Developing Smart Credit Card Spending Habits

It is always convenient to have a credit card handy. But with all the temptation lying around - from the stores, to the mall and restaurants, it really is quite a challenge for some people, and especially for women to be able to develop strictly practical spending habits. So what's left for you to do? Well, it is never too late to start acquiring smart credit card spending habits. As they say, better late than never! Here are some possible useful tips on how to have a more manageable credit card account through smart spending habits: *Purchase only your necessities as much as possible. Thinking of using your credit card for that really small but incredibly expensive designer bag? Before you head off to the cashier and start handing out your credit card (and in turn burn a deep hole in your pocket), try to asses the purchase first. Ask yourself, "Can I really afford this?", "Will I be able to pay this off in full once the credit card bill comes?", "Would I have to sacrifice some (important) things in order to acquire this?", "How often will I be able to use it?" and most importantly, "Is it really worth it?" Although the last question of course may vary from a case to case basis as some die hard fashionistas may automatically deem this as of an utter importance. Just be very objective and practical when it comes to major purchases. *Assess before buying When you want something that can probably cost you an arm and a leg before you'll be able to get it, you may want to think things over first before maxing out your credit card and making a mental note that you won't be using it 'till you've been able to pay off your debt. If it's something expensive for the home, but is not really much of a necessity (i.e. you can still manage to live a normal life even without that item or if you can still make do with a cheaper substitute (like a normal refrigerator first before buying that incredible big stainless steel one) then why not resist using your credit card in the meantime and just save up for that huge splurge? Apart from being able to save yourself a big chunk of debt, at least you can say to yourself that you really, truly can afford that expensive item and not just make a mental note of your would-be assets because up until they materialize, they'll not be of any use to you at all. *Use cash as opposed to credit cards Try to make the habit of using your credit cards only for emergency as well as highly important purchases. Again, you have to be very objective about what constitutes something as an "emergency" or as "highly important". Medicine is important especially when you don't have cash, or a wheelchair in case someone gets an accident or if you're thinking of going back to school or getting a job that requires you to always have a computer handy then it's probably not a bad investment - just don't get the incredibly expensive ones only for the "style factor". *Think twice on extravagant spending Also, never ever abuse your credit card by using it whenever you eat out or go clubbing! It simply isn't worth it, while you do need food for nourishment, you shouldn't charge your extravagant choices to your credit card because the cold hard fact is - if you can't pay through cash then you probably can't afford it. So when it comes to life's luxuries lay off your credit card and try to find a way to make your dispensable income grow so that you'll have more means to pay for your extravagant choices. Keep these tips in buying before handing your credit card to the cashier. This way, you can use your credit card without the thought of not being able to pay for it. For sure, a credit card debt nightmare is something you don't want to end up having.