The Bane and Boon of Credit Cards

Chase credit cards, virgin credit cards, citi credit cards, aussie credit cards...the list can go on and on.  This is the flagrant sign of our times.  We are being dominated, not by two-legged alien forces, but by the flimsy, crafty plastic card, we all call, the credit card.

What is it with Americans? We all seem to want what we simply can't afford. For some bizarre reason, we typically buy it anyway. We just acquire credit cards for those expensive items. This is not exactly prudent. In fact, most of us tend to regret it down the road. Have you ever applied for credit cards for no reason at all? Maybe you think you will need that extra shopping cash for the weekends. While purchasing things for fun can be addictive, the debt can and will get out of hand if you let it.

We all attain credit cards for a number of reasons. My motive was probably one of the most common. When I was striving for my BA in college, I always wanted some extra cash, hence the credit card. In all honesty I didn't really ponder the future debt that lied ahead. I just knew I craved some extra funds for those recreational activities away from campus.

Now, don't get me wrong; credit cards can be very useful at times, and come in rather handy. The trick is not to abuse the privilege that comes with the plastic.  Just because your credit limit is 15 grand, doesn't mean that you should go out and blow thousands without batting an eyelash. The debt will certainly come back to haunt you. Whether you acquire credit cards for dealing with student tuition, or simply for emergencies, try to only spend what you must.

How many credit cards line your wallet? Are you up to your eyeballs in credit card bills? This is the exact spot where many Americans end up, but surely do not wish to be. We all love having credit cards for those special occasions when specific luxuries seem out of reach.

As a credit card user myself, I have adopted a new rule. Don't put more money on the card than you can pay off that month. If you can keep up with your monthly billing statements, then you're good to go. None of us want to struggle with those high interest rates. If you are looking to attain credit cards for shopping or merely emergencies only, you will want to sort through the numerous offers online. If you search for the best interest rates, you will be much happier with your monthly fees. With the various credit card companies at your fingertips, you should have no trouble acquiring credit cards for any purposes at all.

Be careful, strive to be debt-free.  But in cases where your credit cards can be your ally during financial emergencies, practice good judgment.  When you afford your credit card respect, you can be assured of financial help anytime, anywhere.  It can be a liberating experience!