Jul
27
2010
What Is Credit?
Author: adminEveryone has credit cards. When you see something that you want in a store, but don’t have the cash, just pull out a credit card and charge it, right? Well, not exactly.
A credit card is a type of a loan. When you make a purchase using a credit card, the store or bank is lending you the money to buy that new shirt or television set. In a few weeks they will send you a bill and you are expected to pay back the loan. The best thing to do at that point is pay the bill in full.
Your statement may say that there is a minimum payment you are required to pay, often a small percentage of the total amount. Be very wary of those small minimum payments though. It may be more affordable to only pay that small amount, but this is often where people’s problems with credit card debt begins.
By using a credit card, you have already paid more for your purchase, as most credit card companies charge interest on each purchase you make. This is where people start getting into trouble. It looks easy to repay, the minimum payments are affordable, and people are easily tempted into making more credit card purchases.
More cards mean more bills, with rising minimum payments and interest being added on until they are no longer quite so affordable. The longer the bill goes unpaid, the more you will pay in interest until you owe much more money than the products were ever worth. Imagine buying a product, using it until it’s worn and throwing it out. But because you’ve only made minimum payments, you are still paying for a product that you no longer own.
There are times when a treat can make you feel better, but if it leads to a spending spree you can’t afford, it is not worth it. Try a little fresh air or some exercise instead. If the jog doesn’t curb the urge to spend some money or treat yourself, look for sales and discounts, and buy something you’ll use!
Credit cards can be useful, but they must be used responsibly. Some people recommend keeping them for emergencies only, such as unforeseen car repairs, but generally you should only buy what you can afford to repay in the same month. When the bill comes in the mail, take it seriously. Sit down immediately, write a check, and pay off the bill. Do this every time you get a bill. Your credit history affects your ability to get a mortgage or a loan for a car. Missing payments on your credit cards will adversely affect your credit record, so make sure you don’t fall behind.
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