Mistake No. 25: Using your credit cards for retail therapy
Fully 95% of adult consumers say that they engage in “retail therapy” sometimes, buying things to make themselves feel better, according to a 2016 eBates.com survey. 62% find cash-back shopping most satisfying — but they may be fooling themselves into thinking that they’re saving money when they’re actually spending money they didn’t need to spend. Credit cards can make retail therapy very easy to engage in, especially if you can’t afford what you’re buying. Think twice before picking up your wallet if you’re feeling low.
It’s good to be credit-card-savvy as you manage your financial life. The more you know about credit cards and how to use them responsibly and productively can save or earn you thousands of dollars.
John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Selena Maranjian owns shares of Amazon and Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon. The Motley Fool has the following options: short May 2018 $175 calls on Home Depot and long January 2020 $110 calls on Home Depot. The Motley Fool recommends Costco Wholesale, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and The TJX Companies.