Vermont Retirement Planners, LLC

54 Highland Avenue
Manchester Center, VT 05255
nick@vtretirement.com
(802) 367-3958

87 North Main St.
Rutland, VT 05701
nick@vtretirement.com
(802) 772-7945

Money Read Time: 4 min

Spotting Credit Trouble

American households with credit card balances carry an average debt of $8,602.1

The wise use of credit is a critical skill in today’s world. Used unwisely, credit can rapidly turn from a useful tool to a crippling burden. There are a number of warning signs that you may be approaching credit problems:

  1. Have you used one credit card to pay off another?
  2. Have you used credit card advances to pay bills?
  3. Do you regularly use a charge card because you are short on cash?
  4. Do you charge items you might not buy if you were paying cash?
  5. Do you need to use your credit cards to buy groceries?
  6. Are you reluctant to open monthly statements from creditors?
  7. Do you regularly charge more each month than you pay off?
  8. Do you write checks today on funds to be deposited tomorrow?
  9. Do you apply for new credit cards so you can increase borrowing?
  10. Are you receiving late and over-limit credit card charges?

It is important to recognize the warning signs of potential credit problems. The more quickly corrective action is taken, the better. Procrastinating might result in financial difficulty down the road.

1. WalletHubTM (Evolution Finance, Inc.), 2019

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

From Boats to Brokers

From Boats to Brokers

From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.

A Checklist for When a Spouse or Parent Passes

A Checklist for When a Spouse or Parent Passes

An overview of some fundamental steps when a loved one passes.

Good Health is Good Business

Good Health is Good Business

Good employee health can be great for the company’s bottom line.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Saving on Subscription Service Costs

There are ways to improve your physical fitness without denting your fiscal fitness.

Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy

Emotional biases can adversely impact financial decision making. Here’s a few to be mindful of.

Filing Final Tax Returns for the Deceased

The federal government requires deceased individuals to file a final income tax return.

View all articles

How Much Home Can I Afford?

With a few simple inputs you can estimate how much of a mortgage you may be able to obtain.

What Is My Current Net Worth?

Use this calculator to estimate your net worth by adding up your assets and subtracting your liabilities.

A Look at Systematic Withdrawals

This calculator may help you estimate how long funds may last given regular withdrawals.

View all calculators

Investment Strategies for Retirement

Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.

Your Cash Flow Statement

A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.

Principles of Preserving Wealth

How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.

View all presentations

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

Timing Your Retirement

This short video illustrates why knowing when to retire can be a crucial part of your strategy.

Keeping Up with the Joneses

Lifestyle inflation can be the enemy of wealth building. What could happen if you invested instead of buying more stuff?

View all videos