Confirmation I have spent too much!

I've spent quite a few nickels at J.C. Penney lately. Between all the regular spending, a new sofa and a ton of needed clothing for the get-a-ways, JC Penney is loving me. Or I guess they are loving my money. :-)

Today, my Gold Card Status has been upgraded by them to Platinum. They actually call it Privilege Platinum.

What this adds to my privileges for this card:

1. ID Theft Protection - on my home owners policy - so not a biggie.
2. 3 Additional Months for JC Penney Privilege Financing Events - no biggie on this one either I pay them off with the bill.
3. Free Shipping Events on jcp.com/catalog - this one could be good. Especially at Christmas - I hate the stores, love online ordering.

Otherwise, nothing new. I have to wonder, isn't it cost effective just to leave a card alone. They must make a bundle to have all these changes. What happens if I don't spend after my Privilege Expiration Date and I lose my status?

Rental Car: Debit or Credit?

I often hear folks calling in to Dave Ramsey and saying they need to keep a credit card for travel. Credit cards are a tool for renting cars and hotel rooms.

Over and over again, I hear Dave tell his listeners "that's bologna". Steering them towards the use of a Debit Card.

Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of a credit card free life. Doesn't work for me, because I love Cash BACK. But I understand how the majority can financially be helped with this small change in their lifes. Self-control is not something we all have mastered. Frankly, I think it comes with age.

Anyway, last month when we went to Enterprise Rent-A-Car, I was told while booking the vehicle that when we came to pick it up I would need:

• A drivers license
• A Credit Card, not attached to a bank account - i.e. CREDIT NOT DEBIT

I didn't pay heed to this statement when reserving. After all, too me it means nothing. I am a credit card user.

Then when I went to pick the vehicle up again they asked for the same 2 things. This time emphasizing how it had to be a CREDIT CARD. I kind of shrugged and handed over my cash back Discover.

This time when I reserved the vehicle, the guy on the phone completed what I assume to be a documented script, quoting the same thing. Of course, he was a bit rude. Almost, giving you an impression that Debit Card holders were evil. Not by what he said, but how he said it. I HATE FOLKS LIKE THAT.

Since, this sort of thing bothers me, I decided to waste Mr. Judgmentals day. I starting question why a Debit Card couldn't be used and what do folks do who don't use credit cards. Well, Mr. Judgmental, explained that it needed to be credit, in case anything happened to the vehicle. Evidently, they just charge you for costs. :-) Isn't that sweet, no billing. NOT!

Mr. Judgmental also tried to tell me that Debit Cards did NOT allow a FREEZE. Which is a LIE. Because I have heard many folks complain about their cash being frozen due to Hotels and such.

After wasting 20 minutes of his time, basically telling him he was wrong and this was purely an Enterprise thing, I ended the call with "Oh, Okay, no biggie. I was just curious. I always use credit."

Was he sighing before the good-bye?

If other rental agency's follow suit with Enterprise, beware Debit Card folks, it may be difficult for you to rent that car to see the sites on vacation.

What about purchasing a PRE-PAID Credit Card? With say, a $800 or $1,000 debating on your rental term. Wouldn't that be a way to stop their open access to your credit and protect you interest?

Just spinning the wheels here.

My wallet is beginning to smoke

And everyone knows where there is smoke, there is fire.

This 4 day weekend is going to cost me damn near what our week in Jersey cost. Without all that entertainment! I'm going to miss my brother's humor. After sharing with my in-laws how much fun we had, they have high expectations for this families get-a-way. I hope my m.i.l. gets what she hopes for. I already told my DH to pay attention to his mom and spend some time. Time is our most valuable asset!

Picking up the Soccer Mom Rental today. It ended up being cheaper taking it for a week, then what 4 days would cost. Crazy math! So, we are grabbing it early and dropping it late to not feel so stressed. Plus, saving some cash along the way. Out the door, I suspect about $500 in cost with the insurance.

