insights INSIGHT Cards Are Tools, Not Moral Goods ios_share
Credit cards are neutral tools; their impact depends entirely on how you use them.
Responsible use can help build wealth, while misuse can cause significant damage.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE Keep A Credit Card And Pay On Time ios_share
Keep at least one credit card open and in good standing to build your credit history and score.
Pay your full statement balance each month to avoid interest, or at minimum make the monthly minimum payment to avoid penalties.
play_arrow Listen from 04:01 Save
volunteer_activism ADVICE Build An Emergency Fund Alongside Debt Repayment ios_share
Build an emergency fund while paying down debt so you avoid new charges when unexpected costs arise.
Aim for at least three months of expenses and save whatever you can each month, even small amounts.
play_arrow Listen from 06:26 Save
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Get the app Credit card debt can make you feel stressed, ashamed and lonely. But there are proven strategies to free yourself from this burden. In this episode, five tips to help you get out from under credit card debt. And to sign up for our newsletter series with step-by-step plans to pay down your debt, go to
npr.org/creditcarddebt .
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