I watched the cards get paid, then watched the balances grow.

The smaller payment left more room for spending to flow.

The loan remained beside the next round borrowers would owe;

The terms had changed, but not the choices they would show.

 

If what I buy becomes the place I put my pride,

A smaller way of living feels like something I must hide.

I borrow for the image, push the honest cost aside;

The life I show grows larger than the cash I can provide.

 

The points are mine; the debt is mine to pay.

No reward makes that obligation go away.

 

Zero is the rate; it is not the sum I owe.

The fee can add a cost before the payments start to show.

The months run out whether my earnings rise or slow;

A deadline does not promise me the cash will grow.

 

The balance claims a share of wages not yet paid.

Our needs remain beside the promises I’ve made.

If earnings stop, the bill survives the plans I laid;

I cannot treat tomorrow as a wage already paid.

 

The points are mine; the debt is mine to pay.

No reward makes that obligation go away.

 

Reserves must cover needs if earnings go away.

A vacant credit line is not the cash I put away.

If savings fail, I may need credit for the bills I have to pay;

It stays for that emergency, not shopping every day.

 

A coach can ask me what I choose to spend,

And question all the reasons I defend.

Instruction shows the habits I must change or end;

Accountability tests the change I claim, not just intend.

 

The points are mine; the debt is mine to pay.

No reward makes that obligation go away.

 

The points can buy a room, a flight, a holiday.

But earning them can mean more purchases to pay.

The trip is over; bills can last beyond the stay;

The reward is not the cash I need for every day.

 

A hundred earned in cash back looks like money gained.

But interest can cost more while the balance is maintained.

The reward alone can’t show the cost of debt retained;

I count what came back against the charges that remained.

 

The points are mine; the debt is mine to pay.

No reward makes that obligation go away.

 

The points are mine; the bill has not gone away.

The trip can end before I’ve earned the cash to pay.

Our needs keep coming; they will not wait for another day.

I must change my choices, not find another way to delay.

 

The points are mine; the debt is mine to pay.

No reward makes that obligation go away.

 

I will count the cash before I choose to buy.

And ask what need or wish I’m trying to satisfy.

I’ll let my household plan test each expense I justify;

What I cannot afford is something I can still pass by.

 

The points are mine; the debt is mine to pay.

No reward makes that obligation go away.