Money Moves

When I was young, my mother told me about the importance of having good credit. She suggested I get a card and spend just a little bit and pay it off to build up a credit score. I may have bought a couple of items of clothes from the mall but nothing significant and I just paid the minimum. Building credit became too much of a headache and I didn't care anymore. But my pastor said Proverbs 22:1 proves that it's good for Christians to have a good credit score.

We all know the dangers of credit card debt and no one wants to be a slave to bill collectors. It's definitely a good idea not to use credit cards for food on an empty stomach. Who wants to pay interest on fast food or a bill from a nicer restaurant after you tipped the waiter/waitress 15%-25%?

Conversations about establishing good credit so I can buy a car or house with a low interest rate were definitely soul sucking. What I should have done was buy that one item that would have made me more popular like a name brand purse. Then paid it off responsibly. This tactic works because it's something your parents wouldn't invest in; also, it cracks that glass ceiling that comes from living in the slums.

Example, if you get a credit card with a $300 limit, go ahead and buy yourself an "It Girl" purse that costs at least $100. And pay it off in increments. This Dooney and Bourke classic crossbody duck bag attracts attention at the amusement park, weddings and targeted social events.

If you are trappin', you also want prepaid debit cards. At one time, the game was so deep. . . only a real trap queen was pulling this Baby Phat rushcard out of her wallet. This card is "so" exclusive that it's currently unavailable but you can still get a rushcard....by the way......... you should get a rushcard.