Liza Mathers currently serves as personal finance editor of a popular UK Personal finance comparison site called Seek4finance.
During her 9 years in journalism, Liza has won a series of awards for her personal finance journalism, ranging from awards for campaigning journalism, business scoops, all-round personal finance knowledge and her proven ability to explain personal finance in simple plain English.
In a nutshell, Liza puts the consumer, not the personal finance industry, first.
You may be very confused about what is fact and what is fiction when it comes to credit cards and credit card debt. Indeed, in this day and age there actually are a good deal of myths surrounding credit cards and credit card debt. Through this article, you are presented with a discussion of the myths surrounding credit cards in order to make you a better credit card user and financial consumer.
One common and disastrous myth associated with credit cards and credit card debt is that having more cheap credit cards is better for you -- better for your credit history, credit score and credit report. Thus, many people obtain innumerable credit cards operating under this mis-conception.
Of course, there are some instances very limited instances for some people a very limited number of people where many credit cards do prove helpful in creating a solid credit history. But, these are people who pay off each and every credit card balance each and every month without fail. These are people who have the financial wherewithal to manage and maintain multiple cheap credit cards without carrying over balances from month to month.
If you are such a person, if you have the finances available to deal with credit cards and credit card balances in this manner, than you are a person who might benefit over time by having multiple credit cards. However, with that caveat noted and understood, it is vital to appreciate that the vast majority of people are not in this position and cannot manage their credit cards in this manner.
Another of the common myths is that it really is not a big deal to carry over balances from month to month. In fact, this can end up costing you a great deal of money. The truth of the matter is that the typical consumer is best served by paying off his or her credit card balance each and every month. In this way, you can avoid high interest fees along the way, which can add up to a great deal of money in not that much time.
Yet another widespread myth associated with cheap credit cards is that you can keep you personal finance house in order by only making minimum payments on your credit card balances. In fact, by paying only the minimum amount allowed each month on your credit card balances you will end up losing a great deal of money on interest payments over time. This can be one of the most costly decisions you could make when it comes to your credit card.
By understanding the myths that are associated with cheap credit cards, you will be in a better position to better decide not only what credit cards are best for you but to assist you in developing a plan to best use your credit card in the most appropriate and responsible manner. You can turn your use of credit cards into a benefit rather than a liability. You will make credit card usage a positive aspect of you personal finance life.
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