mbuchman

Cash is definately the best way to buy things, because as you said, its more painful. I know this is nothing compared to what has been posted so far, but I just got my debit card in october, and in just 4 months, have spent maybe $1,000 or so on stuff I didnt really need. However, I am only 19, and live at home, so I have no debt whatsoever (but the money I spent is my money, not my parents). Thatll all change in 6 months or so when I take out a loan to get a car. Planning on paying half up front (even though I have enough for 3/4 or so), and then using another 1k of it for plates and insurance, then having 2-3k for repairs and any other unfortunate stuff.

And the thing about the credit cards and budgeting money is one of the things my parents do very well. Countless people who have 2 new cars in their garage, 3 story house, live on a lake, have a boat, and a "getaway" house cannot afford it. So when they die, their kids now have all their financial responsibilities. However, if my parents were to die today, I would not have any debt to worry about (just some car payments that I could go into their savings to pay off if needed, but I would sell that one anyway). We are not rich, but not poor either. We may not have the newest of everything, but we still have a 2 story house, 2 car garage, 5 vheicles, and all that good stuff. The way my parents got to where they are was by not getting the huge debt like most people end up getting. I dont remember who, but someone said that its a different story about being in debt to pay off a house or car, but their are still guidelines. If you make say 40k a year, you cannot afford a 250,000 house if you ask me.

Good luck though, sounds like you are on the right track now!

Matt