Credit Card Is A Friend In Need. Don't Abuse It

A credit card is the easiest way to access money. But beware. It can turn nasty if you don't respect it.

- Sunita Abraham

The credit card can either be an easy and convenient money tool or the snake in your wallet, which could become the root of much of your money troubles. In situations where cash is difficult to be carried or used, a credit card offers the convenience of making payments and managing your cash situation. But to prevent it from doing harm to your financial situation, you need to exercise caution in the way you use and manage it.

Credit Card is a Convenience, Not a source of Income

Swiping the card for your purchases, without having to fork out cash immediately may give you the feeling that you can spend endlessly. But there is a credit card bill that will come to you at the end of the month, for which you have to find the funds to pay.

So, limit your spending to what your income can support and what you can pay off when it is due. If you spend more than you can repay, you will be charged a very high rate of interest not only on your unpaid balances but also on any additional spending you do on the card-till your entire outstanding credit card debt is cleared. Use the credit card to manage cash flow mismatches. If your expenses have to be met before the income is actually in hand, then the credit card can step in.