I had a buddy who was a finance major and he really enjoyed using credit for purchases while his own money was earning interest somewhere else. He always paid it off in full before any finance charges were applied. He was a really good guy, but passed away at 26.
I was never a finance major, or a lawyer. I have no inclination to read and no ability to understand the regular changes to my cardholder agreements. I just figure they aren't going to make changes that benefit ME. I use my credit sparingly and try to maintain the lowest balance possible.
Here's a link to a really good FRONTLINE video about the credit biz.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/credit/

Same here.
We basically paid for most of our house on the card, but pay it off full every month. Lots of points (air miles, products etc) but no interest.

If we can't afford to pay something that would have to go on the card, it doesn't get purchased until we actually have the $$ for it. (Hence no decks or garage yet)....

It's a fact though, that most people tend to spend more if they use a credit card, compared to if they use cash for everything. (regardless if the card gets paid off every month or not).

why can cc's afford to pay you 1% cash back? B/C they get 3% profit on purchases, aside from a few loopholes, if a company accepts credit cards, they are not allowed to recoup that 3% by federal law. You are paying 3% more on almost everything you buy (even if using cash). It is built into the prices.

I recently read an article where they say that prices are not set, despite the "no-haggling" stance of american retail. If you are going to buy 1000 worth of tools, offer them 950 (3% markup+2% discount) and tell him you'll pay cash. They'll likely take the deal, and you save WAY more than the $10 you get from taking the cash back.

I might sound like I'm preaching, however, I am something of a pharisee. You see, I have never done this, and probably won't, but it does make sense. CC's have a racket protected by federal law.

FWIW.

one of many jobs i've had in the past was at a pro camera store. it's a small privately owned store that is still in business, and it's still where all the pros in town go.
anyway, you can get an account there, and if you pay your account off early in the month, you get a 2% discount.. but only if you pay cash or check, not by credit card.
when i worked there i had an account, tended to purchase used stuff, had a small employee discount, and paid my account early and by check.
they would also haggle prices there, and were known for their sales people not getting commission.
even with all that, when working there i found that often we really just couldn't beat some of the big guys on price. but some people would buy from us anyway just on principle.

so stuff like that can still be done. you just have to keep your eyes open for where and when it can be done, and whether or not you are still getting the best deal at that point.

you can even get extra discounts at Goodwill, it's called club goodwill, you pay $10 and they give you a card that gives you 10% off allthe time and 25% off on your birthday. who would have thought, they are already dirt cheap.

2 cents
(the cheapest--ha)

ps-- i worked for the camera store but not goodwill, if it matters to anyone.

debit card horror stories? you mean the quadrillion dollar pack of cigarettes? I wonder if there is that much money in the entire world together? well the way there printing it ....maybe they can get that high

Nice link Timber.

I dont like debit cards either. Nothing standing between my little checking account and the big corporate bastards I'm giving my # to. I'd rather let my CC company charge me $50 for a fraud claim and be done with it than worry about getting someone to replenish the balance of my checking account.

I did tell one store (local) what I could get [rope] for. He came within 1 cent/foot, and I didnt' have to go down to seattle to get it. Saved me time, cost me $6. their normal per foot price was > double the reduced price.

I payed with debit card.

-Peter