It's easy to run up your credit card by buying books, DVDs, and music, especially from a user-friendly site like Amazon. You think to yourself, "Oh - it's just $14, and much cheaper than I could get in town" or "I'm getting a good deal, and I get free shipping - so it's worth it." You convince yourself that you'll "pay it off at the end of the month." And, after all, it's really easy just to click that "purchase" button, with your credit card information already set up. There's no real "sting" to it, when you don't see your cash going out the window!

What's the solution? Change your account settings on Amazon! You can now pay straight from your checking account. Or, put your debit card in there, only make sure you aren't relying on overdraft! Make sure you've planned your purchase into your budget, and that you've written it in your checkbook.

When you get ready to purchase something from Amazon or other similar sites, make sure you've done your planning in advance. If you find yourself "impulse buying" - stop and wait. Give it a day. See if it's something you "really" need.

Three things will happen: 1. You'll quickly realize how much you spend shopping online through places like Amazon, and you'll adjust your spending habits accordingly. 2. You'll avoid running up unreasonable debt for things you could probably check out (for free) from a local library! 3. You'll avoid impulse buying!

Get smart with your money, and eliminate your zombie spending habits!

Labels: Credit Cards, Financial How-To, shopping