"Kswck" > wrote in message
...
> And do you either carry a balance or use one to pay off the other each
> month?
>
> I had 14-just to see how many I could get at one point. Combined them all
> and just have 2 w/a 45K limit. <Actually I had 15, but one cancelled the
> account because 'they said' I didn't use it enough. Funny though, 6 months
> later they said they made a mistake and offerred another card-too late
> fools>.
We paid ours off when we refinanced to a fixed mortgage and have one that we
do not use, "in case of emergency." I pay for everything, including most of
the bills, with debit cards. I keep most of our money in accounts not
connected to the debit cards, and simply transfer online what we need for
bills, groceries, doctor visits, vet visits, whatever, to the debit card I
intend to use. So there is never more than a few hundred bucks on any debit
card. I pay the mortgage straight from an account that is not connected to
any debit card. After what the cc companies have been pulling, I never want
to use another credit card.

"cybercat" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Kswck" > wrote in message
> ...
>> And do you either carry a balance or use one to pay off the other each
>> month?
>>
>> I had 14-just to see how many I could get at one point. Combined them all
>> and just have 2 w/a 45K limit. <Actually I had 15, but one cancelled the
>> account because 'they said' I didn't use it enough. Funny though, 6
>> months later they said they made a mistake and offerred another card-too
>> late fools>.
> We paid ours off when we refinanced to a fixed mortgage and have one that
> we do not use, "in case of emergency." I pay for everything, including
> most of the bills, with debit cards. I keep most of our money in accounts
> not connected to the debit cards, and simply transfer online what we need
> for bills, groceries, doctor visits, vet visits, whatever, to the debit
> card I intend to use. So there is never more than a few hundred bucks on
> any debit card. I pay the mortgage straight from an account that is not
> connected to any debit card. After what the cc companies have been
> pulling, I never want to use another credit card.
>

When I first heard about debit cards, I thought they were stupid. Why would
anyone use one when you can get a 20 day grace period before paying with a
credit card?
Then I learned that a debit card is great for those who have credit card
problems and want to limit spending to only that which they can afford at
the time-and they don't figure, 'well I can always pay it later' only to
find that they cannot.

My bad.

"Kswck" > wrote in
:

> When I first heard about debit cards, I thought they were stupid. Why
> would anyone use one when you can get a 20 day grace period before
> paying with a credit card?
>
> Then I learned that a debit card is great for those who have credit
> card problems and want to limit spending to only that which they can
> afford at the time-and they don't figure, 'well I can always pay it
> later' only to find that they cannot.

I have two debit cards and two credit cards, and I use debit whenever I
can. I also have two lines of credit, connected to both debit cards, which
I clear off every month, unless I'm carrying a large amount, like this
month's car repair which I put on a credit card and will transfer to my
line of credit. It will take a while to pay off.

A debit card is cash. And you rarely need to carry much cash with a debit
card.

--

Capitalism is the astounding belief that the most wickedest
of men will do the most wickedest of things for the greatest
good of everyone. - John Maynard Keynes

On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:08:02 -0500, Michel Boucher
> wrote:

>"Kswck" > wrote in
:
>
>> When I first heard about debit cards, I thought they were stupid. Why
>> would anyone use one when you can get a 20 day grace period before
>> paying with a credit card?
>>
>> Then I learned that a debit card is great for those who have credit
>> card problems and want to limit spending to only that which they can
>> afford at the time-and they don't figure, 'well I can always pay it
>> later' only to find that they cannot.
>
>I have two debit cards and two credit cards, and I use debit whenever I
>can. I also have two lines of credit, connected to both debit cards, which
>I clear off every month, unless I'm carrying a large amount, like this
>month's car repair which I put on a credit card and will transfer to my
>line of credit. It will take a while to pay off.
>
>A debit card is cash. And you rarely need to carry much cash with a debit
>card.

If only folks paid themselves first... they'd never need a "line of
credit"... you say line of credit like you are some kind of wealthy
banker... didn't anyone ever teach you that paying interest on mundane
items like car repairs is plain stupid. Paying interest is almost as
stupid as paying rent for an abode, but not quite so low IQ as paying
rent/leasing for transportation.

On Sep 28, 5:40*pm, brooklyn1 > wrote:
> On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:08:02 -0500, Michel Boucher
>
>
>
> > wrote:
> >"Kswck" > wrote in
> :
>
> >> When I first heard about debit cards, I thought they were stupid. Why
> >> would anyone use one when you can get a 20 day grace period before
> >> paying with a credit card?
>
> >> Then I learned that a debit card is great for those who have credit
> >> card problems and want to limit spending to only that which they can
> >> afford at the time-and they don't figure, 'well I can always pay it
> >> later' only to find that they cannot.
>
> >I have two debit cards and two credit cards, and I use debit whenever I
> >can. *I also have two lines of credit, connected to both debit cards, which
> >I clear off every month, unless I'm carrying a large amount, like this
> >month's car repair which I put on a credit card and will transfer to my
> >line of credit. *It will take a while to pay off.
>
> >A debit card is cash. *And you rarely need to carry much cash with a debit
> >card.
>
> If only folks paid themselves first... they'd never need a "line of
> credit"... you say line of credit like you are some kind of wealthy
> banker... didn't anyone ever teach you that paying interest on mundane
> items like car repairs is plain stupid. *Paying interest is almost as
> stupid as paying rent for an abode, but not quite so low IQ as paying
> rent/leasing for transportation.

