Credit Newsletter
Sara Bernal
The Basics of Credit
What is credit?
credit is the ability to borrow money in return for a promise of future repayment.
What are the forms of credit?
- Secured: The creditor guarantees that it will be paid back by putting a lien on an asset you own. (ex: car loans, mortgages)
- Unsecured: You simply give your word to the creditor that you will repay what they got you. (ex: credit card, medical, utilities bills)
- Revolving: The creditor has to approve you for a set amount---your credit limit---and you can access the credit whenever you want and as often as you want. (ex: credit cards, home equity lines)
- Installment: You borrow a certain amount of money for a set period of time and you repay the money by making a series of fixed or installment payments. (ex: mortgages, car loans, student loans)
What cost are associated with credit?
Credit is not free money. It must be paid back as well with interest (annual percent rate)
What determines if someone gets credit and how much they get?
If they can demonstrate the three C's of creditworthiness.
Capital
- Value of what you own
- Savings, investments, property
- Use capital to pay loan if needed
- Financial ability to repay loan
- High enough income
- Major expenses and debt
- Sense of financial responsibility
- Dependability
- Steady income
- Long term residence
- Credit history
What You Need to Know about Credit Cards
What is a credit card?
This is a plastic card issued by the bank for the purchase of goods or services on credit.
Where can you use credit cards?
Credit cards are for the most part accepted everywhere:
- Stores
- Restaurants
- Gas Stations
- Online Shops
- Hotels
- Airlines
- Hospitals
What are the benefits and cost of using credit cards?
Benefits:
- Convenience
- Protection for consumers
- Perks for card holders
- Cash back
- Tracking expenses
Annual fees
- $15-$100
- 0%-29%
* Extra fees
- Over-the-limit=going over the credit limit
- Late fee=payments going in late
- Penalty fees=additional fee due to late payment and may result in an increased interest
Don't fall into the credit card trap
It might seem like an average thing to open a credit card account as soon as you turn 18, but I highly suggest you don't. Credit cards do not equal free money. You do have to pay them off and with added interest. Also when handling a credit card many people are more willing to buy because they don't feel the actual effect of the money loss. Opening an account is better when you are in more of a stable area.