Credit Card Quick

When is the Right Time for your First Credit Card?

ATM Choosing Credit Card

If you are a young adult looking to venture into the world of credit cards, then you may want to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of having a credit card. More importantly, you should consider whether a credit card is right for you at this point in your life.

You are bound to see credit card companies set up throughout any college campus. Pushing credit cards to college students with little income and loads of college debt may seem like an irresponsible thing to do, but this practice is played out time and time again.

The bottom line is that it is essentially your responsibility – not the credit card company’s – to determine if a credit card is right for you.

For many college students and young adults, money is tight and bills are high. From college tuition to books and related expenses, there is typically not much money left over at the end of any given month. Credit cards at this time may seem like a convenience, but in reality they are far more likely to be abused because of the ease at which young adults can make purchases, even if they don’t have any cash.

A credit card for a young adult may be the perfect way to begin building credit; yet for some, it may also be the time to make irresponsible credit choices that can affect their ability to obtain loans and even jobs in the future.

The decision to apply for a credit card as a young adult may be difficult, as many young adults are more than capable of handling the responsibility of a credit card, while others are not. As an adult, it is up to you to make the decision whether a credit card is right for you and if you are prepared to handle the responsibility of paying another bill each month.

Before applying for a credit card, consider:

• The costs and fees associated with the credit card
• The APR of the credit card
• Your monthly income
• Your monthly obligations and bills

In the end, having a credit card can be a wonderful option allowing you to better manage your money, track spending habbits and build credit. However, these advantages only come to fruition if you take care in money management.

How to Protect yourself when Using an ATM

ATM

Automatic Teller Machines, better known as ATMs, are a convenient, practical way to get quick cash. ATMs enable us to withdraw money at any time of the day or night, regardless of whether our bank is open or even nearby.

However, along with the convenience comes certain risks that we all need to be aware of when using an ATM. It is important to understand how to use an ATM safely as to protect ourselves and our money:

• * Avoid using an ATM during the night. Plan ahead and only use an ATM machine during daylight hours, if possible.
• * If you do have to use an ATM during the nighttime hours, choose one that is well lit and located in a heavily traveled area.
• * Avoid using ATMs that are unfamiliar or are not in heavily traveled areas.
• * Always choose an ATM that is monitored with security cameras.
• * Always check your surroundings before getting out of your vehicle to use an ATM.
• * Keep your doors locked and all other windows rolled up when using a drive-up ATM machine.
• * If possible, bring a companion along when you use an ATM machine.
• * If the ATM looks different or unfamiliar, do not use it, as thieves may attach card readers to ATMs in an attempt to gain users’ personal ATM card information.
• * Do not approach an ATM machine if there is someone else using it. Instead, stay in your vehicle until the area is clear.
• * Do not keep your ATM pin code with your ATM card.
• * Do not choose an obvious pin code for your ATM card.
• * Always keep your ATM receipts and use them to check your monthly ATM statement for errors or discrepancies.
• * Get your ATM card ready before you approach the ATM machine. Many victims are caught off guard when a thief approaches them while they are fumbling for their card.
• * Never count your cash at the ATM. Instead, take your card, cash and receipt and head directly to your vehicle.
• * If at any time you feel uncomfortable during your ATM transaction, cancel the transaction and leave immediately. Remember: it is always best to listen to your gut when in a potentially dangerous situation.