You guys that are getting frequent offers and dunning notices need to visit the junk mail web site where you can begin to choke off this stuff. I have done so and the only thing I can't seem to get cut off completely is the aggravating AARP crap, but even it only shows up once in a great while.
No reputable bank or merchant is going to dun you with 'reminders' if you pay electronically. If they do, call them and tell them to cut it out. Most will.
I agree with most of what Ramsey counsels. But, not having a credit card at all? Nice if you can make it work. What's more important is to be able to handle that piece (one is all you really need) of plastic. The alternative to a card is constantly carrying a checkbook or large amounts of cash...especially now, how do you fill your vehicle? I'd rather not have several hundred dollars on me when traveling, or anytime else. If you lose it or it's stolen, it's gone. That's a very high price.
Of course, I never carry a credit balance and my bill is paid in full electronically each month. It's kind of like knowing when to stop drinking margaritas. A man has to know his limitations.
Visa Debit Card! I can do anything with a my Chase Visa Debit....no credit.....just straight out of my bank account. I haven't used checks in years, and I hardly ever actually carry cash..... debit card, debit card, debit card! I even have better security features as compared to a credit card. If someone steals my card.....no prob....Chase will put the money back instantly and fix me up with a new one, or cash in a jiffy! I know....it's actually happened before (I left my wallet at a restaurant).
