The subject of credit cards can be a hot topic — hot like fire. They’re extremely useful, but if you’re not careful, you can get burned. Most people use them, and in fact there are a few things you can’t do unless you have a credit card — staying in a decent hotel being one of them.

I have had a credit card since I was a university student, and I’ve abused it a few times along the way, but I wouldn’t be without one now as it makes budgeting and tracking our finances so much easier.

Top reasons to use a credit card

• Ease of use — you don’t have carry around large amounts of cash
• Spending is documented on statements
• Credit card acts as a secondary form of ID and guarantee (think hotels, etc.)
• Builds your credit rating (if used wisely)

Top reasons to NOT use a credit card

• Too easy to spend money you don’t have — spending is not documented until the statement arrives
• Interest rates are insanely high!
• Misuse of your credit cards results in a poor credit rating

Many years ago, I made a partial payment on my credit card by the due date, and then paid the remainder off a few days later. When I got my next statement, I was appalled. I had to pay $85 in interest! At that time of my life, $85 was a huge amount and not money I had to spare. I vowed at that time never to let that happen again — and it hasn’t. (More on the calculated use of our line of credit in a further post.)

Credit cards are an ideal budgeting tool, mostly because your spending is documented. If you use them in conjunction with your budget, you’ll know what costs to expect, and you won’t be surprised when you get your statement.

The best way to use your credit cards is in planned spending, not impulse buying. If you think about your purchases ahead of time and find ways to fit them into your budget, then you can use your credit cards with a clear conscience.