By glblguy



Photo by: Fauxen

This article is part of a group writing project started by Lynnae at Being Frugal. 11 different personal finance blogs are participating in the effort and are writing a series called The Twelve Days of Christmas – Personal Finance style. You’ll find links to all of the other articles towards the bottom of this article.

On the 10th day of Christmas (PF style) my true love gave to me…

10 Creative ways to cut up your credit cards

Readers of Gather Little by Little know that I prefer a lifestyle without credit cards and that I’m a huge advocate of cutting up credit cards if you aren’t disciplined enough to use them wisely (like me). How do I define “disciplined”? You are disciplined if you pay off your balance monthly and have no credit card debt.

I debated writing a serious article, but instead decided to have a little fun. So to help inspire you to cut up your credit cards, here are 10 creative ways you can cut up your credit cards:

#10 – Scissors

This is probably the most popular but most boring way to cut up your credit cards. All you need is: well, a pair of sharp scissors and all of your credit cards. Cut along the length of the card. Cut it at least twice, once through the magnetic strip on the back and next through the account number. I also found these neat hand shredder’s which look like a good option as well, especially since the picture shows them being used on a Chase card!

#9 – Shredder

Next up is the paper shredder. This option causes a great deal more noise and is more fun than scissors. It’s nice to see that card shredded into small bits of plastic. Be careful though, not all shredders are made to shred plastic, so read the manual. Mine has a special slot just for credit cards and CDs further emphasizing this must be a popular option.

#8 – Hatchet or Ax

Using a sharp hatchet or ax is another option. This of course requires a little more strength and I would suggest you be outside. All you need is some like a log or stump to place the card(s) on and swing away!

#7 – Blow Torch

Nothing better than watching you credit card catch on fire and melt away. It’s a great way of “sticking it to d’man“. You’ll need something to hold the card. I’d suggest a small metal vice. Light the torch and burn away!

#6 – Chainsaw

Oh yeah, nothing like the sound of a chainsaw to put fear into the eyes of those pesky little credit cards. Tape or mount your credit card to a log or stump, hold the chainsaw correctly and let it rip. Now is that manly or what???

#5 – Blender

The blender will absolutely tear your credit card to itsy bitsy pieces. If you want to see the results before you do it, check out this video. The more cards you have, the better the effect! I love how they let their little boy put the cards in. We let our kids shred our cards in the shredder.

#4 – Sledge Hammer or Hammer

You know all of that built up frustration and anger you’ve had with yourself and the credit card companies? Now you can finally take it out on your card. Find a hard non-breakable surface and beat that credit card into smithereens. Give it a good whack for me!

#3 – Give it to your dog

Our golden retriever absolutely loves to tear apart plastic. So if your dog is anything like ours, turn your credit card into a chew toy. Not only will you dispose of your credit card, but your dog will have a blast. Just make sure he/or she doesn’t take off to the pet store with it.

#2 Hole puncher

You know as well as I do that credit card company has been taking one notch at a time out of your finances…sometimes even a big notch. Here’s your chance to notch them back. Turn that credit card into little dots and throw some confetti!

#1 Shoot it

Take your card down to the local shooting range, mount it on a target and have a blast. This is the ultimate way to dispose of your credit card and vent a little of that built up tension. For added effect, use a shot gun.

Disclaimer: Please use extreme caution when doing any of the above suggestions and you do them at your own risk…so be careful!

Read the rest of the days of Christmas Personal Finance style:

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