Tips to help college students build their credit reports and continue their education.
Student Credit Articles
Half a Dozen Money-Management Tips for College Students
Sep 1st
Are you looking for money-management tips that will help you manage your finances well as you are pursuing your degree? If you are, then you have surely stumbled upon the right article. This is because we will be discussing several pointers that you can use to responsibly manage your cash on hand. This way, you can avoid falling into debt traps as well as compromising your financial prospects.
Six Tips on Money-Management
1. Join a credit union. Track down a credit union in town or do some research on online banks that offer credit accounts to students like you.
2. Don’t get a student credit card unless you absolutely need one. A common mistake among college students is that they hastily apply for credit cards for students without understanding its effect on their finances. And since they are very much eager to use their very first credit cards, they keep on charging all their purchases – necessary and otherwise, on their cards. And soon enough they will incur a hefty student credit card debt that will prove very difficult to settle.
So finance experts suggest that college students sign up for a credit card for student only when it is absolutely necessary. This way they can minimize the risk of running up large credit balances and of retiring large financial obligations.
3. Avoid non-academic debt. Students cannot seem to resist the urge to buy the latest gadgets and items they see in the market. So, they use their first credit card to immediately get their hands on these new products, without thinking whether or not these items are really necessary.
This is why most experts recommend that students use their student credit cards only for academic purposes; that is for paying tuition and school fees, purchasing books and school supplies, and paying for their other school needs. Should they want to buy the latest gadgets, they need to save up until they can come up with sufficient amount of money to buy the item they want.
4. Pay bills on time. College students should always be reminded to pay their bills and credit card charges as soon as they arrive. This way, students need not worry about forgetting the bills they are supposed to pay. Aside from this, they can also avoid paying penalties and other additional charges.
5. Monitor your spending and make a personal budget. College students are encouraged to list down all their expenses as well as the allowances or income they receive. This way they can identify whether they need to cut on some of their spending to spend on more important purchases. They can successfully do this with the aid of a monthly budget.
6. Guard your important documents. It is also important that college students understand the importance of protecting themselves from credit fraud and identity theft. How can they do this? Well by simply not giving out their social security number or their bank or card information to just anyone. They also need to keep their important documents and credit-related papers in a well-concealed yet easily –accessible storage. In so doing they can prevent themselves from falling victims to the illegal use of their identities as well as of their credit information.
We hope that this short discussion provided you with much information on how you can manage your money wisely. This way, you will not encounter any financial problems or difficulties as you pursue your bachelor’s degree.
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)How can I Stay Out of Credit Card Debt?
Aug 24th
A lot of people believe that teenagers should not be allowed to use student credit cards. They contend that young people are very irresponsible and reckless when it comes to handling their finances. These people think that students will only fall into a great deal of financial trouble should they be allowed to use and hold on to their very first credit card. But is this belief correct?
Well, even though students may have the tendency to be careless when it comes to money matters, this does not justify the point that they should not be given their very first credit cards. As long as they are given guidelines and sufficient information on how they should manage their student credit cards, they can also succeed in staying out of credit card debt. But how can they do this? Well, they can do so by employing the tips and pointers that we have listed below.
Tips on Staying Out of Student Credit Card Debt
1. Shop and compare different credit card programs. Once you enter college, for sure you will receive several offers from different issuers of credit card for students. Will it be wise to get the very first student credit card offered to you? Of course not! You need to take your time in shopping and comparing the terms and features of different credit card programs. Consider the rates of interest, payment terms, fees and charges and of course the application requirements. In so doing, you can select a credit card for students that will perfectly suit your needs and your financial capabilities.
2. Budget your expenses. Making a budget is an important life lesson that each individual must learn. The sooner this lesson is imbibed, the more financial rewards the individual will surely receive. But how can you devise your own budget?
Well, it is relatively easy. You need to jot down all the expenses you have incurred in a month. Then deduct your total spending from your total allowance or from the proceeds of your student loan. Consider each value listed on your budget. And ask yourself: is this expense really necessary? If the answer is yes, then retain it on your list. If the answer is no, then erase it from your list. This way you can cut down on unnecessary and wasteful expenses and you can allocate your money only on your basic needs.
