re: How many credit cards do you have?

I carry three.

I got my first 40 years ago when I was 16 and have never, ever paid a cent in interest or late fees.

The reason I have three is when rebates first started I got a citi bank card and used it. That was probably 20 years ago. I don't use it anymore but they still send me the card every year. I carry a Southwest Visa. It is still the best airline card and I used to use it extensively and exclusively until Fidelty Investments started a 2% cash back on all purchases American Express. It is the best day in and day out deal I know of.

I don't know what my limits are but on the AmEx card I routinely charge mid 5 figures in paying company expenses (if they don't give us a cash discount I run on the card) and have never gotten to the limit. I will pay for air travel still on the Southwest visa as it works out to 2% when you consider the double points you get for buying southwest air travel.

I have from time to time over the years had store cards. It used to be you wanted a Sears card--my first years ago--to establish credit. When Bass Pro opened in Denham they had a sale on Citori shotguns at $1100. I went in to buy it and they were pushing credit cards and giving 10% off of all purchases that day if you got one. I did. Saved $110. Called the credit card people and got the remittance address and sent a check the next day. Never actually used the card.

Credit cards are worse than dope. Be disciplined in their use from the get go.

We can go for a weekend or 10 days she still packs her big checked bag (even if we are driving)

I just got a new carry-on. I'm going to give her my old one which might make her pack a little lighter for the upcoming wedding season