I’ve broken my own promise not to use my credit card until it looks a little bit more health yet

It is nice to hear that many of you have either incomes that make it possible for you to pay off a credit card every month, or are stubborn enough not to exceed the amount you know you can pay off in full.

However, OP is not in your fortunate position.

There can be reasons why we can't pay off a credit card, or any other form of debt in one fell swoop.

Years ago, DH felt forced to buy a new suit and I agreed with him, as neither of us wanted to admit to my critical mother that he either could not go to her posh 75 th birthday dinner or would need to be the only man there in casual clothes, which would not have gone down well with her.

It once took me three months to put enough aside from the housekeeping to buy a pair of new bootlaces.

You should have heard my dear mum's sarcastic remarks, but I literally only just earned enough to pay the rent, utility bills and a month's worth of the cheapest food.

For all I know, OP may be or have been in the same case, so go gently please with your, "Oh don't use the card remarks."

Germanshepherdsmum

Why don’t you just cut up your credit card OP and live within your means? You don’t sound as though you are likely to keep that promise you say you made if the card is still available. I totally agree with scones’s comment. Frankly I would have been too ashamed to post what OP did if I were in that position.

I completely disagree, what a patronising unkind thing to say. The poster has bought as dress on a credit card, she has frozen the card again. No biggie. I think she should enjoy her dress and enjoy the wedding guilt free.
I am in no debt, paid of my credit cards, my car and my mortgage.
When I first got divorced, I paid all my mortgage, my car, and my Bill's, after that I used my credit cards, did I need to eat out in those restaurants, no, did I need to buy my son the things he got no, did I regret using my credit card and not paying it off, no I do not, I enjoyed every bit of it. Living within my means was not attractive to me.
I have paid everything off now, but still love my coffee's and clothes.
Life is for living, yes I know people get into debt, and are unhappy, but I did not get that impression from OP, and I thought what she posted may be light hearted.
I know people spiral into debt, and are unhappy but I used credit to enjoy my life, and would not like people lecturing me about it. Yes you should pay the card straight away, but I could not afford to do it at the time, and have no regrets.

Nothing wrong with having a credit card, as long as you are able to manage it. I'm fortunate in that I am able to pay it off in full each month. I have just received my M&S bank reward vouchers and will hold onto them until the sales.

Just to put it out there, multicolourswapshop, is a lovely lady, whom I personally know. Getting out to the shops, isn't really an option.
Rather than post a harsh comment, perhaps stop and think, a little kindness doesn't go amiss. None of us really know a person's circumstances.

Well said Marydoll we are all different.
As for poster saying they would be ashamed to post this, what a alful thing to say.
I had a uninvited comment once, because I ate out every day at work. I enjoyed it, and no I do I do not want to make a cheese sandwich and put it in silver foil, neither do I want last nights leftovers, my choice. I was told I was a lazy girl. Nothing further from the truth. I told that person to mind their own business, and yes I put it on the credit card, and did not pay it off. I have no problems with what they chose to do in their lunch hour.

Having been there myself I am unapologetic. Being in debt is not a light hearted matter for me but each to their own. OP’s debt is her problem not mine.

I can pay mine off each month now but at one stage I couldn't and remember having to buy a dress to wear to DH's Christmas do with his new firm; we had just moved to a very expensive area and were broke. Nothing in my wardrobe was suitable, it was all down-to-earth practical and old

I loved that dress and did wear it a few times and still have it at the back of the wardrobe! (although it won't fit me now 40 years later).

Enjoy your dress and the wedding and hope you get to wear it again. (Hide your credit card, Christmas is coming though.)

My dress must be vintage now ?

However, OP is not in your fortunate position
What a patronising assumption Grandtante
Do you know this for sure?
Even if you did, it is in extremely poor taste to discuss somebody’s personal financial situation.
I imagine that most of us pay off purchases on our credit card every month if used in place of a debit card, or budget for major purchases and factor in any interest payments likely to be incurred.
There seems to be a total absence of any sort of SOH on GN these days

Spot on Marydoll we all have different financial backgrounds, some unkind comments on here.
Like Luckygirl I used my credit card for the extra protection it gave me for flights, holidays larger purchases etc. However Barclays rescinded my card as I don't have a UK address. Something else to thank Brexit for.

Huge assumptions being made here along with harsh judgements - all with no knowledge.

No need for that sort of frankness GSM.

I never understand why people seem to think having a credit card and not using it somehows confers some virtue on them.

As for seeing them as living on tick! Before and during the early years of credit cards, I had running monthly accounts with several stores, including John Lewis. What is the difference?

As long as you clear the card each month so what? And how on earth do you shop online without a credit card? Yes, you can use a debit card, but using a credit card gives you a lot of extra protection against fraud or faulty goods.

I use credit cards, debit cards, cheques and cash as and when they are appropriate and I have used all 4 in the last 24 hours.

Germanshepherdsmum

Why don’t you just cut up your credit card OP and live within your means? You don’t sound as though you are likely to keep that promise you say you made if the card is still available. I totally agree with scones’s comment. Frankly I would have been too ashamed to post what OP did if I were in that position.

Tut tut naughty girl. Dear oh dear how judgmental!

I was very judgmental based on my own experience and horror of debt. I’m lucky to be able to pay my card off every month. I don’t know OP’s circumstances. I have reflected and I apologise unreservedly to her.

That’s good

Why is anyone paying interest on a credit card? Have they not come across any % interest deals? Come on, wise up!

Sorry that should read 0% interest deals...

On a lighter note enjoy that wedding, I hope you look amazing in that dress, and s.. the credit card.
Life is for living and not for being preached at. I think it's a shame that what I thought was a humorous thread was taken so seriously.

I hope you are pleased with the dress OP. You say you have been looking for a while and that it’s for a specific occasion so don’t be too hard on yourself!
You also mentioned that it’s an inexpensive dress, so you were perfectly justified in snapping it up in my opinion!

You have had too many stern lectures on here.

@multicolourswapshop, I used my Barclaycard when I was paying for transport/accommodation to house hunt. It went over £1K and the interest was high, so I went onto the Martin Lewis Moneysaving website and found a 'balance transfer' 0% interest deal with Sainsburys. I didn't use the Sainsbury's card at all while I was paying it off, and had my Barclaycard still for emergency use.

I put mine in the freezer so that I couldn't use it!

Shandy57

@multicolourswapshop, I used my Barclaycard when I was paying for transport/accommodation to house hunt. It went over £1K and the interest was high, so I went onto the Martin Lewis Moneysaving website and found a 'balance transfer' 0% interest deal with Sainsburys. I didn't use the Sainsbury's card at all while I was paying it off, and had my Barclaycard still for emergency use.

That's the way to do it....

Am intrigued by folk who get cash back-which cards are these then?

I have an M&S credit card, which gives me reward vouchers to spend in M&S.

Santander123 current account with credit card linked and automatically paid off each month is a good option Newquay.

Thanks have just looked at Martin Lewis.
Don’t want to change our bank (Nationwide) so will have a look at M&S