Lots of people don't have enough income to pay themselves first. What
is somebody to do when the paycheck doesn't cover everything? That's
how a lot of bad debt starts. There wasn't enough income to put money
into savings. And then an emergency comes along. My 22 year old nephew
was sure he would never get into debt when he got his first job at age
18. He actually saved up quite well, and had $3,000 in the bank before
he lost his job (he complained about health code violations). He spent
the money getting by before the next job, and started saving again. He
wanted to be a truck driver, so he found a truck driving school that
cost $3,500. They train you, hire you, then take a payment from each
paycheck. Even with that payment, he was making good money. But he was
involved in an accident after 5 months and let go. So, there he was
with over $2,000 in debt and no job. And then his car broke. So, he
used his line of credit to get the car fixed. Got another trucking
job, and paid his bills and started saving again. Got laid off about 5
months ago.

Unemployment is not enough to cover his rent and utilities ($1200 a
month), let alone his line of credit payment or his schooling payment.
And his car had another problem, which required an immediate repair to
keep the engine from coming loose.

So, his mistakes were a trucking accident, choosing to expensive an
apartment, and buying the wrong car. And then just bad luck at being
the newest driver when the trucking company cut back. So, now he's got
over $6,000 in debt. He has applied at a ton of jobs, but hasn't had
any luck yet. He has no way to pay himself now or pay anything off in
full. He's not goofing, just can't get a good paying job.

On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:08:02 -0500, Michel Boucher wrote:

> "Kswck" > wrote in
> :
>
>> When I first heard about debit cards, I thought they were stupid. Why
>> would anyone use one when you can get a 20 day grace period before
>> paying with a credit card?
>>
>> Then I learned that a debit card is great for those who have credit
>> card problems and want to limit spending to only that which they can
>> afford at the time-and they don't figure, 'well I can always pay it
>> later' only to find that they cannot.
>
> I have two debit cards and two credit cards, and I use debit whenever I
> can. I also have two lines of credit, connected to both debit cards, which
> I clear off every month, unless I'm carrying a large amount, like this
> month's car repair which I put on a credit card and will transfer to my
> line of credit. It will take a while to pay off.
>
> A debit card is cash. And you rarely need to carry much cash with a debit
> card.

i still like to have some cash in my pocket. there are no 'acceptability'
issues with cash.

also, on the rare occasions i pay a restaurant tab with a card, i will
leave the tip in cash. i think servers prefer this.

your pal,
blake

"blake murphy" > wrote:
>
> also, on the rare occasions i pay a restaurant tab with a card, i will
> leave the tip in cash. i think servers prefer this.
>
I think you are right.

blake murphy > wrote in
:

>> A debit card is cash. And you rarely need to carry much cash with a
>> debit card.
>
> i still like to have some cash in my pocket. there are no
> 'acceptability' issues with cash.

Depending on the denomination of the bills, merchants may refuse them.
Although it is illegal to refuse legal tender (which is why it is called
legal tender), merchants fear counterfeit currency and often claim they
"cannot make change". In those cases a debit card is protection for both.

> also, on the rare occasions i pay a restaurant tab with a card, i will
> leave the tip in cash. i think servers prefer this.

I try to do that as well, but sometimes must resort to figuring out a
percentage, than doing the addition.

--

Capitalism is the astounding belief that the most wickedest
of men will do the most wickedest of things for the greatest
good of everyone. - John Maynard Keynes

"blake murphy" > wrote in message
...
> On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:08:02 -0500, Michel Boucher wrote:
>

<snip>

> also, on the rare occasions i pay a restaurant tab with a card, i will
> leave the tip in cash. i think servers prefer this.
>
> your pal,
> blake

I would suspect since the CC companies take a percentage of the tab (amount
charged) they would also take their piece of the tip amount unless the
establishment eats that portion as well.


--
Dimitri
Coming soon:
http://kitchenguide.wordpress.com.

Michel Boucher wrote:
> blake murphy > wrote in
> :
>
>>> A debit card is cash. And you rarely need to carry much cash with a
>>> debit card.
>>
>> i still like to have some cash in my pocket. there are no
>> 'acceptability' issues with cash.
>
> Depending on the denomination of the bills, merchants may refuse them.
> Although it is illegal to refuse legal tender (which is why it is
> called legal tender),

People have tried paying their taxes in pennies, that's been
legally refused. It's not the law here that you have to take
any denomination. I even had an interstate refuse a $50.

nancy

blake wrote on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:53:46 -0400:

>> "Kswck" > wrote in
>> :
>>
>>> When I first heard about debit cards, I thought they were
>>> stupid. Why would anyone use one when you can get a 20 day
>>> grace period before paying with a credit card?
>>>
>>> Then I learned that a debit card is great for those who have
>>> credit card problems and want to limit spending to only that
>>> which they can afford at the time-and they don't figure,
>>> 'well I can always pay it later' only to find that they
>>> cannot.
>>
>> I have two debit cards and two credit cards, and I use debit
>> whenever I can. I also have two lines of credit, connected
>> to both debit cards, which I clear off every month, unless
>> I'm carrying a large amount, like this month's car repair
>> which I put on a credit card and will transfer to my line of
>> credit. It will take a while to pay off.
>>
>> A debit card is cash. And you rarely need to carry much cash
>> with a debit card.

> i still like to have some cash in my pocket. there are no
> 'acceptability' issues with cash.

> also, on the rare occasions i pay a restaurant tab with a
> card, i will leave the tip in cash. i think servers prefer
> this.

Probably because a tip written on a card slip has to be shared with
other staff.

