Welcome back. In our last post, we began discussing tips for learning to live without credit cards after getting out of credit card debt through bankruptcy or other debt relief options.
As we said discussed in an article on the same topic, many debt management experts recommend that people who have struggled with serious credit card debt try to avoid credit card use. Here are the rest of our tips on how to do that:
Use debit cards instead of credit cards. Debit cards are handy and accepted most places like credit cards. But unlike credit cards, debit cards won’t let you spend more than you have in the bank, thus preventing you from running up debt.
Use bank accounts for a “safety net.” Many people have a credit card or two for emergency situations. However, credit cards have high interest rates that can cause debt to spiral out of control if an emergency ever does occur.
Instead of using a credit card for emergency situations, debt counselors suggest building up a savings account or a checking account that is only used in case of emergency. This can be done easily by setting up an automatic monthly transfer from your regular account to your emergency account. Before you know it, you will have a small nest egg built up.
Use online money transfers from bank accounts. Many items and bills can be paid for online by transferring money directly from your bank account. This can be a better option because you are not racking up credit card debt and interest if you fail to pay your bill in full each month.
For more information on bankruptcy or debt management options, or credit repair and life after bankruptcy, contact an experienced bankruptcy lawyer in your area who would be happy to help.
