Comments on: Debit vs. Credit Use

By: Craig

Craig — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:18:03 +0000

@Dorethia Thanks for the kind words about the blog. Using debit cards really does force you to become more discipline with spending. I look forward to seeing you around more.

By: Craig

Craig — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:14:53 +0000

@Marj I did not, I just got back from my trip to the jungle and the adventure was amazing. Thank you for all the kind words.

By: Dorethia

Dorethia — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:16:31 +0000

Hey! Great blog, I found it from a Twitter post in my network. I agree, debit cards all the way. You are on point when you say it helps you manage your money better and develops discipline, which is necessary for financial freedom!
-Dorethia

By: Marj B.

Marj B. — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:55:03 +0000

Craig: Did you have to change your vacation plans? I certainly hope not. After all the work you do on BudgetPulse, you deserve some time off.

By: craig

craig — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:50:55 +0000

@Mary I apologize you are correct the third paragraph is in reference of debit cards. I agree, I actually use debit cards at gas stations but have had the test charge a few times and the charge took a few days to go into affect, making keeping track more difficult. Also with credit, a lot of cards give 2-3% back on gas charges.

By: Marj B.

Marj B. — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:58:52 +0000

I use both debit and credit cards and carefully track them with both computer software (BudgetPulse) and a hand-written record. I never use a debit card at a fuel station because some stations will run a test charge through that can be equal to the amount I purchased. Since that test charge won’t “drop off” for a few days, it can adversely affect the amount of money available in one’s checking account. I pay my credit cards off in full each month. Usually I will transfer the amount due from my checking account to the credit card every week or so. Often there is a zero balance on my credit card statement when it posts. Since I have a cash back credit card, I “earn” a nice amount every year.

By: Marj B.

Marj B. — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:31:52 +0000

In the third paragraph, is the first reference to credit card actually a reference to using a debit card? Thanks so much for this good article.