My $42,999.92 Credit Card Debt

Unfortunately, many Americans encourage their children to build their credit scores by opening and using a credit card. Sadly, the risks are not often communicated. At it's highest point I had $42,999.92 in credit card debt, that felt impossible to pay off. This was accumulated over an extended period of time. I couldn't even tell you exactly what I bought, but I can tell you how much shame and sadness it caused me. The debt impacted my emotional and physical well being on many levels.
For many years I used credit cards to supplement my low income by using them to pay for groceries, gas, clothes, rent and more! Once my income increased, I simply paid the minimum balance, and continued to use them for meals out etc. The balance just seemed like it'd never go away. It stressed me out, but my friends and family all seemed to think it was normal, and not something to worry about.
You may think you have your credit cards under control, but unexpected things happen in life, and you may end up carrying a balance. With world events being what they are, this is the time to re-evaluate your financial situation and commit to change, if you don't like what you see. Paying off your credit cards will help stabilize your finances and reduce your exposure to nasty debt collectors.
In order to get out of credit card debt, you first have to get disgusted with it. Commit to paying off your credit card debt. Cut expenses, and pay as much as you can towards your debt. You can do this! It's time to decide to live differently. Save up and pay for the things you need and want. If you don't have the money to buy it, don't buy it. Let's make credit cards (and credit scores!) a thing of the past. If we all stop borrowing money, there's no need to worry about building a credit score. Simple as that.
#DebtFreeDana #CreditCardDebt
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[@youngtimer964]

Credit cards are perfectly fine for those with strong discipline. They can be a great convenience when traveling and offer superior safety. But if you are not disciplined, you should go a different route.

[@jncchang176]

I've seen people hack the heck out of credit cards; miles and cash back, points, whatever. I've seen people use credit cards to buy real estate. Very savvy, milennial-type stuff. (When I say "millennial-type", I mean advanced, technical, very. modern thinking.)😉

[@madiantin]

Yep, agreed. We were sent to Canada on foreign assignment, but were still paid in the US (it was utterly bizarre). So we started using our US credit card to pay for *everything*. Worked like a charm and we earned enough air miles so our kids could come and visit us a couple of times. Awesome! =) But we paid that sucker off Every. Single. Month without fail. Never ever carried a balance. It works great if you're disciplined. But Dana's right, if you know you have an issue with credit cards, don't go near them.

[@Brittany12345x]

Someone posted this guy *cardman17* on telegram yesterday and I tried him he is real💯✅

[@Brittany12345x]

@@madiantin Someone posted this guy *cardman17* on telegram yesterday and I tried him he is real💯✅

[@shippingagency7490]

Legit?? The only real vendor I found on here is *Ericroboti * on telegram, that man is good for real 😳 I got my credit card from him I can voucher him

[@dinapal]

When my daughter was 16 I bought a book on how to cut hair and gave it to her. She is 42 now and has been cutting it ever since. She cuts her kid's hair as well. BIG money saver!

[@awarepenguin3376]

If anyone wonders why Dave Ramsey hates American Express it’s because a debt collector of theirs told his wife that Dave wasn’t a good partner and that she should move on. I will say if you want to transition to debit card please please get a separate spending account. Fraud is rampant nowadays. You shouldn’t be spending out of the same account you pay your rent/mortgage from.

[@landeeld9596]

I had about the same amount of credit card debt. Have been paying it off aggressively. Will be done in September. Never again!

[@cherylT321]

Lande Eld. Good for you!

[@Brittany12345x]

Someone posted this guy *cardman17* on telegram yesterday and I tried him he is real💯✅

[@DiamondEdwards]

People say if you have strong discipline then credit cards are great. The issue is this; We are told from 18 yrs old to get credit cards to build our credit score but nothing is said about the great discipline required. So by a large margin folks have to go into debt to learn this lesson. What I tell people to do is focus on your net worth not your credit score because credit with no money in the bank is debt waiting to happen.

[@nancybennani2925]

M

[@janinedekoker9405]

I also experienced that harassment for a few months while I was on maternity leave. My Mom passed away in that time and money matters were just not great. It was really terrible dealing with the calls plus having a new born and dealing with death. But I'm glad to say they did me a favour as I am determined not to go that route again. I haven't had credit since sometime last year. Aside from that I also finished paying one of my student loans last Friday.

