Student Credit Card Debt

All About Student Credit Card Debt

I am writing this from a parent's perspective. There are so many things that we as parents should tell our kids before they go to college. Of course, I am not referring to things like sex, drugs or campus safety but I am referring to the more subtle aspect of college finances. More often than not, we spoil our kids by giving them a credit card and the freedom to do whatever they want. They in turn bring more student credit card debt for us to pay. I know many parents do not think about their child's finances or any student credit card for that matter but it is time for us to educate them about finances. Money does not come in easily.

There are so many financial institutions who would push credit cards to college kids. More often than not, they are given freebies when they sign up for credit card offers. Smart banks! What better ways to target frugal parents but their children whom they love so much! While having a student credit card is not a bad thing because they can have access to cash in case of an emergency but having loads of student credit card debt is not fun at all. These kids are taught how to spend money before they can even earn a single cent. This is why we must knock some money sense into our children before they go to college.

The best way for kids to learn about money matters and finance is when they finally get a part time job on campus. Then, they will learn that money is not easy to come by. Having a job is also a great way to teach these students about savings and managing their money. Only when they are ready to take up some responsibilities should they be allowed to hold credit card. They will be more mature to handle any student credit card debt that they have incurred. In my opinion, kids without any job experience are more likely to abuse credit cards. They do not have the experience and they do not realize the long term impact of credit card debt on them.

Whether you like it or not, your child is going to have a credit card. They are an easy target for credit card companies who want the child to stick with them long after they have graduated. The only thing you can do to prevent them from falling into the student credit card debt trap is to tell them not to abuse credit card and teach them about credit rating. Ultimately, the decision lies in their hands but talking to them will certainly make a difference.

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