How often have you thought “I’d love to pay off my credit cards and just be done with them but I need them just in case”? Or have you ever wondered if it is even possible to survive without credit cards? Did you know that I have never once owned a credit card? Neither has my husband. We made the decision when we married that we would not take out credit cards. If we would need something, we would save up for it and pay cash/debit card. It is very possible to survive without credit cards. Here are some ways to do it once and for all!
Build an Emergency Fund
If you’re heard it once, you’ve probably heard it a thousand times. Build an emergency fund! I won’t get too in depth about all the ways that this can be done but it is the most important part of surviving without credit cards. You can sell things you don’t use, put coupon/sale savings into a savings account, save just $10 each week, as well as many other methods. The important thing is that you are putting aside money. The most common recommendation is $1,000 but I try to have more than that. Saving can take awhile to do but can be wiped out in one emergency. I prefer having a bigger cushion.
Live Within Your Means
This can be a hard one. It can be incredibly difficult to tell yourself or your family, “No, we can’t afford to buy that just yet” or “No, we don’t need that so we will not be buying it.” The first is a phrase my husband hears a lot. I hate telling him that…but it’s what keeps us from getting into even more debt. Yes, a fancier new vehicle would be nice…but not yet. Yes, a new TV or fixing the house up now would be amazing (talking to myself on this one). Yes, a four wheeler would be handy for some things…but we don’t truly need it. Remember why you are saying no and remind your family of why no has to be said. Remembering why really does make it easier.
Check out these tips to learn how to survive without credit cards once and for all! Click To TweetWork Together
If both you and your spouse are on the same page, it is much easier to survive without credit cards. If one of you want to get rid of them and one of you wants to hold on to them, it can be almost impossible. Like most things in a marriage, working together is key to making it work.
Keep a List
This is a big one for us. We have a running list of things that need to be purchased (mattress, new to us vehicle, etc.) as well as a running list of things are wants. The lists may change in order of priority based on if something wears out faster than we planned but we always keep the lists. The list helps remind us what we are saving for and keeps us focused. Put the list wherever it works best for you. Ours is just part of a savings spreadsheet but sometimes we have had it written out and placed on the fridge.
Whatever your reasons are, you can survive without credit cards. It is very possible. Be careful to follow these tips so that you don’t backslide into using credit cards. If you follow the tips, you can survive without credit cards once and for all!
LZ Cathcart@ The Summery Umbrella says
My husband and I stopped using credit cards a few years back, and I have to tell you… it was absolutely the BEST decision we have ever made. Hands down a must for anybody trying to get out of debt. Great tips 🙂
Julie says
I’m so glad you are doing well without credit cards!
Bill @ The Money Professors says
The list is a great idea. Most people forget about things they will need down the road so they don’t start putting money towards them. Then, when it comes time, they don’t have the cash and are forced to borrow!
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