She Strengthens

Financial Fitness: Finding What Works for You

When it comes to managing our finances, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. What works for someone else might not work for us, and that’s okay. The key is to find a system that suits our individual needs and helps us stay on top of our spending.

My Journey with Credit Cards

Growing up, I had a negative perception of credit cards, associating them with overspending and debt. However, after applying for my first credit card in college, I discovered the benefits of using credit cards responsibly. Today, I use credit cards for all my purchases, and I’ve found it to be an effective way to track my spending and earn rewards.

The Cards I Use and Why

I have three credit cards that I use regularly, each with its unique benefits and drawbacks.

• Citi Double Cash: This is my go-to card, offering 2% cash back on all purchases. I love that it’s accepted almost everywhere, and the rewards add up quickly. However, Citi can be strict with balance increase requests, and the credit limit is relatively low.
• Discover Cash Back: This card offers 5% cash back on rotating categories and 1% cash back on everything else. I appreciate the high credit limit and the ability to earn rewards in specific categories. However, Discover isn’t accepted everywhere, and the rotating categories can be limiting.
• Chase Southwest Rewards: As a frequent flyer with Southwest, I was thrilled to get approved for this card. I earn 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest flights and their travel partners, and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. While the rewards are decent, I prefer earning cash back over points.

The Benefits of Credit Cards

Using credit cards has helped me develop a sense of responsibility and accountability when it comes to my spending. I can easily track my purchases and identify areas where I need to cut back. Plus, earning rewards in the form of cash or travel points is a nice bonus.

Why Credit Cards Work for Me

For me, using credit cards is a more effective way to budget than using cash or debit cards. I can easily lose track of cash, and debit cards don’t offer the same perks as credit cards. With credit cards, I can keep track of my spending, analyze my habits, and earn rewards in the process.

Finding What Works for You

Ultimately, the key to financial fitness is finding a system that works for you. Whether it’s using credit cards, cash, or debit cards, the most important thing is to stay on top of your spending and make conscious financial decisions. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to achieve your financial goals and enjoy the rewards that come with it.