3. Stick to a personal budget. Devising a personal budget is easy. However sticking to your budget is very difficult. Still you need to resolve to stick only to what is listed on your personal budget plan. This way, you can avoid incurring debts that will prove very difficult to pay off later on.
4. Pay on time. If you have existing student credit card debts or other credit accounts, then you need to pay them off in the soonest time possible. This way you can minimize the payments you need to make on interest. You also need to make sure that you pay your bills as soon as they arrive. In so doing you can avoid paying additional charges such as overdue fees.
5. Spend some cash. Even if you have a credit card, resist the urge of charging all your purchases and bills on your card. It is still recommended that you use cash for daily expenses. After all, paying with cash for certain items will keep your budget intact and promote financial discipline.
We hope that these five tips can help our readers keep themselves out of credit card debts as they work their ways into earning their respective degrees from colleges or universities.
(No Ratings Yet)How can I Stay Out of Credit Card Debt?
Aug 10th
A lot of people believe that teenagers should not be allowed to use student credit cards. They contend that young people are very irresponsible and reckless when it comes to handling their finances. These people think that students will only fall into a great deal of financial trouble should they be allowed to use and hold on to their very first credit cards. But is this belief correct?
Well, even though students may have the tendency to be careless when it comes to money matters, this does not justify the point that they should not be given their very first credit cards. As long as they are given guidelines and sufficient information on how they should manage their student credit cards, they can also succeed in staying out of credit card debt. But how can they do this? Well, they can do so by employing the tips and pointers that we have listed below.
Tips on Staying Out of Student Credit Card Debt
1. Shop and compare different credit card programs. Once you enter college, for sure you will receive several offers from different issuers of credit card for students. Will it be wise to get the very first student credit card offered to you? Of course not! You need to take your time in shopping and comparing the terms and features of different credit card programs. Consider the rates of interest, payment terms, fees and charges and of course the application requirements. In so doing, you can select a credit card for students that will perfectly suit your needs and your financial capabilities.
2. Budget your expenses. Making a budget is an important life lesson that each individual must learn. The sooner this lesson is imbibed, the more financial rewards the individual will surely receive. But how can you devise your own budget?
Well, it is relatively easy. You need to jot down all the expenses you have incurred in a month. Then deduct your total spending from your total allowance or from the proceeds of your student loan. Consider each value listed on your budget. And ask yourself: is this expense really necessary? If the answer is yes, then retain it on your list. If the answer is no, then erase it from your list. This way you can cut down on unnecessary and wasteful expenses and you can allocate your money only on your basic needs.
3. Stick to a personal budget. Devising a personal budget is easy. However sticking to your budget is very difficult. Still you need to resolve to stick only to what is listed on your personal budget plan. This way, you can avoid incurring debts that will prove very difficult to pay off later on.
4. Pay on time. If you have existing student credit card debts or other credit accounts, then you need to pay them off in the soonest time possible. This way you can minimize the payments you need to make on interest. You also need to make sure that you pay your bills as soon as they arrive. In so doing you can avoid paying additional charges such as overdue fees.
5. Spend some cash. Even if you have a credit card, resist the urge of charging all your purchases and bills on your card. It is still recommended that you use cash for daily expenses. After all, paying with cash for certain items will keep your budget intact and promote financial discipline.
We hope that these five tips can help our readers keep themselves out of credit card debts as they work their ways into earning their respective degrees from colleges or universities.
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)Helpful Credit Card Tips for College Students
Aug 1st
We often wonder why credit card companies provide college students with excellent first credit card programs. Aside from receiving very affordable interest rates and fees, college student are also showered with gift items such as T-shirts, beach towels, bags, caps and other free products. What could be the reason behind this “special treatment”?
Well, card issuers understand that college students are potential, lifelong consumers of their card programs. And these kids will continue to spend, spend, and spend using their very first credit cards. According to a 2005 study, an average freshman carries over $1500 worth of credit card debt. And this value is projected to double by the time the student leaves his college or university campus.
