silverthorne

So, I already have three credit cards (all of which are paid off at the moment, thank you very much), and am even thinking about tossing at least one, since I have two of them at the same financial institution, and two in one place is...well, it seems kinda silly (but I needed them at the time I applied for them, so...).

Anyhow, so. For me, the cards really are pretty much just there for building a healthy credit history, and for those times when there's something I absolutely must get and can't by just using my in-pocket finances. Like, when my car's AC ate itself to the tune of $1,000, or when I decided buying Baby Hal was a good idea both for mobility's sake and because Hal of the Desktop variety was starting to make his death noises (may his faithful little computerized carcass rest in peace).

Other than that, I try to avoid using the damned things because they are WAY too easy to abuse and get yourself into all sorts of trouble with.

That means I've been throwing out every 'pre-approved' offer I've gotten for one for the past three years, even for such elevated companies as Discover and American Express. I don't even apply for store-based credit cards that have all those extra 'deals' involved if you use them, like Kohls and Borders. I figure if I can't buy it with my own money right then, then chances are I don't need it. Patience and planning are virtues and all that.

But....today's offer is a little appealing, because it's for a gas card.

On one hand, my usual instincts are in full force. To wit: 'You don't need another fricken' card, baby'.

On the other...credit for gas on those times when I may not have cash and am Somewhere Out In The Boondocks sounds appealing. Kinda like having a cell phone with you in case something happens and you're nowhere near civilization.

Of course, like the cell phone, if you're out of the 'service area', it's not going to help much anyway.

Hmn.

Think I'll think on this one....