This Thanksgiving Day 2009, I want to take this time and thank all the people in my life who has had a perfound influence. I may not of have listen to them when I should of have, but I can sit right here and say they have had a positive influence on my life. Because of that influence I am very thankful.

Lucile and Everett Cussins Sr. – Mom and dad weren’t very well educated or articulate about how they felt. They love my brother and I. They wanted the best for us. They wanted us to work hard and make the most out of what we have.

John C. Cussins – My brother, who was more like a older brother, in later years. He is the more stable, critical thinker.

Wally and Beverly Walrath – An older couple who opened they home up to a bunch of crazy hippies and teenagers. It was through them many lives were changed.

I truly believe that everyone at some point in time, if not multiple points in time has needed to borrow money, currency, or just get resources that they currently do not have. “These are usually done in 12 easy payments that are hard to make”, say Doug Murren.

If I know that I am going to bounce a check, my bank will charge me $35. Then a payday loan of $16.50 on a $100 borrowed looks attractive.

Now my wife thinks that 10% off on a new dress is a great deal. She buys that dress and puts it on our credit card. The credit card company charges me 19% interest. Well, that dress is not such a great deal. I have lost money.

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If you look around you will notice that a big reason for the current state of this world’s economy is the over, unnecessary use of credit. Or a least the unwise use of credit.

My resolution this years has been that I would not start any business venture, nor expand any unless the money was there to do so.

I have found that using cash will give me a better deal. The idea of fees  for processing your credit card purchases eats into retailers bottom-line. Car dealers, hotels, and high-end electronics dealers are increasingly open to offering lower prices if a buyer pays with cash. Travel site offers more hotels and at better prices for customers who give up the greenbacks.

Paying your doctor bill with cash can save you money. A doctor’s offices does not like to have to wander through piles of paperwork just to get paid. Many will give you up to 20% discount just for a cash payment.

It is easier to track you spending and stay on budget if you use cash. People who pay bills with a credit card spend a lot of time keeping track of when that payment is going to come out of their bank account. They may even be sweating if they are going to have the money when that credit card bill comes due.

I get angry every time I see publish credit card rates, and then talk to people who are paying a much higher rate. It seems to be usually 5% to 10% higher.

I found one website that can help you, if you must, have a credit card. It is call Bankrate.com.