<prompt> Human: It blows my mind that so many people on this sub put their credit score on a pedestal. I frequently browse this sight and it feels like over half the posts are related to improving their credit score. More often than not, the advice is to get more credit cards. My advice is to stop focusing on your credit score and instead focus on the fundamentals of personal finance: a written and adhered to budget, not spending more than you make, and a cash emergency fund.But I dont pay a dime in interest! Sure, but studies show you spend more money when using plastic than cash.  <response>: The comments on the article you are linking to heavily question the premise. Most are actively looking for the DB article that Nerdwallet is referencing and coming up empty.In the comments, someone mentions a Carnegie Mellon study and links to it that says the opposite - that credit card vs. cash did not impact spending.Get off your soapbox. 