Today was a red-letter day for me. I cut up my credit cards. I haven’t closed the accounts yet (I will once they’re paid off), but cutting them up was a BIG thing for me. For years they’ve sort of been there as some sort of hard, cold, plastic security blanket. Well, no more.
Some may think me crazy, but I don’t care. I have resolved to not borrow money again if I can help it – ESPECIALLY not on credit cards. This may be tough to do between now and when I have a fully-funded emergency fund put together (Baby Step 3), but I think I can manage if I stick to my budget…and stick HARD.
I can’t tell how how liberating it felt to slice up those bad boys!
WaMu?
WAHOO!
Capital One?
NOW IN TWO!
Chase?
NOT CHASING ME!
Old Navy?
YOU ARE DISMISSED!
Best Buy?
BYE BYE!
American Express?
HIT THE EXPRESS-WAY!
I am now left with two debit cards and a modest starter emergency fund. Debt-free (and calling Dave Ramsey to do the scream) by June 2009.
As an aside, I stumbled across a fellow blogger who is focused on her debt (and weight) as well… She’s got a great blog – so check it out at http://bankergirl.com


Wow – that’s quite the step. Good for you! I applaud your dedication and courage. I’m not ready to get off the juice yet, credit wise. Although this year is about focusing on weight loss. Look forward to reading about your journey
I know, BELIEVE me this was not easy to do! However I feel confident that it was the right thing for me to do…
I hear you on the weight loss – go girl! Keep me posted on that journey of yours!
So many changes, so little time to process. [...]
YEA DEB!! I’ve always been a fan of NO CREDIT CARDS and with the invention of the credit/debit cards you really don’t need an actual credit card anymore for things like renting a car or hotel room, etc… Congratulations and keep up the good work!!!!
Yeah! Satisfying feeling, isn’t it! Hope to hear you shout on the program next year–and that we’ll be there too!
Thanks for the link – I just found it today, so I apoligize for being late with my gratitude.
Congrats on the card cutting party! Hope you’re enjoying the plastic-free life.
[...] the major changes I’m working through (financial & weight), I have another decision of change to make that I’m not sure what to do about. [...]
[...] primed to at least keep moving forward. Considering I have acquired no new debt since January and my credit cards were hacked to pieces in February, I think it’s safe to say that I will end in a much much MUCH better place than I did last [...]
[...] coming up on a year since starting my Dave Ramsey plan, cut up my credit cards, and began a whole new way of financial living. Have I missed my credit cards? Not once. My [...]