Sometimes you have to.
Pick up a good book or just binge watch something.
I try to make it out to the theatres... if anything is worth watching.

Generational Trauma Personified

I can has shiny puppers?

Sadly, this type of strategy will not win you friends at your financial institutions. They're much happier when they can charge you fees and interest.

I did carry a little last year, but it only cost me about $160 in interest overall.

I would also recommend using software to manage all this. A spreadsheet would be fine but there are various fin apps that do wonders at giving you an idea what's safe to spend this month. I personally use and recommend YNAB but be warned it is not the cheapest option out there.

- Have a primary checking account (preferably at a local Credit Union) that you can access locally. This is where all the money stays until its assigned.
- Have a credit card with a rewards program. Pay it off in full every month, only carry a balance when you absolutely need to.

Why would they care about satisfied and happy customers when their bottom line is better benefited from corrupt tactics.

Really, at the heart of this issue is just capitalism. Business is just a Bible for it.

Can we please move onto democratic socialism already?

It's gotten so bad that consumers now need to scrutinize the business before interacting with them to assert that they will not be ripped off or railroaded into something they didn't want.

Biz creates agreements to hide their tricks and make consumers tired just so they'll accept in ignorance.