an idea for not messing up credit cards--

[all_adream]

I haven't had a credit card in years, since I crashed and burned with them long ago (partway due to their errors and then extra charges based on that and me refusing to pay since it was robbery. They ultimately sued me, the dogs). I learned my lesson, and have been doing fine without one for a long time now. I just applied for one in order to improve my credit scores since we plan to buy a house, and was accepted for one that has a low credit limit, was free the first year and costs a little after the first year ($19.00, which might be worth it for me, and I could possibly even switch to one without a charge by then). I just want to use it and pay it off every month to keep getting better credit scores.

The best way I can think of is to (obviously) only use it like a debit card, only using it for amounts I have in the bank right then, and then me writing a check for it immediately and putting the check in the back of my checkbook or whatever, deducting it from the register right away, and then when the time comes for the bill to be paid, I'll have a check put aside ready for it and it won't be a surprise or hardship. In theory, I could write down the figures if I planned to use it for a few things per month, and then write the check for that total *but still deduct the amounts from the register the minute I use the card*. This seems like it would work, as I have been using debit cards successfully and without screwing up for years--and I would resent paying interest for a crappy hundred-dollar purchase, so I won't fall for that--

Comments

[sapote]

Is there a recurring fixed cost you can use it for, like a cell phone bill, so that you could plan it into your monthly bill paying? I've noticed that the trick for me is to not feel like I have the option of making unplanned small purchases on my credit card at all because of how quickly (my budget being fairly tight) unplanned small purchases add up. I know someone who was very successful in building a credit rating by doing all of his utilities by credit card and then setting up automatic deductions from his paycheck to go directly to that balance, but I don't know if you have that option where you bank.

[all_adream]

I think I'll use it for things more like buying food, which can vary in cost but has to happen, and just be aware of the amount. My control is really good lately, after going broke in the past!!!!