- 1). Stop using your existing credit cards. Even if you still have a credit card balance, cut up all but one credit card. That single credit card should always be left at home (unless you are on vacation). You will use it only in extreme emergencies.
- 2). Pay off your credit cards as soon as possible. The sooner you can cut off all correspondence with them, the easier it will be to live a cash only lifestyle. Call your credit card company and find out your credit card balance.
- 3). Get a debit card for your checking account. Most people already have a debit card, but if you do not, then make sure you get one. There is usually no cost involved to get a debit card.
- 4). If you don't want to use a debit card, use checks.
- 5). When you go on vacation, take your single credit card with you but do not use it. Purchase Traveller's Checks (which now come on a pre paid card) and use that instead of cash.
- 6). Any time you encounter a business that requires a credit card number, ask them if they will take a cash deposit instead. If the won't, find someone else to do business with.
- 7). If you need to purchase items online, consider using pay pal. You can use a pay pal account to pay at most websites and they can set up withdrawals from you checking account.