--

James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

Email, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not

Kswck wrote:


> When I first heard about debit cards, I thought they were stupid. Why
> would anyone use one when you can get a 20 day grace period before
> paying with a credit card? Then I learned that a debit card is great
> for those who have credit card problems and want to limit spending to
> only that which they can afford at the time-and they don't figure,
> 'well I can always pay it later' only to find that they cannot.

Certainly people who can't manage their finances (which is not a
denigration, we all have certain areas that need improvement) then
credit cards are not for them. For those who can, then they're great
tools.




Brian

--
Day 239 of the "no grouchy usenet posts" project

"Nancy Young" > wrote in news:1wqwm.379300$bU2.268809
@newsfe29.ams2:

>> Depending on the denomination of the bills, merchants may refuse them.
>> Although it is illegal to refuse legal tender (which is why it is
>> called legal tender),
>
> People have tried paying their taxes in pennies, that's been
> legally refused. It's not the law here that you have to take
> any denomination. I even had an interstate refuse a $50.

Generally, coins are tender within the nation, but not outside, unless they
are made with precious metals. You can't get reimbursed at the Cambio for
common coins still in your pocket when you return from a trip abroad.

Mind you, I suspect that if you tried to pay a large amount with a suitcase
of 5$ bills, you'd have the same problem.

--

Capitalism is the astounding belief that the most wickedest
of men will do the most wickedest of things for the greatest
good of everyone. - John Maynard Keynes

"blake murphy" > wrote in message
...
> On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:08:02 -0500, Michel Boucher wrote:
>
>> "Kswck" > wrote in
>> :
>>
>>> When I first heard about debit cards, I thought they were stupid. Why
>>> would anyone use one when you can get a 20 day grace period before
>>> paying with a credit card?
>>>
>>> Then I learned that a debit card is great for those who have credit
>>> card problems and want to limit spending to only that which they can
>>> afford at the time-and they don't figure, 'well I can always pay it
>>> later' only to find that they cannot.
>>
>> I have two debit cards and two credit cards, and I use debit whenever I
>> can. I also have two lines of credit, connected to both debit cards,
>> which
>> I clear off every month, unless I'm carrying a large amount, like this
>> month's car repair which I put on a credit card and will transfer to my
>> line of credit. It will take a while to pay off.
>>
>> A debit card is cash. And you rarely need to carry much cash with a
>> debit
>> card.
>
> i still like to have some cash in my pocket. there are no 'acceptability'
> issues with cash.
>
> also, on the rare occasions i pay a restaurant tab with a card, i will
> leave the tip in cash. i think servers prefer this.
>
> your pal,
> blake

I have heard that patrons that pay a tip on a credit card don't actually get
the amount of the tip. Restaurant owners that have to pay a fee by the
credit card companies (usually 1 1/2%) also take that 1 1/2% out of the tip
before giving it to the server.
Is this true?

"Michel Boucher" > wrote in message
...
> blake murphy > wrote in
> :
>
>>> A debit card is cash. And you rarely need to carry much cash with a
>>> debit card.
>>
>> i still like to have some cash in my pocket. there are no
>> 'acceptability' issues with cash.
>
> Depending on the denomination of the bills, merchants may refuse them.
> Although it is illegal to refuse legal tender (which is why it is called
> legal tender), merchants fear counterfeit currency and often claim they
> "cannot make change". In those cases a debit card is protection for both.
>
>> also, on the rare occasions i pay a restaurant tab with a card, i will
>> leave the tip in cash. i think servers prefer this.
>
> I try to do that as well, but sometimes must resort to figuring out a
> percentage, than doing the addition.
>
> --

You'd be surprised how many folks refuse the $1 coin as currency. Maybe
because there are Susan B Anthony coins-which are silver colored and the
newer gold colored coin. Many think they are fake. I think the Kennedy half
dollar is extinct. I'd bet kids wouldn't take them at all.

Kswck wrote:
>
> You'd be surprised how many folks refuse the $1 coin as currency. Maybe
> because there are Susan B Anthony coins-which are silver colored and the
> newer gold colored coin. Many think they are fake. I think the Kennedy half
> dollar is extinct. I'd bet kids wouldn't take them at all.

They would be out of luck here. We have not had $1 or $2 bills for
years. Pocket change adds up quickly.

"Kswck" > wrote in
:

> You'd be surprised how many folks refuse the $1 coin as currency.
> Maybe because there are Susan B Anthony coins-which are silver colored
> and the newer gold colored coin. Many think they are fake. I think the
> Kennedy half dollar is extinct. I'd bet kids wouldn't take them at
> all.

In Canada, 1 and 2 dollar coins are common currency. We have no paper
equivalent in circulation anymore.

--

Capitalism is the astounding belief that the most wickedest
of men will do the most wickedest of things for the greatest
good of everyone. - John Maynard Keynes

"James Silverton" > wrote in message
...
> blake wrote on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:53:46 -0400:
>
>>> "Kswck" > wrote in
>>> :
>>>
>>>> When I first heard about debit cards, I thought they were
>>>> stupid. Why would anyone use one when you can get a 20 day
>>>> grace period before paying with a credit card?
>>>>
>>>> Then I learned that a debit card is great for those who have
>>>> credit card problems and want to limit spending to only that
>>>> which they can afford at the time-and they don't figure,
>>>> 'well I can always pay it later' only to find that they
>>>> cannot.
>>>
>>> I have two debit cards and two credit cards, and I use debit
>>> whenever I can. I also have two lines of credit, connected
>>> to both debit cards, which I clear off every month, unless
>>> I'm carrying a large amount, like this month's car repair
>>> which I put on a credit card and will transfer to my line of
>>> credit. It will take a while to pay off.
>>>
>>> A debit card is cash. And you rarely need to carry much cash
>>> with a debit card.
>
>> i still like to have some cash in my pocket. there are no
>> 'acceptability' issues with cash.
>
>> also, on the rare occasions i pay a restaurant tab with a
>> card, i will leave the tip in cash. i think servers prefer
>> this.
>
> Probably because a tip written on a card slip has to be shared with other
> staff.
>

Nope.

