We managed to pay off all of our credit cards (aside from the Evil one acquired this year) and only use one of them now. It’s not for emergencies or anything like that really; it’s for everything! I know, I must sound nuts—talking about budgeting and saving money and stuff. Why in the world would I think using a credit card for everything would be a good idea?

In the past, I was never responsible with credit cards and had to learn some lessons the hard way. But after working so hard to learn more about money and all that wonderful stuff, I’ve become more responsible. *whew* Thank goodness, otherwise I shouldn’t be doing this.

Credit Cards can be many things depending on how they are being used. They can be evil, they can be a means for building credit, a way to repair credit, or a way to cash in on some awesome rewards. All those good ones are if they are used in a responsible way. It’s taken me a while to get to a place to do this, so don’t despair if you aren’t here yet. Good things will come if you stay determined and focused.

Why I’m Using a Credit Card 4 Everything?

The credit card I’m using is a Best Buy Reward Zone MasterCard and it’s got some nice rewards. I can earn points anywhere, even paying bills—I earn a ton more points if I actually use it at Best Buy, but I still earn a good amount everywhere else. I am using this for everything I can, paying bills, automatic payments (renter’s insurance, Netflix and World of Warcrap), groceries, gas and so forth. There are a couple things I can’t use it on: rent, evil credit card payments and our water/sewer/garbage bill. Still, it’s paying off pretty nicely.

I started really getting into this in April and since the rewards are a statement behind, my reward received at the end of May is the one earned in April. So for my 1st month I received a $15 Best Buy reward. I can use these rewards in-store or online, and if I use them online I can use Cash-back Shopping to further my savings.

I’m not getting charged any interest on using the credit card—I send payments at least weekly for the money we’ve spent. That way I won’t get behind and get charged interest; having to pay interest would sorta defeat my purpose here. We are spending our money on things that we normally spend it one, but now we are earning rewards back.

I had originally planned to use the rewards for a Sony Bloggie Touch. The rewards are usually good for 6 months from their issue date so I would be paying something, just not as much. I posted about Getting a Sony Bloggie Touch 4 Less back in April and I could have just went out and bought it if I really wanted to.

I am so happy that I didn’t—I don’t really want one anymore. I still think it’s neat and all, but with time I realized that I didn’t really need it. I have a digital camera that can record video and I also have a video camera that uses those tiny-a$$ DVDs.

It’s just not necessary, there are other things I can use these for that will be more beneficial to us. Usually waiting on purchases can be the wisest decision since so many of us get excited and caught up in that whole Instant Gratification thing.

Total rewards I have right now to spend= $40

I could use these separately to obtain a small discount on items (like I did here) or save them up to get free things or a larger discount on something. I’m not exactly sure what we’ll use them on now, but I know one of the $5 ones expires in about 2 months. So we’ll find out soon I guess.

Does anybody else use their credit cards to earn rewards?
Do you pay it off before you’re charged interest?
What kind of rewards do you earn & what do you use them for?