[@mabelincedillos5794]

Congratulations God bless you . Keep strong ❤

[@lindasegraves6207]

Congratulations! Now that the interest rate is low and there is a possibility of money from the Government to pay toward or forgive some of your student loan pay down what you are able. Mostly learn from your experiences in life. Condolences with losing your Mom and enjoy your precious baby! Stay Safe.

[@mermaid6116]

I've had a credit card since I turned 18. I was very disciplined with it but then life happened. When I was 26 I had a baby and 1 month later my husband lost his job. My credit cards did save us but now a few years later we are still paying it off. No one gets into debt on purpose and it's not always reckless spending. I appreciate your financial advice and feel that some people shouldn't leave rude comments when all your trying to do is help.

[@tisharodriguez9541]

Wouldn’t it have been better to have an Emergency fund? Having a credit card is not the same as having an e regency fund.

[@mermaid6116]

@@tisharodriguez9541 absolutely! And I wish that was something I knew about when I was younger. But the older you get the more you learn.

[@tisharodriguez9541]

Amen!

[@Brittany12345x]

Someone posted this guy *cardman17* on telegram yesterday and I tried him he is real💯✅

[@Brittany12345x]

@@tisharodriguez9541 Someone posted this guy *cardman17* on telegram yesterday and I tried him he is real💯✅

[@cathycalrow2729]

I love the picture. I thought it was a piece of artwork. Your hair looks lovely. Tell your Daughter she did very well.

[@Brittany12345x]

Someone posted this guy *cardman17* on telegram yesterday and I tried him he is real💯✅

[@shippingagency7490]

Legit?? The only real vendor I found on here is *Ericroboti * on telegram, that man is good for real 😳 I got my credit card from him I can voucher him

[@youngtimer964]

If you pay them back on time, there is no risk of abuse.

[@Brittany12345x]

Someone posted this guy *cardman17* on telegram yesterday and I tried him he is real💯✅

[@shippingagency7490]

Legit?? The only real vendor I found on here is *Ericroboti * on telegram, that man is good for real 😳 I got my credit card from him I can voucher him

[@gdp7q]

Suppose you lose you job unexpectedly or even worse have a medical emergency and your insurance doesn’t cover all the medical expenses. Number one reason for bankruptcy is medical expenses and with this pandemic 10% of the population is out of work and struggling. Think before you comment because it could be you!!!

[@youngtimer964]

@@gdp7q if you experience that misfortune, you don’t run and hide. You make arrangements before it ever gets to the point of collection calls.

[@Aj-me8mo]

Same, my credit score is sky high because I pay my balances off every month no exceptions. It's actually pretty simple to get a high credit score without paying interest or getting into debt.

[@jeremyshearer3885]

I have learned the hard way my self about using credit cards I will never ever go back there again

[@themoneywizard-shanemulvey8229]

Jeremy Shearer Unfortunatly there necessary for alot of us!

[@youngtimer964]

I thought that you don’t need to actually cancel your card. Simply stop using it and don’t activate new ones when they expire.

[@sandyseibelhager7131]

I didn't cancel mine. I did just what you said.

[@deltaflute03]

Canceling it can lower your credit score. I went years just never activating a new card and shoving it in a drawer. After having a zero balance for so long, they closed the account for me. 😂

[@ella_encantada]

They eventually will close them if not used. Depends on the company some will close them within one year.

[@elliejellie22]

Like the idea of framing your cut up cards! A constant reminder!👍Your hair looks great! Your daughter did a great job.

[@Brittany12345x]

Someone posted this guy *cardman17* on telegram yesterday and I tried him he is real💯✅

[@shippingagency7490]

Legit?? The only real vendor I found on here is *Ericroboti * on telegram, that man is good for real 😳 I got my credit card from him I can voucher him

[@terigroce919]

i cancelled all my cards and paid them off. i destroyed them and got rid of them by shredding, i wanted no reminders of the stupidity i had done in my life. I was completely debt free, my daughter needed a vehicle to get back and forth to work, so i gave her mine and bought myself a new one. So, now i do have a car loan i just took out in March. i will have that entire loan paid by January 30, 2021 as that is the only debt i have besides regular monthly bills. So, every once in a while it seems almost impossible to have the money up front, but i am being diligent and continue to strive to be debt free.

