subject: The Truth about Credit Cards [print this page] The Truth about Credit Cards The Truth about Credit Cards
Most people today think that owning a credit card is really a symbol that they have succeeded in life. A credit card is considered by a lot of to be a status symbol - that you no longer require to pay in money, and that you'll be able to "afford" to acquire something that will take you weeks to save up for. What most people do not know is that a credit card is really a tool which is to be employed wisely and with discipline. If used foolishly, secured or unsecured credit cards can result in financial ruin, family hardship or breakup and shame.
When making use of an unsecured credit card, you should keep in mind one thing. You have to be able to pay back the debt you owe on that card - the sooner the far better. Should you permit the debt to grow it will become unmanageable. When you maintain this small truth in mind, it'll help you control your spending to reasonable limits.
Financial advisors and those inside the know will also tell you that should you pay off the debt from your secured or unsecured credit card all at once or as soon as you'll be able to this will keep the amount you owe as close as achievable to the original amount you spent. This is due to the fact credit card users usually forget that the debt they owe on their cards accrue interest (plus the other charges that banks like to spring on you that are usually in fine print in your contract). If you pay off only a bit quantity each month, it can take various years before the fancy dinner you had a year ago could be entirely paid off.
To steer clear of becoming trapped in credit card debt, constantly keep in mind to stick to your budget for whatever you plan to buy or spend on. The unsecured credit card just isn't extra cash, it merely buys you time by permitting you to be able to get what you would like at the time you want it and at the instance when you don't have the funds to afford it. That's all it does. Your spending capacity doesn't change.
