subject: Use Your Credit Cards Ireland Wisely [print this page] Use Your Credit Cards Ireland Wisely Use Your Credit Cards Ireland Wisely
Having enough money should not be reason enough for you to splurge. Yes, you may have money now but if you use much of it on whatever you fancy, it can be gone in a day. Being a big spender is not the rule of thumb today but being practical and wise about spending is.
The same applies when you own a credit card. The card serves as a substitute for cash but it doesn't mean that you should use it as often as you want even on the little things that you want to buy. You still need to control your spending even with the card otherwise, you'll end up paying a huge balance or worse, go into debt.
With credit cards in Ireland, being wise means being able to manage your credit account. Knowing when to use it is better than being careless with it.
Ideally, a good way of using your card is for paying household bills and other important needs in your home such as groceries. In case you fall short of cash to pay your tuition fee, you may use the card as well. Again, it is best to use the card for major purchases only.
Small things are better paid with cash if possible. The reason is if you develop the habit of paying minor things with credit card and you don't pay your balance in full every month, you will end up with a high balance. Your small purchases will earn interest and will accumulate with your new purchases.
Business establishments in Ireland also require a minimum amount for you to be able to use your credit card as payment. So if you're only paying for a few Euros, for instance, your Irish credit card won't be accepted.
Reserve the use of your credit cards Ireland for emergencies. You never know when a member of your family will get sick or when somebody will get terminated from his or her job. But if you have a zero or small balance in your credit card, you won't think twice using it for an urgent situation.
Monitoring your expenses is also ideal. Keep your monthly bills and take the time to review them. There may be errors there that you're not aware of but if you're diligent in checking this regularly, you will be able to find out easily. Then you can alert your credit card company to correct the mistake.
Never ignore the value of an Irish credit card. When used wisely, it can be a real life saver.
