Did you get an easy credit card in college? Or, are you someone who got one for the convenience of being able to pay without cash? Not aware of other easy ways to borrow money?
Millions of us do this thanks to the unavoidable advertising of the credit card industry. Few people realize just how many alternatives to credit cards there are. There are others ways of using credit without finding yourself swimming in credit card debt.
Lets take a look at a few.
Debit Cards.
Debit cards are often used in many European countries but are relatively unheard of elsewhere. Basically, theyre just like credit cards and are accepted everywhere credit cards are accepted. The only (and big) difference is that they take any money you spend directly from your bank account instead of you getting a bill at the end of the month. You also avoid the accumulation of credit card debt using these types of cards. Be aware though, that you arent as well-protected from fraud with a debit card as you would be with a credit card.
Pre-Paid Credit Cards.
These are cards that work just like credit cards except that you cant have a negative balance and you have to put money on the card before you can spend it. This card is great if you want to know how much you are spending not to mention that you have no recurring credit card debt each month. Theyre also safer than debit cards since someone who stole the card can only spend whatever money is on it at the time.
Bank Overdrafts.
A good bank overdraft, used together with a credit card, can be a far better way of borrowing money than using a credit card alone. Your overdraft limit is set by the bank according to how much you deposit into your account each month plus you dont need to pay it off until you want to.
Basically, it just gives your account the ability to go into negative numbers. Many banks charge relatively high interest rates for overdrafts but rarely are these rates as high as a credit card. They will give much better rates for good customers.
Real Loans.
When youre buying one big item at a fixed price (like a car) or spend all your money on one type of thing (home improvements, for example), its worth budgeting it all out and going to a bank or a loan company. Theyll be able to lend you the money at a much better rate than a credit card would simply because they know why youre taking the loan. They can set regular monthly payments for you to repay it.
Credit Unions.
Credit unions are like banks, only more local. They are cooperatives, that is, owned by their members and run by the community. They are a great place to borrow money because there are limits in law on how much interest credit unions can charge. They also dont need it to make a profit for owners or shareholders, because they dont have any. They are well worth checking out if there is one in your area.
Bad Credit Is Coming! – Signs That You Are Approaching Bad Credit
Many people in the United States today have bad credit, and the numbers have continued to rise. It isn’t just those who are lazy who end up with bad credit. Many hard working people who are well meaning end up in situations where their credit is ruined. The best way to avoid this is to look at the different warning signs that can indicate that you’re headed towards a situation where your credit can be destroyed.
If you don’t have medical insurance, this is one sign that you’re headed towards financial trouble. Statistics show that a large percentage of people who end up with bad credit are those who have outstanding medical bills. As the cost of healthcare continues to increase, getting sick or hurt could put you in debt that is difficult to get out of. If you don’t have health insurance, it may be time for you to get it. If you are maxing out your credit cards, this is another sign you are headed towards bad credit.
Credit cards are a key factor that causes many people to end up with bad credit. Their high interest rates combined with late payment fees and universal default can make them a nightmare for people who don’t use them properly. It is best to keep your credit card balance as low as possible. Only use your credit card when you absolutely need it. Always pay your bill on time and avoid maxing out your card at all costs. Many people also make the mistake of using the equity in their homes too much to pay for expenses.
While using the equity in your home can be a good idea for those who want to remodel their kitchen or bathroom, they should be used cautiously. Before you use the equity in your home, make sure you will be able to make the monthly payments with ease. You want to avoid situations where you could default on your payments. Living paycheck to paycheck or not having adequate savings is another sign that you could end up with bad credit. It has been shown that about 40% of American families have less than 1000 saved up.
This is alarming for a number of reasons. First, if you get into an emergency, you will have little money to protect you. This will leave you open to using a credit card or payday loan, something you want to avoid. This will get you into a cycle of debt that is difficult to escape from. The chances that you will get behind on your payments and ruin your credit are dramatically increased.
Because of this, it is important to start saving money if you’re living paycheck to paycheck. Get rid of bills that you don’t need. Saving money is an important part of building wealth, and if you’re living paycheck to paycheck, you’re not getting ahead financially, even if you make a large income. If you are only paying the minimum balance on your credit cards, it will be difficult to pay them off. It may take as long as 30 years to pay off your cards, and you could end up with bad credit if you stop making your payments.
Another thing that can lead to bad credit is co-signing on a loan for someone else. Even if you have good credit, the person that you’re co-signing with may not. If they decide to stop making payments on the loan, you will be held responsible because you signed for the loan as well. It is best to avoid co-signing for a loan at all times. If your home or car has been foreclosed or repossessed, this is a factor that can also cause your credit to be ruined.