It’s no surprise that we’ve gotten into the habit of purchasing items with credit cards.

I mean, we’re bombarded with advertisements trying to convince us that it’s sophisticated to spend credit (“become a silver cardholder and climb the social ladder”) and that we will live the good life if we use credit (“you’ll experience priceless moments because you bought this item”).

The reality is that for decades the credit card agencies have aggressively attacked our way of life to convince us that we should spend, spend, spend—even if we don’t have the savings to back up those purchases.

Just take a look at this recent Chicago Tribune article which shows how aggressively they’re trying to recruit us (more than 445 credit card offers were mailed to a family in one year—including 35 pre-approved offers for their 8 and 10-year old kids[!])

Their tactics are working for them—the more often we can’t pay off our monthly balances, the more interest and late fees they collect. Cha-ching.

You Must Look Out For Your Best Interest

It’s time to stand up to those credit card agencies and say “No, I won’t keep handing you over hundreds or thousands of dollars of my hard-earned money.”

Decide for yourself what’s really best for you, your family and your future.

It takes a little “brain re-training,” however, once you get in the routine of asking yourself whether you can really afford something, it easily becomes a healthy habit.

Credit Card Spending Isn’t All Bad, It’s Just Best in Moderation

I’m certainly not trying to say that we shouldn’t use credit cards—responsible credit card use can boost your credit score and a good credit rating is a necessary part of our financial health—but I am saying that we should retool our spending habits so we can create a solid financial future.

Check out this funny Saturday Night Live Skit about some not-so-ideal spending thought patterns.

–Are high credit card bills keeping you down? Learn about the filing bankruptcy option.

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