“If you have even a smidgen of doubt that you'll be able to stay away from racking up additional debt, don't do it.” Quote by Jean Chatzky
“You must be sure - and I mean absolutely positive - that you have the willpower to pay off those credit cards and not use them again.” MeanUsePayCreditCardsWillpowerCredit Card Author:Jean Chatzky
“If you are, consolidating at a lower interest rate can help you pay off your debt faster. But if there's even a small chance that you'll spiral back into debt, it's not for you.” IfsHelpingInterestChancePayRateDebtFasterSpiralsInterest Rate Author:Jean Chatzky
“Even in the days of the tightest credit in 2008, HELOCs [ home equity line of credit ] and home equity loans were being made.” MadeHomeLinesCreditEquityLoanHome Equity Author:Jean Chatzky
“The interest rate you receive, however, is contingent on your credit score.” InterestRateCreditScoreInterest RateCredit Scores Author:Jean Chatzky
“Turn down offers for new cards or credit line increases on your current cards. Credit's tight, and chances are, you're not getting many offers anyway. But if you do, remember that the less credit you have available, the less trouble you can get into.” IfsRememberTurnsLinesChanceTroubleOffersIncreaseCurrentsAvailableCreditCardsChances AreNew Car Author:Jean Chatzky
“Take the cards out of your wallet. A debit card is accepted just about everywhere that credit cards are, and you'll be spending money you have - always a good thing.” Good ThingsCreditSpendingAcceptedCardsCredit CardWalletsSpending MoneyDebitDebit Cards Author:Jean Chatzky
“Pay cash. For some reason, it's harder for people psychologically to part with their cash than it is to swipe a card. Maybe it's the act of physically seeing the money change hands, or maybe it's because you don't want to break a $20 for a $2 cup of coffee.” PeopleWantReasonHandsPayBreakSeeingHarderCoffeeCardsCupsCashCoffee Cup Author:Jean Chatzky
“In fact, the bigger the bill, the less likely you are to spend it. If you want to really save money, spend only cash and carry only fifty-dollar bills.” IfsWantFactsBiggerBillsDollarsFiftyCashSaving MoneyDollar Bills Author:Jean Chatzky
“Save for your goals. Take note of what's coming your way - vacations, the holidays, what ever is going to cost you money - and start saving ahead of time so that you have a stash when the time comes.” WayGoalCostNotesSavingHolidayVacationAhead Of Time Author:Jean Chatzky