I need a virtual kick in the ass please!

[krobin02]

Ok. I'm a bad, bad girl. I already have about $1500 back on my credit card. I buy something and tell myself that I have the $15. The problem is that I forgot about the $30 I put on it a few days before and so the cycle has begun again. HELP!!! i want to fix the problem and break the cycle RIGHT NOW. I need to do it before I really have problems again. I lived cash only for a full year and needed help from my parents to get my glasses that year and used Christmas/birthday wishes to get the brakes fixed on my car, but other than those two big expenses, I lived within my means. I am now using the card only for the emergency tank of gas a couple of days before payday if I can't make itor for food for a couple of days, but I need some stern lecturing and then some support to help me get where I want (need) to be. The cards both live in my dresser so that I actually have to have a need for it in order to use it. No more just taking it out because it's easy.

Ok, start kicking!

[SinkingFast]

Sounds like you're suffering from "Spending Leaks".

A little here. A little there. Small enough that you don't notice when you actually spend the money. But when the bill comes, you realize the error of your ways.

Start carrying a memo pad size notebook with you. Write down every penny you spend for every thing you buy. You pay the electric bill, write it down. Swing by Starbucks, write it down. Get a pack of gum, write it down. Know where your money is going.

You can do this. You've already parked the cards so you aren't tempted to use them on a whim. Now you've gotta chip away at the balance to get them paid off.

YOU CAN DO THIS!!

[poorme]

I'm with Sinker on this one - you can do this. Much as I hate to suggest it - maybe go back to cash only again? You know it works.....

[HHM]

Sounds like you have already taken the necessary steps to get back on track. You put the credit cards away, etc. It can be pretty tough during the holidays, not only are you spending for others, but the temptation to spend on yourself is huge. Thankfully, there is only one week until Christmas.

As has been said, go back to cash only for a 1 month, and see how it goes. Also, instead of using credit cards, use (or get) a debit card. Since the debit card deducts directly from your checking account, it really forces you to keep track of spending.

[FilingOnMyOwn]

Yeah $1,500 is not a big deal, but its always best to nip it in the bud before a real problem develops, so you've done well by doing that. Perhaps cut up the cards until you have paid them off. Then once the balance is down to $0 again, you could request new cards sent out and retry using them more responsibly.

As for myself, the only card I keep access to period, is the one with the lowest limit. That way I at least know I could max it every month and still afford to pay it in full. As for the rest of my cards, they get shredded. And, whenever I ever need one back for a larger purchase, I simply call and request a duplicate card be sent.

[AMISLANDER]

NIP IT NOW!!!!

Emergencies like car repairs or plane tickets are one thing....otherwise, get a vault box at the bank for $10/year and lock them up....You won't be able to access the box except for banking hours...that can alleviate a whole lot!!!

[jetset]

I know how you must feel, that is how I was pre-BK. I haven't used either of my two credit cards in two weeks. I went to Old Navy and they had a great sale 2 for $10 on just about every long sleeved/sweatershirts in the store. I bought 4 which brought my total to $21.00 and some change after tax. I pulled out my credit card and then thought, wait, I'm gonna use cash. It's amazing the feeling you get when you pay with cash. You don't walk out of the store thinking, why did I charge that?

I hadn't used my card for a week prior to that and it's been a week since, so I haven't charged anything in two weeks. It feels great.

jetset

[krobin02]

Well, ot much kicking going on, but that's ok. Thanks for the support!

[poorme]

"What - are you freaking stupid??? Didn't you learn anything before???"

There now - feel better?