[@kajslier275]

I think you are wrong! If you pay your credit card back every month there are no issues. Also you build credit score like you mentioned in your video. I don't know what you spent so much money on but i am guessing it's stuff that you don't really need. Credit Cards are awesome! But it's like fire. It can keep you warm but it can also burn you. The moment you miss your first payment i would cancel all credit cards because you will not be ready! thanks for sharing your story tho :)

[@bethdouglas4674]

Thank you for sharing this. I am in the process of paying off my credit card for the second time and I'm determined to make it the last.

[@busymama6714]

I have to say that I’m “weird” too. I’ve had a credit card since the age of 16 and have used it wisely. I pay my balance off every month and it automatically gets taken from my checking account. I still wait for big purchases to have enough “cash” in my bank account and I simply charge it to my credit card so that it is paid at the end of the month. I do have a high credit score and had no problem getting a mortgage. Only mistake I made was a took out a car loan....but paid it off early when I figured out how much interest I would pay in the long run

[@dbrownss1480]

Nope

[@Brittany12345x]

Someone posted this guy *cardman17* on telegram yesterday and I tried him he is real💯✅

[@Brittany12345x]

@@dbrownss1480 I

[@Brittany12345x]

@@dbrownss1480 Someone posted this guy *cardman17* on telegram yesterday and I tried him he is real💯✅.

[@martin4819]

Car loan isn’t usually a bad loan to have as the interest rates are usually really low, especially so if u have really good credit. I think most people if u had the cash to pay in full would recommend u invest it and hopefully get 8% as opposed to the 4% your car loan was for. Same logic goes to paying of a mortgage early.

[@louhale22]

It worries me how many comments on here are in favor of credit cards. Why borrow money just to have to pay it back!? Use cash and not pay any interest. Eliminate the risk of life happening and causing you to dig a deeper hole! Thanks, Dana!

[@ThinkMoneyBenny]

If debt is normal I’m hella weird. no debt. 🧤

[@zyzzer]

I hope you reconsider what you teach your children. Can they live without credit cards? Sure. But they can live without ever using a knife either. But I don't recommend you avoid knives altogether because you never want them to hurt themselves. I'll tell you what, eating steak SUCKS without the use of knives. Same analogy with credit cards. Yes they can be abused. But I'm living proof you can get thousands of dollars in benefits from using them responsibly.

[@foreverheiren]

You should just teach your kids to use a credit card like a debit card...pay it off in full every month. Only make purchases with it that you have money for in your bank account. I was so grateful my parents taught me to treat them like that.

[@JonathanGIkini]

you’re simply just not a responsible person. credit cards when used by a disciplined person can be used to greatly enhance ones travel, work and just all around life experience. clearly, you are not very disciplined and therefore learned the hard way

[@vitasolano3272]

Yes what you’ve said is true.. people encourage others to get a credit card.. but the ones who win are the credit card companies.. that’s who wins.. yes I cancelled one card and it was annoying as they didn’t want me to.. now the last one will go!

[@rainbowphoenix8168]

Your hair looks great Dana! Be glad she’s 12, because by 15 you may not trust her to do it-lol! As for credit cards, I have one but I always pay it off when I use it. I’m pretty disciplined financially-was poor as a teen and vowed not to be as an adult!

[@keithmuhati]

Pay off your debt within the shortest period possible using this strategy. Go on to Great Wealth Strategies LLC to find out more.

[@SAHMtoRN]

We’re one of the many families who just can’t use cards responsibly. Even having one, we end up using it at the end of the month, thus spending more than we would if we didn’t have it. Even if you pay it off monthly, most still spend more money bc they have one. Thanks, Dana ♥️

[@M_SC]

Lauren Brightbill it’s so responsible to be able to admit this

[@kayciable]

If you don't have a written budget it doesn't matter if you use cash or card, you will overspend. If the money isn't in your account you can't afford it.

[@nikkiperdiz7058]

You mentioned that you would not introduce credit cards to your children. How will they build their credit if they never start?

