Dear Dave,
I just got married, and my husband and I want to book a combination honeymoon and New Year’s trip to celebrate. We don’t have all the money for it right now, but will have in a few weeks. We were thinking about booking the trip on a zero-interest credit card, and paying it off when we have all the money. I know you hate debt, but would this be okay since it would be a very short-term debt?
Laura
Dear Laura,
I know you guys are excited and happy about being married. And I wish you all the happiness in the world. But I don’t recommend credit cards of any kind, for any reason, whatsoever.
I don’t want to burst your bubble, but if you can’t pay for this trip up front you can’t afford it. Believe it or not, lots of people postpone wedding trips until they’ve had a chance to save up a little bit of money. Some folks have never even gone on a honeymoon trip, and they have great, loving marriages.
My advice to you and your new husband is to work, and save up a little bit more. Maybe one or both of you could pick up extra jobs for a little while, and make it happen sooner. Then, when you can pay cash for the trip, go have a blast on a honeymoon you can afford!
—Dave
*Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover, EntreLeadership and Smart Money Smart Kids. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 8 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.