Plastic
Are you sick of posts about Travel? How about some Economics to mix things up?
Yea, I’m sure you’re thrilled. Don’t worry; I’ll get around to reviewing Transformers 2 shortly.
So I’ve noticed I’ve been using my credit card a lot more than I used to, largely this can be attributed to buying gas. Always wanting to be aware of my fiscal situation I thought I’d look at my plastic usage…
Average amount charged to credit card per month: $590 (wow, this was a surprise)
Average number of credit card purchases per month: 16
Average credit card purchase: $37
Average number of debit card purchases per month: 47
That average amount charged per month is inflated due to purchasing a new(er) car in February as well as my consumer electronics online bonanza on Boxing Day. I fully expect this number to come down some although vacation spending may limit the decrease since I’ll be paying for two people this year rather than just myself.
Average number of credit card purchases is accurate if increased over last year but this is mostly about gas.
Average credit card purchase is also likely to go down now that the major purchases of the car, TV, blu-ray, and hard drive are behind me but again vacation may monkey with this a little.
Number of debit purchases is high but that’s because I use debit for everything including my Subway lunch every day I work. To quote R Kelly “I don’t see nothing wrong”.
I pretty much use my credit card for 3 things: Gas, restaurants, and online purchases. Also on vacation depending on circumstance, location, and exchange rate (if applicable).
With the economic crisis we’ve been experiencing over the last year everyone seems to think it especially important to be aware of, track, and control not just how much you spend but where and how you spend it. I think I don’t have much to worry about though.
California on the other hand, what a cluster that’s become - Issuing IOUs, legislative impasses…it’s somewhat worrying really. People are quick to blame Arnold for all this but I’m man enough to admit he’s done a far better job than I would have expected from any actor this side of Martin Sheen. You can’t pin the global financial situation on the Governator any more than you can blame him for the rigid process for taxation increases and spending cuts that have been put in place by voter initiatives. Californians wanted to make it nearly impossible to raise taxes and almost as difficult to cut spending and when trouble struck they ran out of money – it’s sadly no surprise and cannot be laid at Arnold’s feet. He tried to cut spending but the legislators wouldn’t let him. You tie his hands and then blame him for not pulling a rabbit out of his hat? Not cool.
I feel good about my choice of vacation destination this year in that they clearly need the money but it is a little bit worrying that we’re planning a trip to a bankrupt state.