[@monicaleite5058]

Nikki Perdiz usually ppl who don’t believe in credit believe you pay cash for everything except for a home they will look for a mortgage company that does manual underwriting therefore they don’t need a credit score. When it comes to real estate I think it depends on the location. There is no way I could realistically save enough cash to put a down payment on a home in a reasonable time frame. I live in the CA Bay Area. And I know the recommendation is to move out of state but there are way more variables involved with that like jobs, family, weather lol for this reason I do think you need a credit score.

[@AF-bi9vz]

Right in New York State some rental homes need a good credit score to rent.

[@amypendergrass6461]

There’s lots of ways to build credit without cards. Basic utilities and rent (lots of places rent to young adults) small loans, etc. There’s lots of info online you can look at to help young adults getting started building credit without cards. Credit cards shouldn’t be a starting place. They require discipline and maturity. They’re not meant for 18 year olds.

[@PassiveIncomeTom]

*Thanks for sharing this credit card debt story!* 👍

[@BackroadMoney]

We use our credit card pretty much online only. Then we take that amount out of our budget to pay the bill in full. We have been in debt before and diligently work to never be i that position again. Your hair looks great, she did a great job

[@zickafoose]

I’m quarantined in a rural area and must have a credit card to purchase my supplies. Thank goodness I have excellent credit and a credit card which I pay off each month!

[@DiamondEdwards]

I'm just curious why can't a debit card, paypal, apple pay, etc work in your area?

[@amyclark959]

You should be able to use a debit card just like a credit card... Debit is linked directly to your account unlike credit cards

[@princesskaitlinhazelwood4703]

I have had credit cards since lost college. My highest balance was about 3k when I was in my m of twenties. I had learned my lesson and paid it off in a year. And do not carry balance since the n. Flash forward twenty years and I have paid off house and no debt. But we still each have one credit card. So if you can control your spending,credit cards are fine. But I agree lots of peop!e can't seem to do tell their spending. So for those people, a debit card is better.

[@amazinglats6020]

No need to cancel a credit card, just cut it up and they will cancel it for you eventually due to inactivity.

[@catrinarich3711]

I love your art piece!! Great idea!!

[@keychabudgets]

Thanks for the tips!!!! You gotta be in the position to pay off the debt every month but like you said, it can get you caught up. Discipline is key.

[@jncchang176]

I use a hair cut clip to cut long hair. Men's hair is much more difficult to do. I remember my son's horror as I a) cut his hair, and b) ask him to cut my hair. Anyways, I've seen people get creative with their credit cards like tiling their swimming pool. I don't have a problem with cancelling credit cards, cuz I don't use them, they cancel themselves. However, if you still plan to buy investment properties, you'll still need to keep some to maintain credit worthiness. Even then, the best credit to have is collateral credit. Car loans and mortgages. Best feeling in the world when those are paid off and you see your credit score skyrocket.

[@sandyseibelhager7131]

I use a cashless envelope system to keep my budget on track. I put EVERYTHING possible on credit cards and get the cashback. I get hundreds back every year. I ALWAYS pay the balance in full every month.

[@daviddianna]

Great haircut, great framed art memorializing your credit card relationship breakup. I love that you are weird. I do use a credit card to buy all big purchases so that I get the extra protection and the cash back. We always pay each paycheck and we never buy unless we already have the money put aside in savings. I get free credit rating check each month too. I will say we taught our kids no credit cards and our oldest son and his wife have a business, work jobs that require travel expenses, have a family, own a home etc and have NEVER had a credit card. This one credit card we already had from when we were like you. When we called to cancel they gave us the run around to close like you got. We kept it with zero balance for years and years and they never closed it. At some point we started capitalizing on the points. Anyway, I agree with you that no card is best in most situations

[@janellemargot4376]

Thank you for sharing. It makes me know I can do it!! I dont have much cc debt but student loans and cars.. I know :(

[@debrapizzuto3060]

Great collage idea! Your daughter did a good job on your hair❣️

[@michaelbest7872]

