DAVE SAYS: They Represent Security to Her

DAVE SAYS: They Represent Security to Her

Dear Dave,

My wife and I have paid off all of our credit card debt, but she doesn’t want to follow your suggestion to cut up the cards and close the accounts. She wants us to keep the cards in a safe deposit box at the bank, and use them for nothing but emergencies. I think this has something to do with the fact she grew up in a poor family. We’re doing okay, but it makes me wonder if some part of her is afraid of being poor again. We both know this isn’t what you recommend, but what can I do to convince her we should get rid of the credit cards once and for all?

— Geoff

Dear Geoff,