“He was a wise man who invented beer.” – Plato

If you’ve been listening for any length of time you know that we like craft beer. But booze can be a polarizing subject. We’ve had emails from folks who say they like our show, but just can’t continue to listen because of our stance on alcohol. At least in some circles, beer can be polarizing and the same thing is true when it comes to the use of credit cards. There isn’t much logical, nuanced, or balanced conversation when it comes to credit cards- they’re either the greatest thing since sliced bread or they’ll ruin you overnight. But the reality is a bit more nuanced. Yes, there are certainly a number of downsides to using credit cards like paying interest and how they might encourage overspending which we’ll discuss today. We’ll also cover if we think using credit cards is ethical. But simultaneously you can’t deny the many benefits that come with responsible credit card use: the ability to help establish a solid credit score, the additional consumer protections they offer, the bountiful rewards, and much more. Plus we’ll explain a basic three card optimization strategy that will work for most folks- have a listen!

Additional links:

• Amazon cash – There’s hope! It turns out that you actually can use cash to pay for your online purchase.
• Annual fees – Using ChatGPT to negotiate down your credit card’s annual fee!
• Credit card strategy – Keep things simple with our proprietary HTM “super chill” credit card strategy! Way less work but still reaping 95% of benefits and rewards opportunities!
• Credit Scores – Rebuilding your credit score isn’t as hard as you might think
• Renters rejoice! – The new BILT Mastercard lets you earn points when paying for rent!

• Credit Card Tool – Looking for the right credit card for you? Then check out our new credit card tool that’ll help you to easily filter through all the cards based on your preferred airline, whether or not they have an annual fee, or simply by the cash back offer! Just toggle the sliders and you’ll know which card to consider.

• Newsletter – Don’t forget to sign up for the best personal finance newsletter in all the land! It’s completely free and something we create to help you along your journey to financial freedom. It drops every Tuesday morning and you can always unsubscribe if you don’t dig it!

During this episode we enjoyed The Judge by Memphis Made Brewing- thanks Ben & Rachael for donating this one to the podcast! And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!

Best friends out!

<sub>* Advertiser Disclosure: How to Money has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. How to Money and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
* User Generated Content Disclosure: Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.</sub>