You have two options at this point. First, you can hang on to the plastic and the checkbook, even if someone is begging for them: especially if it's someone who you're sure won't give them back even upon fear of death, or even worse, being exiled from your life permanently. Second, you can resolve to set yourself a limit and stick to it, and trust only yourself to do that. Better stick with option one: money may not be everything, but it certainly helps.