Credit Cards

Fortunately for us, we have never gotten in way over our heads with credit cards. We used to have one, but did find us starting to extend ourselves too far, so we cut them up. We got one new one (I have since cut mine up so only Jay has one) and we only have that to use when absolutely necessary. We used it last Fall when we went to Florida, but made sure we paid it off right away.

However, not everyone is able to be that dilligent....especially young people. Since graduating, Ashley & Chelsea have each received around 5 invitations saying they were pre-approved for whatever credit card they were promoting. We used those as a way to show them how "dangerous" these cards can be.

We started by laughing when we read the part about them being pre-approved. How can they be pre-approved? They have no credit....zero, nada, zip, zilch. Until a month ago, neither of them has even had a job before, and Ashley still doesn't. So this card company knows they have no credit and no job history, which means odds are they won't be able to pay the balance, which then means the cc company can start piling on interest fees and before you know, they girls would be knee deep in debt.

We went into detail helping them to read the fine print, which is where they were able to find the interest rates, fees, penalties where they make them promise their first born, things like that.

Our last bit of advice is advice we take ourselves. Shred any applications that ever come to you. They know about identity theft, so that one didn't need any explaining.

Ashley said "But with me not having a job, what if I need something while I'm at college? Wouldn't that be an emergency and a good time to use a credit card?" Jay said "That's what you have parents for. Haven't we always provided for your needs?" She was still concerned because as she said "Yea, but what if I can't get ahold of you and I'm really hungry?" I reminded her that in the bible it reminds us that God cares for the needs of birds, and we are much more special to him than that. He will not let her go hungry. Then I added "Besides child...you have a meal card for college. You won't go hungry" "Oh yea, I forgot about that" she giggled and she happily danced away. That made both Jay and I look at each other and I knew we were both thinking "Oh dear...look out College. Dear Sweet Ashley is about to turn your campus upside down!" LOL

The credit card ordeal was put in perspective and I figuratively patted Jay and I on the back for handling another potential crisis. Then, late yesterday afternoon Austin came in the door waving an envelope and laughing. "Mom, check this out! I can get a credit card!"

My jaw dropped...Seriously! It hit the floor! Until 2 months ago, this was a 14 yr old child. A CHILD. Who is the brainiac sending a 14 yr old child a credit card app? How in the heck did even get on a mailing list at that age? Let's suppose Austin wasn't the honest, trustworthy child he is. Let's suppose he filled out the application and sent it in. Would they have honestly sent him a card? A part of me would love to fill it out just to see what would happen. But, I know that will do nothing more than get him on a bazillion other credit card lists.

So, instead, I am going to call the 1-800 number listed on the back of the application. I will let them know that I am a mom who is not amused in the slightest bit that they have sent this to him and that they need to be more responsible than this. I'm sure they won't care, but it'll make me feel better if I can mentally strangle someone. LOL