Credit Cards: 3 Rules to Use Them Wiselyنموونە
Rule 3: Make It Work for You
If we agree that a credit card is nothing more than a financial tool that must be used with wisdom, then it seems fitting that we should be using the best tool for the job.
In Ecclesiastes 10:10 we see the value of working with a sharp axe rather than a dull one. And while sharpening a credit card won’t do you much good, using the right one can make a world of difference.
Most people don’t understand how much of a gaping divide there is between an average rewards program and a good one. It’s not like two times better; it’s more like 10 to 50 times better. It can be the difference between getting $50 in rewards and getting $1,600 in rewards after using your card all year. From cash back to miles, the benefits with a good rewards card can be huge. The people who don’t think there is much of a difference just aren’t using the right cards. Additionally, the fraud protection most cards offer is a nice perk. Many companies also provide consumer purchase protection such as extended warranties and insurance. So, if you’re going to use a credit card, please don’t use it just because someone gave you a free T-shirt to sign up. Do your homework and find a good one.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options. There are a lot and they are always changing. If you want a head start, though, I did the research for you and opened up 34 credit cards to find the best ones (I am a nerd like that). So you can check out seedtime.com/cc to see what we currently use in our family and my most up-to-date recommendations.
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About this Plan
Are credit cards evil or are they simply a financial tool? Being a financial coach, I have seen some people harm themselves with their credit card use and others use them with wisdom to enhance their financial lives. If you choose to use credit cards, then I recommend following our family’s 3 rules to help you use them responsibly and make the most of the benefits they can offer.
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