3 Things to Remember to Use Credit Wisely

Posted: Nov 13, 2010 |Comments: 0 |

Our poor credit habits have bit us back where it hurts the most. We've been so accustomed to taking loans with almost all our big purchases, or set with the "pay later" mantra of credit cards that we even feel entitled to spend and swipe. The complex formula of spending and being unable to pay result in disaster. Let's get our acts straight before all become lost:

1. Credit in itself is not an evil entity that's out to get us. There's much to be said about how credit ruins lives, where in fact credit is helpful and great! It worked for families wanting to buy houses or cars even if they don't have the full cash to pay for it upfront, used as a way to pursue education without being hindered by money, or as a way to provide for oneself or the entire family in times when the breadwinner is strapped for cash.

Think like a true head of the household. Be responsible and make smart, calculated decisions on all loans and credit. A wrong move will affect you in the future in ways that will hit really bad. Don't ruin your credit score with too much loans, unpaid debt, and un-budgeted spending habits. It could just be the reason why you might lose everything you've worked hard for.

2. Using credit wisely means being smart in our dealing with credit cards. We all have them and there's no getting around it. The only thing bad that results from having it is we sometimes let material things rule our head and our budget. The rampant advertising everywhere isn't helping as well. It makes us want things that we didn't know we had to have, and getting it now even if we don't really have cash to do so.

A long history of living a life of luxury and convenience has made us easily swayed to getting things with little notice to the price. Our consumer debts are soaring high, and our money is drained on high interest rates and sometimes on things that isn't necessary to a good life. Like pricey fashion items, expensive hobbies, vacations that one can't really afford, or eating out to fancy restaurants. Stop catering to your desire to get the your unnecessary "wants".

3. Getting smart about credit means you have to follow a general guideline. When trying to buy a house, it's important to take time in choosing how much money you take out for a loan. There are banks that might help you sort it out, but there are loan offices that might take advantage and direct you towards an amount that may push the limits of what you can afford. A rule of thumb is 25% of your annual income. Try to look into a housing loan that lets you pay for it as soon as it is possible, meaning that you shouldn't opt for the 30 years to pay (or above). Finally, try to put some hard effort into throwing any extra payment on your principle every month. It all helps in the end.

For auto loans, it should be around 10% of your annual income, as any higher will strangle your budget as it heightens the possibility of not being able to afford the monthly payment. If you're getting a brand new car keep the loan under 5 years, and for pre-owned, 3 years. Beware also of the property taxes on your house and car, and make sure you get the best deal for your auto insurance.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/credit-articles/3-things-to-remember-to-use-credit-wisely-3662505.html

    Article Tags:

    credit

    ,

    credit habits

    ,

    credit cards

    ,

    getting smart

    ,

    consumer debts

    ,

    credit score

    ,

    poor credit

    This article goes over the specific regulations the stat of Alabama has on debt relief options. Learn the legal ways to get out of debt in Alabama. Each state has their own laws when it comes to debt relief methods and the ways of achieving it. One should know the best ways to get out of debt and the laws that allow them to do so.

    By: Colel Finance> Creditl Dec 09, 2008 lViews: 505

    There are many reasons why we build up more and more credit card debt, even though we are trying to live a balanced life and continue to pay them off.

    By: gbowebmasterl Finance> Creditl Oct 04, 2011
    Brad Jones

    In today's tough employment market, employers are turning to credit reports as a tool to sort through pools of applicants more than ever before.

    By: Brad Jonesl Business> Human Resourcesl Feb 18, 2011

    Registering a company is no longer a time-consuming and tedious business. With the new online company formation services available you will be able to register your new company in just a few clicks of a button.

    By: Adam Nicolsonl Finance> Creditl Jun 02, 2012

    Establishing large credit card debts in college develops poor money management skills. Also, high interest rates keep students in debt well after school.

    By: Roshanl Finance> Creditl May 30, 2012

    If you're planning a holiday with your family, don't forget to include your credit score with you. Monitoring your credit score while you're away can be a big help. If the thought of thieves running up a huge debt on your credit card scares you, then online monitoring is what you need. Read article to know more.

    By: joymalil Finance> Creditl May 29, 2012

    Lots of people want to know how to clean up their credit report. While there are plenty of agencies out there who will do the work for you for a price, it's also possible to clean up your credit report yourself if you're willing to put in the time and effort.

    By: Christopher M Leel Finance> Creditl May 28, 2012

    Your credit score is an important thing when it comes to how lenders, dealers, companies or banks see you. It is what they look at to determine if you are worthy enough to get a loan or even to get that job position you've been longing for.

    By: joymalil Finance> Creditl May 28, 2012
    David Stack

    If you love the quality and luxury that a leather handbag but can't stand the expense of having one, then you're in luck. Linea Pelle, Inc. brings you great online coupons that are designed to make its wide collection of the best leather goods on the market more affordable for the regular woman.

    By: David Stackl Shopping> Fashionl Apr 17, 2011
    David Stack

    Many of my friends who have been in long-term intimate relationships have pointed out time and again that one had to have creativity to "keep the home fires burning", as they say. That said, it has to be admitted that I've gotten (and given) quite a few recommendations for FlirtCatalog.com coupons.

    By: David Stackl Shopping> Clothingl Apr 17, 2011
    David Stack

    Time and again over the past few months, I've shown friends looking for exquisitely unique and well-priced diamond jewelry pieces that ICE.com coupon codes are they way to go. With the promotions and exclusive discounts that the site offers via these online coupons, many a fellow diamond lover has been able to purchase a piece of jewelry that would usually be out of their price range.

    By: David Stackl Shopping> Jewelryl Apr 17, 2011
    David Stack

    When it comes to skin care, it's a good idea to have a couple or so of DHC coupon codes in your skin care arsenal. This is because these online coupons allow you to avail of special discounts and promotions on must-have items that will help you keep your skin beautiful all year round.

    By: David Stackl Beauty> Skin Carel Apr 17, 2011
    David Stack

    It's always a wise decision to make changes in our lives that will eventually lead to our living longer, healthier, and more environmentally-friendly existences. It's also lucky that a lot of manufacturers offer incentives to ease the transition into a healthy life with baby steps and financial cushions like online coupons and coupon codes to alleviate the cost of changing one's habits and normal patterns.

    By: David Stackl Healthl Apr 15, 2011

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast