Dad's 'always pay cash' rule cost me a $2,000 credit score hit
My dad drilled into me that credit cards are evil and cash is king. I followed that for years, paid everything with debit or bills, never borrowed a cent. Then I tried to lease an apartment in Austin last March and got denied because I had zero credit history. Landlord wanted a $2,000 co-signer deposit instead. I had to open a secured card and wait 6 months just to prove I could pay rent on time. So was he right to keep me away from plastic, or did his fear just set me behind? Anyone else's parents push a money rule that backfired hard later?