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Dow futures collapsing

Discussion in 'Too Hot for Swamp Gas' started by okeechobee, Aug 4, 2024.

  1. okeechobee

    okeechobee GC Hall of Fame

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    Americans are holding more credit card debt now than ever. That’s an indisputable fact. Inflation is the big driver.
     
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  2. slayerxing

    slayerxing GC Hall of Fame

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    Makes complete sense - and lines up with what I've read. I guess my question is more about their method, like how do they determine the average balance? Is it a random snapshot of what everyone owes or is an average of the all the statement balances at any one period of time? I guess that's more what I was wondering.
     
  3. okeechobee

    okeechobee GC Hall of Fame

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    Honestly, based on what I know, I'm not sure it matters if you're wanting to see how many Americans are paying off their balance each month just to rack up points. The vast majority of credit card holders do not pay their balances off each month.

    Only 38% of Consumers Pay Off Their Credit Card Bills in Full Each Month. Do These Things to Join Their Ranks.
     
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  4. slayerxing

    slayerxing GC Hall of Fame

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    I feel bad for people that have credit card debt- it's like the worst personal finance mistake to make. Some people do it out of necessity - others just carry balances for no fricken reason. It's crazy to me when people tell me that. Although, obviously, there are some loopholes on those interest payments. Like taking out a no interest card for the first year and making a big purchase and slowly paying it off, etc. I've def done that before when I had less money and it's super helpful.
     
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  5. okeechobee

    okeechobee GC Hall of Fame

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    Ultimately, those promotions are set up to lure consumers into debt they can't climb out of. Otherwise, credit card companies would be losing millions of dollars offering interest free debt for 12-24 months and cash back points on top. If you can manage those promotions properly as a consumer, yes, you win, but like a casino, the whole design by the credit card companies is a bet that you won't be able to pay that debt off before the zero interest period ends. I always feel dirty if I sign on for one of those promotions, because I know there's a credit card exec on the other end betting I won't be able to pay it off in time to benefit from the zero interest. I suspect a high number of consumers fall prey to the trap and end up paying hundreds, if not thousands in interest to the credit card company simply because they were not disciplined enough to hold off on a purchase they probably didn't need.
     
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  6. slayerxing

    slayerxing GC Hall of Fame

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    You have to be a disciplined consumer in this economic system. Otherwise your hard earned money is just lining someone else's pockets.
     
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  7. slayerxing

    slayerxing GC Hall of Fame

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  8. docspor

    docspor GC Hall of Fame

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    • Funny Funny x 14
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  9. chemgator

    chemgator GC Hall of Fame

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    Credit card companies probably get much more money out of the merchants than they do from the customers. They get a percentage of every transaction. Why do you think that many places do not accept Amex? Why do you think that many gas stations charge a cheaper price for cash vs credit card (unless you are using their credit card)? Getting people hooked on the product is a key part of any business, whether it is drug dealing, credit carding, or selling groceries.
     
  10. vaxcardinal

    vaxcardinal GC Hall of Fame

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    I’ve done the no interest credit card thing several times. I considered it using someone else’s money to invest.
     
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  11. NavyGator93

    NavyGator93 GC Hall of Fame

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    I have no idea what the interest rate is on my two cards. I use an Amex for everything I can, USAA visa when Amex isn't accepted and pay them off every two weeks for the last several decades.
    That Amex has paid for or helped pay for dozens of trips.
     
  12. citygator

    citygator VIP Member

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    • Informative Informative x 2
  13. vaxcardinal

    vaxcardinal GC Hall of Fame

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    Usually these deals are for a year+ so I just sign up for that credit card and transfer all my card balances to it (the deal also includes free transfers) and then pay the minimum on that new card since, no reason to pay more than that at 0%. And then pay it off at the end of the trial period. Then cancel the card. Never noticed any relevant changes to my credit score playing that game.
     
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  14. BigCypressGator1981

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    Thread is aging like cat piss. I’ve made more in the markets this week than I’ve lost.
     
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  15. NavyGator93

    NavyGator93 GC Hall of Fame

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    I just came on to Too Hot to see Okie's new thread on the 700 point gain yesterday or his post for when the dow hit 40,000 for the first time ever.
    He must still be putting those together. :)
     
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  16. gatorchamps960608

    gatorchamps960608 GC Hall of Fame

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    These threads look as stupid as the Matt Bevin victory party one when the inevitable rebound happens.
     
  17. citygator

    citygator VIP Member

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    I've heard that he is workshopping new usernames. Im sure he'll take suggestions.
     
  18. NavyGator93

    NavyGator93 GC Hall of Fame

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    Man, that Bevins victory party thread was classic. Stupid as hell, but so iconically stupid that most remember it years later.
    Is that guy posting now under a different username? I can't remember.
     
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  19. gatorchamps960608

    gatorchamps960608 GC Hall of Fame

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    Not sure if you are being sarcastic, but rumor has it he is the OP of this thread.
     
  20. NavyGator93

    NavyGator93 GC Hall of Fame

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    Oh damn. Wasn't being sarcastic, I was off the boards for quite awhile and missed a bunch of stuff.

    That is amazing and explains so much. Thanks.
     
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