Wow Dana, your credit card story sounds a lot like mine (though my debt was $15,000 ish in my 20's). I consolidated my credit cards into one bank loan. It took years to pay it off, but I did it. Then my financial life changed. I was able to buy things with cash, and start saving money too. I still live frugally in a way, as I've gotten used to having less. On another note, I found out that it's good to have ONE credit card for emergencies ( No I don't have a credit cards again, but I'm still considering it ). Years ago, my brother and his family went to New Hampshire for a mini vacation. Their van was hit by a Moose on the Highway ( they all were generally okay. The Moose - not so lucky). Anyway, they called family and no one was "available" to drive up there and pick them up. So my brother called me. This was on a Sunday. I found a rental place and had my neighbor drive me there. They needed a credit card for insurance purposes. I gave them my Debit Card with the Visa logo on it. It wasn't enough! My neighbor was kind enough to offer his credit card as insurance. So without a credit card, I could not have rented a van to pick up my brother and his family. I now am a new subscriber to your channel. Thank you for your common sense, informative information.

[@elizabethnishamiller]

Haircut looks good, great topic today. Elizabeth😊

[@uppermostking02]

Getting advice from someone who is $42,000 in debt? Probably a bad idea.

[@msdanaryan]

We paid it all off. 😊👍🏻

[@nikita4846]

Hi Dana. Here in Italy we don't use credit cards! I'm so glad to not have any debts. I learn so much following you! Thank you for your help! 🤗🤗

[@MookiePookieDookie]

I was surprised to learn Italians don't use CC. I had to teach an italian friend of mine the difference between a CC and a debit card.

[@nikita4846]

@@MookiePookieDookiehi! Someone does but the most part of people doesn't use them at all!

[@inea-fijourney22]

Uuuuuu I love that frame!! I will do something similar when I pay them off!! Awesomeee

[@EmilyDowgialo]

Wow so creative to cut up the credit cards! I think credit cards can be great tools but only if you’re very disciplined and pay them off immediately. Thank you for sharing!

[@hilaryjoseph9706]

Credit cards are a trap and a anchor that weigh you down...so glad I got rid of them...so now I can focus on getting out of my other debts..and it's gonna happen...thanks to the top class advice I've been getting from Dana and others in the debt free community...

[@BUYBLUESHOPPER]

This pandemic, is the teacher

[@aaGirlification]

Sooooo true.

[@denisestathatos4147]

credit cards are a tool, but not a way of life!

[@finallyfiguringoutlife9177]

I get swipe happy with credit cards. Glad to be rid of them. BUT I got sick and didn't have a credit card or fully funded emergency fund. The issue I have is a lifelong issue, expensive to treat and the bills add up faster than you can pay. Medical bills are in collections. Having a credit card would've helped keep me out of collections but then I would still owe more than I can afford to pay. I was telling a millennial to save money because you must expect the unexpected and she argued it was more important to her to have experiences. 🙈 Kuddos to your daughter!! She did an awesome job.

[@cltinturkey]

Important credit message. Thanks! Your daughter did a fine job with your haircut. I like the office redesign and have two suggestions: 1) hang your "credit art" about three inches lower, so it's at eye level from your chair, and 2) tilt your camera up a bit so we can see 2-3 inches above your head. Your face will then be centered in the screen. As always, great job!

[@xyzsame4081]

40,000 USD at 20 % interest means 8,000 in interest PER year. or 16,000 in two years. So if you hold back, and scale back your spending - some things would finance themselves. (a little later). And if you WAIT for buying things and hover around your purchases you finetune your wishes (and it gets sweeter when you finally get whatever it is you think you want or need). One or the other household appliance is not really necessary, you meet people that are enthusiastic (or not at all). If you are lucky other people already have given up on the item and sell it. Think a crock pot etc.

[@martin4819]

Credit cards have been great for me. My dad had really good credit so he piggybacked me on his oldest card. Which instantly gave me a good credit score. Of course he didn’t give me the actual card and told me not to get a CC until I found a job after college. I mean it’s easy to go into debt when you’re a student with virtually no income. My fist CC had a 16k credit limit at age 22. Of course I have never even remotely come close to that amount then or now because I would never be able to pay it off each month if I did. I get about 1k cash back each year because I pay everything allowable with my CC and thats without playing “CC games” . The fraud protection with a CC is much better than debit cards. I’ve never paid interest in the 21 yrs since. I agree 22% or more in interest is near criminal but it’s not like they hide the APR from u. I get emergencies happen….that’s what savings accounts are for.

