Can't use a debit card for some things. Like my Nexus border pass membership, for instance - Credit Card required. Don't have one? Don't bother applying. Also, there are advantages to the CC - like for instance, what happens when the network is offline. DC doesn't work. CC still works fine.
I like the fact that I have a CC in my wallet that I can walk into any of my banks anywhere in the world, show them the card, tell them how much money I happen to need, and they'll give it to me, no questions asked.
I've been using a CC for internet purchases for a long time now - longer than I could get a DC, that's for sure. I just tell Visa that I would like to keep the limit at $1200, because it's specifically for online purchases, and this way they aren't likely to get scammed for much money. They don't mind at all. Occasionally I've purchased something larger, and I just call them ahead of time, they boost the limit, I make the purchase, pay it out, then call them and drop the limit again.
You're right about Credit Cards being a money making proposition - however, the way they make money is from those who don't pay it out. They don't care if you do pay it out, because you're always going to be a small minority, and they'll make heaps of money from the rest of their customers.
To the OP - hmmm... technically, I think it was the other way around, my mother moved in with me. After my first marriage self destructed, and my mom's second husband shuffled off this mortal coil, we found a house together and rented it for several years. Took in another room mate, sometimes two - the house was BIG, nearly 6000 square feet, so there was plenty of room. For the most part, it worked out well. There were a couple examples where my mom and my girlfriend got in a catfight and wanted me to pick sides... I carefully told them both to go pour themselves a nice, tall, cold glass of STFU. Seems to have worked. Well, halfway, anyway, I still talk to my mom, but I haven't heard anything from that x-girlfriend for many years.
There are some things to be careful about. Dropping some from the expense side of the equation doesn't help unless you manage to use that extra money wisely - like paying down your existing debt. If you spend it all on hookers and blow, you'll be in the same situation, except the 'rents will be all over you. Putting the extra in a savings account earmarked for buying your own place to live works.
As for CC interest, look into debt consolidation. Chances are your bank will pay off your CC debt if you transfer that to them under a loan, and they'll give you a better interest rate. You'll likely have to give up the CC to qualify, though, but it doesn't really matter, you can get another one if you want it after it's paid off.
I like the fact that I have a CC in my wallet that I can walk into any of my banks anywhere in the world, show them the card, tell them how much money I happen to need, and they'll give it to me, no questions asked.
I've been using a CC for internet purchases for a long time now - longer than I could get a DC, that's for sure. I just tell Visa that I would like to keep the limit at $1200, because it's specifically for online purchases, and this way they aren't likely to get scammed for much money. They don't mind at all. Occasionally I've purchased something larger, and I just call them ahead of time, they boost the limit, I make the purchase, pay it out, then call them and drop the limit again.
You're right about Credit Cards being a money making proposition - however, the way they make money is from those who don't pay it out. They don't care if you do pay it out, because you're always going to be a small minority, and they'll make heaps of money from the rest of their customers.
To the OP - hmmm... technically, I think it was the other way around, my mother moved in with me. After my first marriage self destructed, and my mom's second husband shuffled off this mortal coil, we found a house together and rented it for several years. Took in another room mate, sometimes two - the house was BIG, nearly 6000 square feet, so there was plenty of room. For the most part, it worked out well. There were a couple examples where my mom and my girlfriend got in a catfight and wanted me to pick sides... I carefully told them both to go pour themselves a nice, tall, cold glass of STFU. Seems to have worked. Well, halfway, anyway, I still talk to my mom, but I haven't heard anything from that x-girlfriend for many years.
There are some things to be careful about. Dropping some from the expense side of the equation doesn't help unless you manage to use that extra money wisely - like paying down your existing debt. If you spend it all on hookers and blow, you'll be in the same situation, except the 'rents will be all over you. Putting the extra in a savings account earmarked for buying your own place to live works.
As for CC interest, look into debt consolidation. Chances are your bank will pay off your CC debt if you transfer that to them under a loan, and they'll give you a better interest rate. You'll likely have to give up the CC to qualify, though, but it doesn't really matter, you can get another one if you want it after it's paid off.