A recent addition to a college student’s must-haves is a credit
card. Along with the cell phone, the credit card is becoming
more and more prevalent among young people ages 18-25.
Perhaps it is but natural for credit companies to mine this
previously untapped market. More and more products and services
are being targeted towards these customers. And the more cool
stuff is out there, the more they will want to buy - if not with
cash, then on credit.
Unfortunately, the problem with swiping away plastic is just
that - students fail to realize that with each swipe they are
one step closer to debt, which they may be unable to manage.
That is why it is important that the right information on the
judicious use of credit cards be made available to students.
That is not say that a credit card per se is a bad thing. In
fact, when used wisely, it becomes a smart way for young adults
to build their credit history, which they can continue to build
on as they becoming self-supporting professionals.
Having a credit card also teaches students financial
responsibility - showing them that it is important to live
within means. It makes them aware of concepts such as principal,
interest, balances and debt. The earlier they get comfortable
with these, the better they can cope further on in the future.
On the other hand, young adults can still be prone to financial
naiveté particularly when it comes to fine-print terms and
conditions. Perhaps in the excitement of being issued their own
credit card, they may simply skim over, if not totally forgo,
reading the terms and conditions the credit company stipulates
over the use of the credit card.
It is possible for someone of that age to be content in knowing
that their card offers 0% APR. What they may not be aware of is
that the offer is for a limited time only or that if monthly
payments aren’t fully paid, a high finance charge will be
applied.
Although nearly 80% of college students today own more than two
credit cards, it is unfortunate that less than half are able to
pay off the monthly balance. This only proves to show how little
effort is made to educate students on the right usage of a
credit card.
If you’re a student considering getting or already owning a
credit card, or if you know someone who does, here are some
things to help you get started on learning how to use a credit
card wisely and to manage finances in general.
- Consider the nature of your income and how much of it is
stable income. Credit card statements come in monthly.
Therefore, you should know how you would get the money to pay
for these. Stable income is important because you will be
relying on this to make those regular payments. If you don’t
have a steady source of income, rethink getting a credit card.
Continuing with one in spite the lack of a stable income will
run you into debt in no time.
- Observe your credit limit. Unless you specifically ask for it,
a credit company will set the limit for you. To avoid
unmanageable debt, your credit limit should be around 25% of
your stable monthly income. So even if you’ve topped off your
credit, you’ll still be able to pay off the monthly balance. If
your credit limit is beyond 25%, call your credit company right
away and ask for an adjustment.
- Designate purchases Credit cards should not be your primary
method of payment. It should only be a means to bridge gaps in
your cash flow. As early as possible, develop the discipline to
limit certain purchases for your card.
For example, it is a practice of some to charge important things
such as rent and utilities to a credit card. The rationale for
which is that even if the cash income is delayed, payments for
the essentials will not. However, the idea is that the balance
will be fully paid off by month’s end.
These tips should get you started as you build a good credit
history. You may start out small now, but as you learn good
financial management early on, in the future, handling bigger
things will hopefully be easier.