Are we becoming more and more afraid to use our credit cards due to the ongoing credit crunch saga as it tightens everyone's financial belt up another notch? A recent survey by The British Retail Consortium has indicated a 2% increase from 32% to 34% indicating that we are spending more cash in today's society.

The reason for this is simply down to the credit crunch. More and more people are afraid to run up high interest rates by using their credit cards and therefore prefer to use cash instead.

It was thought that the UK was fast becoming a cashless society as more and more plastic transactions were taking place each year. This was down to its simplicity, no need to carry all the change around with you when you can carry a small credit card with all your money available on it.

This is the first time in over two decades that the percentages have made a u turn. The UK saw an increase of £5 billion in notes and coins this year. It could be that the society might be getting a better hold on their own finances and

Credit cards should not be discarded as if they are used and not abused, they can be an essential resource as they have been for millions. You need to make sure you keep on top of your finances to avoid spiralling into debt and by researching online you can get the best deals for all your credit cards and loans.

Using online comparison sites will give you the best deal as they search a number of providers so you get the best possible deal for loans, secured loans and unsecured loans.