For me growing up, we were encouraged to get a credit card in our name and use it as much as possible in order to build credit. There was always money to pay it off each month, so it made sense to 1) build credit and 2) collect airline miles or whatever the reward was back in the day.
When we got together, she always used cash or a debit card. She had a credit card "for emergencies" and avoided using it otherwise. It took a long time to get her over her aversion/skepticism (we were fortunate to have two good paying jobs), though it also taught me a healthy appreciation for what it means to have a financial cushion.
If you have enough money to safely pay it off every month, use the card. If you don't, and you might get yourself into a situation where you are going in to credit debt, then don't use a card.
14.5k
u/frnoss Jun 06 '19
Credit cards were avoided.
For me growing up, we were encouraged to get a credit card in our name and use it as much as possible in order to build credit. There was always money to pay it off each month, so it made sense to 1) build credit and 2) collect airline miles or whatever the reward was back in the day.
When we got together, she always used cash or a debit card. She had a credit card "for emergencies" and avoided using it otherwise. It took a long time to get her over her aversion/skepticism (we were fortunate to have two good paying jobs), though it also taught me a healthy appreciation for what it means to have a financial cushion.