Life would not have been the same had it not been for credit cards. Buying stuff was never easier. This only works under the right circumstances though, since reckless credit card use can easily ring up quite a debt that may be very difficult to pay back.
A swipe and a signature and we are done. Travel has been made much easier through the development of the credit card as a part of modern life. It doesn't matter if you're going to Melbourne or London. Any trip near or far will be easier if you have a good credit card at your disposal. Do you really want to carry all of your vacation money in cash or annoying traveler's checks? You want a credit card.
It is not just special or online purchases. Instead, I think that all kinds of purchases benefit from credit cards. You can just use your credit card as a type of smart debit account. You can easily charge your daily purchases or take advantage of that big sale and then just pay off most or all of the debt at the end of the month. You'll ultimately have the best of both worlds. Shopping will be easier, you will still get everything that you want, and if done correctly, you won't build up any significant amount of credit card debt.
Plastic money is the only currency in online trading. There are going to be a lot of times when you aren't going to want to leave the house. In times of swelteringly hot temperatures or stunning gas prices, you would greatly benefit from being able to buy a new book or a DVD on your card. Then, you'll just have a few days to wait until it is in your hands and ready to go.
Irresponsibility can destroy any great tool and plastic money is not insulated from this fact. It may seem like you won't have any problems with your credit card when you first get it, but the debt can add up very quickly. The idea of the seemingly limitless pit of credit available to you may be a little bit too convenient at times. You have to remember that building up a debt to take advantage of a sale is not always a good idea.
Pay your debt responsibly. Otherwise you could get into a debt-trap. Add to that the really terrible interest rates that can quickly multiple a small debt into a large one, and you will have a serious problem.
Before starting to use plastic money, ask yourself why you want it. If you want a good financial state, you should focus on just using it for convenience. It really isn't a good idea to see it as a huge loan, since you could probably get a loan for a cheaper interest rate.
Prudent users can get the best of both worlds. Cards add convenience. If you can get it at no cost, you have got it made.
