Credit card debt: $22,029

My efforts to address this number have been futile. Since last month, the balance has increased by $114. Since September, the balance has increased by $282.

How does this happen? Well, for example, just now I am thinking I need extra jigsaw blades before I start on the deck project I have planned. I had a $25 gift card for Amazon.com, and Amazon’s prices tend to be significantly less expensive than anything available locally, so I shopped online for jigsaw blades. Amazon requires a minimum order of $35 for purchases to qualify for free shipping. I ordered two multi-packs of blades, enough to keep me going for years, or to at least get me through the deck project. After applying the gift card balance, I owed $14 dollars more, which I charged to my Amex card.

That’s how it happens.

I will also need to purchase additional lumber and a quantity of wood screws, and probably a gallon of paint, before I tackle the deck project. I do not currently have sufficient available credit on any of my cards to make that purchase.