[@tammymasson2343]

We were never super deep in debt, but it still always felt horrible and endless. I personally had to wean off. I stopped using one card at a time. Admittedly this was a slow process. It has felt so good though, to get rid of those darn things!!!

[@jdmans]

Cash is always better. Balance transfer is ok to get out of debt exc for fees while removing debt

[@aaronheaston8454]

Everyone should get a clue about credit cards. If u r in a situation where you need to use your home equity or your 401k. Don't pay your credit cards. You font even need to file bankruptcy. Just don't pay. Yes your credit will be hurt but you'll be rich. And after a 7 years they can't come after u. Haha

[@Betrsafthensory]

She did a good job cutting your hair. Very good video, we were on pur way put of debt then the pandemic happened. Now we have to start again. 😕

[@youngtimer964]

I’ve not had the experience of a collector bully as you describe. That’s too bad that people can’t be nice whatever their occupation.

[@deltaflute03]

young timer There was a person in same town with the exact same name as me. She took a magazine subscription but didn’t pay it. Kept getting hounded even though I told the debt collector that that wasn’t me. I don’t have any magazine subscriptions etc etc. I would still periodically get calls until I stopped having a landline and changed my last name.

[@cherylT321]

deltaflute03. A friend of mine had that same problem. The thing was, this person lived in the same building as her. She had some how managed to hide herself so my friend ended up having to deal with harassing phone calls that had nothing to do with her!

[@laura.redfield]

As Socrates said - KNOW THYSELF. If you’re disciplined with your budget & spending, there can be pros to having credit cards. However, if you’re not organized & disciplined enough to track your spending and delay gratification as necessary, then credit cards should obviously be avoided.

[@Ipickthisone]

I have had credit cards since I was 18 and have never missed a payment. Don’t spend what you don’t have. Pay your balance every month. You can have credit cards if you are responsible.

[@louhale22]

Why wouldn't you just use cash? "Credit" cards are like borrowing money. Don't spend what you don't have? The money on the credit card isn't yours...

[@cherylT321]

Why would you need 18 of them?

[@kimberlyjordan2733]

LEOTHE.NERD on insta helped me i'm greatful

[@elizabethnishamiller]

Haircut looks good, great topic today. Elizabeth😊

[@serena1785]

It is psychologically easier to over spend with plastic vs handing over cold hard cash in a store. Because plastic in most peoples mind set is not real money or debt.

[@abhisheksamanta1]

I like the idea of putting it on the wall - not for us, but for future generations. It would act as a great reminder for them.

[@itsthatnoigirl]

I honestly have had a worse experience canceling my cable than canceling a credit card.

[@GreatestXchange]

I love your wall art and your hair. Great job on both!

[@shippingagency7490]

Legit?? The only real vendor I found on here is *Ericroboti * on telegram, that man is good for real 😳 I got my credit card from him I can voucher him

[@madeline5175]

Don't carry a balance. So simple.

[@debrapbates]

Your daughter did a great job

[@debabrataroy1358]

I am not that smart but can you tell more how to use a credit card?? I am from Bangladesh

[@nelaoliveira7845]

Use them, don't be used by them! ALWAYS pay the whole balance every month so that you pay no interest and YOU benefit from any rewards.

[@rodriguezjames2679]

So happy I met @Darkverizon1 on Telegram he changed my life after being duped on this platform so many times he got my cards delivered to me with great balance on it...So I’m so proud of him and vouch for him..❤️❤️❤️

[@nikkiperdiz7058]

Could you make a video on how to stop spending money? And how to save money, how to get that mind state?

[@aaGirlification]

Make saving money a fun full hobby . Have a weekly/monthly goal. Dont worry ,if you fail to reach it once or twice. Effort counts , but be determined to reach your goal. Stop online shopping, unless it is grocery on discount or something of very high need. Best get motivated by stop watching channels or commercials on luxury items /lifestyles. Instead,watch videos on frugal living , dave ramsey show , cheap skates , money saving challenge , etc. You will get motivated to continue working on your goal.

