BECAUSE OF INFLATION, YOU'RE ACTUALLY LOSING MONEY EVERY DAY YOUR MONEY IS SITTING IN A BANK ACCOUNT. - Ramit Sethi

YOU: Hi, I'm going to be paying off my credit card debt more aggressively beginning next week and I'd like a lower APR. CREDIT CARD REP: Uh, why? YOU: I've decided to be more aggressive about paying off my debt, and that's why I'd like a lower APR. Other cards are offering me rates at half what you're offering. Can you lower my rate by 50 percent or only 40 percent? CREDIT CARD REP: Hmm . . . After reviewing your account, I'm afraid we can't offer you a lower APR. We can offer you a credit limit increase, however. YOU: No, that won't work for me. Like I mentioned, other credit cards are offering me zero percent introductory rates for twelve months, as well as APRs of half what you're offering. I've been a customer for X years, and I'd prefer not to switch my balance over to a low-interest card. Can you match the other credit card rates, or can you go lower? CREDIT CARD REP: I see . . . Hmm, let me pull something up here. Fortunately, the system is suddenly letting me offer you a reduced APR. That is effective immediately.

the average American is nearly $7,000 in debt.

The card I use for travel and eating out is the Chase Sapphire Reserve. For everything else, I use an Alliant cash back card. And for business, I use a Capital One cash back business card. For extra benefits, I have an Amex Platinum card.