"I can't wait to get a credit card. It will be
cool to buy whatever I want, whenever I want." Look out - that kind of
thinking will get you into trouble! A lot of people think that credit cards are
"magic money." But a credit card is just a financial tool that lets you borrow
money, which you have to pay back.
The Women's Well~Being Circle "
Resource Page" has great information and links to help you educate your kids, teens, and young adults on the issue of credit cards. Use these resources to help teach financial literacy. Here's a great preview:
Good
Reasons to Have a Credit Card
• They are a
convenient way to pay.
• They're safer than
carrying a lot of cash. If a credit card is stolen or lost, your maximum loss is
only $50 if you report the loss to your credit card company.
• You can buy things
online or over the phone, and make reservations with hotels or rental car
companies.
• You can get instant
cash in an emergency, like if your car broke down.
• They offer some
protection against unsatisfactory purchases. For
example, if you ordered a tv and paid with a credit card, and the store went
out of business before you got your tv, you may be able get a refund from
your credit card company.
• Using a credit card
responsibly builds good credit.