Introduction
Credit cards are a must have for everyone. However, discipline is required when using them to avoid falling into debt. Use your credit carefully and sparingly and you will enjoy all the benefits that come with owning a credit card.
Step 1
Credit cards are a great way to make purchases without using cash. They also help you save on a lot of bad financial behaviours such as impulse buying. Whenever you have extra cash in your bag or pockets, you are likely to spot something that for some reason you feel like you have to buy. Cash at hand is not a good idea especially if you lack discipline. Credit money can be spent wisely and for the intended purpose only.
Step 2
When applying for credit money, the first thing you need to do is to ensure you state an amount that is just enough to sustain your current lifestyle. Many people see credit as a way of attaining a lavish lifestyle. This is however very dangerous because you have to remember that eventually, you are required to pay back every single cent plus more. The important thing is to apply for enough without any surplus.
Step 3
You should do a budget of how much you spend per month and what will be enough to cover all your needs when applying for credit money. This will enable you ask for something within your range. In addition to that it will also be easier for you to pay it back since it will be something within a part of your income scale. Do not sink yourself so much into debt with credit money; ensure that you have a little to save every once in a while.
Step 4
When applying for credit money, you should also compare the offers from different banks and lenders. There are many types of credit cards and loans and they vary from place to place. Their terms and conditions vary as well as their repayment terms. Find something that you can comfortably pay for without straining your finances.
Step 5
Look at the interest rates your credit money attracts. This also varies from place to place and you should ensure that the rates are not extremely high. If you shop around before you settle on a certain lender, you are likely to find great deals and offers that you can take advantage of. If you are not sure about the rates, make sure you talk to a representative. It is better to sign up for something that you are sure of.
Tips
Spend your credit money wisely. There is a lot that we all desire but you should have limits. Know what you can afford and what you cannot. Credit is yours for a limited period and you have to pay it back with interest.
The more you spend the more interest you will pay. Use cash whenever you can to avoid accumulating a lot of interest from multiple purchases made on your credit money.
It is also important that you avoid taking multiple credit cards from different lenders. You can apply for credit money from a single lender and keep one card which you can use for everything. The more cards you have the more you will spend.
Sources and Citations
Websites on consumer spending and finance.