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Being able to buy things on credit has allowed Americans to own and enjoy things--often for years--without having to wait and pay cash for them. In that way, the concept of credit has been a boon to experiencing the American Dream. Unfortunately, there is also a dark side to credit--one that can turn the American Dream into a life-destroying nightmare.

The figures are startling. More than 70 percent of American divorces are caused by the stress brought on by financial difficulties, and three out of every four Americans are a mere three paychecks away from having to face potential default on their debts.

But how can this happen in the richest country in the world? The answer is simple: misuse of credit. In order not to become one of those depressing statistics, it's important that you become credit smart--long BEFORE you find yourself in financial difficulty over your head.

Credit Card Debt Costs

First, let's look at the nuts-and-bolts of what credit card debt actually costs. When you buy something using a typical credit card, you will, on average, end up paying more than 130 percent above the actual cost of that item, compared to what it would have cost if you had paid cash. No matter how terrific the sales price may have been, your savings will be more than offset by the interest charges you'll end up paying if you pay by sending the monthly minimum payment to your credit card company.

If you pay the minimum amount suggested on your bill each month, you'll normally be paying 90 percent interest, with only the remaining ten percent going to the reduction of the principal on your balance. It can take years to pay off relatively high ticket items, and you'll end up paying many times more for the item than its original sales price. Yet more than 70 percent of American consumers pay only the minimum amount on their monthly statement and never give any thought to how much interest they'll pay over the life of the debt.

To avoid potentially devastating financial difficulty, and to save money (and possibly your marriage), it's important to become credit smart.

First, pay cash, if at all possible. Second, if you can't pay cash at the moment, ask yourself if you truly NEED whatever you're contemplating at the moment. Perhaps you can put it off for awhile, and then pay cash for it.

If you need the item right away, put it on your card, but when the bill comes, always pay a little more than the minimum amount each month. Even a small amount can save you hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars over the life of the loan. Finally, if you can, pay off your credit card in full each month. That way, you'll avoid paying any interest at all.

Credit card debt can ruin your life and the lives of everyone in your family. Take time to learn how to use it wisely--to improve your quality of life without creating undue amounts of stress.

Copyright © Jeanette J. Fisher.

Jeanette Fisher teaches how to get out from under credit card debt. Free ebook "Credit Tips for Mortgage Financing" http://worryfreecredit.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeanette_Joy_Fisher

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Yes, low APR credit cards are on the rise. Many credit cards are competing for your business to give you the best and lowest rates available today. There are so many credit cards from you to choose from that they are doing all kinds of things to get your attention including lowering their interest rate and giving you no annual fees.

Why is this happening? Because there are so many credit card companies. They all want your business and this is an attractive incentive to get you to apply and own one of their credit cards. If you choose a low APR credit card over one with 19.99 percent you are sure to go with the lower APR.

The only problem is that sometime these 0% and low APR credit cards are only promotional ways to get you to apply and then later your interest rate will rise. Many credit card companies have low APR credit cards for a certain amount of time such as 3 months, 6 months and some up to one year. You will have to compare to find out which one keeps the lower APR after the promotional period to ensure you are getting the best deal around.

No matter what the reason low APR credit cards are here to stay as long as the companies are competing for your business. Just remember to compare everything they offer besides the lower interest rate. You may find that several credit card companies are now offering other wonderful incentives for you to apply with them such as reward programs.

No matter which company you choose, you will enjoy the low APR credit cards even if it is only for a limited time. You will be able to save money on your purchases because you will not have to pay any interest until the promotional period is over. Just be sure your balance is very low when the interest rate kicks in and you will be fine.