The hotel has been booked for a while and will be waiting for us. I negotiated an extra night not in the wedding package, to save a couple bucks. When the Groom heard about the cost for the extra night, he went all crazy on the hotel and explained how we are all coming so far away and need to rest before the wedding. ETC.ETC. He ended up getting them to extend the wedding price for extra days for everyone.

Food, Gas, Tolls, and miscellaneous - I'm lost. I have no idea. I'm still too new to this and Hurricane Ike has raised our gas prices through the roof. I can only hope that every where we go has credit card processing, because this will be the payment of choice. Our savings is ZERO and this is a mandatory family obligation.

I refuse to allow these expenses that will be gone within 30 days from our debt, to stifle my fun. I love weddings! There is just something so wonderful in the air when 2 people give of themselves completely for another. Creating what I call the MAN-Made Unconditional Love. As opposed to the kind one receives at the birth of a child or looking at their parents, this is free will.

Free Shipping @ FragranceNet

FragranceNet.com is offering free shipping this week only - use code FP827. This code expires 9/3/08.

I did not provide a link to FragranceNet, because you should use this code in conjuction with a link through from Ebates where you can earn back 6%.

Match that up with a cash back credit card to increase your savings on the fragrance you would already buy at your favorite department store. Thing of the fuel you are saving.

Email Regarding Federal Regulations for Credit Card Companies

I'm fully aware that I am not one that flows with the majority on this topic, so please realize this is simply my opinion and nothing more or less.

I received an email from a Mr. Aaron Fanetti, the site owner of No Card Tricks. He is looking to spread the word about Federal Reserve Board Docket R-1314. He provides a ton of information for anyone to review and links to the Federal Reserve and other important news areas, regarding this item.

I, personally, can not support this item. Not because I don't feel that people are being shafted and financially scarred by credit card companies. I know many folks that are and frankly, I was one of them not so long ago.

Why I don't support this type of thing:

1. We, as consumers, need to take responsibility for our actions
2. We, as consumers, need to be educated and make competent choices.
3. We, as consumers, need to protect ourselves from this type of vulture.
4. The Government is in too much of our business already.
5. The Government needs to stop focusing on the evil credit card folks and focus on eliminating our debt and running our country.
6. The Government can not protect us from all the scams in the world.

We, the consumers, need to be in control of our financial future and not look to the government to ride in on some white horse to save our ignorant butts.

Educate, educate, educate.

Stop wasting money and government time on this crap. It is fighting a long and losing battle. Instead, spend these dollars on education - all levels. The faster we teach our kids about money, saving, investing, spending responsibly, delaying gratification and be coming the Masters of us, the sooner we can watch the credit card companies change gears to beg for our business.

Although, don't wait for the government officials to get off their lazy, self-serving butts to move education. They Don't CARE! Start in your circle today - your kids, neighbors, nieces & nephews. Share what you know, what you learned and how you failed. This will help change a nation.

Yes, I may sound heartless to the many struggling under the credit thumb, I don't apologize for that. We are grown, adult consumers. We made our beds, now lets get out, make the bed and start working forward. We have the best chance at saving ourselves and the ones we love.

Menards Site Problems

I check our accounts often. Almost to the point that I am obsessed. I guess my obsession helps me to feel safe.

I always schedule credit card payments after receiving the statements to be paid prior to the due date. Paying the balance in full.

This is what I did when I received the statement for Menards - that we use for business.

Yesterday, my checking account had a weird auto draft from HSBC. So, I start by checking my Quicken - no record of this amount. Then one by one, I log in to my accounts to find this payment.

I get to Menards, which is an HSBC account and I can't log in. I know my info is right on and I'm frustrated immediately.

I call the number on the back of my card and hear that my "most recent payment" is the amount that has cleared my bank. WTF!!!!

I have a copy of my confirmation and I DID NOT ask for that amount to come out. I hate when companies don't uphold their end of the deal. What they ended up drafting was only about $36 more, but I don't care. I could have had that $36 ear marked for something else.