Now, are you a college student, who wishes to have and use your very first credit card? If you are, then what tips can you use in applying for and in using your student credit cards? Below we have listed some pointers that college students can employ to succeed in getting a good student credit card program. The tips we have enumerated below will also help our readers in managing credit cards for students in a responsible manner.
Tips for Student Credit Cardholders
1. Find a card with a good rate. Students are easily lured by the zero percentage offers of most card companies. However, they need to look at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) charged on their respective credit card programs. They need to take their time in finding the student credit card that imposes the most affordable interest rate. This way, they will only need to make small payments on interest in case they are not able to pay in full their credit balance for the month.
2. Avoid student credit cards that charge annual fees. Students should skip cards that charge annual fees. Instead they are encouraged to settle only for the cards that charge the lowest possible interest rate and fees so that they won’t need to spend a lot of money just to get and use their very first credit cards.
3. Beware of reward cards. The idea of earning rewards while you spend is a good promotional strategy employed by card companies. But college students need to remember that they can only redeem the rewards if and only if they are able to spend a great deal of money by using their cards. And this can cause them to accumulate large credit card debts. So, students need to be wary of reward credit cards.
4. Keep it to one card. Even if it might be very easy to get approved for a credit card for students, students must resolve to stick to just one or two credit cards. This way they can minimize the risk of running up more and more debts on their respective cards.
5. Pay on Time. College students must remember to always pay completely their credit card bills, when they are due. This will not just help them avoid paying large interest and fees. This can also help them build a good credit reputation, which determines the credit prospects that will be made available to them.
6. Avoid the cash advance facility of your credit card. Relying too much on the advance cash offered by most student credit cards can prove to be very costly. This is because the cash advance feature normally charges high variable interest rates. Not only that. Consumers may also be required to pay additional finance charges every time they withdraw money using their credit cards. So as much as possible, students must avoid taking cash advance with their credit cards
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)Four Programs You can Choose From to Get Your Very First Credit Card
Jul 26th
Students and minors often find it difficult to get approved for their very first credit cards. After all, they do not have credit records to present to their prospective issuers when they attempt to apply for regular credit card programs. Aside from this, most teen-age card applicants do not have stable jobs that they can use to guarantee the immediate repayment of whatever debts they might be incurring.
Still, it is possible for students and teenagers to get the credit cards they need. There are actually four card programs available to first-time cardholders. Through these card options, students and minors can gain access to business establishments that rely solely on card transactions. Not only that. Through their very first credit cards, young consumers can successfully launch their credit reputation which paves the way for a bright financial future.
So, what are these four card programs open to students and first-time cardholders? Let us discuss them one-by-one.
Four Card Options For First-Time Cardholders – First Credit Card
1. Credit card for students. Teen-age card applicants can get approved to use credit card for students. However the main requirement for this student credit card program is that the applicant must be currently enrolled in a college or in a university. Now what should a student consider before applying for and in using a credit card for students?
Well, a student needs to remember to apply only for the student credit card that possesses the lowest possible interest rates and fees, and the most flexible payment terms. And after he gets approved for a credit card for students, he must resolve to use his card in the most responsible way he can. He also needs to stick to just one card, so that he can avoid running large credit card balances which will prove very difficult to pay off.
2. The bank where you opened checking or savings account. If you have a savings or checking account with a bank, then you can approach the customer service representative of your bank, and ask about the possibility of opening up your first credit card. Having an existing relationship with your bank can improve your chances of getting your credit card application approved, so long as you have been responsible in managing your bank account.
3. A department store or gas card. Department stores and gas companies usually have easy approval credit cards. Through their quick approval system, you can immediately get the credit card you need for you to make purchases and pay off your monthly bills. However, these credit card have one big downside. Your card will charge a very high interest rate and this can cost you a lot, especially when you decide to carry a credit balance from one month to the next.
4. A secured credit card. Even if you lack credit history, you can still get approved for a secured credit card. You just need to submit all the relevant documents, pay the charges and fees to activate your card, and provide a monetary deposit that will serve as collateral for the usage of your credit card. And soon enough you can have the secured card you can use in making purchases and even reservations in commercial establishments that depend on card transactions.
