The overall state of the economy might be bad but only to those that have not been careful with their investments.
Another thing to consider is the management of credit. If you’ve been negligent in the past, you probably noticed a series of changes in your line of credit.
Most credit card issuers in the US have decreased the line of credit of long-term customers. Visa, MasterCard, Discover – they are playing a game of numbers in lieu of the new, improved protection for American consumers.
Of course, that’s not always the case. If you have a stellar, perfect, outstanding credit record with no late payments whatsoever on it – then you receive some hefty, automatic credit limit increases in the mail. I just got one emailed and it’s odd seeing that six-figure number on my screen.
Do I plan to use it? Absolutely not. A line of credit should be there as a safety mechanism in case of extreme emergency. It’s good to have, it’s prudent not to use. Also, what matters with regards to your credit score is the percentage of your credit limit used. The less of it that you use, the better.
So while the economy is still in the red, certain things are improving, including the amount of trust returned from the banks to the consumer. But as someone who believes in the motto “once bitten, twice shy” I would say frame that email or letter and cut your credit card in half with a pair of scissors.
You won’t regret it!
I love the sound of a credit card going through a paper shredder! Just like the opening video on the TV show “The Office”. It really is fun to watch and listen to!
Nice advice as always Acro!