Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
The economic debacle in the US, Europe, Asia, and other major countries are the macroscopic view of the credit situation of each household.
The lifestyle of credit has gained access in our society in the guise of convenience and social status, a subtle and soft encroachment of greed into the spirit of community.
What the credit card system creators envisioned as a prelude to a cashless society, where people would carry a small card conveniently and use it as a medium of exchange instead of cash, has become society’s real nightmare.
We are now really becoming a “cashless” society because the lifestyle of credit has engulfed and upset the economic life of many families, strapping them to the debt trap creating a lifestyle of debt enslavement.
How many of us credit cardholders really know how the credit card system works regarding interest rates and repayment schemes?
Most customers are enticed by promotional offers, easy and fast access to loans and credit, availability of cash advances, and affordable weekly or monthly payments.
As there is no harm in getting a slick, shiny and beautifully designed card, many got one without hesitation.
Did anyone ever ask how compound interest computation affects your loaned amount?
Sad to say this, but there are those whose narrow understanding of the credit card system is that they can buy anything by just handing over the card to the cashier, having it swiped through an input device, signing a receipt and presto!…they got what they want.
So you choose to live a lifestyle of credit because you see it as convenient and place you at the mainstream of the society that has embraced the notion that paying through credit card is more reputable than paying in cash.
However, when the credit card bill arrived, your eyes popped open in shock to see the high collectible amount that you had to pay. Now you are in a critical debt situation.
You settle to pay the smallest monthly charge, but you know that you are not solving your debt problem deep inside.
Worse, you might be considering accessing another credit line to pay your existing credit or maybe avail yourself of a cash loan to cover up your credit card bills because you have reached your cash advance limit.
It is not too late to live a lifestyle that liberates, even if this might not be a quick-fix solution to your current financial travails.
There is nothing wrong with having a credit card as long as you manage well your expenditures, like spending it on something that is essential or you might have some emergencies.
Despite your financial woes, commit to living a simple life and delight in the simple and inexpensive things.
To resolve your financial crisis, you have to run a budget, cut out the unnecessary ones, and stick to the family’s basic needs.
Here are some suggestions:
- Make the hard decision of forsaking dining out. Instead, you can spend less and have more quality time together with family and friends, cooking and eating at home or having a picnic.
- Opt for a cheaper cable or internet TV subscription, which could be expensive in some countries;
- Implement power-saving measures;
- Refrain from activities that would incur unnecessary expenses.
Do not anymore conform to the lifestyle of credit that would enslave you financially.
Remember that it is not the people you’re trying to please and impress that would suffer the consequences of falling into the credit pit.
There is no substitute for living a lifestyle that liberates you from debt.
It begins with setting your mindset to not spending the money that you do not possess in your hands.
Renew the habit of saving for the “rainy day” so that when the “storm” comes, you will sleep peacefully and comfortably in your home, enjoying the benefits of living a lifestyle that liberates.
True Kid… I only buy in cash… 🙂