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Student Credit Card - A Good Starting Point in Managing Finances
26 Apr 2010 In reality, a student credit card can be a good starting point for young people to learn financial management skills that can be used for their future careers and private lives. It is a good training opportunity for young teens as they need to know the seriousness of managing finances wisely. Managing credit and finances is not an easy task. That’s why many experts are advising consumers to start training for and learning personal financial management, no matter how young a person may be. This is also significant in establishing a good credit history that is an advantage for future credit needs. Furthermore, for many parents, providing a student credit card for their child is a very hard decision to make as teens do have a tendency to appear indifferent when it comes to managing money, or serious financial matters. The best benefit of having a student credit card lies in the establishment of a good credit history. For application of major credit cards nowadays, bankers usually check an individual’s FICO credit score upon approval of the application. The FICO credit score depends on the length, as well as the quality of an individual’s credit history. This is the reason why many experts suggest teens should establish a good credit history as early as possible through the use of a student credit card. They should learn the importance of paying credit card bills on time so interests and corresponding fees will not pile up. Moreover, take note of the following points upon guiding your child in managing his credit card: • Establish a limited amount of money that should be spent for using against the credit card. This is helpful in developing a sense of control over the expenditures. They must learn that charge slates, as cards are sometimes called, are not passports to shopping sprees and parties every weekend, so they must take it seriously. • Let your kids manage the payment bills of their credit account. This is important so they would know how hard it is to make up for payment deadlines, and if circumstances permit, let them pay the incurred bills on their own. • Educate them about financial terms. Explanations may be needed especially in understanding their credit card statements, so they will not be lost amidst the unfamiliar terms. It is also helpful in preventing mistakes upon making their own decisions. • Also, teach them about the policies and promos of different banks and other credit institutions regarding the use of a student credit card. Most banks are offering incentives and rewards upon maintaining a good behavior on managing finances. They even offer cash back bonuses for every wise purchase made. Upon the application of a student credit card, several requirements must be completed primarily. First, it is preferable that you must be a college student, but on the other hand, some banks are also accepting graduate school students. Then, the bank will request proof of your present student status. It can be in the form of the latest tuition fee receipt, school registration card or a school identification card. In the absence of the mentioned requirements, some other banks are simply requiring an affirmation statement letter that you are an eligible student at the present time. Then, upon submission of the needed requirements, you can complete and submit the application form. Giving your child the opportunity to manage his finances in his own way is a good starting point for his future. Give them a chance, support and nourish them with their needs. After all, it is for your own child’s benefit. Brad Stridgeon invites you to visit his site, and get some good starting points in teaching the student in your family how to manage finances or maybe, as a parent or student, you would like student credit card help |
