Many people assume that saving money means giving up things they love—skipping coffee, saying no to dinners out, and living on a barebones budget. But that’s not how smart saving works. The truth is, you can cut costs without cutting happiness.

This is exactly what happens when people use credit cards for everyday expenses and only pay the minimum balance. Credit card companies trap you in a cycle of debt, and before you know it, your financial future is being eaten away—one swipe at a time.

It’s no secret that many people live paycheck to paycheck, constantly stressed about bills, debt, and unexpected expenses. According to LendingClub’s 2024 report, nearly two-thirds of Americans are in this exact situation. Even worse, Bankrate found that 59% of people don’t have $1,000 saved for emergencies.