"Default User" > wrote in message
...
> Kswck wrote:
>
>
>> When I first heard about debit cards, I thought they were stupid. Why
>> would anyone use one when you can get a 20 day grace period before
>> paying with a credit card? Then I learned that a debit card is great
>> for those who have credit card problems and want to limit spending to
>> only that which they can afford at the time-and they don't figure,
>> 'well I can always pay it later' only to find that they cannot.
>
> Certainly people who can't manage their finances (which is not a
> denigration, we all have certain areas that need improvement) then
> credit cards are not for them. For those who can, then they're great
> tools.
>
No they aren't.

On Sep 29, 6:53*pm, "cybercat" > wrote:
> "Default User" > wrote in message
>
> ...> Kswck wrote:
>
> >> When I first heard about debit cards, I thought they were stupid. Why
> >> would anyone use one when you can get a 20 day grace period before
> >> paying with a credit card? *Then I learned that a debit card is great
> >> for those who have credit card problems and want to limit spending to
> >> only that which they can afford at the time-and they don't figure,
> >> 'well I can always pay it later' only to find that they cannot.
>
> > Certainly people who can't manage their finances (which is not a
> > denigration, we all have certain areas that need improvement) then
> > credit cards are not for them. For those who can, then they're great
> > tools.
>
> No they aren't.

>
>
And you are basing this sweeping statement on what???

joan wrote to cyber****:

>>> Certainly people who can't manage their finances (which is not a
>>> denigration, we all have certain areas that need improvement) then
>>> credit cards are not for them. For those who can, then they're great
>>> tools.
>>
>> No they aren't.
>>
> And you are basing this sweeping statement on what???

cyber**** has a negative outlook on credit cards because you can't buy crack
cocaine with a credit card. That's why cyber**** insists on being paid
fifteen cents CASH MONEY for its services.

Bob

> wrote in message
...
On Sep 29, 6:53 pm, "cybercat" > wrote:
> "Default User" > wrote in message
>
> ...> Kswck wrote:
>
> >> When I first heard about debit cards, I thought they were stupid. Why
> >> would anyone use one when you can get a 20 day grace period before
> >> paying with a credit card? Then I learned that a debit card is great
> >> for those who have credit card problems and want to limit spending to
> >> only that which they can afford at the time-and they don't figure,
> >> 'well I can always pay it later' only to find that they cannot.
>
> > Certainly people who can't manage their finances (which is not a
> > denigration, we all have certain areas that need improvement) then
> > credit cards are not for them. For those who can, then they're great
> > tools.
>
> No they aren't.

>
>
>And you are basing this sweeping statement on what???

Did you read the thread? And are you going to actually try to make the
argument that using credit cards is better than paying cash for what you
need? As for one reason why credit cards are not "great tools," just
one--you pay a fee for every transaction. It's idiotic to use a credit card
when you have the cash to pay for what you want, particularly when there are
debit cards that you may use with the ease of a credit card but without
fees. Anything else?

Bob Terwilliger wrote:

> joan wrote to cyber****:
>
>>>> Certainly people who can't manage their finances (which is not a
>>>> denigration, we all have certain areas that need improvement) then
>>>> credit cards are not for them. For those who can, then they're
>>>> great tools.
>>>
>>> No they aren't.
>>>
>> And you are basing this sweeping statement on what???
>
> cyber**** has a negative outlook on credit cards because you can't
> buy crack cocaine with a credit card. That's why cyber**** insists on
> being paid fifteen cents CASH MONEY for its services.
>


Aren't you being kinda "harsh" there, Bob...???

<chuckle>


--
Best
Greg

On Sep 29, 11:28*pm, "cybercat" > wrote:
> > wrote in message
>
> ...
> On Sep 29, 6:53 pm, "cybercat" > wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > "Default User" > wrote in message
>
> ...> Kswck wrote:
>
> > >> When I first heard about debit cards, I thought they were stupid. Why
> > >> would anyone use one when you can get a 20 day grace period before
> > >> paying with a credit card? Then I learned that a debit card is great
> > >> for those who have credit card problems and want to limit spending to
> > >> only that which they can afford at the time-and they don't figure,
> > >> 'well I can always pay it later' only to find that they cannot.
>
> > > Certainly people who can't manage their finances (which is not a
> > > denigration, we all have certain areas that need improvement) then
> > > credit cards are not for them. For those who can, then they're great
> > > tools.
>
> > No they aren't.
>
> >And you are basing this sweeping statement on what???
>
> Did you read the thread? And are you going to actually try to make the
> argument that using credit cards is better than paying cash for what you
> need? As for one reason why credit cards are not "great tools," just
> one--you pay a fee for every transaction. It's idiotic to use a credit card
> when you have the cash to pay for what you want, particularly when there are
> debit cards that you may use with the ease of a credit card but without
> fees. Anything else?
>
>
Yes, I read the thread, I've even contributed to this particular topic
before tonight. *I'm* not paying any fees and every single month I
pay my balance in full. If you care to go back and read my post from
last night you will see where I stated I've had my card for 4 years
and have yet to pay a penny in interest fees. Why?? Because my
balance is paid off EACH AND EVERY MONTH. The interest rate on this
card that I have that I've never paid interest on is 6.90%. What is
it that you don't understand that I've never paid any interest??
Zero, nada, zilch, none.

