Would you use credit...

1. For a home or college education_
2. For appliances or furniture_
3. To pay late bills_
4. To buy gasoline or food_
5. To buy an item that costs $8.50
6. To buy an item on sale_
7. To pay for a vacation_
8. If you couldn't save for something_
9. Even if you could pay cash_

You could make a case for a "yes" answer to each of these questions, but the bigger question is "How are you managing your credit_" Most people would never have a home, or even a college education if they did not use credit. Credit use on a vacation provides ease, convenience and identification to reserve a hotel room. Perhaps you earn frequent flier miles or dollars off the purchase of a new car with every dollar you charge. However, if you went out to dinner six months ago, charged the meal and still have not paid off the balance, you are incurring a heavy expense in interest as you continue to pay for a meal forgotten long ago. Credit, used wisely and managed effectively, can be an effective money management tool.