Anyway - the gal at Menards could not help. Except to direct me to the online folks.

I call the online number, only to be lost in the maze of "push this number" crap. I had the party to work on, so I dropped it.

Tried to call again this morning, but they aren't working yet.

I don't know if I will pursue or just change my payments from their site to my online banking. Probably the later.

Visa Check Card Arrived

I'm officially trying the enemy side now. I'm going to miss my cash back rewards every time I swipe this new shiny card.

Don't worry cash back Visa, Discover and MasterCard, you will not be ignored like some of those store cards. I too much enjoy receiving those guaranteed discounts called cash back.

Aldi's is waiting for me. I don't need to go shopping yet, since last Wednesday and Thursday I broke the bank spending $400. Although, my visit to the King of Discount Stores is drawing closer.

Yippee! I think.

Credit Card Rewards

How much have you made from your credit card rewards so far this year?

My last statement closed on June 7th and I am currently at $235.00.

That's pretty good. I've only had 1 month this year without a cash credit to my accounts. Since June is still underway, I'm averaging $47 a month or almost 1 tank of gas - NOT!

My recent credit check showed what I knew, I have only had 1 inquiry of my credit. That of course, was from Macy's when I shopped for Christmas parties and my new smaller size.

I didn't really want the Macy's card, because I hate how companies make you have their store card to receive discounts. Just give me the discounts. Make me love your prices and bargains. Then I will get your card, when your store becomes my favorite. Cause frankly I hate feeling pushed to use their card.

Anyway, Saturday morning I started my day with 2 phone calls. One call was to Macy's to cancel my most recent card acquired. The other was to American Eagle.

This now leaves the total count of credit cards in my wallet of 10. Or $80k if you want to look at it like that. Crazy! That doesn't even account for the business cards. Oh MY Gosh! No wonder my wallet is so bulky!

I still would like to close more, but since I am carrying balances on the Zero Percent Deals, I don't want to jeopardize my Balance to Available Ratio. I'm still below 30% on these and I don't want to come close.

A Loop Hole?

I have a question of great importance. Okay, not going to change the world, but important to me.

Here we go, back to the debit card - which I haven't received yet. :-)

It's all about Aldi's. Does anyone know if I go to my credit cards web page and request a PIN, if I will be able to use my Credit Card at Aldi?

I know I could use it as a Debit Card at ATM's, but how would it work shopping?

If you check Aldi's site, they say the card must have a PIN to save time and not mess with signatures.

Did I find a loop hole?

Advice on Debit Cards

Everyone knows I am leery about debit cards. Horror stories seem to be everywhere. In my eyes, these horror stories represent greater worry then credit cards, because they lock down your cash in an emergency. And cash is king!

With the new Aldi store in my area, I'm finding the need for a Debit Card. So with this inner turmoil going on, I'm taking and using any and all input from those I admire and trust.

Yesterday, while working with one such person, I brought up the Debit Card. Let me first tell you, this particular individual is a Millionaire many times over. He is self made. Runs multiple, profitable businesses and has ventured into many different areas of financial growth. I have known him more then 1/2 of my life and frequently look for his guidence.

Mentors - they are so important.

I was not expecting his reaction to Debit Cards. Maybe it was listening to Dave Ramsey everyday or reading some of you guys blogs' but I thought I was way off base in my feelings towards Debit Cards. Making my thoughts based on panic and sporadic issues.

My senior mentor's advice - "Pay with cash and stay away from that financial nightmare. Do you realize the devastation that could be caused by one of those cards? It may mean the difference between putting food on the table or not. You are doing fine with credit and that comes with protections. Don't do anything that opens your wallet to others. It's the same as putting a stranger as a co-signer on your account."

Okay, a bit harsh - was my first impression. After a bit more conversation he convinced me of what I was worried about anyway.

I did share with him my suggestion to get and maintain a separate account with a debit card, just for Aldi (groceries) and he said that is the only way he would do it. And it wasn't likely he would.

