Final Credit Tips & Pitfalls From The National Foundation For Credit Counseling
BOSTON (CBS) - More of the tips and pitfalls of credit from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
Reward Cards
- Tip: You can earn miles, airline points, gift cards or even cash back with reward cards.
- Pitfall: Reward categories often change each month, resulting in fewer rewards than hoped for. Further, some people tend to spend more simply to earn the rewards. If you can't pay the balance in full each month, a reward card is probably not for you.
- Dee: Very true, but there are many consumers who have learned to manage those points as they would cash. If you can do that, then you can benefit greatly from using your credit card.
Look for a free credit card that provides points. I like cards that allow cash back. I use my Fidelity credit card and last year I was able to add over $500 to my granddaughter's college account.
Credit Card Balance Transfers
- Tip: With a lower interest rate, you can repay the debt sooner and save the money you would have paid with the higher APR.
- Pitfall: Faulty thinking leads you to believe that since the interest rate on the new card is so low, it won't hurt to charge a few things. Before you know it, the introductory period with the low rate has expired, and not only is your original balance not paid off, but it's higher than when you began.
- Dee: Right on! Most of us can rationalize our poor behavior and then we repeat it!
Credit is a tool to help you reach your goals. Having a credit card is a privilege. A privilege you do pay for in many ways. Credit cards are great equalizers. No matter how much or how little we earn we can all go into debt purchasing stuff! Don't do it. To reach your goals the only debt you should be carrying beyond one month is your mortgage, car loan and your school loans.
Remember there are pros and cons to every financial decision we make!
The NFCC further states, "Consumers should thoroughly research and fully understand the risks and benefits to any financial decision. Simply because an offer sounds appealing, doesn't mean it is."