[@DebtFreeJessie]

We just paid off all our credit card debt for the second time about two weeks ago! I made a debt story video to join the community and add some accountability. Fingers crossed! I'm so ready to be done with debt and start using my money for productive line items. We are working on paying off our SUV now and are within a month of payoff!! Yay! Thanks for helping reaffirm my commitment to stay out of debt this time!

[@keekee8760]

Great video, thank you for sharing.

[@hopebritton3087]

Awesome!!!

[@qfason5836]

it’s probably a disservice to your kids to make them so fearful of credit cards. CC are great for fraud protection and for traveling. Just instill in them that you must pay off the balance monthly! I agree credit card debt is ridiculous and some of those interests rates are criminal. It sounds like you personally may be better off without a credit card since it makes you so anxious but many people use them responsibly and get many rewards, it’s sort of frugal in a way.

[@jackiemiller3587]

Very cool poster

[@melissatamer9193]

There was some sort of mess up at the bank and our payments for our RV were being returned, unbeknownst to us, for 3 months. 2 1/2 years later the bank calls me and threatens me that my RV is being repossessed, that I am 3 months behind. I was in disbelief because i knew i paid and paid extra every month. Long story short, after weeks of arguing with them and going up the channels, they realized they "Misplaced" the payments so they credited our account the 3 payments. The RV is our only it's my Mortgage and we are working to get it paid in full ASAP.

[@HangNguyen-ih8rf]

I bought my 1st car by myself at 26 without a co sign...never touch a credit card until 32. It’s a myth...you don’t need credit card to build credit. I don’t have that belief that credit card are evil though....it’s about discipline.

[@thestrugglingperfectionist]

I work with mortgages and thoroughly enjoy seeing credit reports with little to no debt!! For those of you canceling credit cards and doing away with credit use/loans, my only piece of advice - if you end up seeking/needing a mortgage loan, PLEASE make it easier on yourself by maintaining a few sources of non-cash paid bills - rent is most important-make sure rent is paid in a manner it shows for both borrowers (like by a joint checking account) as well as utility bills, cell phone bills, auto insurance, ect!! Non-traditional credit can be done by providing the right documentation. Also, if you end up needing a loan, make sure you work with a lender that doesn’t penalize for pre-paying. So excited for all of you (myself included) that are striving to be debt free. I have a zero percent interest credit card that I’m paying very well on and my car loan is the only other debt I have - and that’s at 2.49% interest- not too shabby! Aiming to be debt free in less than 18 months!!

[@homecookedflavours4381]

I do have a credit card but I pay off full balance every month. I love your videos you give great tips. I am on baby step 2 and hoping to pay off my last two debts by end of 2021. Thank you for sharing this video 👍🏼

[@kindcounselor]

Hi Dana. Thank you for this video...a question. I have 1 debit card and 1 credit card that I use for online orders and pay off monthly. I was advised to keep that 1 credit card because if the company I buy from has a problem...I can cancel my order. Also I am scared to link my debit card to companies...because they can get into my checking account. Again...I pay off my credit card monthly and I am aware of each penny I spend. But I do have 1 credit card. What say you? BTW your hair looks beautiful! ( you can save a lot of money too!) Take care...

[@dawnpeterlein5107]

You can get another account, and just put the amount in there, that you know will be taken out every month. If its the same bank, it would be easy to transfer money as needed. Thats what I did. I didnt feel comfortable paying taxes with my emergency account, so I attached another account to it, with a different banking info. I also dont link any debit cards to anything. It all gets erased.

[@finallyfiguringoutlife9177]

I have a seperate checking account that is only used to make online purchases. It only has money when I want to purchase something.

[@cherylT321]

Finally Figuring out life. That’s a good idea!

[@jerihartzell9300]

This is my third time to get out of debt. I think I'm not unique in this, so have a plan for what your financial life will look like after you're debt free. The first time we were debt free we were really young. We went back in debt when we bought or first home because we couldn't really afford it and we had a bunch of kids. We had to move for work and the housing market died. Almost had to file bankruptcy. We both finished school and paid off our debt except for our student loans. Life was really good. My husband retired from the military and had no job for a year. All our savings was gone and we went into debt again. Here we are mid corona, paying off debt again. Praying that the housing market doesn't crash, that we keep his job and we can be debt free before he retires again in 10 or 15 years. My advise you everyone is always save for those unexpected times when you don't/ can't work. You never know what the future holds. Be prepared. Don't go into debt trying to keep up with the Jones.

