Friday, December 5, 2008

How To Use Your Credit Card Wisely

Credit card is very common nowadays. It is now equivalent to money and you could just buy anything you want. You can even own more than one credit card as long as the lenders approve your application. However, it can also bring problems if you can't handling your finances well. Remember you are borrowing money from a lender. You are using your future money. You are not using it for free. There are interest charges you have to pay every month.

Here are some ways on how to manage your credit card. First, you should always bear in mind the reason of having the card. It is only used in times when cash seems tight, right? Always keep in mind to use it only for emergencies. The very purpose of the tool is to make you live a somewhat comfortable life where your basic needs and wants will be provided. But you should always know your credit limit so you can continue using it. Remember, it is not a magic card. You have to pay back every month.

Second, choose the right credit card company. There are various financial institutions offering credit cards. The interest is somewhat the same but there are some offering just a little bit lower than the other companies. You may try to re-negotiate with your card company for a lower interest rate. It won't hurt you if you try- it will be advantageous to you. Some people are experiencing financial trouble because of high interest rates. You don't want to be in their shoes I suppose. With lower interest rate, you could save a lot of money. The extra cash can be used for your other everyday expenses.

Third, if you afford to buy certain things in cash than credit, do so. It is better to pay in cash than credit. In cash purchases, you can actually track down the amount of money that went out of your pocket. In this way, you'll be thinking twice before splurging on things you saw on stores. You can feel the 'pain'. Paying in cash also teaches you to be thrifty on your spending. You will not be tempted to some extra expenses beyond your budget.

Fourth, make a monthly budget. The budget will enable you to know your expenses. And you must stick to the planned budget. Making a budget can help you control your spending. You won't be able to use your card much often if you could manage your finances well. The monthly payment will not be burdensome and you can pay right on time.

Lastly, pay your credit card bil on time so that it will not accumulate your credits. If you have available cash, it is better to pay an amount higher than the minimum. Credit card is now a very powerful tool that you can have.

It is good or bad to have a credit card is depending on how you use it.
Happy spending and saving wisely.

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