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Spend Smart, Save Smart Tips

Ten Tips for Using Credit Wisely

Shop around for the best offer and interest rate.
Think of credit as the use of future income.
Don’t get a credit card just because they’re giving something away.
Establish a credit budget, and keep track of all credit purchases.
Pay bills on time, so you won’t have to pay late fees or jeopardize your credit history.
Pay bills in full each month, so you won’t have to pay finance charges.
Pay more than the minimum amount due. Debts will be paid off sooner, and you’ll save money.
Use only when necessary. Don’t use credit to buy what you can’t afford.
Know how much credit debt you can handle. It shouldn’t be more than 15% of your monthly take-home pay.
Get a free copy of your credit report once a year and make sure it’s accurate.