Carrying a high balance.

[FixMyCredit1992]

I went an maxed out my little $300 secured card for Christmas. 

Now, I CAN PIF, but I don't really want to, as the next month is going to be expensive as well (car repairs).

Witht that said, will carry a high balance for one month only ruin my credit for the whole 2 years, or does it only affect that month? I don't ever plan on carrying a high balance again, Christmas was an expensive month.

[enharu]

It will only affect you while your utilization is high. Once you pay it off, it will be a non-issue.

Go ahead and leave the balance as is.

[JediNeo]

It will only ruin your credit if you miss a payment. However your score will be lower with a high utilization. Once you pay it down/off your scores will bounce back.

[FixMyCredit1992]

Thanks. I will probably pay half of it off. 

[notfancy]

can you pay it off or at least down to under 10% then put your car repairs on the card? That way your UTL is low before the statement cuts?

[k-s]

Typically, it will only hurt you WHILE you're carrying the balance, but some lenders will deny you CLI on the grounds of 'not paying enough compared to balance for one or more months', so that's something to consider.
I'm carrying balances right now on my 0% interest cards and I'm not concerned because I'm not apping for anything new in the near future.