Ways to Save Money Part 9

We will be sharing some more great advice with you today on how to keep more of your hard earned money.  Don’t forget, if you find this blog useful or even slightly enlightening, please spread the word by forwarding your friends and family members a link to our website.  As a country we are facing some very hard economic times right now.  It is more important than ever to be frugal and wise with the money we make.  We hope today’s tip, and the tips we have been sharing with you over the last few weeks, are helpful.

Tip #9:  Don’t Carry Your Credit Cards with You!

There are 2 reasons why it is a bad idea to carry your credit cards in your purse or wallet.  The first is the most obvious.  If you have those plastic debt machines on your person then it is much more tempting for you to impulsively make unplanned purchases.  The truth is that, if you don’t have the cash available to buy that pair of shoes, you should not buy them. 

The second reason it is a bad idea to carry around your plastic is because of identity theft.  If you lose your purse or wallet then it is very easy for a dishonest person to get your personal account information and make unauthorized charges.  (FYI, you should not carry your social security card in your wallet or purse to protect yourself against identity theft as well.) 

Many people will argue that it is important to carry your credit cards with you for emergencies.  However, here at HOPE we disagree.  It is wiser for you to carry some extra cash, which you never spend, in your wallet or purse at all times.  Then, you will be prepared in the case of an emergency without the need of using your credit card.

For more information about the wonderful services offered by the HOPE Program, please give us a call at 704-503-3669.  We would love to assist you with your credit and financial needs.