That’s why American Express is so great, you have to pay it off each month. (Although now they do offer a rotating balance card, but you don’t want that kind for them.)
The key is to pay down the debt each month, and then cut them up.
Use the Amex for plane tickets or other purchases that REQUIRE credit cards, but nothing.
You might consider talking to Rich (Prof. Piggington) about the 401K issue… He can best advise on those sort of things.