We hope that this article helped you see the credit card options that you can take advantage of should you want to get and use your very first credit card.
(No Ratings Yet)Five Financial Tips for College Graduates
Jul 19th
Fresh graduates begin their quest for financial independence as soon as they move out of their college or university campuses. After several years of study to earn their respective degrees, they plunge headfirst into the challenging corporate world, with the primary goal of achieving financial stability.
However, not everyone succeeds in their quests. Though some graduates are able to juggle their work responsibilities and finances carefully, a lot of fresh graduates who are now employees of different companies are having a hard time handling their money. They tend to make hasty financial decisions that can eventually hurt their credit prospects and cause them great financial problems. And so instead of attaining financial independence and stability, what they encounter are the direct opposites of their goals.
But are there ways to avoid encountering financial difficulties? Of course there are! Below we have listed five financial tips that college graduates can employ to avoid experiencing credit woes and other financial dilemma. This way, they can realize their dreams of becoming financially stable and independent.
Five Financial Tips for Fresh Graduates – Student Credit Cards
1. Consider your student loans and student credit card debts. First and foremost, fresh graduates must determine a way through which they can settle their student loan accounts and student credit card debts. This should be their top priority before making other financial decisions like purchasing cars or homes and even starting their businesses. Ex-students must devise a debt management plan that details how they intend to retire all their credit accounts.
This step may involve taking a debt consolidation loan program to finally pay off all their existing credit balances. Or fresh graduates can also look for debt negotiation assistance that can help reduce their outstanding credit accounts. By choosing a suitable debt-busting program, college graduates can be assured of gradually paying off the debts they have incurred from their credit card for students and from the educational loans they applied for, without compromising their monthly needs and expenses.
2. Think of better alternatives to your first credit card. Credit card for students surely made it possible for students to support their needs during their years of study. However, relying too much on their first credit cards can lead to more and bigger spending and financial liabilities. So, students must see to it that they use their student credit cards with great care.
Financial experts recommend that fresh graduates consider the use of debit card programs. This way, they can be more aware and more in control of their spending habits.
Using debit cards also have additional benefits. Debit cardholders do not pay interest rates and penalty fees. After all, they do not assume credit or loan from a credit card company. In fact they themselves are the ones providing balance onto their debit card accounts.
3. Find your first apartment. Even if it is really exciting to move into your own place, you still need to consider all the costs that will be involved in your transfer of residence. Think of the rent and utilities that you have to pay each month. Not only that. Consider how much money you need to shell out for your transportation expenses as you travel from your home to your place of work. These important aspects must be considered in your search for the most suitable apartment.
4. Compare the cost of a new and a used car. If you are planning to purchase a car, then it will be good to look at and compare the costs of a brand new and a used vehicle. Do not only look at the price tag of the cars you plan to purchase. You also need to calculate the depreciation expenses you will be incurring every year. By thinking about these costs, you can select a car that will be most suitable to your financial capabilities.
5. Save early, compound often. Finance experts also encourage fresh graduate to save early. They can set aside a certain amount from their monthly income, that will go to their personal savings account. In so doing, they can expect to receive a substantial amount as long as they keep their savings fund intact.
We encourage our fresh graduate readers to employ these five financial tips. And we guarantee that by doing so, they can surely attain the financial independence and stability they have been dreaming of.
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)Things to Consider Before Applying for a Student Credit Card
Jul 14th
Student credit cards are effective tools in paving the way for a bright financial future. A lot of consumers can attest to this statement. After all, by applying for and managing their very first credit card responsibly, many cardholders are able to build good credit reputation that enabled them to rent apartments, land excellent job opportunities, and even buy their own cars.
Unfortunately, when used irresponsibly, student credit cards can also pave the way for a financial disaster. There are a lot of reports and experiences of college students, who were not able to control their spending habits, who eventually fell into debt traps. Not only did they accumulate burdensome debts. They also inflicted long-term damage to their credit history.
