Getting into credit card trouble again

[Calypso]

After almost five full years of not owing a thing except my student loans and my car loans, I'm noticing my credit card balances began to creep up again. Part of it is that I've genuinely needed them to pay for expenses--three surgeries in one year has really run up my medical bills, even with good insurance.

But I also notice I'm purchasing more books, computer games, and other luxuries with my credit cards, and that's not good.

It's time to commit to paying them down, one at a time. I think I'll start with my lowest balance first and go from there, maybe put all the freelance money I make in a month into extra payments.

It's so frustrating. I never thought I would have to face this problem again...

[randomthoughts1875]

It's sounds like you have a good plan to put into action! I know how frustrating it is to rack up charges after you've put so much effort into paying your cards down. My hubby and I have literally frozen (in ice) all but one of our credit cards. It takes about two days for them to thaw out and my desire to make an impulse purchase has usually worn off by then. The other card is strictly for emergencies. I don't know if something like this would work for you or not...or perhaps something a bit less drastic?

[mamab]

The fear of credit card debt piling up again is one of the main reasons that we don't have credit cards any more. It's just TOO easy to get back into using them for "wants" as opposed to needs. I hope you can get them paid down quickly, Calypso.

[Calypso]

Now that I'm back at work, I'm doing my best. The problem is, I'm still not back 100%. There are days when I'm so flat-on-my-butt tired it's all I can do to pick up the phone and call in. And of course, I don't get much writing done on those days, either. But I have stopped using my credit cards for non-necessity purchases like books and clothes. From now on, it's debit or cash for me!

[techluck]

The laws are too favorable for the creditors and against the consumer- really now- one day late and your interest rate can go to 32% on a credit card that one has had for ten years??

[Calypso]

I know the rates can go up tremendously if you're late at all. It's very frustrating. I just do the best I can to keep up and figure I'll deal with it as best I can.

[moonmagick]

Its a cycle that is all too easy to get into. My first husband and I paid off our credit cards so many times, vowing that we werent going to use them. We would even close them. But they just keep sending offers and it is all too easy to get right back on that roller coaster ride. I wish you luck in paying them down and keeping tem there.

[nangel78]

I put my cards away and locked them up. Luckily I have not used them nor do I want to!

[Lisee321]

Randomthoughts1875 has a valid point in putting the credit cards on ice, though I know from experience that doesn't help if you are purchasing online (it's too easy to remember all the details).
:-)
One thing I have started doing, is before I make a purchase with my credit card, I ask if what I am buying is a "need" or a "want". I.e. paying the electricity bill is a "need", buying a new book is a "want".

Thats not to say you can't have the item, but maybe look at some non-interest options for getting the item, like asking the store to hold the item while you pay it off.

[nangel78]

I only get an item if I have the cash and the bills haven been paid. Otherwise, it can wait in my opinion.