Chapter 8.1 What is Credit?

Using Consumer Credit Wisely Credit is an arrangement to receive cash, goods, or services now and pay for them in the future. Borrowing money or using a credit card is ‘using’ credit. Consumer credit is the use of credit for personal needs. Most common form = credit card account Consumer spending and demand indicator

Using Consumer Credit Wisely An entity that lends you your money is a creditor. Examples: financial institution, merchant, or individual Good credit is valuable!!

Brainstorm What are some reasons for using credit? When might it be inappropriate to use credit? Record answers in your notes

Factors to Consider Before Using Credit Giving or receiving money is the act of finance. Before using credit, consider: Do you want to use your savings instead of credit? Can you afford the item? Could you put off buying the item for a while? What are the costs of using credit?

Factors to Consider Before Using Credit You are also agreeing to pay the fee that the creditor adds on to your purchase. Example: If you do not pay your credit card bill in full every month, you are charged interest on the amount you have not paid.

Advantages Enjoy goods and services now and pay for them later Combine several purchases, making one monthly payment Record of expenses and safe than carrying cash If used wisely, other creditors view you as responsible

Disadvantages Temptation to buy more than you can afford Risk of losing your good credit reputation. Risk of losing income and property to repay your debts If your income doesn’t increase, may have difficulty paying bills

Two Basic Types of Credit Closed-end credit Open-end credit

Closed-End Credit One-time loan, paid back over a specified period of time in payments of equal amounts. Involves an agreement, or contract. Examples: Vehicle loans (title), large appliances, furniture

Closed-End Credit Three most common types: Installment sales credit – high priced merchandise (large appliances, furniture, etc), usually a down payment is required Installment cash credit – direct loan for personal money (home improvements, vacation, etc.), no down payment Single lump-sum credit – must be repaid in full on a specified day, usually 30 to 90 days.

Open-End Credit Credit as a loan with a limit on the amount of money you can borrow for a variety of goods and services Line of credit = maximum amount of money allowed Examples: Visa, MasterCard, Department Stores Billed for at least a partial payment of the total amount you owe May have to pay interest or other finance charges

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Sources of Consumer Credit Chapter 8.1

Loans Borrowed money with an agreement to repay it with interest within a certain amount of time. Inexpensive Loans: Low interest Family or parents Medium-Priced Loans: Moderate interest Savings and Loan Associations, Commercial Banks, Credit Unions

Loans (continued) Expensive Loans: Home Equity Loans: High interest Finance companies, retail stores Home Equity Loans: Based on your home equity Difference between the current market value of your home and amount your still owe on the mortgage Interest is tax-deductible Missing payments = possible loss of home

Credit Cards Average cardholder has more than nine credit cards. Grace period – time period during which no finance charges will be added A finance charge is the dollar amount you pay to use credit. Pay in full and on time = no finance charge Includes late payment fees, interest, and annual fee.

Do not confuse the following with basic credit cards: Debit Cards: Electronically subtracts money from your savings or checking account to pay for goods/services. Some can be used as credit and delays automatically subtracting from your account Cobranding: Linking a credit card with a business trade name offering “points” or “premiums” Increasingly popular Offers cash rebates on specified products/services

Smart Cards: Contains a computer chip and stores 500 times as much data as a normal credit card. Example: Purchase a plane ticket, store it digitally, and track frequent flyer miles

Textbook Page 231 Figure 2 Summarizes the major sources of consumer credit. Which credit source would you use for the following loans and why: Mortgage Vehicle Loan Your first credit card Record answers in your notes

Review Key Concepts Page 233 #1-4, 6 (one or two sentences) Turn in when complete Mini-QUIZ TOMORROW on Ch.8.1 Homework: Research two colleges of interest to you and locate the tuition for the Fall 2013 Semester. Include on a piece of paper your name, each college, and the tuition. DUE FRIDAY