this post was submitted on 04 Mar 2025
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I feel I should get rid of them or stop using them but most have good benefits so I am unsure what I should do. I tried using YNAB but it isn't how I think about money. I really need to stick to my budget but with my partner and child I feel money is constantly flowing out.

  • Sams card great for Sams and gas. Free. Only use for the above.
  • PNC unlim good all around and free.
  • Older PNC card, told not to cancel because it is free for my credit. Only pay utils on it. Not worried about this one.
  • Amazon card, 5% discount on amazon for family essentials, free.
  • Amex, 95$, good all around, and great customer support.

I'm thinking I should possible cancel Amex and Amazon because they easily add up, then focus on just using my main PNC unlim card. Thoughts on this?

The Amazon discount and Amex purchase protection are both nice but having more than one with so many purchases as a family is stressful.

I don't see any reason to cancel the old PNC card or Sams card. Use around 100$ a month on them.

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[–] Hikermick 1 points 8 hours ago

Seems like the cards aren't the problem and spending is. Not using cash, you don't actually see the money leaving your wallet/purse. You don't see your cash reserves dwindle. My suggestion is figure out your weekly income and keep a hand written list in a small notebook. Each time you spend deduct the amount. Better yet write down what the expense was. If you don't want to carry a notebook, save all receipts and do it when you get home. At the end of the week take a serious look at what you bought and make a list of frivolous expenses and add them up to see what you could have saved by using a little restraint. Did you really need that $5 cup of coffee? Or that $3.50 soda drink at lunch instead of water? Could you have saved $10 by picking up something at the store instead of having it delivered? Small numbers add up to big numbers when we don't pay attention. Having these things written down in front of us has an impact. Of course some expenses aren't optional but some can be mitigated. Take pride in each little gain, give yourself a pat on the back/endorphin boost each time. Seriously, that helps me accomplish goals. Good luck, I hope you find success