Student Credit Cards: I'm Shocked!
Contributed by Caryn e Zent
Overuse of Your Student Credit Card?
Have you overused your student credit card in your years under the educational umbrella? You will now learn that credit is real money. As a college freshman with a plethora of credit card offers, you don't understand what your credit will really cost in the long run, especially if you pay the minimum payment each month. Poor use of student credit cards during school has an impact for years after you graduate.
Many things you do after graduation, such as apply for rentals or mortgages, obtain insurance or a graduate loan, are dependent upon your credit report. Your obligations do not end when you graduate-they are just beginning. You will end up with higher insurance rates, higher utility deposits, larger security deposits, and possibly turn-downs for jobs or graduate programs.
Me and My Student Credit Card
You are your little card are in for a surprise. Being an independent graduate has these things called...bills. If you lived in an apartment during college you will have some understanding. If you lived in the dorm, you may have no idea what you are in for. Get ready for a long list of bills such as groceries, utilities, insurance, internet access, maintenance, commuting, furniture...et cetera. If you are not used to it, you will be shocked at how much rent is these days.
There are a lot of adjustments to be made after graduating, and you don't want the additional stress of carrying a balance on your student card. Now is also a good time to get a copy of your credit report so you can see where you stand. Now are you beginning to see how your use of credit in college can affect your future?