His main points -

• Know your money better then anyone else - including bankers and investors
• Watch your money - make and chose your own financial steps (which will be best because of your knowledge of your money)
• Keep your money secure - relinquish control or availability to no one, besides your spouse with an equal view.

It didn't go the way I wanted, but maybe it went the way it should be.

Aldi's Opened a Store in My Area

I'm eager to save money at Aldi's. Finally, we have one in my area. Close enough to not swallow my savings in fuel usage.

My problem is, I don't ever carry cash. And Aldi's doesn't take credit cards.

I was going to get a debit card at my brick and mortar bank, but I hate losing my cash back. And I'm sure this is why I haven't moved on it yet. Well, that and my fears of a Debit Card.

Anyway, this weekend my wheels started turning and it was a noisy thing. :-)

I thought - why not get an ING Direct Checking which comes with a MasterCard Debit Card and 1.74% interest?

Before I commit - does anyone know if this card will work at Aldi's. I am so, debit card illiterate.

I need to Purge some Credit Cards - Again!

Doing my regular check on the cards to make sure all is accounted for, I see that my Available Credit amounts are increasing again. When I was young, this was a good thing, or at least I interrupted it that way. Now, for some reason, it drives me crazy.

I never utilize the full available balance. For obvious reasons, if I did there is no way possible I could pay it off monthly. Plus, where would I keep all the junk that would accumulate from that spending?

I'm a purger! I feel less is more in the home. Makes the home cleaner and easier to maintain. Maybe I am lazy, not a purger. Something I definitely have to consider. :-)

Quicken, sometimes, displays too much information (sarcasm). A couple clicks and there are tally's of all your available credit and the amount you are using. There is no hiding from your spending, with this page. Anyone using Quicken, should make that page their home page when they open up - might serve well to keep your debt payoff in line.

As my Total Credit Lines Increase, I have the same uncomfortable feelings now as being in debt.
To me, more available, is not a status symbol. It resembles more of an AT Risk position.

Imagine the damage that could be done with one of those cards if it got in the wrong hands.

Oh wait, it isn't a debit card - I do have some protections. LOL!

Next week, I will pull my quarterly credit report. I believe this one will be from Experian....hmm. I better check before I pull, don't want to have a fee. After I see that all is well, I'm going to start the credit card purge again.

After all, I only use 4 cards - 2 are running the 0%'s, 1 Discover where I am using to record household purchases - earning cash back, and the other a Visa that I have traded out DH's GM Card to earn Cash, we have more then enough earned GM Dollars for future purchases and no purchase in the forseeable future.

I'm thinking of saying good bye too:

• JC Penney - I haven't used in a long time, since it has been more financially sound to get cash back on the other cards.
• Kohl's - Again, I've been using other options for the cash back. We don't seem to use the savings they give as much as we used too. So hardly worth it. We buy when we need.
• Macy's - only took it, because of my huge clothing purchases - there was a 30% discount. But this card is useless to me now.
• American Eagle - Not worth those measly things they call perks. Easier for me to use my cash back cards.
• CitiCard - open for the 0%, which is over.

I have 1 more unused card, but I hesitate to close it and instead feel more inclined to go use it ONCE. This is my Walmart Card. It was my first credit card, but initially a Montgomery Ward Card, until it went out of business and they transferred the credit to Walmart. This credit history is 21 years old, just old enough to drink. :-) I think I should keep it, only for that.

Anyway, buy purging I don't have to worry about someone buying a house on my credit. Why in the world would the credit companies give me enough credit to buy a house. If I was buying a house, I'm sure I could find cheaper loans.

Another Debit Card Issue

Maybe my DH is right, I do listen to a lot of talk radio - but is is too much?

A while ago I posted how a friend was ripped off after a failing airline went bankrupt and a belief that the Visa Logo on her Debit Card would afford her protections. I'm still amazed that they are out so much money with no recourse. Bad, Bad Debit Cards!

