How to Use Credit Cards

Here are some basic tips for using/getting a credit card:

1. Find the lowest interest rate possible.

2. If you are financially able, pay your balance in full each and every month. If you are riding out a 0% introductory rate, ensure you can pay the full balance at the end of the introductory period.

3. If you are unable to pay your full balance each month, pay as much as possible and always tackle the cards with the highest rates first.

4. Try to find a credit card that offers "cash back" or some other incentive. I have a Chase Freedom Card that has literally EARNED me thousands of dollars over the years.

5. Try to find a card with no fees at all. For some people who've had credit challenges in the past, this may be difficult and you may have to get a card that has fees just so you can start establishing good credit. Ironically enough, bad credit is better than no credit. I used to work at a car dealer and it was easier for customers with bad credit to get a loan than customers with no credit history.

6. Pay your bill online each month if possible. Save the money that you would spend each month on stamps and put it towards your bill.

7. Don't overspend. This will help you meet #2. Sometimes you just need to make a budget so that you know how much you can afford to spend each month on your credit card.

Manage Your Money Online

One of the key things about managing your money is knowing where it is, knowing where it is coming from and knowing where it is going. There are quite a few ways to do this. If you follow the guidance from the book, "Your Money or Your Life", you should know about EVERY PENNY that comes in and out of your life.

Some people choose to use a spreadsheet. You can also use something like Quicken or MS Money. Additionally, many banks have an online tool for managing all of your accounts. However, my personal favorite is Yodlee Money Center. Yodlee is the company that creates the software that is run by so many of your favorite banks. I like the generic site provided by Yodee because it's simple and easy to use and doesn't have any sort of bank flavor.