Saturday, December 3, 2011

Credit Cards: The Back Story

Below is a list of my credit cards and the back-story behind each one.

Discover
This one is the oldest out of the 6 credit cards listed here. I'm embarrassed to say that one of the reasons that compelled me to get it was the option to get a Shih Tzu photo on the face of the card. (I had a pet Shih Tzu at the time.) In addition, these were during psycho ex-boyfriend days, who had equally poor spending habits, and the two of us put together was not a pretty picture. The account has since been closed. I make the minimum payment of $27 per month, with only $10 going to the principal.
Current balance = $1,331.70
APR = 14.49%

PayPal Connect
If I had to take a guess, I would say I opened this one as I was perusing eBay and wanted nonessential items which I didn't have money to pay for. I think I was approved for $900 at first, and that increased to $1900 later on. This gets monthly minimum payments as well. 
Current balance = $1,044.09
APR = 26.99%

Visa Credit Card
I have checking and savings accounts through a credit union. Not sure why but this credit union's payday advance is essentially a credit card account. I was desperately broke before payday so I applied for an account and was approved for up to $500. The account balance stays pretty steady at $500. I make the minimum monthly payments and the finance charge is only about $5, but it certainly doesn't help when I always use it for small purchases, like work lunches and gum and Starbucks. 
Current Balance = $500
APR = 17.15%

Macy's
I opened this while visiting my best friend who was working at the makeup counter at the time. She asked me to sign up since she gets commission for it. Being the supportive friend that I am, I went for it. At first, I managed it very well -- purchasing items and paying the entire balance off each month. Macy's credit cards have this rewards program where depending on the total amount of purchases per year, you can climb up the rewards level, each with corresponding perks. I think I made it to the silver. I was able to buy a mattress and bed frame with the card. Before that, all we had was a second-hand mattress we found through Craigslist (major upgrade!). Eventually, I fell behind with the balance pay-offs and started just doing the minimum payments. In March 2011, I received a work bonus and used a portion of that to pay off the entire balance. I was so proud and relieved to be rid of one card and thought I was on my way to debt-free. But I used it again when I needed makeup and clothes. Shame on me. 
Current balance = $699.15
APR = 24.50%

Barclay
This is the newest card, solely opened to purchase an iPad. I had a very specific fail-proof plan. The card was offering one year of no interest. I would buy the iPad then make 12 equal monthly payments (without interest, of course), and then it would be paid off! Brilliant, I thought. And then it all crumbled. Barclay increased my credit line, and I was distracted by the extra money being waved at my face, taunting me to use it. I used it and I abused it. Well, those 12 interest-free months have come and gone, more purchases have come on, and the card was maxed out.
Current balance = $1,909.58
APR = 22.99%

Skeletons are out of the closet. All that said, this exercise was beneficial because I got the opportunity to really see the irrational thinking that went behind the process of acquiring these cards.

1 comment:

  1. Flora,
    Hopefully your openness about your debt inspires others to go evaluate their own situation. Good luck on your journey and stay focused!

    ReplyDelete