Its really quite simple...i don't think not using your credit card is an option because then you don't have any credit activity. Credit matters..car loans, house loans..one must have credit. Buying it in cash is usually not an option! Be responsible!! Just do not spend more than one can afford..and...learning to accept that I can only afford this at this time is like "a learning process"...we are so used to just pulling out that plastic card..its hard sometimes! Before charging always ask yourself do i need to charge this now?
Balance is the key to anything...
Radhaof TX10:50AM March 11, 2013
I've been paying down my credit card, so the card company lowered my credit limit. Before this I was under 50% utilization. Now I'm at 90% utilization. I think this should be illegal if it's not!
Sunshineof NC11:00AM May 15, 2012
if you transfer your balance to a new card, how will it effect your credit rating?
patof PA8:24PM May 13, 2012
If you owe debt, you are better off thinking about one of two ways to pay it off as fast as possible. Both methods work, but they depend on you and your disclipline.
The first method is paying off the accounts that have the smallest balance first. This gives most people instant gratification becase the debt is paid, similar to winning the lottery for a few hundred dollars.
The second method is better, but more difficult for many to handle, and that is pay off the debts with the highest interest rate first. Many times, these are credit cards that might have thousands of dollars in debt, and it seems that minimum payment only pays about $3 on the account and the rest goes to interest. If you can, pay that high rate debt off first, then you will have more money to pay off the rest of the bills. It will take longer to get there, but after the big bills are paid off with the high rates, everything else is gravy!
JDinFLof FL1:45PM May 13, 2012
NEVER use your debit card for ANYTHING, but taking money out of your own Bank's ATM or buying Groceries. AND NEVER USE YOUR DEBIT CARD ONLINE FOR ANY PURCHASES. Period!! If your card in hacked online, the thief could wipe out your entire bank checking account cash balance. And it may take weeks for a Bank maybe, to refund you.. ALWAYS use a Credit Card for online purchases, restaurants etc.... You have zero liability for theft for fraud online, and the thief is only stealing Visa and Master Cards money not yours.
Michaelof FL11:52AM May 13, 2012
I loved this article, it sounds like you are the personal trainer of credit. I am currently researching interest rates and trying to transfer my balances to 0% for a term cards, so this article was helpful.
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Radha of TX 10:50AM March 11, 2013
Sunshine of NC 11:00AM May 15, 2012
pat of PA 8:24PM May 13, 2012
JDinFL of FL 1:45PM May 13, 2012
Michael of FL 11:52AM May 13, 2012
kellylynn of CA 4:52PM April 23, 2012