American Consumer Credit Counseling offers helpful guidelines for Millennials on how to use credit responsibly
Boston, MA – May 10, 2020
Although the thought of acquiring credit card debt can be intimidating, credit cards can be useful financial tools if utilized properly. Credit cards are an effective way to start the process of building credit – particularly for millennials who eventually want to purchase larger items such as homes or cars. National nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling offers helpful guidelines for Millennials on how to use credit responsibly.
“The way Millennials use their card and how much they understand about credit will determine whether they have good or bad credit,” said Steve Trumble, President and CEO of American Consumer Credit Counseling, based in Newton, MA. “Before applying for a credit card, it is important that young people learn responsible financial behaviors to ensure they don’t fall deep into debt.”
According to a survey by Bank rate, only 33 percent of millennials have a credit card compared to more than half of people aged 30 to 49 and almost 70 percent of those who are 65 and older. According to Forbes, just six percent of millennials think missing a credit card payment will improve their credit score and 17 percent said it would have no effect. The survey also found that 48 percent of Millennials carry a balance with high interest each month.
Before millennials get themselves in over their heads, here are some ways they can protect themselves by using credit wisely:
- Don’t use credit cards to finance an unaffordable lifestyle
- Avoid using credit cards if you’re already in financial trouble
- Don’t get hooked on minimum payments
- Don’t run up the balance in reliance on a temporary “teaser” rate
- Make your credit card payments on time
- Avoid the special services, programs and goods that credit card lenders offer to bill to their cards
- Beware of unsolicited increases to your credit limit
- Don’t max out your cards
ACCC is a 501(c)3 organization that provides free credit counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and housing counseling to consumers nationwide in need of financial literacy education and money management. For more information, contact ACCC:
- For credit counseling & Student Loan counseling, call 800-769-3571
- For bankruptcy counseling, call 866-826-6924
- For housing counseling, call 866-826-7180
- Or visit us online at http://www.ConsumerCredit.com
About American Consumer Credit Counseling
American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) is a nonprofit credit counseling 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering consumers to achieve financial management through credit counseling, debt management, bankruptcy counseling, housing counseling, student loan counseling and financial education concerning debt solutions. To help consumers reach their goal of debt relief, ACCC provides a range of free consumer personal finance resources on a variety of topics including budgeting, credit and debt management, student loan assistance, youth and money, homeownership, identity theft, senior living, and retirement. Consumers can use ACCC’s worksheets, videos, calculators, and blog articles to make the best possible decisions regarding their financial future. ACCC holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®). For more information or to access free financial education resources, log on to ConsumerCredit.com or visit https://www.consumercredit.com/debt-resources-tools/
