Credit cards have gotten a bit of a bad rap. With so many people drowning in credit card debt, and with penalties and fees piling up to keep them there, its not too hard to understand. But that doesnt stop us from applying for cards and using them.
Credit cards themselves are not so bad. In fact, they have many good points. They make it possible for us to buy things and use them right away, and make payments later. They keep us from having to carry large amounts of cash when we plan on making big purchases. And they provide a way to build up our credit scores. When used responsibly, they can be an asset rather than a liability.
Unfortunately, many consumers fail to maintain control of their charging habits. They use their credit cards to make impulsive purchases. They pay only the minimum payment each month, resulting in greater interest charges. They keep their cards perpetually maxed out. Or they obtain multiple cards and juggle debt instead of paying it off.
To get the most out of credit cards, its best to start out on the right foot. Shopping around for a card with low interest and no annual fee will help minimize costs from the get-go. And if you resist the urge to go out and buy anything and everything you want, you can avoid accumulating an overwhelming amount of debt in the first place.
Here are some tips for keeping a leash on the credit card monster:
* Pretend your credit limit is about 25% of the actual amount. This is the optimal balance for keeping your credit score at its best. It also helps keep your debt much more manageable than if you utilize your entire credit limit.
* When using your card to purchase non-necessities, pay the balance in full each month. Or at the very least, make sure you can afford to pay the purchase off within a few months and avoid charging any other wants until you do. Charging lots of stuff we dont need is a trap that too many cardholders fall into. By charging only what we can afford to pay back quickly, we can avoid getting in over our heads.
* Always make more than the minimum payment. If you only pay what youre required to pay, it could take years to pay off even a small balance. Try to put as much money as you can toward your bill each month, and you could save yourself a small fortune in interest charges.
* Avoid impulse buying. When you see something you want (or feel that you need), give yourself some time to think about it. For small purchases, a week should be sufficient. For more expensive things, give it a month. By then, the urge may pass. If it doesnt, make sure you can afford to pay off the balance in a reasonable amount of time before you take the plunge.
* Resist the urge to use your card to pay bills, unless you are paying the balance in full each month. If you cant afford to pay your bills without the plastic, you need to re-evaluate your budget. Charging them to your credit card will only leave you with loads of unnecessary debt.
When used improperly, credit cards can be a real nightmare. But when used responsibly, they can make our lives easier. By charging with prudence from the start, you can avoid the debt trap and maintain a good credit score.
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