if I had to carry stacks of cash for all the places that don't take debit payments.

Every place that takes visa or mastercard will take a visa or mastercard debit card. So any place that doesn't take debit card payments won't take credit card payments either.

The same is not true in reverse. For example Costco (and I think Sams Club too) only takes debit (any type) or American Express credit (Discover for Sams Club)
 

dpodblood

Diamond Member
May 20, 2010
4,020
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There, I fixed that for you.

The only problem I see, are people that do not understand why my wife and I live the way we do. Instead of respecting our lifestyle, certain people would rather sling insults.

We spend within our limits and stay out of debt - and stay out of the possibility of debt.

If you want to call me blind, that is fine, I don't care.

The problem is that you seem to accuse everyone else in the thread of "falling into a trap" by using credit cards, when in fact in makes perfectly good financial sense to use a credit card over debit, or cash. As someone else said, you should use a credit card to pay for things you already have the cash for. You make it sound as if people are completely unaware of the 19%+ interest on credit cards after X number of days, or late fees when they sign up.

I respect you for finding a system that works for you, but I can't understand why you can't comprehend a simple truth. Credit cards only work against you if you do not have the discipline to use them correctly. There is never a reason to pay a cent of interest or late fees unless you are living outside of your means.

Have I ever had a balance on my credit card? Hell yes I have, but it's not like the credit card company tricked me. I knew exactly what I was paying...
 

ImpulsE69

Lifer
Jan 8, 2010
14,946
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It's been interesting over the years. We quickly learned we are not good with credit cards, but when you purchase so much online it was a necessity. Not that we didn't have the money or didn't pay them off, we just always forgot to pay them on time, and to which they love to tack on late fees and raise your interest rate (Because don't you know, that whole fear that you won't pay them, so they charge you even more syndrome).

Debit cards were a lifesaver. No more worries. We paid off all our cards, cancelled all but 1 (due to work we need one on occasion, since our debit cards have daily limits - and sometimes the powers that be don't like you bouncing from state to state in a day). It's 99% of what we use day to day. No issues, no fees. I've not run into any public place that doesn't take them.

I'd like to be rid of checks completely, but we live in a podunk area of the midwest and a few ultility companies here still don't have online pay (or charge you some hijacked 4.00 service charge).

As for credit score? Yes early on in your life you should carry credit and put a little bit on it on occasion. Do you need to later after you've already purchased vehicles, loans, house? Unfortuntately yes. This is because creditors still use this outdated system to determine that "credit score" that everyone holds so high. We've always had a very high credit score and never had problems getting loans - and we don't even really pay attention to it. We just pay our bills. It's simple really.
 
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dpodblood

Diamond Member
May 20, 2010
4,020
1
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It's been interesting over the years. We quickly learned we are not good with credit cards, but when you purchase so much online it was a necessity. Not that we didn't have the money or didn't pay them off, we just always forgot to pay them on time, and to which they love to tack on late fees and raise your interest rate (Because don't you know, that whole fear that you won't pay them, so they charge you even more syndrome).


See at least you're willing to admit that it isn't the card that's the problem. :thumbsup:
 

lord_emperor

Golden Member
Nov 4, 2009
1,380
1
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Every place that takes visa or mastercard will take a visa or mastercard debit card. So any place that doesn't take debit card payments won't take credit card payments either.

The same is not true in reverse. For example Costco (and I think Sams Club too) only takes debit (any type) or American Express credit (Discover for Sams Club)

Not so.

I had to pick up a parcel with a customs fee, debit was not an option. Cash, Credit or Cheque.

Anything online (mailing a money order is bloody annoying).

Rent.

I don't knock the OP's decision, it would just drive me crazy having to visit the bank to take out enough cash for everything, especially in unexpected situations like the aforementioned customs fee.

Also I hate coins in my pickets.
 

ImpulsE69

Lifer
Jan 8, 2010
14,946
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See at least you're willing to admit that it isn't the card that's the problem. :thumbsup:

The card ISN'T the problem in and of itself, but the companies providing them definitely aren't completely innocent. They are shady, and persistant.

One time, a company sent me a card IN THE MAIL! Preapproved for $100K. At that time I was making roughly $30k. I was like wtf that they would even do that, let alone send a live card in the mail. I promptly called and bitched them out for it and told them never to send me anything again. I was mostly concerned if someone else had taken it.

On the flip side of this though, many people aren't real bright on how they spend their money (or lack thereof).
 
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ImpulsE69

Lifer
Jan 8, 2010
14,946
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Not so.

I had to pick up a parcel with a customs fee, debit was not an option. Cash, Credit or Cheque.

Anything online (mailing a money order is bloody annoying).

Rent.

I don't knock the OP's decision, it would just drive me crazy having to visit the bank to take out enough cash for everything, especially in unexpected situations like the aforementioned customs fee.

Also I hate coins in my pickets.

I didn't read this whole thread so maybe I missed it, but most banks that provide debit cards, those cards can also be used as credit (with a higher limit as well). The money still comes out of your account.
 

AznAnarchy99

Lifer
Dec 6, 2004
14,695
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Stop blaming the credit card company for you and your wife's spending problem. $30k credit line doesnt mean you max out that line.
 

Svnla

Lifer
Nov 10, 2003
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Every place that takes visa or mastercard will take a visa or mastercard debit card. So any place that doesn't take debit card payments won't take credit card payments either.

The same is not true in reverse. For example Costco (and I think Sams Club too) only takes debit (any type) or American Express credit (Discover for Sams Club)

Sams Club (at least our local one) just recently begins to take MasterCard, no Visa, yet.

One time, a company sent me a card IN THE MAIL! Preapproved for $100K. At that time I was making roughly $30k. I was like wtf that they would even do that, let alone send a live card in the mail.

Do you mean 10K? It is hard to believe a CC company would send you a pre approved CC for over 3x your pre tax income.
 
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evident

Lifer
Apr 5, 2005
12,014
626
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cash only type people make me do a double facepalm. seriously, either learn to use a credit card responsibly or just move to the jungle since civilized living isn't for you.
ITS NOT THAT HARD.

1. buy stuff on credit card you can afford, and that you would otherwise use cash on. (fast food, bills if they let you, etc)
2. credit card bill comes in
3. pay off credit card COMPLETELY at the end of the month
4. profit off reward points/ % cashback


protip: carrying around /hoarding wads of cash is just gonna cause 10000% more heartbreak when you get robbed or your house burns down with all your cash in it vs using credit cards
 
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ImpulsE69

Lifer
Jan 8, 2010
14,946
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Sams Club (at least our local one) just recently begins to take MasterCard, no Visa, yet.



Do you mean 10K? It is hard to believe a CC company would send you a pre approved CC for over 3x your pre tax income.

Exactly. I was in utter shock. Yes it was 100k. Of course this was...15 years ago? Before identity theft was quite as front news and when your 2 year old and dog could get a credit card (maybe they still can).