[Rico]

I have 4 credit cards and run a total balance of less than $1000 on them total. I used to rush right out and max out any credit card I had, but I've learned to be careful about what I use them for. I have one that I use for any online purchases I make, and that one gets paid off every month. I have two others I use for things I need that I don't have the money for, like buying my children's school clothes last weekend. On those two cards, I pay as much as I can on each month, making sure to pay at least $50 on each. I have another one that is there just for an emergency. I take it with me if I am leaving town with my family, in case the van breaks down and I have to either get a motel room for the night while it's getting fixed, or if I end up having to rent a car to come home.