Can’t Break the Habit!
by Dave Ramsey
| We’re so close to being debt-free, but I can’t get my wife to stop using credit cards. We pay them off every month, but it still scares me. I’ve tried to get her to use a debit card instead, but she doesn’t like the idea of having $500 in the bank and seeing something she wants that costs more. Any ideas?
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Dear Dave,
We’re so close to being debt-free, but I can’t get my wife to stop using credit cards. We pay them off every month, but it still scares me. I’ve tried to get her to use a debit card instead, but she doesn’t like the idea of having $500 in the bank and seeing something she wants that costs more. Any ideas?
Dan
Dear Dan,
I think the real issue here is that the girl is just a little bit spoiled. I also think that you guys aren’t working together on your money. It sounds to me like she does whatever she wants, and then you guys cover it. That’s not togetherness.
To most people credit cards represent three things. One, they represent convenience. They’re easier to use because you don’t have to fool with a checkbook in the grocery store line. Two, they represent security. If you’re away from home and need money, you can just pop it into a machine. And number three, they’re a way to get stuff you can’t afford. This doesn’t sound like the case here, because you pay them off every month. But the fact remains that a debit card will do virtually anything a credit card can do.
I want the two of you to sit down together and start doing a written budget every month – on paper, on purpose before the next month begins. Ask her how much extra she’d need in the account each month to feel comfortable, and come to a reasonable, affordable agreement on this. Then, you pull out the scissors and cut up the credit cards – together.
You need some flexibility here, Dan. But she needs to grow up and get over the idea that she’s supposed to have whatever she wants the second she wants it!
Dave
Posted by Gwendolyn
from Texas
Should've read this 40 years ago!
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Posted by Deward
from Utah
You mentioned that a debit card will do everything a credit card will do. Not really. My credit card, which we pay off in full every month, pays me cash back! I do not use nor like debit cards they are a bad investment for me.
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Posted by Debra
from Columbus, OH
I think you too easily dismissed this woman as being spoiled! It sounds like she has problems with a feeling of security or there is another need that she has that is not being met. You have opened this couple up to some serious conflict if the husband takes the stand that she is just spoiled!
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Posted by Jared
from Chicago
In general this is good advice on the avoiding of debt. Being unable to restrain yourself when shopping is debilitating. That said, it is foolhardy to use a debit card over a credit card. A debit card is an open line to your bank account, and you do not have the limited liability you would with a credit card in case of theft.
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Posted by Denise
from Calgary, Alberta
Credit cards have many useful purposes including building a credit history,accessing cash in foreign countries where debit cards don't always work, racking up air miles, identification, keeping expenses organized by using different cards for different purposes (eg. business) to name a few.
I also prefer the privacy a credit card in my own name affords me. I don't want my husband knowing what I paid for his Christmas or birthday presents-or even that new dress I bought myself. Even though the wife in the question did not have the $500.00 in the bank that day, did not mean that her paycheque wasn't coming in a few days with plenty of funds to cover it.
As a working wife and mother, if I see fit to spoil myself a little now and then, and can afford it, good for me!
I agree with having a plan and budget, but men should be very careful not to clip their wives wings or be condescending and controlling.
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