Are you one of those people who is definitely afraid to use a credit card? Afraid because you will run up a big bill at the end of the month. Afraid because you have not exercised will power in your purchases? Afraid because you don't understand how finance charges work? Put your fear aside, and follow a simple rule. Although credit card companies will not like you...

DO NOT! CHARGE MORE THAN YOU CAN PAY IN ANY GIVEN MONTH. This will drive the credit card companies crazy, and if everyone did it, they would not be able to stay in business. But, this web page is written for YOUR best interests. By using a credit card, you will have the freedom to purchase what you want when you want...so long as you are confident that you can pay the full amount, when due, at the end of the month. Keep this as simple as you can.

Put a post-it by your night stand by your bed. Look at this every day. Record the amount that you have charged EVERY time you use your credit card. Keep a running total of what you will owe. You will be aware, on a daily basis, of what you have spent, and by following your personalized budget you can keep a close accounting of your money.

From the standpoint of convenience, this is terrific, however you MUST avoid paying finance charges, or penalties of any kind, if you are going to use a credit card sucessfully. Credit card companies are very clever, they are willing to have you spend a lot of money and make it look like you are not paying too much to use "their" money. It is not true, YOU pay a LOT of money in finance charges, if you have not paid the balance due, EACH month.

The absolute worst that can happen is that you don't like using them and you destroy them.
Perhaps you are looking at this page because you are already up to your ear lobes in debt. If so, you are not alone. Many people just like you have fallen prey to high finance charges from credit card companies.

If you are going to get one, why not one that gives you air miles or reward points?