Credit Cards Blog

Remember when a credit card was only as necessary as a cell phone? Wait, that’s always been for my generation (Millennials). I got my first cell phone when I was 15 and traveled across country by myself. I didn’t get my first credit card until I graduated high school and went to college. Even then my parents warned me about using it, “only for emergencies,” they said. I listened to them. I mean, what does a college freshman know about credit cards or even student credit cards? Anymore, students are in a daze when it comes to their own finances and especially student credit cards.

It’s important to make a financial plan for yourself when getting ready for college and focusing on what will be going on during different stages in your education (I realize this is one of the many things furthest form a college freshman’s mind). Credit cards definitely need to be a part of that plan, along with the student loans, learning how to request, use and read a credit report. Learning how to properly use a credit card, keep track of its interest rate, and learning to budget to efficiently pay of credit card debt is important. Do you really need those $175 jeans or do you need to replace your laptop you need for school? There is a significant difference in the cost of each item and you may be tempted to just go ahead and get both. Is it necessary though? Buy now, pay later has its consequences.

Learn to pick your battles and anticipate the unexpected.