Just ask yourself: is the credit card work for me or am I working for the credit card? Most people’s response to this question will depend on how they treat their “plastic friend” as credit cards are sometimes known. As many people with huge credit card debts will tell you, they didn’t realize that things were so bad until too late, because most credit card companies try so hard to make themselves seem like a charity. Well, take it from me, they aren’t.

And this is not a hate campaign against credit cards. They have their benefits – in America if you want to rent a car, you have got to have a (major) credit card. But, consider this scenario:

You receive an offer in the post that sounds good, maybe it’s a new TV or fridge. But it costs $2,000. You have a credit card with a $5,000 limit so you immediately purchase the item. Typically, here is how your repayment schedule will play out. Most credit cards charge a minimum percentage of the total balance (usually 2 percent) per month. Assuming the interest rate is 18 percent and you choose to repay the minimum amount of $40, $30 of that will go towards interest and only $10 towards the principle!

Sounds scary? It doesn’t have to be. The moral of the illustration is to use the credit card very, very carefully.

Credit Cards Dos and Don’ts

There is a lot of truth in the advice that credit cards are not a substitute for not having money. Every time you use a credit card this should be the theme song playing in your head. Furthermore, you would be wise to remember the following as well:

Dos.

1] Always plan for the purchases that you have to have and those that you just want. You need the essentials, but you just want everything else. The ability to differentiate could assist you plan more wisely.

2] If you are caught up in financial difficulties, it’s always a good idea to talk to the credit card supplier who might re-schedule your repayments. If you simply default, that only builds up a bad credit history for you and you could find yourself being refused credit in the future.

3] Unless it is an emergency, staying within your credit limits will assist you a great deal. If you must spend over the credit card limit, keep within manageable levels, say within 30 percent.

4] If your letterbox is full to the brim with details on credit cards that have better offers than you are currently receiving, you could always approach your issuer for a better deal. They want to keep your business, so they will hear you out.

Don’ts

1] Do not use your credit card to purchase household items. It is very expensive in the long term.

2] Do not only pay the minimum amount necessary. You will end up paying exorbitant amounts of interest. The quicker you can clear the debt the better.

3] Do not use the credit card to purchase things you can’t afford.

If you are thinking aboutchanging or getting a Credit Card, check out the free advice on our web site about using Credit Cards wisely. This and other unique content ” articles are available with free reprint rights.