Comments on: Credit Card “Gotchas.”

By: Jokimoto

Jokimoto — Sun, 01 Oct 2006 01:08:49 +0000

“Yes, it would be nice if everyone could pay cash for everything they ever needed and/or wanted.”

The only thing in my life (33 years) that I’ve ever bought on credit is an automobile. I rent an apt., as I can’t afford the mortgage on a house, own several very nice guitars, computer, four-wheeler, iPod, etc. In short, all the “toys” that most people have or want. There is no reason a person can’t live by only buying what they can outright pay for. It’s a question of moderation, and expectations. I don’t need to be mortgaged out the yin yang just so I can live in a McMansion that I then have to pay upkeep on (or pay someone else if I’m in the top tier of American social classes).
Some folks who use credit are, I’m sure, happy. An awful lot of the ones I know who do envy me…just not enough to give up all those toys in favor of a few less.

By: Miss Cellania

Miss Cellania — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 17:58:35 +0000

Credit Cards are simple, and yes, you CAN get something for nothing. Just don’t spend more than you would if you were using cash or checks. Pay it off every month. You’ll build a good credit rating and pay no interest. Plus, a lot of cards will give you ff miles or reward points. BUT you HAVE to pay it in full every month.

By: Deedra

Deedra — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 12:06:34 +0000

I must chuckle a bit at this article. In today’s society, everyone should know that if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is! HOWEVER, there are some really good offers out there if you know how to read the small print and manage your account accordingly. Sane As Cash offers - excellent…just make sure to budget and pay off the purchase before the term expires; Reduced APRs - a good way to make buy that new sofa that you know you’ll not be able to pay off in 3 months. Again, read the disclosures to see if it’s a limited time offer or of the APR is only reduced for a certain number of months. If you don’t understand…ASK! Ask the credit card company; as the retailer where you’re making your purchase. ASK!

I work in the credit card industry, and yes, banks and finance companies exist to make money. I’m ok with that. My job puts food on the table, clothes on our backs and a roof over our heads. In turn, it allows consumers to enjoy things they may not otherwise - a family vacation, a new bed for the little ones, and so on and so on. Yes, it would be nice if everyone could pay cash for everything they ever needed and/or wanted. (Heck I’d be ok if everything was free!) But we all know that is not the case and never will be.

Use the credit cards/finance options if need be, just make sure to be an informed consumer first!

By: Alec

Alec — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 14:05:58 +0000

Which shows that There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Free Lunch. Banks exist to make profits. If they are offering you something suspiciously good, then they are going to get it back later.

I prefer “plain vanilla” banks and credit cards. No fancy business, no special offers, just a simple rate for a simple job. In the words of the aerospace designers, Keep It Simple, Stupid.