DiSabatino CPA Blog

Mike DiSabatino CPA

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6 ways to avoid a credit card catastrophe

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Do you feel like your credit card spending is out of control? Follow these six ways to lead you off the path of financial catastrophe.


Credit cards should be a convenient short-term way to pay, not a source of regular spending. Unfortunately, some people have a hard time staying true to this concept. Instead of paying off the entire balance due on the card each month, they let it grow and pay only the minimum amounts.

If this sounds all too familiar, it's time to stop what you're doing and start following these rules:

1. Pay the entire balance due each month.

2. If a balance remains unpaid at month's end, do not use the card again.

3. Do not use more than one credit card.

4. Do not accept credit cards from specific retail stores.

5. Do not pay off one credit card with another.

6. Do not purchase gifts for people with your credit card. It's often too easy to let your generosity exceed your ability to pay.

Spending habit monitoring tip: Take your credit card charges and your canceled checks for the past year and sort each charge and canceled check into two piles. One pile is for the "must" payments such as utilities, taxes, medication, rent or mortgage payments. The other pile is for the optional spending, such as meals at restaurants, gifts for people, recreational events or equipment.

This exercise may give you some guidance on how to spend more wisely. It may even help you create a surplus of cash for a savings and investment.


As always, feel free to pass this Tip along to friends, and reach out if you need help with your personal tax and finance situation.

DiSabatino CPA
Michael DiSabatino
651 Via Alondra Suite 715
Camarillo, CA 93012
Phone: 805-389-7300
ww.sharpcpa.com

This publication provides summary information regarding the subject matter at time of publishing. Please call with any questions on how this information may impact your situation. This material may not be published, rewritten or redistributed without permission, except as noted here. All rights reserved.

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