Welcome to my credit card story in how to use credit cards like a BOSS! I cover 5 key aspects of credit cards: 1) The Why, 2) The Rules, 3) Bonus Offers, 4) Redeem Rewards, and 5) The Breakup.
Since it’s the holiday season, I add jovial flair to the pros and cons of credit cards, and how I maximize the benefits with cash back and travel rewards cards. My favorite benefits of these cards include the consumer protection and purchasing perks versus if one were to use cash or debit cards. Hands down credit cards can be super useful as long as you’re responsible about using them.
When it comes to building your credit score, I provide pro tips based on my experience and how you can get started if you’re a teenager. I talk about the factors that go into your credit score, and how aiming to end up in the 800 range is the most ideal so you can get the best loan rates for anything.
Doing some quick math can help you decide whether bonus or intro offers are a good deal, or if you should pass. No matter what, though, I always pay my balances in full within either the monthly statement period and/or within the time frame allotted within a 0% APR for 12 or 15 months offers.
I talk through my personal preferences in the practicalities of redeeming points and how I try to minimize restrictions on my reward points or miles. I evaluate the values of points and miles and how they can be redeemed across various opportunities the credit card companies offer.
When closing your credit cards, make sure you move as much of an available credit limit to another card you may have open with the same company so you continue to have a high credit line as it’s the denominator of your utilization rate to help keep it lower. I also point out some of the fine print to pay attention to when there are certain waiting periods when it comes to taking advantage of credit card bonus offers.
Remember to live happily ever after as you take advantage of credit cards like a BOSS! Credit cards should be tools to help you thrive on the path towards financial freedom, where you’re fully in control and able to live your most financially free life.
The journey towards FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) is one filled with much gratitude, and I look forward to making more investor friends.
Add me on Instagram @ michellemarki! 🙂