Dump That Credit Card Application in the Trash! (cont.)
Contributed by Deborah Zeitler
When you really need to have a credit card
If you think you really need to have a credit card, it might be a good idea to examine the reasons why. If it's because you're in financial trouble, getting another credit card is almost never the answer, and could actually make your problems worse. Before going into debt, first take a hard look at your monthly income and expenses, and see if you can adjust your budget.
For most people, gathering together all of the information about their income and expenses and writing it down is enough to help them begin to see where they can adjust their budget. You might decide that you really can't afford yet another credit card payment. If this describes your situation, then make an appointment to talk to a debt counselor in your area. They can help get you on the road to financial recovery, at a very low cost.
How you can stop credit card applications from arriving in your mailbox
Whether you think that you already have enough credit cards or think that you can't afford another one, if you don't want to be overwhelmed with all the credit card offers you receive there's a way that you can stop them from arriving in your mailbox. Contact each of the three credit reporting agencies and request to have your address taken off the lists that they provide to credit card companies. Your mail carrier might be glad you did!
