If you’re trying to save money and be smarter about your spending this year, knowing exactly when to you your credit card, debit card and cash could help you.
According to research done by Business Insider, knowing when to use your credit card, debit card and cash doesn’t just rely on the transaction. It also relies on your mind set and the kind of personality you have.
Read on to find out more:
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Here’s the most important thing you need to know about credit card usage: you’re essentially spending “borrowed” money from the bank.
That being said, if you do not have the capacity or enough responsibility to pay for your credit card bills on time, it’s best you keep your credit card spending low or set realistic spending limits on your card.
However, there are definitely advantages to owning a credit card. One such advantage is the rewards program. Certain credit cards can help you earn airline miles and other rewards such as dining vouchers.
Another advantage of owning a credit card is that they provide “insurance” in a way for big ticket items. Say you’re shopping online and your item gets lost in the mail, certain credit card companies such as American Express, hold money for up to 90 days, allowing you to get a reimbursement. You’ll also get to keep an electronic record of your spending.
Credit cards are also a great way to build rapport and acquire a good credit score with the bank you’re attached to. Once you’ve managed to establish a good rapport with them, the customer service and bank will better be able to help you in the future.
Essentially, credit cards are great for big ticket items that you need to purchase anyway. But, always make it a point to pony up when your bill arrives.
Just like credit cards, some of the best parts of owning a debit card is that it’s easy to track your spending and know where your money goes. Certain debit cards also let you get refunds from online purchases.
However, because it’s so easy to whip out and swipe, you could actually be spending more money than you need to. Debit cards also take money directly out of your bank account so it’s easier for you to use up money you might not necessarily have wanted to in the first place.
Some of the benefits of cash include the fact that you have a limit on how much you can spend. If you’re the sort that feels lazy going to the ATM to withdraw money, having cash on hand is a great way for you to save.
However, one of the issues with cash is that it’s harder to keep track of where your money goes. Even though you can key in all your purchases online, you might forget to do so eventually.