7 People to Cut Out of Your Financial Life

Santa Claus (or Other Fiscal Hero)

We've all had that moment of putting drinks—or an iPad or a jadeite-green moped—on a credit card and crossing our fingers that someone will arrive and make the balance disappear. Christmas miracles make for good cinema but weak financial planning. Same goes for timely arrivals of a generous Prince Charming or a heretofore-unknown rich relative (on his deathbed, in need of an heir). Alas, neither they nor Santa is going to appear and pay your credit card bills. Even if you're really, really good.