Paying for handbags

[yeuxhonnetes]

i use a debit card, which in a way helps because then there's no x%, and i don't have to carry a ton of cash around
but then there's also the pain of checking my online statement after every shopping spree and looking at a depleted account

 

[Noriko]

I charge it to my Amex for extra insurance and protection. If you have money, great, pay the debt off when you get the statement.

For me to pay something in cash, I better be getting a deal. Normally credit cards charge x% from vendors.

Good Luck.

Exactly what I do. I loveee that buyer protection plan. Also, if there is something wrong with the bag and the store wont help, the cc company will. The bill is paid off at the end of each month so to me its pretty much the same as cash, plus I get rewards on my cc

 

[livinluxuriously_Lila]

I pay with AMEX cc because of the added benefits, such as points and yearly rebates plus its paid off in full every month, so in the end its better.

 

[JoV]

I use cash or my Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus charge. If I use a store card, I only charge part. 1/2 cash - 1/2 charge. Then pay off balance as quickly as I can.

 

[TammyD]

For me its credit cards so I chalk up the points, but I always pay in full at the end of every month.

 

[amanda]

i'll be the first brave one here to admit that the credit card doesn't get paid off in full every month. if i want something now and it's within my mental limit, i don't mind carrying a balance to the next month as long as it's a low percentage of the card's limit. i've got 0% APR for a certain amount of time on my AmEx, and buying things in cash scares me - credit cards are much safer if the retailer doesn't hold up their end of the bargain or if you need to get a return back fast (a lot of boutiques don't have enough cash on hand to give a cash refund, they do it through a mailed check, which takes a lot longer than refunding it to your CC). plus i get reward points!

 

[ilzabet]

i used to buy things on credit and got myself in trouble. we *finally* paid them off. i pay cash for most things now. besides, i'm a waitress. cash is just easier.

 

[IntlSet]

i'll be the first brave one here to admit that the credit card doesn't get paid off in full every month. if i want something now and it's within my mental limit, i don't mind carrying a balance to the next month as long as it's a low percentage of the card's limit. i've got 0% APR for a certain amount of time on my AmEx, and buying things in cash scares me - credit cards are much safer if the retailer doesn't hold up their end of the bargain or if you need to get a return back fast (a lot of boutiques don't have enough cash on hand to give a cash refund, they do it through a mailed check, which takes a lot longer than refunding it to your CC). plus i get reward points!

Good for you, Amanda! I figure as long as you can manage a debt and it will get paid off eventually without really heavy penalities (like 26% interest or something!), it's not a big deal.

I'm waiting for a new AmEx card in the mail with 0% APR for a year to buy a pair of Chanel glasses just because I'd prefer to split the $400 into two months payment rather than take a chunk out of one month's budget. And at any rate, with 0 interest, it doesn't make a difference.

 

[QuirkyCool]

I never buy anything if I don't have the full amount to spend. I use a debit card when paying inperson,and a credit card when buying online because no online shops accept Dutch debit cards.

My entire credit card balance gets deducted from my account at the end of each month,so I cannot spend money I don't have.

 

[kathyrose]

I always pay with a credit card to build my credit (I got my first credit card last November) and I pay it all off when the bill comes.

 

[ayla]

Credit card, so I can earn the rewards, but the balance is always paid off every month.

 

[Ammietwist]

Unless you use a credit card, you have zero protection. I never make big purchases with checks or cash.

I put my LV Babylone on my card and paid it off. I could also see putting in on a card that has a low interest rate and paying it off in two months if you didn't charge anything else. If you have the restraint to do that of course.

 

[pseub]

I charge my purchases so I get airline miles, but I pay the entire balance each month.

Same here.

 

[selaineg]

I just pay for it in cash. I don't believe in debt.

 

[valerieb]

I use my Nordstrom Visa to collect the points then pay off the balance when it is due. The points really do add up and I figure if I'm spending big bucks on a handbag, I might as well get what I can back (in the form of Nordies gift certificates). I literally use this card for everything, gas, groceries, clothing, etc. and I get at least $20 per month (usually more) in gift certificates even when I haven't shopped at Nordies at all!

Plus it is a good idea to build your credit, since having a strong credit history is the only way to qualify for the best rates on home and auto loans.