Last week we looked at how easy it was for consumers to accumulate credit card debt, and we provided some practical steps how to reduce this liability over time. While the words ‘credit card’ and ‘debt’ tend to run hand-in-hand, owning a credit card doesn’t have to be a negative thing.

A credit card is just a tool that can help you to manage your cash flow and bill payments. However, like any other tool, if it is handled incorrectly, it can hurt the user. To be successful with credit card usage, you have to learn how to be credit card S.M.A.R.T:

S- Start with your budget

Your credit card should always be used along with your budget guide, to ensure that you’re making purchases that you can really afford. Identify those expenses that can be paid with a credit card, and don’t charge more on your card than you would have paid if you were using cash. Continue reading Be Credit Card S.M.A.R.T. →