subject: How Credit Cards And Lattes Are Related [print this page] The latte method of personal finance - cutting back on the small stuff that adds up - has been much-derided by money writers.
It's a simple idea and it makes sense - we often spend a lot without realising it in our day to day lives - but sweating the small stuff too much could lead to letting the big stuff slide.
When we think about credit cards we often don't include the latte factor and sweat the big stuff like interest free offers on balance transfers and purchases while neglecting the little things that can actually add up.
They're the kind of things sometimes not included in a credit card comparison, though, and for good reason because they won't be applicable or important to every user and in every situation.
For example, if you're looking at 0% balance transfer credit cards with the sole aim of transferring a high interest balance and not doing any spending then the length of the interest free offer is the most important thing.
If you're looking for a card when you have a bad credit rating then something like the aqua credit card could be your only option and in that case the application criteria would be the first thing to think about.
When you're looking for a credit card to use for day to day purchases, though, the latte factor suddenly becomes applicable.
Fees that add up on a day to day basis could end up being very expensive. The fee for missing a payment, for example, can be very different from provider to provider.
Use abroad credit card fees can also be very different between different lenders.
Some charge a higher percentage for paying overseas and some charge a fee for foreign transactions but the right use abroad credit card can be the best way to spend when you're overseas.
Debit cards can be one of the most expensive ways to spend overseas so this is particularly relevant and even prepaid cards are usually more expensive than lending cards.
Extra protection on purchases and in case of emergencies can also offer a little help that adds up to a much larger saving.
Some credit cards offer extended warranties on electrical items such as fridges, freezers and washing machines that would be very expensive if they were bought alongside the item. This is no replacement for insurance but can be a good extra.
This is also the case with the free worldwide assistance offered by some international banks or lenders.
