“Our only “debt” is the monthly credit card bills for groceries/gas/amusement/dining...”
Same here. My best ‘investment’ is the 2 or 3% I get back on my credit card. I pay it off in full every month. And it’s easier to have one or two cc bills to pay than to pay each store/utility individually.
BUT I only recommend this to those that wouldn’t buy more just because it’s on a credit card. I see those charges as real money, my money. It’s no different than writing a check to me. But others need to be careful, as per DR.
Right! Ramsey says that studies show consumers tend to spend 18 to 20% more when using plastic vs. paper - using cash triggers some pain mechanisms in our brain. I can totally see that. Most people do not have the discipline you exhibit.
Pure convenience instead of writing a lot of checks or making numerous debit card transactions (which don't give cash returns), or handling a lot of cash.
When we go on vacations that might bleed into the next billing cycle, I make an extra payment to cover the expected expenses so I don't get caught with late-payment interest charges while away from home. I could just use my laptop to go to the CC site and make a payment with my checking account info but it's easier to just pad the account up front.