This is the reason why students need to be very careful in choosing and in applying for their very first credit cards. This way they can ensure that whatever cards they intend to get will really suit their needs and will work to their advantage.
Now, what should college students consider when they shop for a good credit card program? We will find the answer to this query on the next portion of this article.
Top Considerations Before Getting Student Credit Cards
1. The interest rate. Before getting a credit card for students, you need to consider the rate that will be charged on your card. Ask yourself the following questions: Can I afford to pay the interest that will be charged on my credit card in case I cannot completely pay off my credit balance? Is the rate within the acceptable range of interest rates offered in the market? Is the rate of interest fixed or is it only part of a short-term teaser program? The answers for these queries will help you decide whether or not you would get the credit card program being offered to you.
2. The fees and charges. Be mindful of the fees and charges imposed on your credit card for students. Remember that you will need to pay these costs before and even while you are using your first credit card. So resolve to settle only for the card that asks for very few fees and charges. This way you won’t need to spend a great deal of your money just so you can get the card you desire to use.
3. Features offered in the student credit card. It is also advised that you look at the other features of your card. Inquire whether the card has a cash advance facility which you can use especially during emergency situations. Also, try asking whether you can earn rewards when you regularly use your card in making necessary purchases and in paying your monthly bills. You may also ask for insurance programs that may be offered to you as a cardholder. This way you can maximize the benefits you can get from your student credit card.
4. License/ Accreditation of the card issuer. One of the most important things you need to consider before finally applying for a credit card for students is the legitimacy of the card company. You need to perform a thorough investigation of the license to operate or federal accreditation that the card issuer holds on to as proof that the business is legitimate. You may also need to perform additional researches regarding the track record of the company in terms of having fully-satisfied clients. This way, you can have the guarantee of dealing only with credible card companies and getting only the best card programs.
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)Essential Loan Tips for Fresh Graduates
Jul 12th
Have you just graduated from college? Congratulations! You have finished a great achievement and now it’s time for you to prepare yourself for the opportunities and challenges that await you in the corporate world. But before you get too overwhelmed with other things, see to it that you do not forget your obligation to pay back your student loans for college.
Student Loans for College and Student Loan Debt Consolidation
The US Department of Education reveals that more than two-thirds of college students graduate with an average student loan debt of $19,200. Most students have obtained multiple student loans from different sources so repayment can become a very challenging task.
If you are managing multiple student loans from different lenders, you may consider student loan debt consolidation. By consolidating or combining your student loans into a single loan, you can reduce your monthly payments, enjoy a lower interest rate, and eliminate the confusion of juggling payments from one lender to another.
Nonetheless, those who decide to take student loan debt consolidation must be very careful in choosing a consolidation loan company. Take note that some predatory lenders do impose unreasonable conditions, high interest rates and hidden charges. Furthermore, consider the length of the repayment period. While a long repayment period may greatly reduce your monthly obligation, in the long run, you end up paying more because of the additional interest charges.
Before consolidating, find a realistic repayment term that you will be able to stay on for a long time. Spend time comparing different debt consolidation companies. Also, if you have acquired Federal Student Loans and Private Loans, it is recommended to keep these two loans separately, instead of consolidating all into one account. The reason is that some lenders may off consolidation of both federal and private loans, yet charge high rates with no repayment discounts. Also, Federal student loans already have low rates so they should not be merged with private student loans.
Submit Your Student Loan Payments On Time
Student loans must be paid on time from the start until the end of the loan term. Doing so enables the borrower to save a significant amount of money by not paying penalty fees. It also enables a fresh grad to maintain good credit history and credit score, which is very important to have now more than ever. Lastly, it allows the borrower to finish repayment at a sooner time, save money on interest rates and be free from student loan obligations.
It is a good idea to arrange automatic payment system with your bank to sure that you will not miss a single due date. Electronic payments can also save you about 42 cents on stamp each month and you may be able to enjoy a 0.25% off of your interest rate or more, depending on the lending company.
Try to pay more than the required monthly payment as much as possible. Even adding $10 to $20 on your monthly loan payment can make a difference in the long run. Make your goal to complete your student debt consolidation loan payments within three years or shorter, especially when found a job with a good pay.
