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But does this trick people into spending on wants just to game their score? Sure, your number went up, but now some might charge fancy decor when cash is tight. It feels like winning a battle but maybe losing the war with debt. Why not just put groceries on the card and pay it off, same boost without the extra risk?
Wait, but that's assuming everyone has zero self control. For some of us, the system is just a way to organize spending we were already going to do. It's not about tricking yourself into buying a couch, it's about timing it right so you get the points and still pay your bill. If someone's going into debt for points, they have a bigger spending problem no system will fix.
Actually I get where @paul_miller is coming from, but in my view it's less about being tricked and more about knowing your own habits. Some folks just spend smarter when they have a clear system, even for things they were going to buy anyway.
Hey, when you talk about 'knowing your own habits,' it hits home. I saw a piece on how these spending systems can backfire if you're not careful. The writer pointed out that tracking every penny might make you feel in control, but it can also justify buying stuff you don't need. So yeah, it's a fine line between smart spending and just playing games with your money. Personally, I lean towards keeping it simple like Paul said, but I get why some people need the structure.