National Credit Education Month

What do you know about credit? Do you know how to wisely use credit cards to improve your credit rating? Do you know what a credit rating is? Do you even know what credit is?

This month is all about learning the ins and outs of credit – what it can do for you, how you can use it, and the best way to look after your finances with it. If you’re an adult, you are likely to have access to credit; so if you aren’t aware of what it could do for you, now is the perfect time to find out.

The History of National Credit Education Month

In this month, credit professionals are on a mission to teach you about credit. This is a great time to manage your finances and get on top of your incomings and outgoings, and any credit you might have. Because credit can be a difficult thing to keep on top of, this month was created to ensure that anyone who either has or might be thinking about applying for credit knows exactly what to expect.

When you think of credit, you might first think of credit cards. A credit card is a payment card which you can use to buy items, but you won’t need to pay for them right away. Depending on your credit provider, you will need to pay the amount back later – most frequently, with a small percentage put on the original price to pay to the lender.

How well you manage something like a credit card will affect your credit rating, which is a score you are given so that lenders can decide whether to lend to you or not. This will come into play if you were to apply for another credit card, or for another instance of credit such as payments on a car or a mortgage.

How to Observe National Credit Education Month

Not as on track with your finances as you would like? This month, sit down and make a note of all your incomings and outgoings. Make sure to list the most important things, such as rent, and allowances for food.

If you have credit cards, it’s best to pay them off as soon as possible. If you are able to put aside money at each paycheck, use it to pay off your cards – this will improve your credit rating, and keep it in the green for when you apply for big things like a mortgage.

Get credit-savvy, and get happy!