Three Keys to Handling Credit Wisely

Why so many teens and young adults get into credit-card trouble, and how to buck the trend.

Regarding your column on how some young people are unprepared for the responsibility of handling a credit card: I'd like to say that my personal experience with credit cards has been splendid. Although I am only 20, my credit limit is about $10,000. I pay all my bills in full and on time. I use only two cards, each of which gives me cash rewards.

I also maintain a detailed budget to monitor my credit expenses and cash flow and help me set goals. I don't use my cards unless I have money in my bank account, so credit is a substitute for cash. That way, I earn interest on my account, plus cash rewards on my spending, and end up ahead.

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Janet Bodnar
Contributor

Janet Bodnar is editor-at-large of Kiplinger's Personal Finance, a position she assumed after retiring as editor of the magazine after eight years at the helm. She is a nationally recognized expert on the subjects of women and money, children's and family finances, and financial literacy. She is the author of two books, Money Smart Women and Raising Money Smart Kids. As editor-at-large, she writes two popular columns for Kiplinger, "Money Smart Women" and "Living in Retirement." Bodnar is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and is a member of its Board of Trustees. She received her master's degree from Columbia University, where she was also a Knight-Bagehot Fellow in Business and Economics Journalism.