Yesterday, I'm flipping through my regular talk shows and I hit one that peaks my interest enough to stop and listen. This time, some guy had used his debit card to stay in a hotel.

The hotel ran the card and created a standard "Block" for what they believe the charges to be, plus a pre-determined addition. The pre-determined addition, is like insurance for them. In case this guy wrecks the room, they want to be sure they can recover the cash for repairs and cleaning.

You all probably have seen blocks before, when logging into your online credit cards. Mine show them in a "pending" sales. In layman's terms they are blocking your future use of this money for a period, to insure they are paid later.

You may go out all night and spend a fortune partying with folks and not have the money in the morning.

Check out this site if you want a more in depth description.

Normally, there is no issue here, with a credit card. At least not for me. I would never go to the max and I have back ups.

This poor guy though, didn't use a credit card. The hotel issued the block and in the morning he paid and checked out. Doing his part. Being a good customer.

Well, the hotel didn't take the block off.

I'm assuming they blocked such a large amount and then with the actual payment they covered the majority of his balance. Leaving him virtually penniless. It took him 6-8 weeks to get that cash freed.

Are debit cards worth this kind of hassle?

Not for me.

The Bankrupt Airline and The Check Card

If I had a nickel for all the times I have read or heard people praising the all mighty check card.

• Oh, it's as good as a credit card
• That Visa Logo protects you against purchases - just like a Visa

Well, to all you worshipers of the mighty check card I have a story to share with you.

Here's the story, of a lovely lady, who was planning a trip to Hawaii.
She booked her flight online, with her lover, the one of 40 years.

Here's the story of website system that accepted her check card for
payment. They were two girls, so happy together, planning a trip
with their family.

As time grew closer, it became apparent, that the airline they chose,
was headed to bust. The papers were filed and the flights
were cancelled. Leaving both of them with $1600 less.

So, me - the one with NO check card, asks "Isn't your flight money reimbursable with the Visa Logo, just like if I had charged the tickets with my Visa."

Imagine my surprise when she said "NO!"

Why in the world would anyone spend that kind of money without protection. Why would Visa not protect them. What in the world is the LOGO for?

I will never be a check card only user. That is ridiculous. Who could afford to lose that kind of money? With no Dispute option. With our economy and the state of the airlines it is risky buying tickets. Anyone of these guys could go bust tomorrow.

You think gas is expensive - try to fathom Jet Fuel.

Amazing!

**Note, my friends could not just bite the cost and stay home. This trip did have a purpose, a nephew's wedding. So, they just forked over more money at the last minute (which is more costly) to get to Hawaii.

Caller I.D. Said "Florida"

What in the world? I went to return a call to the family member of the friend who passed away recently, and my cellphone rang.

Okay, the ring cellphone is not rare. I use this line about 98% for business. So, it rings often. I would say the majority of the calls are folks looking to inquire about my rental property. So, it isn't unusual to see numbers I don't know.

But Florida? I doubt my property is on a list for Florida transfers. :-)

I immediately felt my heart race, thinking it was my mother, that never calls. And since the number was recognizable, of course, I thought the worse. I just couldn't formulate a reason to call, when she didn't return my call back in February. When I foolishly tried to make contact - Lent causes your mind to do things you wouldn't normally do.

I just hate not having a mom.

Anyway, I answered - because I had too. And was I shocked by what I heard. It was an automated message. The message asked that I return a call to my credit card company for a rate update. One that would be more appealing.

WTF????

First of all, my cell phone is not used with any of our credit cards. I only use our home line for this type of business.

Second, a better interest rate?? Uhmmm....I'm a Zero Percent. Does this mean they will pay me to take their money?

I hung up. How stinkin' annoying!

Brace Yourself - The World is Coming To An End!

A twist in my DH's schedule today, do to the weather and what was planned, brought him home for a change up.

While he was here, he once again brought up my unopened purchases hanging in the closet. I was prepared for another lecture on my "cheap-ness" and my other terrible habits. I was not prepared for what he said.

