I am a lucky girl. So lucky, in fact, that my school expenses are pretty much paid for by scholarships. I will get out of college not swimming in student loan debt, which makes me want to run around in a fever of joy after graduation.

This joy, however, is slightly cramped — a lot cramped — by my increasing credit card debt.  Who decided it was a good idea to give me a credit card?

It was almost a year ago that I applied for my first of three credit cards. I was in big girl mode, wanting to get my credit going so that when I graduated, I could actually buy things like houses and boats and whatever else adults buy with a credit card. After some failed attempts and several rejection letters, a credit card company decided, “What the hell?” and gave me a credit card. I was doomed out of the gate.

It was pristine and shiny with my name emblazoned on the front. It had a decent limit — more than my monthly salary — and that scared me … at first. I decided to only use it for gas and emergencies. That went out the damn window after a month. It was just so easy! That dress is amazing! Swipe. Oh, I really need new shoes. Swipe. Who doesn’t need this awesome pair of Ray-Bans? Swipe. You get the idea.

With my limit nearly approaching and the expense of a vacation coming closer, I decided it was time for the second card. And I got it with ease because I had good credit built up from the first card.

The third card came with Christmas. Do I need to explain anymore?

It sounds like I am irresponsible to the ultimate, but hear me out. I now have excellent credit because even with three cards, I managed to pay my bills on time every month.

I am nearly maxed out now. With my refund check coming this week, however, I can pay off my debt in full. I will be narrowing down my credit cards to only one, with the other two going into a slab of ice in the freezer. I am not kidding. I need to be able to control this impulsive beast that I have developed before I get in way over my head and damage my credit scores. Hiding them is the best method for me, in all honesty.

One credit card is all you need at this point in your life. The stress of managing three isn’t fun and one mistake can scar your credit score, aka your lifeblood in this society, preventing you from a handful of things after graduation. Remember, just because you can use it doesn’t mean you have to.