| Moving out. This is the term often connotated | | | | credit department is already tainted and |
| when you turn 18 and go off to college. | | | | unlikely to be erasable. |
| College equals independence. Mom and dad | | | | |
| arent around so you could do things youve | | | | 5. If you are going to sign up for a |
| always wanted to. You dont have to worry | | | | credit-card, make sure that you have ways |
| about them looking over your shoulder because | | | | paying for it. Most student credit-card |
| chances are, youll be miles away from them. | | | | holders have part-time jobs. Some make the |
| Your only concern is cash. Since your parents | | | | mistake of having a credit card but then run |
| arent there on your beck-and-call, you have | | | | to mommy and daddy when they cant pay for it. |
| to earn your own moolah and fast. | | | | |
| | | | Its because if you dont have money coming in |
| Just as how one is entitled to be on his own | | | | and you have money going out, then there is |
| in college, this is also the perfect time for | | | | no balance. We suggest that you have a |
| one to start off his credit history. Credit | | | | part-time job for the reason of your credit |
| cards are often offered to individuals who | | | | card history. Learn to budget your money and |
| are heading off to an independent stage of | | | | also the time when you pay your bill. It |
| their young lives. | | | | looks good on your statement if you pay your |
| | | | bill on time and in full. |
| Tips on handling a college credit card well: | | | | |
| | | | 6. Read and understand the contract before |
| 1. Dont be overwhelmed on the bonuses you get | | | | you sign. If you are not that knowledgeable |
| when choosing a credit card that is | | | | on business matters, you could ask a trusted |
| appropriate for you. Some issuers include | | | | friend or family member to explain terms such |
| discounts on novelty stores that are of | | | | as interest, credit limit, balance, interest |
| interest to their targeted clients. The catch | | | | fee, annual fee, grace period and due date to |
| is their consumer is too excited to what he | | | | you. |
| can get less to notice that he is actually | | | | |
| paying more because there is a higher | | | | 7. Just like shopping for things you like, |
| interest rate. | | | | look around and browse through a number of |
| | | | credit card issuers before deciding on one |
| 2. There are offers that are only good at the | | | | that you will be getting. Signing up for a |
| beginning. Later on, there is actually a | | | | credit card is a commitment you make because |
| credit limit and it is not as much as the | | | | not only does it involve money, it involves |
| other competing credit cards. | | | | your credibility as a consumer. |
| | | | |
| 3. The minute you have a credit card in your | | | | 8. Be aware of your credit score. On average, |
| wallet, you have to use it wisely. Regard | | | | a college student has at least one credit |
| your credit card limit as the amount of cash | | | | card. Go online and check your statements |
| you have in your wallet. You can only spend | | | | whether its accurate or not. By using your |
| this much. Theres no mom or dad telling you | | | | credit card like an adult and not like a |
| to stop spending. The conscience is all | | | | shopaholic, theres a possibility that you get |
| yours. Remember that if you do go overboard | | | | big rates in the long run. This is because |
| your credit card limit, you wouldnt be able | | | | financial institutions that loan money check |
| to use it for some time not unless you pay | | | | on your credit history and the moment they |
| the withstanding balance. Dilemma is what if | | | | see that you pay on time and in full, they |
| you are in dire need of cash the time your | | | | will have no qualm lending money or insurance |
| card got temporarily cut off. | | | | to you. |
| | | | |
| 4. Statistics show a majority case of credit | | | | Its always best to start early in life. Why |
| cards getting cut up are from college | | | | not do so in college? Those who are |
| students. The repercussion of this matter is | | | | successful in their 30s have good credit card |
| that because of their bad credit card | | | | history. Its like their reputation of being |
| history, they will have a hard time applying | | | | responsible is reflected on their bank |
| for loans such as home insurance, car | | | | statements and look how far it has gotten |
| insurance and the like when they are already | | | | them. |
| working. It is as if their reputation on the | | | | |