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)Effective Financial Strategies for Students In College
Jun 22nd
Being a college student brings many privileges and opportunities for young people. But along with these privileges are responsibilities. If you are a student in college or in your freshman year, read on the rest of this article and check out these valuable financial strategies that you can start practicing right now:
On Money Management – Credit Cards for Students
Use your student credit card for schooling purposes. It’s a good thing to have a student credit card so you can build an early credit history for yourself. Nevertheless, uncontrolled use of credit cards can easily lead to bad credit. Thus, a student must be discreet and wise in using a business credit card for buying things or paying bills.
Keep track of your own spending. Managing a credit card for students can be a good training for young people with regards to handling debt. Most credit cards allow cardholders to access their account online so they can closely monitor their personal spending and payment due dates. If you find unfamiliar purchases in your account, call up your issuer immediately to clarify the details in bill before posting your payment.
Create a budget plan. As early as now, make it a habit to plan out your monthly spending. Having a written budget plan will not only help you control your spending, it will also enable you to distribute your allowance effectively.
Keep financial records in a safe place. Always review your monthly credit card bills and other receipts and keep these financial documents in a safe storage. These documents can be indispensable references that you can use in case you may need proofs when filing a complaint.
Protect your personal information. Many college students have been victimized by identity theft and fraud because they failed to protect their personal information. Get to know the tactics used by ID thieves. Be very cautious when providing personal information (Social Security number, credit card number, address, complete name, etc) especially when using Social Networking Communities over the internet such as Facebook, Twitter, My Space, etc.
Be frugal. Frugality is best practiced when you’re young. Find creative ways to save money such as purchasing second-hand text books, comparing prices before purchasing, buying clothes at thrift shops, etc. Do not use your first credit card to pay for something you did not plan to buy in the first place. Recognize the difference between NEEDS and WANTS and be smart enough to say no.
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)The Pros and Cons About Student Credit Cards
Jun 7th
Are you thinking about applying for a student credit card? Before you go and sign up that application, carefully weigh the pros and cons that can result from using a credit card. By doing so, you can be more aware about the steps that you can do to avoid getting yourself into trouble.
The Pros about Credit Cards for Students
Build early credit history. Applying for a credit card for students is the easiest way to build credit history. If you are a student, you have the privilege to get approved for an unsecured credit card without difficulty. Even with the new changes to the credit card law, it is still much easier for students to get their first credit card despite the absence of credit history.
Why is it important to build your personal credit history while in college? The sooner you start, the more impressive it will be to future creditors, insurers, and even to employers and landlords. The length of your credit history comprises 10% of your total FICO score so starting early can give you that significant advantage.
A good training to financial independence. Letting a young person handle a student credit card is an effective training on responsibility and debt management. Parents can play a big role in teaching their children about the proper use of credit cards. Indeed, teenagers need not get themselves stuck in bad credit to learn the consequences it can bring.
The Cons about Credit Card for Students
The risk of overspending. There is no denying that owning a credit card poses the risk of overspending. In fact, surveys show that a lot of teenage cardholders are guilty of such a bad habit. Splurges and unplanned purchases can quickly lead to a mountain of debt and bad credit. Therefore, students must learn how to exercise control over their credit cards.
Maximizing credit limit. Credit cards for students usually have lower borrowing limit compared to regular credit cards. While it is not necessarily a bad thing, some student credit card owners are prone to maximizing this limit. Such a habit can be damaging to your credit history. Why so?
One of the factors that determine your final credit score is your credit-to-debt ratio. Using up your available credit down to that last limit can pull down your score by as much as 10%. This is why financial consultants advice cardholders to keep their credit card use minimal- at least below 40% of their borrowing limit to protect their credit rating.
Increased amount of purchases. Students need to be aware that if they fail to pay their full balance on time, they will incur the additional interest rate cost in their bill. The interest rate can range anywhere from 14% to 20%, depending on the Issuer. While some student credit cards may offer 0% APR, that rate may only be applicable for 6 months or a bit longer. Afterwards, the regular interest rate will apply.
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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