I wonder if there any studies out there on how much more people spend by using credit cards instead of cash or checks. I know I have spent a lot more over my lifetime because of credit cards. I mean, let's face it, you think a lot harder about spending money when you're handing over real cash or you're looking at your checking account balance as you write that check.

It's very easy to just swipe the card and say I'll deal with it when the bill comes. I would venture to say that people using debit cards spend more than they would by using cash or check.

The credit card rewards are nice, but what have you done to your finances by spending 20% more just to get 1%-5% back on your purchases.