A credit card could start of as being your best friend. It is there for you whenever you are ready to important purchases and is there whenever you need money but do not have the cash handy. You become reliant on your new best friend for everything, even purchases that are unnecessary. And the only time your new best friend expresses the need to stop being used is when you attempt to make a purchase and the cashier tells you that your best friend has betrayed you by being declined. Now your best friend the credit card has become your enemy, and you have no one to blame but yourself. In that case, pack your suitcases for some credit card therapy because you, my friend, are showing signs of a credit junkie. Keep reading for more ways that you could be showing signs of a credit junkie.
Every Credit Card Is Attractive
A sure sign of a credit junkie is you jumping on every new credit card opportunity that is presented to you. Regardless of the terms of the new card or the fact that your credit is already messed up, you attempt at getting a new credit card because of the signing bonuses or the discounts that come when you are approved. You only see it as free money and are immediately attracted to the offer. The reality of it is that in order to receive these wonderful offers, you must spend the money first. This is a losing situation to be in. if the only reason you want a new credit card is to take advantage of the offers, you are definitely showing signs of a credit junkie.
Retail Cards Are On Your Shopping List
When shopping at any retail store, you may be offered to sign up for the store’s credit card in an attempt to save you some money on your current purchase and purchases made in the future. If you fall for this tactic every time you are offered a retail credit card, you are showing a sign of a credit junkie. The offer may sound like a deal to start with, but it is common that in order to use the discount, you must use the credit card at the time of the purchase. If that is the case, you may find yourself paying for that same item again plus an extra fee of it being charged to the card. Yes, the discount is great, but you end up paying that amount when the credit card payment is due.
Credit Card Balances Don’t Phase You
You have a credit card with a due balance on it, but you have no desire to take care of the balance. This is a sign of a credit junkie and one that could lead you to credit disaster. Any time you are unable to pay your credit card bill on or before the due date, you put yourself at risk for paying higher interest rates, late fees, and getting bad credit. You must resist the want to leave your balance unattended. Instead, pay off your bill according to your payment terms and stay in good standing with your credit card company.
You Increase Spending Limits
In some cases, increasing the credit card limit is necessary and acceptable. You may have miscalculated how much a car down payment was and need the credit card company to increase your limit to take care of the one-time purchase. However, if you are constantly calling the card company to increase your limit on normal spending, then you are showing signs of a credit junkie. It is never a good idea to max out your credit cards, but constantly asking for increased credit limits means that you should decrease your spending to match what your normal credit terms allows you to spend. If you are at the brink of reaching your credit limit, instead of asking for an increase, put your credit card down and stop spending.
You Are Secretive About Your Debt
There is no set rule that says that you have to broadcast your credit problems to the entire world. In fact, if you prefer to keep that information to yourself, you are more than welcome to do so. However, if you are terrified of what people may think if they were to find out that your credit card debt is horrible and almost unbearable, then you are showing a sign of a credit junkie. Most people keep bad habits a secret especially when it can be a hindrance to themselves as a person. You do not have to share the information, but doing so could be the first step in getting you out of credit card debt.
If you feel as if you are too much into debt and cannot get out of it, there is nothing wrong with seeking help. In fact, there are agencies set in place to help people get out of debt. Examine yourself for these signs of being a credit junkie. If you exhibit these signs, be prepared to check yourself into credit therapy to cure your from credit card debt.