Credit cards are nothing to be scared of -- as long as you consider them the same as cash. Budget strictly every month and pay off the FULL balance every month. Then you're fine. A credit card isn't a license to go out and buy anything you want at any time -- it's a way to buy something, then get a little more interest on your money in the bank by getting a grace period before you have to pay for it.

I got my first reward card when I was 21, too, and I've never gone back. I can't believe I actually had cards that gave me nothing ... even at $500 a month, you're going to be getting 6,000 miles or more points per year, on top of any actual travel you do. You'll find the numbers add up fast. Next thing you know, you'll be taking your first free trip. Even at 6,000 miles a year -- you could get a free round trip every four years or so. Seems like not much, but that would be one trip that you would have to pay for otherwise.