If you have them, you probably know that credit cards and after pay services make false promises of financial freedom, only to find out later that instead of being free, you've been imprisoned in debt. It's as bad as some men, lulling you into a sense of security, only to be screwed over in the worst way possible. Indeed, credit cards as well as after pay services are the bane of everybody's existence, and the sooner you realise it, the better it is for you.
The Freebie
Most people, men and women alike, are enticed by credit card and finance companies with freebies. You've all heard about it. As long as you put in your application, you're promised free and in the words of Keith Cunningham "things and stuff" as soon as your application is approved. What you don't know is you'll be paying for those freebies faster than you can grab the credit card or your phone from your purse. Indeed, in this day and age, freebies come with a price, so find out what it's really going to cost you.
Not Interested
Credit card and after pay companies thrive on interest and hidden charges. Every time you take out your credit card, you can be sure that you're secretly being charged for something. Before you add another credit card to that arsenal you already have in your handbag. Whether it is a credit card or after pay product, read the fine print and find out what additional charges and interest will inevitably come with your purchases. Don't be fooled by the fancy lingo as it is time to get educated. Check your statement on the interest rate you are paying and the additional charges in interest if you do not pay in full or miss the payment deadline and incur late fees.
It's Payback Time
Your credit cards work best if you can pay for it in full every time your bill comes out. You won't have to deal with monthly interest and additional charges. But then, that defeats the purpose of having a credit card in the first place. However, you can't fight the system, so the best you can do is make the system work with you. Use your credit cards responsibly.
Using afterpay is not worth it when you do the numbers, by the time you have paid off your favourite outfit, it will be at the back of the wardrobe with all the other clothes and shoes you don't wear.
Ostentatious and unnecessary purchases should be avoided, and no, that doesn't include those strappy, brown sandals you've been checking out for the last two weeks, regardless of your payment option.
Only take out your credit card when you absolutely need to, such as when you're buying groceries or things you really need and can't live without.
Better yet, hide your credit card somewhere where you won't be tempted into making impulse purchases. If you read my story, I used to keep my credit card in the freezer.
Indeed, credit cards are more liabilities rather than assets and it's not easy to get rid of them. But as long as you take control, you'll be okay.
Eventually, it'll all be paid off and you won't have to worry about exorbitant interest and finance charges.
Then and only then are you really on your way to financial freedom.
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