Why is having money left before pay day is a part of cash only method? I have $2000 left every month (after max 401K contribution and payment of full credit card balance… OK I earn low six digits and have a paid off home, but seriously I've always had money left at the end of the month even with credit card. It's about thinking only about cost when you decide to buy and not worry until method of payment until you are at the cash register.

@J. Money – I usually use $20 as a line between using cash or credit card at small businesses I really like and want to support. Like a French pastry shop nearby….

Alternatively, there is very little difference between credit card with balances and debit cards with credit lines.

It's really about personal responsibility and common sense.

I use credit cards for everything. The only exceptions are where the expenses are too small to bother or I can get a better deal for paying cash. Or if a local business asks to be mindful of their expenses and only use cards for bigger purchases.

I get what you're saying though – generally speaking, credit cards aren't trying to cozy up to us for nothing. They want our money and sadly they get it from a lot of people. Def. about sticking to what works for you when it comes to this stuff.

On the credit card rewards point, I think that will generally work against you since the potential to entice you to spend more, to get more rewards, is real enough to make it worth it to the credit card companies. They probably have internal reports showing the positive (from their standpoint) affect of rewards programs on sales and fees–not that any of us will ever see them!