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While you’re watching each piece of mail get ripped apart by the shredder or cutting them up manually with your scissors, now is the time to have some fun saying "no," if you’re one of the no-phobes who has difficulty using it. As Spade would say, "mix it up." You could alternate between "no" and "good-bye," with catchy little phrases for each. Variations on 'no' include "no thanks," "don’t think so," "don’t want to," and "ain’t gonna happen." For 'good-bye,' you might also want to use, "so long," "later," get lost," and of course "good riddance." Don’t worry about hurting someone’s feelings by indulging in this very useful exercise. Contrary to what you may believe, the reps at the debt card companies couldn’t care less whether you accept their offer or not. Considering that the whole idea of sending these offers is to get you into debt, you shouldn’t feel the least bit guilty for trashing them. But if you still have one or two pangs of guilt after they land in the garbage can, consider these myths and facts about debt cards, and the companies who offer them. Myth: Banks and financial institutions want to help you. Fact: Banks and financial institutions are NOT your friends. They offer you credit cards to get you to give them your money...and give, and give, and give. Myth: The only way you can get what you want now is to use credit cards. Fact: You can still get what you want without using credit cards. It just means you might have to wait until later, when you actually have the money in your checking account to buy it. Myth: Your bank will make sure your spending limit isn't too high to pay. Fact: Your bank will raise your limit at some point, and they're counting on you to reach it. Myth: Your credit card account is found money, and it is yours to spend. Fact: It is NOT your money, as you will find out very quickly if you max out your card at the limit the bank sets. You will owe this money to THEM. Myth: You don't have to understand the terms of your account, you can trust your bank representative to explain them to you. Fact: The bank wants you to remain ignorant of the exact terms, and they probably won't be too eager to educate you. Myth: By raising your limit, the bank is doing you a favor. Fact: The bank is doing you a terrible disservice by encouraging you to spend more than you can afford. They're doing it for them, not for you. Myth: You cannot live comfortably without credit cards. Fact: You CAN live comfortably without credit cards. Don't confuse comfort with luxury. Myth: Credit cards make your life easier. Fact: Credit cards make your life very hard when you end up owing large amounts of money on each one. Continued On Next Page (offer, Page 3) ... AUTHOR: Susan Levine  TAGS: Opinion money BOOKMARK: Digg it | Add to Del.ICIO | Add to FARK ACTIONS: Comment Save Print Register free acount  |
