I'm almost 30 years from anything resembling precarity and I still subtly cross myself almost every time I swipe a card at the grocery store.

the real question is how many backups do your carry in case the first one doesn't work, and I'm not asking about credit card point games

Just did this a minute ago!

I doubt God carries much sway with the credit card companies. Maybe try the other guy.

He didn’t specify a directionality.

Removing this anxiety was one of the most unexpectedly powerful changes in my life. And then in a moment of hubris I signed up for an American Express card and now have to relive it every time because a good portion of vendors in the UK don’t take it.

Not having to keep a running tally of items going in the cart to make sure you don’t overdraft is amazing.

Knowing that whatever you put in, you’ve definitely got enough for it, is such a relief (once you break the habit). Maybe favor things on sale, sure, but no going “oh I can’t get a second package of chicken”.