Credit cards have turned into an integral part of modern living as they facilitate in making purchases and paying bills without carrying cash. They make life easy and help maintain a record of our expenses and help us dispute charges for undelivered and defective things. In addition, they enable us to earn reward points. However, credit cards could make you overspend and get into debt.
One can be very smart in playing a game only when he knows the rules of the game very well and follows the same diligently. Similarly, to be smart with your credit card you need to know the rules of the credit card usage. Let me unbundle the same for you.
1. Do not have many credit cards
It is true that credit cards definitely help in emergencies and facilitate payments. But having too many credit cards could tempt us to overspend and get into credit card debt that could be difficult to recover from. In addition, it is best to avail of reward points on one credit card, so that you could encash the points more quickly.
2. Cultivate and maintain an emergency fund
Most of us believe that credit cards can definitely help in medical and unexpected emergencies, but it is unwise to consider it as a general rule. A much better alternative would be regular setting aside money as an emergency fund for such unexpected emergencies. This will prevent getting into credit card debt.
3. Repayment capacity should determine credit card spending
It is right that using credit cards in place of cash helps. But this applies to purchases that we can afford only and also repay immediately. Spending more than what you can repay is highly undesirable and could get you into credit card debt.
4. Avoid cash advance withdrawals
It is best to live within your means and avoid making cash advance withdrawals even in emergencies. This is the worst thing you can do with a credit card. Having a smart spending plan will help you in not falling into this trap.
5. Avoid bank transfers without valid reasons
Avoid making balance transfers from one credit card to the other. This will avoid payment of balance transfer fees and getting into further credit card debt that could turn vicious. However, transfer of bank transfers like taking advantage of lower interest rates could prove fruitful.
6. Make full payments in time
Being credit card smart requires you arranging for payment within a month or next billing date. Delay in repayment and minimum payment could affect your credit standing and make you also liable to pay high rates of interest that you could not afford. Not carrying any balance forward would relieve you of stress of getting into credit card debt.
7. Understand the credit card agreement fully
You should understand fully the agreement and other terms and conditions for the use of the credit card. This includes understanding transaction fees levied, interest rates, and when increased rates for credit would be charged. This would help take precautions to avoid getting into increased debt on credit cards.
8. Recognize the signs of credit card debt
Many consider a credit card a boon and fail to realize that they are getting into credit card debt. It is best to understand and recognize signs like skipping a credit bill to pay another, avoiding credit card payment statements, and charging more than your repayment capacity by purchasing luxuries. Failing to cultivate and maintain an emergency fund could also be a cause. Once you recognize these signs you can turn credit card smart.
9. Never lend your credit card
Being credit smart requires not trusting others with your credit card even if they promise to pay back in time. It is unwise because you will be responsible for the debt and charges. It is quite possible that credit card companies did not allot them a credit card because of certain adverse circumstances.
SOURCE: NDTV Profit
One can be very smart in playing a game only when he knows the rules of the game very well and follows the same diligently. Similarly, to be smart with your credit card you need to know the rules of the credit card usage. Let me unbundle the same for you.
1. Do not have many credit cards
It is true that credit cards definitely help in emergencies and facilitate payments. But having too many credit cards could tempt us to overspend and get into credit card debt that could be difficult to recover from. In addition, it is best to avail of reward points on one credit card, so that you could encash the points more quickly.
2. Cultivate and maintain an emergency fund
Most of us believe that credit cards can definitely help in medical and unexpected emergencies, but it is unwise to consider it as a general rule. A much better alternative would be regular setting aside money as an emergency fund for such unexpected emergencies. This will prevent getting into credit card debt.
3. Repayment capacity should determine credit card spending
It is right that using credit cards in place of cash helps. But this applies to purchases that we can afford only and also repay immediately. Spending more than what you can repay is highly undesirable and could get you into credit card debt.
4. Avoid cash advance withdrawals
It is best to live within your means and avoid making cash advance withdrawals even in emergencies. This is the worst thing you can do with a credit card. Having a smart spending plan will help you in not falling into this trap.
5. Avoid bank transfers without valid reasons
Avoid making balance transfers from one credit card to the other. This will avoid payment of balance transfer fees and getting into further credit card debt that could turn vicious. However, transfer of bank transfers like taking advantage of lower interest rates could prove fruitful.
6. Make full payments in time
Being credit card smart requires you arranging for payment within a month or next billing date. Delay in repayment and minimum payment could affect your credit standing and make you also liable to pay high rates of interest that you could not afford. Not carrying any balance forward would relieve you of stress of getting into credit card debt.
7. Understand the credit card agreement fully
You should understand fully the agreement and other terms and conditions for the use of the credit card. This includes understanding transaction fees levied, interest rates, and when increased rates for credit would be charged. This would help take precautions to avoid getting into increased debt on credit cards.
8. Recognize the signs of credit card debt
Many consider a credit card a boon and fail to realize that they are getting into credit card debt. It is best to understand and recognize signs like skipping a credit bill to pay another, avoiding credit card payment statements, and charging more than your repayment capacity by purchasing luxuries. Failing to cultivate and maintain an emergency fund could also be a cause. Once you recognize these signs you can turn credit card smart.
9. Never lend your credit card
Being credit smart requires not trusting others with your credit card even if they promise to pay back in time. It is unwise because you will be responsible for the debt and charges. It is quite possible that credit card companies did not allot them a credit card because of certain adverse circumstances.
SOURCE: NDTV Profit
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