Defeat this self-defeating money behavior

If you are paying credit card interest on consumables like gas, food, entertainment or travel, then you are hustling out of the world backwards.

The good memories that linger are often corrupted by payment stress. It is so much better to come back with just the memories and not the bills. Stop paying double digit interest on your contributions to the sewage treatment plant and carbon emissions.

Credit card interest rates are usurious compared to other forms of borrowing. Current rates range between 13.12% and 22.99%.  Carrying a balance on a credit card is not is good for your money. You can end credit card debt, if you do the right things based on your circumstances. 

You can start by resolving to use ONLY cash for consumables from now on.  

Cash limits your spending. It makes your spending more intentional and purpose driven. The key is to not take more cash than you need. Overspending will create budget shortfalls elsewhere.

Cash is any of the cash instruments. That would be debit and gift cards (no overdrafts allowed.) A well managed credit card. That is a credit card that has the statement balance paid in full every month by the due date. And of course, actual dollars and coins.
 
Going to cash for consumables may require a behavior change. Behavior change can be hard if you don’t frame it in your mind right. Think of it as a benefit and not a sacrifice. It is you not setting yourself up for failure. It also eliminates committing future earnings to service debt for transient purchases.

So go to cash for all consumables going forward. It may be tight for a while. You will use cash to take care of your current fuel, entertainment, and food needs. You will have to service and payoff the current debt, also.
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Until then you are going to have to find creative ways for your family to conserve, entertain and eat. Some options include short term use of a food bank. Leaving your vehicle parked. Selling some of your stuff. Finding a paying side hustle. Netflix and chill. What are your strategies?

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