0% Credit Cards in the UK
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Brand
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What
Do Financial Advisors Think Of 0% Credit Cards? |
Generally speaking, financial advisors think 0% credit cards can be helpful, but only if used properly. The main problem is that people got themselves into debt situations by using credit cards and it takes an extreme amount of self-control to be able to use the 0% credit cards to help get you out of debt. You need to understand that the initial 0% period will end and after that point your balance will be charged interest at the rate in your initial credit card agreement. It is important to make sure you read the small print. Some companies charge monthly interest, which can really add up over time. If you are going to use the 0% credit card to consolidate other debt, be sure you check the time-frame that the 0% interest will stop. Financial planners advise to roll your debt over to yet another 0% credit card once the initial time period is over. You can continue to do this until your debt is paid off. You will need to keep close tabs on your credit card.
Financial
consultants recommend you do not charge anything on the new credit
card, even if the card offers 0% interest on new purchases as well.
When you start to have too many credit cards, the risk of abusing
them increases. That just
leads to a downward debt spiral that you may have a hard time coming out
of. Should you always have
at least one available credit card for emergencies?
Most financial advisors agree, yes.
The key is to keep one card with no balance.
To keep from charging other things on it, freeze it.
They advise to literally freeze your credit card in a small tub
of water, in your freezer. When
you really need it, you can defrost it and use it.
However, it will deter you from making impulse purchases.
You must really think through your purchase while the tub thaws.
(You can’t quickly thaw it in the microwave oven because that could affect
the metal strip) Make sure you go through
your finances using a worksheet.
You should know what your debts are as well as your assets.
Before you choose a 0% credit card, decide what other credit card
debt you will transfer over to it. If your finances are complicated or
you’ve had financial trouble in the past, seek the counsel of a qualified
financial planner.
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Copyright
2005 0% Credit Cards UK Guide Articles
By Kate Spencer. All rights reserved |
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