How often have we seen signs in department stores that display: SAVE NOW - 25% OFF!How often have we seen
signs in department stores that display: SAVE NOW - 25% OFF!!!
Many people think
"Great&hellipI can buy the clothes we need on sale and save!" Problem is
most of us end up putting the clothes on a credit card, which we all of course
use frequently. While we feel we are being responsible by getting a good deal
we fail to realize that the costs in the long run using credit cards far outweighs any
savings we may actually be getting.
It&rsquos not something we think about&hellipand that&rsquos the problem. We have been
mindless&hellipnot mindful. Stores offer discounts on purchases to get you to open
charge accounts. Every wonder why? The answer is that they make more profit off
the interest and other charges than they do off the product they are selling.
Let&rsquos do the math.
The average person owes $8,000.00 on a Credit Card.
With an Interest Rate of just 18%
It will take you 47 years to pay off.
A minimum payment on a balance of $8000.00 is about 160.00 per month or $720.00
per year in interest. That&rsquos pretty pricy for pair of shoes or pants and you
still have not paid down the principal balance. It&rsquos all interest!
*And that is if you make you minimum payments and are never late.
There goes any savings and the store is making the profit for years to come.
That is why they always ask you to take out a credit card with them to &ldquosave
money". You don&rsquot save! They make money off you. That is
how it works!
Let&rsquos face it companies are in the business of making money. They can not
support their huge overheads by saving you money. They are in the business of
making money to make the share holders happy. And you are paying for it!
How do you stop making stores money?
The best way to shop is with a written plan that you have thought out and use
funds that you have saved to make the purchase. The use of a plan and goal
orientated spending (the goal being to save money) is the best way for debt management of your money. Also
this will help prevent impulse buying as other items are not part of the
&ldquoplan".
The logic behind this is simple. If you think about your purchases ahead of
time and do a little research into what you are buying, you become a smarter
consumer. The stores do not want smart consumers who save money. They want
impulse buyers who spend beyond their income and get into debt with Credit Cards.
That way no matter what else you shop, they are going to make the interest from
past purchases off of you for years to come. Think about it. You are now locked
into paying interest for years on a purchase to their store. This is a great
deal for the store, but bad for you.
Consumer Research and Planning
Planning and goals are different for each person based on many factors in their
lives. But without a plan and goal you will be lost in debt and companies will take
advantage of you. Look around your home at some of your purchases. More to the
point look in the closets and drawers and storage areas in your home and think
about all the money you could have saved if you did not buy those unused items.
I invite you to begin today to change your attitude, change your finances, then
your life to experience prosperity, peace of mind, and living a &ldquocash
only" lifestyle. Can you imagine that?!! It starts with planning and goals
that fit your needs.
About Christian Credit One, Inc.
Christian
Credit One, Inc. is a national,
non-profit Christian Credit
Counseling  organization dedicated to helping consumers achieve
financial wellness through Christian credit
counseling and education. Established in 1994, Christian Credit One has
helped over two million individuals achieve financial security. Christian Credit One is one of the top members
of the American Association of Debt
Management Organizations (AADMO), Christian Credit One manages clients across the
country. Personalized and confidential consultations are available in person,
by phone or online. Visit Christian Credit
One or call 888-767-9155.
Greg McTaggart, Certified Credit Counselor
with 22 years experience, licensed by AFCPE, Director of Christian
Credit One and is an expert in
budget and Christian credit
counseling.  Having the combined experience as a licensed Real-estate
salesman, Mortgage Broker, Real-estate Broker, Notary, Ace Member of the
Cincinnati Credit Executives,
Mortgage Assistance Counselor and Spokesperson of the radio talk show &ldquoThe
Money Mentor&rdquo, Greg McTaggart is a qualified Christian Credit Counselor to help you.
Click Here
to Schedule an Online Consultation with a Trained Counselor
Posted on: 2008-05-02 08:40:19 by creditdebt | 32 Hits
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