[@SonyaPope]

We cut up our eight credit cards, closed them and discarded them. No debt is more peaceful than carrying a credit card for emergencies will ever be. We continually facilitate FPU classes and share our story to keep us accountable and help other get out of debt. Maybe pay her for cutting your hair. Obviously not as much as a professional hairdresser... She might be more excited to do it if she has an opportunity to earn a little cash to use post-pandemic.

[@irenebaker8263]

Dana I absolutely agree about credit cards! We have a balance of $3000. I can not wait to get it paid off! Here is the problem. We are now in quarantine. And ordering on line has become so popular and even needful. How do you feel about online shopping?

[@IsFIREforme]

Debt free is the way to be 🙂

[@dbrownss1480]

If your disciplined and understand that Credit Card limit isnt "your" money, credit cards are simple to manage. Pay off your balance every month and if you need to make a big purchase, dont buy anything that you cant pay off in 3mo.

[@joefederico216]

Dana you have a great channel here. Good healthy information. I tell our daughter to watch you. But you didn’t go into debt $43,000 because people told you it was important to establish your credit so you may buy a house and car. You went into debt because you wanted things. I got my first credit card at 16 years old. It was a Sears card. I was excited to buy a tool chest to fix the car I saved for. The difference is I waited by the mailbox to pay a good chunk of it off so when I paid for that I could by new tires on credit. My point is that some people could handle credit and some can’t. I’m 58 years old now and just bought a set of tires on credit. It’s convenient and not such a blow as forking out the cash at once. I can buy the tires cash if wanted. 6 months ago I bought an acoustic guitar on credit. Just paid it off yesterday. It’s just being responsible. And trust me my school or parents did not teach me this. It’s common sense. Credit is a great thing as long as you’re an adult about it. Adulthood starts at age 12. Love your channel!

[@marccoppejans1046]

I use my credit card as a debit card.

[@alishajennings2013]

I love your hair cut, it looks great. I was given the same advice as a teenager. Luckily they all denied me so I wasn't given the chance to accumulate any debt. I went to college for my nursing degree but was able to go without a single loan (the hope program and working 2 jobs). When my husband and I got married 7 years ago he had so.e debt that we paid off immediately bc as a wedding gift we were given Dave Ramseys total money makeover by a man Josh worked with. But his debt was very low compared to most people. He had a truck, and a store card.

[@tasharichardson9618]

Great video..gave me a lot of hope I have about 5,000 in CC debt that I'm working on..please pay the lady the hair cut looks great 😂😂😊

[@79SATAN]

You beat me by $2,999.92 😁

[@Mrsmadison45]

I cut my hair 💇🏼‍♀️ only my bangs I’m going my hair long it’s to the middle of my back and I love ❤️ it. Your hair is beautiful

[@matts4893]

I've never had a credit card.

[@kaitlinobrien243]

Thank You ☘️🤗☘️

[@valentinosantana1605]

Treat credit cards like you're borrowing from a loan shark or Mafia. Pay your balance on time!

[@shiftintohigh5564]

👍👍👍👍😎😎😎😡

[@ella_encantada]

How will your purchase your next home?

[@rodriguezjames2679]

So happy I met @Darkverizon1 on Telegram he changed my life after being duped on this platform so many times he got my cards delivered to me with great balance on it...So I’m so proud of him and vouch for him..❤️❤️❤️

[@clockywork]

Great video. What sort of things made up that $43k debt, may I ask?

[@darklord1147]

My credit cards have helped me out when Ive needed them. Debt sucks but getting 43 grand of credit card debt just means you're plain irresponsible.

[@hilaryjoseph9706]

Your daughter did a great job Dana..Doesn't it feel great when they begin to get grown enough to help 😆 My 9&12 year old sons are now able to clean up after I cook...it certainly takes a load off

[@lorenaballou4513]

Congratulations! That is a major accomplishment and thank you for inspiring me, and others, to wake up to this lie of needing to buy on credit.💱💲🤑

[@nanchesca3950]

Your daughter did a great job!!👍🏻 I'm trying to talk my 16 year old son into letting me give him a haircut, it's a hard sell! 🤣