wrote:
> On Sep 29, 11:28 pm, "cybercat" > wrote:

>>
>> Did you read the thread? And are you going to actually try to make
>> the argument that using credit cards is better than paying cash for
>> what you need? As for one reason why credit cards are not "great
>> tools," just one--you pay a fee for every transaction. It's idiotic
>> to use a credit card when you have the cash to pay for what you
>> want, particularly when there are debit cards that you may use with
>> the ease of a credit card but without fees. Anything else?

> Yes, I read the thread, I've even contributed to this particular topic
> before tonight. *I'm* not paying any fees and every single month I
> pay my balance in full.

I've never paid a fee to use a credit card. As a matter of fact, I
get paid to use my credit card.

> If you care to go back and read my post from
> last night you will see where I stated I've had my card for 4 years
> and have yet to pay a penny in interest fees. Why?? Because my
> balance is paid off EACH AND EVERY MONTH. The interest rate on this
> card that I have that I've never paid interest on is 6.90%. What is
> it that you don't understand that I've never paid any interest??
> Zero, nada, zilch, none.

We must have some kind of secret credit card that works differently
than hers. Heh.

nancy

"Nancy Young" > wrote in message
...
> wrote:
>> On Sep 29, 11:28 pm, "cybercat" > wrote:
>
>>>
>>> Did you read the thread? And are you going to actually try to make
>>> the argument that using credit cards is better than paying cash for
>>> what you need? As for one reason why credit cards are not "great
>>> tools," just one--you pay a fee for every transaction. It's idiotic
>>> to use a credit card when you have the cash to pay for what you
>>> want, particularly when there are debit cards that you may use with
>>> the ease of a credit card but without fees. Anything else?
>
>> Yes, I read the thread, I've even contributed to this particular topic
>> before tonight. *I'm* not paying any fees and every single month I
>> pay my balance in full.
>
> I've never paid a fee to use a credit card. As a matter of fact, I get
> paid to use my credit card.
>> If you care to go back and read my post from
>> last night you will see where I stated I've had my card for 4 years
>> and have yet to pay a penny in interest fees. Why?? Because my
>> balance is paid off EACH AND EVERY MONTH. The interest rate on this
>> card that I have that I've never paid interest on is 6.90%. What is
>> it that you don't understand that I've never paid any interest??
>> Zero, nada, zilch, none.
>
> We must have some kind of secret credit card that works differently
> than hers. Heh.

Sigh. Why do we need an new influx of idiots when our old ones are just as
good? I ask you.

cybercat wrote:
> "Nancy Young" > wrote in message
> ...
>> wrote:
>>> On Sep 29, 11:28 pm, "cybercat" > wrote:
>>
>>>>
>>>> Did you read the thread? And are you going to actually try to make
>>>> the argument that using credit cards is better than paying cash for
>>>> what you need? As for one reason why credit cards are not "great
>>>> tools," just one--you pay a fee for every transaction. It's idiotic
>>>> to use a credit card when you have the cash to pay for what you
>>>> want, particularly when there are debit cards that you may use with
>>>> the ease of a credit card but without fees. Anything else?
>>
>>> Yes, I read the thread, I've even contributed to this particular
>>> topic before tonight. *I'm* not paying any fees and every single
>>> month I pay my balance in full.
>>
>> I've never paid a fee to use a credit card. As a matter of fact, I
>> get paid to use my credit card.
>>> If you care to go back and read my post from
>>> last night you will see where I stated I've had my card for 4 years
>>> and have yet to pay a penny in interest fees. Why?? Because my
>>> balance is paid off EACH AND EVERY MONTH. The interest rate on this
>>> card that I have that I've never paid interest on is 6.90%. What is
>>> it that you don't understand that I've never paid any interest??
>>> Zero, nada, zilch, none.
>>
>> We must have some kind of secret credit card that works differently
>> than hers. Heh.
>
> Sigh. Why do we need an new influx of idiots when our old ones are
> just as good? I ask you.

You dimwit, you're still sticking to the story that you pay a fee
when you use a credit card? Once again you're assigning your
biggest traits to other people.

nancy

wrote on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:40:14 -0700
(PDT):

> On Sep 29, 6:53 pm, "cybercat" > wrote:
>> "Default User" > wrote in message
>>
>> ...> Kswck wrote:
>>
> >>> When I first heard about debit cards, I thought they were
> >>> stupid. Why would anyone use one when you can get a 20 day
> >>> grace period before paying with a credit card? Then I
> >>> learned that a debit card is great for those who have
> >>> credit card problems and want to limit spending to only
> >>> that which they can afford at the time-and they don't
> >>> figure, 'well I can always pay it later' only to find that
> >>> they cannot.
>>
> >> Certainly people who can't manage their finances (which is
> >> not a denigration, we all have certain areas that need
> >> improvement) then credit cards are not for them. For those
> >> who can, then they're great tools.
>>
>> No they aren't.

>And you are basing this sweeping statement on what???

