Another Guest Post?
I have never said I don’t like Guest Posts (someone else doing my work for me? What you think I am crazy?), I just get a lot of offers of posts, that I find don’t fit into my plans well, but this post is very good. I have had a lot of help from some much more experienced financial bloggers, and I am effectively paying it back now. If there are others who wish to do Guest Posts for my site, please contact me.
Side Effects of Credit Card Debt Build Up
We all know that credit cards can be worthwhile tools — or devastating instruments of financial destruction. While there are plenty of advantages that comes with credit cards, it is important to remember that credit card debt can lead to financial bondage. It’s a good idea to be wary of credit cards, and to use them carefully, doing your best to avoid debt. This is especially true because credit card debt build up can be devastating for more than your finances.
Credit Card Debt and Health Effects on Your Life
When we think of the negative effects of credit card debt, we often focus on the financial aspects. When you have a great deal of credit card debt built up, you pay hundreds — or even thousands — in interest payments, and your money is not really your own. While this can be difficult and discouraging, it is important to realize that other areas of your life can be affected by credit card debt:
- Emotional and Mental Health: Your emotional and mental health is affected by debt. The stresses that come with trying to meet your obligations, and the feelings of hopelessness that can come with credit card debt, will lead to anxiety and depression. Mental health effects of debt build up is a huge psychological issue.
- Physical Health: Studies have shown that feelings of anxiety and depression can lead to physical side health effects. Heart problems and reduced immune system response can result from the anxieties that come with a build up of credit card debt. On top of that, being stuck in a spiral of declining emotional and mental health will lead to poor exercise and eating habits, compounding physical ailments and serious health effects.
- Relationships: Debt also takes a toll on your relationships. Credit card debt can lead to money stress in a committed relationship. Additionally, the strain debt puts on you can lead you to react less than favorably to your children, and to other people in your lives.
- Shame and Guilt: While society has done away with some of the shame and guilt associated with credit card debt, it still exists. Many people carry these feelings around with them, allowing guilt and shame to colour their view of themselves and others.
Know What You are Getting Into
It is true that credit card rewards and other programs can benefit you in a number of ways. However, if you make purchases just to get the reward points, you will soon find yourself with a build up of credit card debt. Soon, the pressures associated with this debt will spill over into other areas of your life. Paying down your debt, and paying off your credit card balance each month, will provide you with financial freedom — and help you enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
Janet is a blogger and personal finance writer for CreditCardsCanada.ca, a web site specializing in helping consumers find the best Canadian credit cards.Â
Handling credit card debt is a matter of financial discipline. The same goes for paying your mortgage payments or investing in a fund. I do occasionally use my credit card, but I always pay off my card’s balance. As many things, a credit card is a good servant, but a bad master. I always prefer saving in advance.
By the way, are you accepting new guest post submissions at this time? Thanks!
Asking for a credit card debt consolidation from a legitimate debt settlement company is just the perfect to solution to manage large amounts of debts. It is much safer to consult someone who is more knowledgeable that deals with financial matters. Any person would never want to end up in a bankruptcy due to miscalculations.
Ahhh credit cards. I love mine because I pay them off every month and reap the rewards…but lately I have been thinking more about going strictly cash (keeping the cards open though) to see if I spend less money. There are many studies out there showing that you spend more money if you use credit cards than if you part with cash, and I am starting to believe it is true!
“It is true that credit card rewards and other programs can benefit you in a number of ways. However, if you make purchases just to get the reward points, you will soon find yourself with a build up of credit card debt.”
I agree with this 100%. This is why we minimized our credit card usage and we are using cash mostly these days.