Community Chat

[NoelSeven]

On 1/3/2015 minkbunny said:

Noel, the pay a bill the day it arrives is actually a habit learned from my husband. Of course, I always paid my bills on time before I met him but he literally pays a bill the day it arrives.

Speaking of 400 bucks, I got four $100 Visa gift cards with Citi card points this year, still have two to spend

Excellent, minky

I bought my daughter an expensive Cannon (with accessories) 2 years ago and got more than $300 taken off the bill with the points I turned in.

A Happy New Year to you and the cowboy

[Shorty2U]

Our house is almost paid off. He built this home before I met him. (It would be paid off sooner if I could work too, but I cant).

Car has just been paid off. (However in the next few years we may get another new car).

Otherwise my husband has one major credit card that is open and used for emergencies, and online shopping for Christmas etc.

His credit score is as good as it gets.

I don't have a major credit card in my name. I don't believe in them. (I live like my dad did, if you cant afford it don't buy it!).

[minkbunny]

Wow, Noel, great gift and good deal !

Thanks for the good wishes, same to you and yours.

[Irshgrl31201]

On 1/3/2015 Qwackertoo said:

I'm thinking my new (re-activated old Discover Card so I could take advantage of ShopDiscover rebates online) shows the credit score at the bottom of the statement each month. I'll have to look closer next month. I've only had it active again for a few short months for some recent remodeling projects.

And I did have to switch utilities just last week from the guy who was alternating semesters with my daughter for co-op in a different city . . . as this year it is her "turn" to have lease & utilities in her name . . . and they did do a "credit inquiry" and no deposit required based upon score. While not a big deal . . . I don't like having to make deposits when they aren't necessary no matter how little money of mine they keep for "free" for the duration of time. Just a pet peeve of mine. So hopefully when she shows up in the town/apartment tomorrow she will have hot water . . . and electricity and Internet . . . as I told them to have the "office" let them in for the gas . . . and haven't heard from electric or Internet providers so hoping and crossing fingers all happens as scheduled! She had to head back early for the road trip to the bowl game so I got stuck doing all the arrangements via telephone.

Oh, neither do I. They make tons of money off of those deposits.

And good luck to your daughter!!

[NoelSeven]

On 1/3/2015 Irshgrl31201 said:

On 1/3/2015 lacey1 said:

FYI. credit scores are used for more things than qualifying for a loan. Job applications, insurance, etc. PLUS: it's a good idea to pay attention to your credit score in case of an emergency. You need a credit card to rent a car, etc.

Yes, it's nice to live debt-free, but it's also a good idea to learn how to use debt properly. You can build a nice credit score without paying any interest, if you're careful.

YOu can live debt free and still have credit cards. You just pay them off monthly. I have AM EX, Visa, and Mastercard and I love my different points I get but I still pay them off at the end of each month and get the benefit of points. I can't think of one person who lives debt free whose credit score is not above the average FICO score let alone having one low enough to not get a job.

The credit companies really want Americans to be afraid almost of being debt free because they would lose billions if we did.

I was listening to DR the other night and a lady called in. She was going to buy a car with cash and the sales associate told her that she still had to have her credit run even to buy the car with cash. I mean, how ridiculous! Dave laughed for a good 5 minutes at the absurdity of it then told her to find a different car dealership. They would prefer no one buys a car with cash.

ITA!

I've thought that for several years now. Of course we're encouraged to buy things on credit! It's the way banks make the big bucks.

[Irshgrl31201]

On 1/3/2015 NoelSeven said:

On 1/3/2015 minkbunny said:

Noel, the pay a bill the day it arrives is actually a habit learned from my husband. Of course, I always paid my bills on time before I met him but he literally pays a bill the day it arrives.

Speaking of 400 bucks, I got four $100 Visa gift cards with Citi card points this year, still have two to spend

Excellent, minky

I bought my daughter an expensive Cannon (with accessories) 2 years ago and got more than $300 taken off the bill with the points I turned in.

A Happy New Year to you and the cowboy

Don't you love it when that happens?

[Marienkaefer2]

I don't use my cc for everything. Only larger purchases (over $100.) I also don't use it at smaller mom and pop businesses because I.know they get dinged for the purchases on their end, and it's harder for them.to absorb it and stay profitable. Remember the card companies make money from.the merchants, too. I've never had a problem with credit or debt. I.guess I.learned from my Depression ers grandparents. I got my first cc on my own while in college and always managed it well. The only debt I've had are house payments and a car payment when I got my.first new car after college. But I've known people who.have struggled with this.