I have quite often seen tip jars at the cash register where tips are
combined. These are quite frequent in places that don't take credit
cards, like many Pho restaurants. A few Indian restaurants do take
credit cards but have tip jars too..You can give the card to the waiter
or pay at a register,


--

James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

Email, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not

"Nancy Young" > wrote in message
...
> cybercat wrote:
>> "Nancy Young" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> wrote:
>>>> On Sep 29, 11:28 pm, "cybercat" > wrote:
>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Did you read the thread? And are you going to actually try to make
>>>>> the argument that using credit cards is better than paying cash for
>>>>> what you need? As for one reason why credit cards are not "great
>>>>> tools," just one--you pay a fee for every transaction. It's idiotic
>>>>> to use a credit card when you have the cash to pay for what you
>>>>> want, particularly when there are debit cards that you may use with
>>>>> the ease of a credit card but without fees. Anything else?
>>>
>>>> Yes, I read the thread, I've even contributed to this particular
>>>> topic before tonight. *I'm* not paying any fees and every single
>>>> month I pay my balance in full.
>>>
>>> I've never paid a fee to use a credit card. As a matter of fact, I
>>> get paid to use my credit card.
>>>> If you care to go back and read my post from
>>>> last night you will see where I stated I've had my card for 4 years
>>>> and have yet to pay a penny in interest fees. Why?? Because my
>>>> balance is paid off EACH AND EVERY MONTH. The interest rate on this
>>>> card that I have that I've never paid interest on is 6.90%. What is
>>>> it that you don't understand that I've never paid any interest??
>>>> Zero, nada, zilch, none.
>>>
>>> We must have some kind of secret credit card that works differently
>>> than hers. Heh.
>>
>> Sigh. Why do we need an new influx of idiots when our old ones are
>> just as good? I ask you.
>
> You dimwit, you're still sticking to the story that you pay a fee
> when you use a credit card? Once again you're assigning your
> biggest traits to other people.

You haven't read the thread, have you, Nancy? It's got to be a full moon.
lol

On Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:26:39 -0400, "Nancy Young"
> wrote:

wrote:
>>
>> I'm not paying any fees and every single month I
>> pay my balance in full.
>
>I've never paid a fee to use a credit card. As a matter of fact, I
>get paid to use my credit card.
>
>> If you care to go back and read my post from
>> last night you will see where I stated I've had my card for 4 years
>> and have yet to pay a penny in interest fees. Why?? Because my
>> balance is paid off EACH AND EVERY MONTH. The interest rate on this
>> card that I have that I've never paid interest on is 6.90%. What is
>> it that you don't understand that I've never paid any interest??
>> Zero, nada, zilch, none.
>
>We must have some kind of secret credit card that works differently
>than hers. Heh.
>
>nancy

I've never seen a credit card that charges a usage fee... with many
there is a small yearly administration fee (like $25) whether it's
used or not and many financial institutions waive that fee for various
reasons like if one maintains a minimum bank balance or opens a
particular type of account, etc... but I've never seen where their is
a usage fee... now some ATMs have a useage fee, and many checking
accounts charge for checks and a fee to use each check and many debit
cards attach a fee for each transaction, but again, I have no knowlege
of any credit card that charges a fee for each transaction. But
credit cards do attach a fee for late payment in the form of interest
(after all, it's an unsecured personal loan). If one pays their
outstanding balance each period then credit cards are an excellent
financial tool... most importantly a credit card creates a paper trail
for every transaction (cash does not). Credit cards are much safer
than cash, even safer than traveler's cheques; if you lose your cash
or get robbed you're SOL... with credit cards a simple phone call
will disable the credit card (credit cards also set a low limit of
responsibility, like $50), and credit card security alerts for
improper use so won't allow the sale; like for any transaction over
say $500, or any duplicate purchase like two TVs, two toasters, or
even two separate grocery sales at the same store within a short time
period (credit card security will block the sale and immediately phone
to ascertain that it's actually you, by password, DOB, mom's maiden,
pet's name, etc.). And credit cards are an excellent tool for those
who travel, can't rent as car without a credit card, not even if you
pay cash up front, can't rent a hotel room or book a flight without a
credit card, can't do mail order purchases or internet purchases
without a credit card. And I always carry a few hundred dollars in
cash but most folks don't carry more than like $20-$40 in cash, so a
credit card makes it possible to go out for a day of shopping without
carrying a lot of cash, much safer depending on location... I've never
been mugged while driving my tractor. LOL

Only case where credit cards are NOT a good tool is for those too weak
minded to spend money in a responsible manner, ie, not spend more than
they can remit within the gratis period of their loan, yes, using a
credit card is an unsecured personal loan... and no points/perks equal
the interest on the unpaid balance... points/perks are just a gimmick
to lure in the pinheads to go into debt.

For me just the use of EZPASS is benefit enough for using a credit
card.... for those who don't know that's a little electronic gadget
stuck to my windshield that permits me to zip right through the marked
lanes at toll boths in the NYS area without having to handle cash.
also permits purchase of gas, etc., my credit card is automatically
charged the toll/fuel bill and with a small discount... there is no
fee with EZPASS.
http://www.ezpassonthego.com/?gclid=...FdVL5QodsHWt2Q

brooklyn1 wrote:
> On Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:26:39 -0400, "Nancy Young"
> > wrote:
>
>> wrote:
>>>
>>> I'm not paying any fees and every single month I
>>> pay my balance in full.
>>
>> I've never paid a fee to use a credit card. As a matter of fact, I
>> get paid to use my credit card.
>>

> I've never seen a credit card that charges a usage fee... with many
> there is a small yearly administration fee (like $25) whether it's

I was so over paying a fee for a credit card, but I wouldn't be
surprised to see that become the norm again.

