Would it be stupid if I???

Question

I was wondering if Getting a credit card would be a smart idea.

I just started college and I am currently in dual-enrollment. (High school and college) All of my High school and college homework and everything else has to be done on the computer... The problem is that my dad is deploying soon and taking his laptop with him.

If I was to buy a laptop and a few other school related things would it be smart to put them on a credit card? I thought that might help build a credit score and help me buy my computer before my dad leaves.

I currently have a job and I plan on keeping it. I work 8-12 hours a week on minimum wage. I also have some money saved up, so I would be able to pay it off soon…

Smart? Or not?

Answer 1

I think something like a laptop shouldn't be too much of a venture, financially. Even on minimum wage, you would have it paid off after a month or two. If you do, I don't recommend stacking little things onto your credit that could've been paid in cash or just avoided altogether, at least until your debt is within a manageable amount. My brother kept putting small charges, maybe about $10-20 a week on his card, and now he owes nearly $30 in interest a month, since he hasn't gotten around to working it off yet.

I say go for it. A laptop in your case isn't a frivolous expense, but it would leave you with little room to enjoy your credit until you make better money.

Answer 2

Go ahead and do it. But make sure you are committed to pay off your credit card balance as fast as you can. If you cannot do this, then don't buy on credit.