I remember years ago when we were able to take the interest from our credit card and use it as deductions on our taxes. Now I just curb my spending as I use mostly 1 credit card for regular or online purchases and another for all my medical purchases/payments including my Vet bills which have recently risen due to a new kitten. I pay my credit cards off each month so no interest fees. I have one equity loan for the sunroom/kitchen remodeling I did a couple years ago and the interest fees are much less than most credit card interests. I'm paying this off as fast as I can. My banker most times just ask me how much I want to pay each month and he figures it out. With the way things are going in the financial world lately, it may not be that easy the next time I might need to borrow money so I put my S.S. checks in an account for the future projects and just wait until I have enough to pay for it. This year it's a new and wider driveway and sidewalk. Next year I've already got that planned out too. Just try to save enough back in case of emergencies like the A/C unit or furnace as they're not cheap. I know not everyone can do this but I try to live frugal, I no longer buy fabrics since I have a good amount of stash plus supplies to go with it. I garden veggies to supplement my food stash and I buy most of my clothes at the thrift shop which you can find some great buys if you look carefully. Just picked up a long navy wool dress coat for $5. The cleaning cost a bunch more but still a steal of a deal for me.