I tend to overspend when I use credit cards but I’m scared to use a debit card because I feel like

[Anonymous]

they’re less secure. Someone could just steal it and wipe out whatever’s in there. WWYD? I currently have more CC debt than I’m comfortable with, $1700, on a low income.

[Anonymous]

Have you tried just going to cash? Not as convenient - you'll need to plan in advance how much cash you need - but using only cash definitely helps you to control your spending. Maybe commit to doing it for 1 week and see how it goes.

[Anonymous]

+1 to switching to cash. Try a no-spend February. Only buy groceries/pay for transit with a budgeted amount of cash.

[Anonymous]

What are you overspending on?

[Anonymous]

Just get a card with a really low limit.

[Anonymous]

Do not use a Debit card. Your fears are very valid.

If you want to curb overspending and pay off your CC debt
- Have a budget for each category of spending. Split it further for daily/weekly/monthly spending.
- Maintain a spreadsheet where you log every spending DAILY. And also keep track of then how on track you are for your daily/weekly/monthly spending. Subtract your spending from the money you have in the bank on the spreadsheet.
- If you get your salary every two weeks, you need to split your bills payment also in the two cycles (you may need to talk to the merchants to make it happen). Then pay your bills first the moment your salary hits your account. When you pay off your bills as soon as you get your salary, you are never fooled into thinking that you have more money than you have. The amount reduces as the payments are made and you have a very good idea of where you stand.

[Anonymous]

You can try using a budget. I love YNAB. It will allow you to see how much spending money you have for each category.

[Anonymous]

If you want a card rather than cash, tie a debit card to a bank account with very little money in it. Only add money when you're just about to make a big purchase. But I think it would be better to just use cash.

[Anonymous]

I think intrinsically we know when we are overspending. Listen to your gut. Before I go to checkout, I look over my cart and ask myself if each item passes.

[Anonymous]

I moved to a debit card for the same reason and haven't had a problem with it. There was identity theft once (I think it was with a reader at a gas station capturing all card info) but my bank, Ctibank, returned the funds within 24 hours.

Perhaps if you connect the debit card to an account with a low amount of money in it (you can transfer more in if you need to make a big purchase), you'll feel more secure?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I moved to a debit card for the same reason and haven't had a problem with it. There was identity theft once (I think it was with a reader at a gas station capturing all card info) but my bank, Ctibank, returned the funds within 24 hours.

Perhaps if you connect the debit card to an account with a low amount of money in it (you can transfer more in if you need to make a big purchase), you'll feel more secure?

Another alternative is to have a very low limit cc and keep the higher limit cc at home (used only in emergencies).

[Anonymous]

You need to go on a financial diet. Spend less than you make and less than you currently spend.

You need a budget. Also, try and either make more money by getting a side gig, getting a room mate or downsizing.

Keep using the credit card as you may earn some cash back on it and also improve your credit history by paying off promptly.

Track every penny that you spend.

Start selling off things that you don't need. Declutter and become a minimalist.

[Anonymous]

Won't banks protect stolen debit cards the way they do stolen CC? I had my identity stolen years ago, which included making a ton of fake checks with my bank account on them. My bank did not hold me accountable for those checks. I imagine a debit card would be the same.

But OP, if you are struggling with CC debt, don't let a tiny fear like this stop you from making a change to curb the debt. Overspending a CC is way worse than the minute chance a debit card will be stolen.

[Anonymous]

I have the same fear and I've been trying to remember to use Apple Pay on my phone as much as possible since it's tied to my checking account. It's not a habit yet and it's not taken everywhere yet but it's a start.

When I buy online, I use PayPal when it's an option, since it seems safer than using the card at one hundred different stores.

My bank also finally offered the debit cards that can be tapped (I'm drawing a blank on the name of the technology) instead of inserted so I keep meaning to order an updated card. So that's something to ask your bank about.

[Anonymous]

Turn off your credit card in your banks app, then when you need to use it, you have to login, use 2FA, turn credit card on, and THEN use the credit card.