They should totally only be used as a substitute for cash you currently have, or will have within a month.

When I got my place last year there were a bunch of necessities I needed (lawnmower, bed, you name it), so I didn’t feel bad charging a lot of things. My goal the last 6 months has been to pay off my cards and have my only monthly payments be my utilities and mortgage. I am probably 2-3 months away from the freedom I seek.