> now some ATMs have a useage fee,

I would go pretty far to avoid that, it's one of those irritating things.
The ATM bank charges you, then your own bank charges you on
the other end. I just use my bank's ATMs to avoid it. The part that
frosts me is they charge me for my ATM card, an annual fee.

> and many checking
> accounts charge for checks and a fee to use each check and many debit
> cards attach a fee for each transaction, but again, I have no knowlege
> of any credit card that charges a fee for each transaction. But
> credit cards do attach a fee for late payment in the form of interest
> (after all, it's an unsecured personal loan). If one pays their
> outstanding balance each period then credit cards are an excellent
> financial tool... most importantly a credit card creates a paper trail
> for every transaction (cash does not). Credit cards are much safer
> than cash, even safer than traveler's cheques; if you lose your cash
> or get robbed you're SOL... with credit cards a simple phone call
> will disable the credit card (credit cards also set a low limit of
> responsibility, like $50),

It's all good, from my point of view.

> pet's name, etc.). And credit cards are an excellent tool for those
> who travel, can't rent as car without a credit card, not even if you
> pay cash up front, can't rent a hotel room or book a flight without a
> credit card, can't do mail order purchases or internet purchases
> without a credit card. And I always carry a few hundred dollars in
> cash but most folks don't carry more than like $20-$40 in cash, so a
> credit card makes it possible to go out for a day of shopping without
> carrying a lot of cash, much safer depending on location... I've never
> been mugged while driving my tractor. LOL

Probably never needed to buy anything while driving it, either.
Unless you're driving it to get gas or repairs, of course.

It would be far too difficult for me to travel without a credit card.

> Only case where credit cards are NOT a good tool is for those too weak
> minded to spend money in a responsible manner,

Most people have something they should be careful about, be it
booze or food or credit cards. Know yourself.

> For me just the use of EZPASS is benefit enough for using a credit
> card....

I don't know what took me so long to sign up, it's the greatest thing
since sliced bread.

> for those who don't know that's a little electronic gadget
> stuck to my windshield that permits me to zip right through the marked
> lanes at toll boths in the NYS area without having to handle cash.

It's good in a few states, including NJ.

> also permits purchase of gas, etc., my credit card is automatically
> charged the toll/fuel bill and with a small discount... there is no
> fee with EZPASS.
> http://www.ezpassonthego.com/?gclid=...FdVL5QodsHWt2Q

I didn't know you could (and maybe I can't) pay for gas with it, and I do
pay a small annual fee. Different EZPASS locations have different rules.

nancy

cybercat wrote:
> "Nancy Young" > wrote

>> cybercat wrote:

>>>>>> cash for what you need? As for one reason why credit cards are
>>>>>> not "great tools," just one--you pay a fee for every
>>>>>> transaction.

>> You dimwit, you're still sticking to the story that you pay a fee
>> when you use a credit card? Once again you're assigning your
>> biggest traits to other people.
>
> You haven't read the thread, have you, Nancy?

Yes, and I've contributed to it, as well. And you can read what you
said. Above.

nancy

On Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:04:58 -0500, Michel Boucher wrote:

> blake murphy > wrote in
> :
>
>>> A debit card is cash. And you rarely need to carry much cash with a
>>> debit card.
>>
>> i still like to have some cash in my pocket. there are no
>> 'acceptability' issues with cash.
>
> Depending on the denomination of the bills, merchants may refuse them.
> Although it is illegal to refuse legal tender (which is why it is called
> legal tender), merchants fear counterfeit currency and often claim they
> "cannot make change". In those cases a debit card is protection for both.
>

well, no, i'm not busting out hundreds. the twenties dispensed by the
a.t.m. are about as high as i go. no need to give cashiers the impression
i'm a drug dealer or something.

your pal,
blake

On Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:50:41 -0400, Kswck wrote:

> "Michel Boucher" > wrote in message
> ...
>> blake murphy > wrote in
>> :
>>
>>>> A debit card is cash. And you rarely need to carry much cash with a
>>>> debit card.
>>>
>>> i still like to have some cash in my pocket. there are no
>>> 'acceptability' issues with cash.
>>
>> Depending on the denomination of the bills, merchants may refuse them.
>> Although it is illegal to refuse legal tender (which is why it is called
>> legal tender), merchants fear counterfeit currency and often claim they
>> "cannot make change". In those cases a debit card is protection for both.
>>
>>> also, on the rare occasions i pay a restaurant tab with a card, i will
>>> leave the tip in cash. i think servers prefer this.
>>
>> I try to do that as well, but sometimes must resort to figuring out a
>> percentage, than doing the addition.
>>
>> --
>
> You'd be surprised how many folks refuse the $1 coin as currency. Maybe
> because there are Susan B Anthony coins-which are silver colored and the
> newer gold colored coin. Many think they are fake. I think the Kennedy half
> dollar is extinct. I'd bet kids wouldn't take them at all.

my father likes two-dollar bills for some odd reason. he once had a
panhandler refuse to take one.

your pal,
blake

On Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:23:33 -0400, James Silverton wrote:

