The Credit Situation

In high school, when I was getting ready to go to college, I decided it would be a good idea to get a credit card. You know, emergencies, build your credit, etc. After months of searching with a friend who also needed credit, a "student" bank finally gave us a credit card. Well, two years later when rent > income, I was excited to learn my current apartment (apartment #1 of many, but that's a post for another day) accepted credit card payments for rent. Did I say "excited"? I meant STUPID. Then began my use of the credit card for things that YOU DON'T PUT ON A CREDIT CARD. Like rent and an occasional bar tab.

I have now been in my current, salaried job for 10 months and I'm STILL paying off my credit cards. I have the "Big One" which may take me another 18 months and several smaller ones (ie Gap, Old Navy, Target). I received my federal government refund 10 days ago (I only really only worked 8 months last year) and promptly paid off the balances on my Target and Old Navy credit cards. And on Monday, I canceled them. I was ecstatic. In preparing to call the first company (Old Navy), I braced myself. They don't like to let you cancel your credit cards and I was ready for the battle. But what's this? I don't have to talk to anyone? "Push 2 to cancel your card". Really? I pushed 2 and wallah: No more Old Navy credit card! I did not have the Target card at work with me, so I would call to cancel that one later in the evening. My disbelief at not having to actually SPEAK with someone turned to triumph. I had beat the system. (Let's not talk about how much in interest I've paid on that one over the years. No, really, let's not. I don't know and I don't want to know.) So, I got home, found my Target card, called the number in the back, punched in some numbers and listened for the "cancel option". I pressed "3" but the automated system did not give me the "okay, we'll cancel your card" option. It gave me the "ok, let us connect you to customer service" message. I tensed. I had to talk to a live person? Crap. Yes, I know you can pay off the balance right after you make the purchase. No, I don't care that I'm losing 765 points. My biggest strategic plan: "I have no credit" didn't even work. They have ways AROUND that. I think I said "I really just need to cancel it" 11 times. I had been working towards paying off and canceling as many cards as possible for several months. These 6 1/2 minutes I spent pacing the kitchen, dining area and laundry hallway so my resolve would not waiver. If I stopped, they could inch away at my shield. I even promised to keep shopping at Target. I would have liked to threaten to not continue spending my money at Target, but who would I have been kidding, really?

So, while I have the majority of my debt left to pay (me and student loans are going to be GOOD friends for 18 more years) getting these two of my plate felt good. I may even get to start SAVING money next month. I can only hope, for my sanity, that I will be able to.