subject: Surfing The Net And Credit Card Debt [print this page] Don't think there's a link between how much you surf the 'net and your creeping credit card debt? How many movies do you rent or buy on the 'net each month?
Don't think there's a link between how impossible it seems to get your credit card paid off, and keeping your charge card number on file, oh-so-conveniently, at your favorite online store (stores)?
Don't think there's a link between keeping all your credit card information in an easy-to-access file on your desktop so you don't even have to get up to pull it out of your wallet when you buy online?
Hmmm. Now we're not saying you should stop buying online, but maybe you should consider making it a bit more difficult to just click! And buy.
So what can you do? Here are a few tips that might help you out:
1. First, never allow an online store to keep all your credit card information online-it's just way too easy to buy.
2. Next, get rid of that file you're keeping (sneaking?) on your desk top, and make yourself have to stand up, find your wallet, dig out your card, and type in, number by painful number, all those credit card codes. If your online addition is really bad, try this urban solution: keep your cards frozen in a block of ice. If you want to buy, you have to chip your credit card out, or let it melt out, before you make a purchase.
3. Get off those e-mail lists that send ads that tempt you all day-some stores will send you the same email three times in a row
* BUY THIS! * BUY THIS! * BUY THIS!
with the exclamation marks in bright red so you can't help but see them in your inbox. Who could resist?
Any step that gives you time to pause and think can help you develop restraint when using your credit card, and possibly save you from being overwhelmed with debt, going into default on your credit debt, or even bankruptcy.
Whatever works for you is what you should choose to do. If you want to get those debts under control, and also improve your credit, you could even use credit to do that. It may seem a bit backwards, but it can work for you. A car title loan is one example.
A car title loan allows you to take a loan out on your car (if you own it, and it's less than eight years old). The loan is awarded, often even in poor credit cases, because the car acts as collateral against the loan. You still keep your car, of course, but now you have a loan in your name, and cash in your pocket. Use the cash to pay off all those other debts-and voil! instant better credit. Now start building a good credit history, using the car title loan to do so. Two ways for you to win.
