The key to having a stable financial future is incorporating good credit habits. However, from mortgages to student loans and taking up debt for financial emergencies, debt is pretty much widespread. But, here’s a fact;
Taking up debt to meet your expenses isn’t always a bad thing.
Borrowing credit actually helps you meet your long-term goals, like buying a house or starting your own business. However, to ensure that your credit score remains safe throughout, it is important to do timely debt consolidation and borrow the amount that you can actually afford.
And, when it comes to credit management, many borrowers fall for certain traps and end up making mistakes that affect their credibility. So, if you are thinking of taking up credit, here are a few things you must stray away from.
Prioritizing Only The Minimum Amount
Have a credit card? Well, one thing that might make the repaying easy is the minimal dues. According to a study, a minimum amount is only the 2% of what you actually own. And while this can be a great option, especially if you are going through a financial crunch, this might not always be right.
Rolling out your entire debt into small minimum dues will make you pay more than what you actually owe. So, instead of paying the dues every month, focus on the bigger picture. Try to clear out your debt by paying the entire amount in a month to avoid unnecessary interest rates and charges.
Being Unaware Of Your Spendings
Another common mistake most people make is staying in absolute denial of their spending. Generally, when you have a credit card or are planning to take up debt, you get the money in the form of online transfers. And, eventually, you just lose track of your spending. Moreover, with all the shopping stores being accessible online, you are just a click away from spending a lot of bucks.
So, instead, go orthodox. Cash out your money and put them in different envelopes dedicated for our shopping sprees, bills or debt payment. And, when you run out of the money from the envelopes, refrain from buying anything, unless absolutely necessary.
Buying Things Just Because Others Have It
Have you ever bought a thing just because your friends or family have it? Well, there’s a psychological concept behind this. Known as social facilitation, a person’s behaviour tends to change according to the surroundings. And this can push you deep into a debt trap.
So, before taking up credit just to buy a few things, take some time and think if you really need them or not.
Focus On The Bigger Picture
Scientifically speaking, our human mind is trained to practise instant gratification rather than waiting for something to happen. So, it is pretty obvious that you would be tempted to buy a new pair of shoes rather than saving up money to buy a house.
But, to steer clear of it, make a list of your short-term goal and look at it whenever you feel the urge to go on a shopping spree. This technique is a great way, often asked to practice by counselling societies offering debt help.
Ignoring Your Credit Score
Out of sight, out of mind? If you are thinking of ignoring your credit score and taking up credit just to buy a few things, you might not be making a great choice. This might just make your score sink further.
And, once you have a shaky credit score, you might not be able to borrow debt when you actually need it.
In A Nutshell
Borrowing less and spending responsibly is the key to managing your credit. And while there are a number of things to keep in mind while spending your credit, you must also ensure only to take up the amount that you can actually afford.