> blake wrote on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:53:46 -0400:
>
>>> "Kswck" > wrote in
>>> :
>>>
>>>> When I first heard about debit cards, I thought they were
>>>> stupid. Why would anyone use one when you can get a 20 day
>>>> grace period before paying with a credit card?
>>>>
>>>> Then I learned that a debit card is great for those who have
>>>> credit card problems and want to limit spending to only that
>>>> which they can afford at the time-and they don't figure,
>>>> 'well I can always pay it later' only to find that they
>>>> cannot.
>>>
>>> I have two debit cards and two credit cards, and I use debit
>>> whenever I can. I also have two lines of credit, connected
>>> to both debit cards, which I clear off every month, unless
>>> I'm carrying a large amount, like this month's car repair
>>> which I put on a credit card and will transfer to my line of
>>> credit. It will take a while to pay off.
>>>
>>> A debit card is cash. And you rarely need to carry much cash
>>> with a debit card.
>
>> i still like to have some cash in my pocket. there are no
>> 'acceptability' issues with cash.
>
>> also, on the rare occasions i pay a restaurant tab with a
>> card, i will leave the tip in cash. i think servers prefer
>> this.
>
> Probably because a tip written on a card slip has to be shared with
> other staff.

possibly. or maybe they have to wait to get the dough. i don't really
know.

your pal,
blake

On Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:47:27 -0400, Kswck wrote:

> "blake murphy" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> i still like to have some cash in my pocket. there are no 'acceptability'
>> issues with cash.
>>
>> also, on the rare occasions i pay a restaurant tab with a card, i will
>> leave the tip in cash. i think servers prefer this.
>>
>> your pal,
>> blake
>
> I have heard that patrons that pay a tip on a credit card don't actually get
> the amount of the tip. Restaurant owners that have to pay a fee by the
> credit card companies (usually 1 1/2%) also take that 1 1/2% out of the tip
> before giving it to the server.
> Is this true?

you know, i don't know. i'll ask the folks next time i'm at my usual
saloon (though i think most of their trade is in cash).

your pal,
blake

"Nancy Young" > wrote in message
news
> cybercat wrote:
>> "Nancy Young" > wrote
>
>>> cybercat wrote:
>
>>>>>>> cash for what you need? As for one reason why credit cards are
>>>>>>> not "great tools," just one--you pay a fee for every
>>>>>>> transaction.
>
>>> You dimwit, you're still sticking to the story that you pay a fee
>>> when you use a credit card? Once again you're assigning your
>>> biggest traits to other people.
>>
>> You haven't read the thread, have you, Nancy?
>
> Yes, and I've contributed to it, as well. And you can read what you
> said. Above.

I was talking about using them and not paying off the balance. If you read
the thread, you saw that the point JOAN objected to was my opinon that
credit cards are not any more a "useful tool" for those who consistently pay
them off every month than debit cards. It's a waste of time paying for
things twice, once with a credit card then later that month when you pay the
balance on the credit card. And of course, there ARE yearly fees on some of
them. I don't use them now but I have in the past.

"Nancy Young" > wrote in message
...
> brooklyn1 wrote:
>> On Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:26:39 -0400, "Nancy Young"
>> > wrote:
>>
>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> I'm not paying any fees and every single month I
>>>> pay my balance in full.
>>>
>>> I've never paid a fee to use a credit card. As a matter of fact, I
>>> get paid to use my credit card.
>>>
>
>> I've never seen a credit card that charges a usage fee... with many
>> there is a small yearly administration fee (like $25) whether it's
>
> I was so over paying a fee for a credit card, but I wouldn't be
> surprised to see that become the norm again.

And yet I had to be insane for suggesting that some folks pay to use them.
Jesus. You're getting as bad as ****wiliger.

cybercat wrote:
> I was talking about using them and not paying off the balance. If
> you
> read the thread, you saw that the point JOAN objected to was my
> opinon that credit cards are not any more a "useful tool" for those
> who consistently pay them off every month than debit cards. It's a
> waste of time paying for things twice, once with a credit card then
> later that month when you pay the balance on the credit card. And of
> course, there ARE yearly fees on some of them. I don't use them now
> but I have in the past.

I use my debit card when I'm face-to-face with the seller. I use my
credit card number when I shop online (provided the internet seller
has a secure site; i.e., https. and is a reputable seller). Those
charges get paid off monthly. I seldom use cash nowadays.

>
> I was so over paying a fee for a credit card, but I wouldn't be
> surprised to see that become the norm again. *
>
> > *now some ATMs have a useage fee,
>
> I would go pretty far to avoid that, it's one of those irritating things.
> The ATM bank charges you, then your own bank charges you on
> the other end. *I just use my bank's ATMs to avoid it. *The part that
> frosts me is they charge me for my ATM card, an annual fee. *

I've never seen an annual charge for an ATM card. Debit cards can be
used to withdraw cash at a machine - no fee.

My credit union allows 3 "off-site" ATM transactions a month with no
fee - after you use another machine more than that, there's a $1.50
fee I think - I've never used an alien machine more than once a month,
and rarely do it at all. The ones that really get me are Bank of
America's machines - they're in our super mall and charge $3 or $3.50
for every transaction, so I always take some cash along just in case,
in addition to my debit card. That fee is ridiculous when the machine
is taking the place of human assistance in the first place.

Trust me, the more Congress cracks down on banking fees, the more
inventive they become in increasing the ones they have or creating new
ones.

It seems like for you, a debit card would be perfect - they can be
either debit or credit depending on how the merchant is set up.
EZPass likely wouldn't know if yours was a debit card or credit card,
as long as it said MasterCard or Visa on it. My credit union card is
VISA-backed. No problems whatsoever. And no fee, unless I just up
and lose it, in which case I think a new one is $10.

N.