[Lacey1]

On 1/3/2015 Irshgrl31201 said:

On 1/3/2015 lacey1 said:

FYI. credit scores are used for more things than qualifying for a loan. Job applications, insurance, etc. PLUS: it's a good idea to pay attention to your credit score in case of an emergency. You need a credit card to rent a car, etc.

Yes, it's nice to live debt-free, but it's also a good idea to learn how to use debt properly. You can build a nice credit score without paying any interest, if you're careful.

YOu can live debt free and still have credit cards. You just pay them off monthly. I have AM EX, Visa, and Mastercard and I love my different points I get but I still pay them off at the end of each month and get the benefit of points. I can't think of one person who lives debt free whose credit score is not above the average FICO score let alone having one low enough to not get a job.

The credit companies really want Americans to be afraid almost of being debt free because they would lose billions if we did.

I was listening to DR the other night and a lady called in. She was going to buy a car with cash and the sales associate told her that she still had to have her credit run even to buy the car with cash. I mean, how ridiculous! Dave laughed for a good 5 minutes at the absurdity of it then told her to find a different car dealership. They would prefer no one buys a car with cash.

That's my point about 'using' credit and debt. I also am debt-free, but use my credit cards and shop for loan interest rates. I have bought several cars with cash, the dealer didn't mind one bit, in fact, it made his job a lot easier.

[Qwackertoo]

On 1/3/2015 Irshgrl31201 said:

On 1/3/2015 Qwackertoo said:

I'm thinking my new (re-activated old Discover Card so I could take advantage of ShopDiscover rebates online) shows the credit score at the bottom of the statement each month. I'll have to look closer next month. I've only had it active again for a few short months for some recent remodeling projects.

And I did have to switch utilities just last week from the guy who was alternating semesters with my daughter for co-op in a different city . . . as this year it is her "turn" to have lease & utilities in her name . . . and they did do a "credit inquiry" and no deposit required based upon score. While not a big deal . . . I don't like having to make deposits when they aren't necessary no matter how little money of mine they keep for "free" for the duration of time. Just a pet peeve of mine. So hopefully when she shows up in the town/apartment tomorrow she will have hot water . . . and electricity and Internet . . . as I told them to have the "office" let them in for the gas . . . and haven't heard from electric or Internet providers so hoping and crossing fingers all happens as scheduled! She had to head back early for the road trip to the bowl game so I got stuck doing all the arrangements via telephone.

Oh, neither do I. They make tons of money off of those deposits.

And good luck to your daughter!!

Thanks! They got back in her college town @ 1:00 a.m. on Friday so I'm guessing she is packing necessary items to last a semester in the other town . . . I'll head over on Wednesday . . . it will be her 21st birthday and I can't bear the thought of her spending it all alone & in a strange town to boot. I've got my 21 gifts and wrapping paper ready to roll and need to go to Dollar General and get a deck, or two of cards, IF I want to use all hearts . . . to sequence the gifts. Then I'll spend a few nights and let the guys fend for themselves . . . school starts back for son on Monday but with NFL playoffs, NHL and our local hockey team . . . they'll be plenty busy and taking care of the dogs. And I will be returning her bunny back to her . . . we've been bunny sitting since Thanksgiving weekend . . . well my husband/her Dad has . . . as I didn't sign up for bunny caretaking . . . I've done kids, dogs, fish, bird . . . but I had to draw the line at the bunny.

[Qwackertoo]

On 1/3/2015 Marienkaefer2 said: I don't use my cc for everything. Only larger purchases (over $100.) I also don't use it at smaller mom and pop businesses because I.know they get dinged for the purchases on their end, and it's harder for them.to absorb it and stay profitable. Remember the card companies make money from.the merchants, too. I've never had a problem with credit or debt. I.guess I.learned from my Depression ers grandparents. I got my first cc on my own while in college and always managed it well. The only debt I've had are house payments and a car payment when I got my.first new car after college. But I've known people who.have struggled with this.

I agree on small Mom & Pop's. And I also am careful not to subject them to my AmEX as I know the fees are highest on it . . . I try to give them a break when I can with cash or check or "other" credit card such as Visa/MC/Discover.