Basically, I'm figuring today is probably the last day of our Earth, because this has never happened before. Take the time to tell your loved ones how you feel. Hug your kids and call your grandparents. Cause folks, there is something in the air.

He brings the bag up, and pulls up a stool at the counter. He then says "I was thinking that if you are still wanting to return those shorts and that top, we could go back this weekend."

BAMMM!

I hit the floor. When the smelling salts started working, I wasn't too sure I heard him accurately. I threw in a couple side ways questions like - "would you want to pick up that shirt and tie we saw for you, when we go back?"

I think I was holding my breath. You see HE RETURNS NOTHING! EVER! I don't care what he buys and what's wrong with it, he refuses to return things. I generally have to do returns on the sly when he makes a bad purchase.

So, not only is this huge, that he has changed directions on this purchase "I NEEDED", he has offered up an action that goes against his very person.

Holy Cow! It's gonna be a big one Elizabeth. (for you young folks that is a line from Sanford & Son).

Needless to say, it is true!! We will be returning the 2 items this weekend. I can not tell you how good this makes me feel. Do you know how many clothes I can get at Kohl's for that amount of money?

Well, I can....if the world doesn't stop turning today.

Selfish Spending

Well, I did it again. I went and spent a huge amount of money on myself.

Yesterday marked the last of my pre-paid trainer visits. I was left in the position to make a decision. And I made it!

I'm not ready to go it alone. I still have so much more I want to accomplish. Plus, I am terrified of going back to where I was.

Am I a Trainer Junkie?

I don't know if I am, but I do know I can't get off this stuff yet.

So, I logged into PayPal and sent over another $966 for 20 more sessions. Funny thing is, Discover didn't call to verify my charge this time. I guess I am a "big spender" to them now.

Credit Card Stigma

I am not emotionally scarred by this, but for some reason it bothers me.

As I have said, I am not a cash carrier. In fact, the mere act of having cash in my wallet, just provokes me to spend. I don't know why it is, but it is.

I guess you could say cash burns a hole in my pocket.

I learned a long time ago, if there is no cash, I spend much more frugally. No stopping for an over priced soda at a vending machine. No zooming through a fast food drive-thru. Without cash, I just don't spend in what I believe to be wasteful way.

I guess you could say that credit card usage keeps me frugal.

I know this is strange and not coinciding to every ones popular belief - that paying and using only cash keeps you in a spend less mode. It's okay, I learned a long time ago, I am far from normal. Acceptance of this keeps me sane.

Although, folks around me - that work in the normal way, go crazy by my actions.

I am, who I am and it works for me. So tell me then, why when I go to the store lately and I go to pay, and the cashier needs to ask me if I am paying with credit or debit, do I feel embarrassed?

Honestly, I feel like folks around me are thinking "she is one of those people - living in debt."

I get this urge to justify my actions. Like I should stop all negative thoughts around me and say - "I do this to save money. I'm earning cash back. I pay it off every month." As well as a zillion other things, that I think could make my position right in the world.

I don't say anything though, past "Credit".

After all, these people mean nothing to me. I don't care what they truly think of me. Or do I?

Credit Card Spending Under Control

So far anyway.

Last month, at this time in the billing cycle we had charged $1528.99. Of which, I did not record any business expenses. Instead I lumped company charges as one entry at the end of the billing cycle.

Currently, we are sitting at $773.28. Out of this amount is $178.16 that will be paid by the business. So our spending after 14 complete days in this spending month is a measly $595.12.

Almost a full grand lower then last month.

It could have been less (I bet everyone thinks this) - but I charged:

• $200 application fee and deposit for DS1's dorm room
• $52.86 for Easter Pies and lunch(gross Bakers Square - notice initials are B.S.)
• $97.00 for annual Motorcycle Insurance

Our normal spending is then only $245.26 for groceries and car fuel. Either way we are doing well this month. And although we have extra charges - they are good ones.

All this means is we will have more money for savings next month - if we control our spending this month. Because the credit card is paid off every month.