In the traditional seven deadly sins have financial equivalents. If you indulge in one or more of them, the problems with finances can not be avoided. Site CreditCards.com advises how to not give in to temptation, and make a choice in favor of virtuous behavior.
1. Greed:
Insatiable desire to possess more and more wealth (and buy them for credit funds) can lead to huge debts. Specialist in Public Relations from the State of North Carolina Melissa London said that a few years ago after divorcing her total debt for six credit cards amounted to 25 thousand. Dollars. It recognizes any and all financial sins, including greed, "I dined sumptuously with friends, pamper yourself and fill your wardrobe first-rate designer clothes." The most frivolous purchase, which the lady did - it's not even one, but two pairs of expensive shoes from Christian Louboutin. "I do not know why I bought them - after all, I did not work and stayed home with the children. But I really needed those shoes on a 9-centimeter stiletto "- recognizes London.
Those who prey to the temptation of overspending, Vice President of Public Affairs of the US National Organization for Credit Counseling (NFCC) Gail Cunningham advises realistic look at their own finances. "It is important to honestly assess their means to recognize that the resources are exhausted, and to determine the personal financial strategy. And greed - a recipe for disaster, "- she adds.
2. Gluttony:
Overeating - disaster of our time: just look at the obesity epidemic in the United States and around the world. But according to Larry Uindzheta writer, author of the book "You have not because you want to be poor: how to stop surviving and start to prosper» (You're Broke Because You Want to Be: How to Stop Getting By and Start Getting Ahead), gluttony easier indulge in when you pay for it by credit card. "Once I was standing in line at the airport the woman, who wanted to pay for a chocolate bar card, but the card is not accepted," - he leads a vivid example.
Instead of paying cards for fast food or a bottle of soda (and then pay exorbitant interest rates), better manage cash or refuse such expenses at all. According Uindzheta, "if you do not have paper money for chocolate, it means that it is you really did not need." However, Cunningham argues: "Reduce costs is easier than to abandon them altogether."
3. Envy:
The desire to have new things - such as friends, neighbors, or even TV stars, can also become a temptation for cardholders. "We are inclined to watch the others on TV and say to yourself:" I want it now! "- Confirms Uindzhet. "The next day, after the passage of the TV show celebrities on the red carpet at the opening ceremony of" Oscar ", shops make record revenues. Clothing - one of the most frequent reasons for envy "- says the expert.
Owning a new-fangled gadgets can also cause a feeling of envy, adds Steve Rhode, head of consumer finance site GetOutofDebt.org. One of his clients, a student wanted to buy iPod just because all of his friends have been the player. "He wanted to buy a gadget, using credit card, but his card account have been devastated. I told the client: "Do not use plastic for this purchase" - concludes Rod.
Cunningham, in turn, advises to buy the object of his jealousy only when the buyer is sure that soon will return the debt by credit card, otherwise the envy bring to the debt.
4. Lust:
Sensuality - in all senses of the word - does not lead to good, including in situations related to credit cards. "In the case of financial lust - is an unquenchable thirst to buy all new and better time after time" - confirms Cunningham.
However, sometimes it is the most ordinary lust. Steve Rhode once advised a client who persuaded his wife to have an operation to increase the bust for 15 thousand. Dollars. In this kind of money he did not have, and the operation was paid for by credit card. "I asked my client why he did it, to which he replied:" They're so good look! "- Says Rod.
 |
| The Seven Deadly Sins In Terms Of Finances |
If you still can not resist his desires, the experts recommend at least wait until you are on it means.
5. Sloth:
Laziness can result in a delay of credit payments, lack of clarity in the financial situation and the very high payments on loans. Melissa London argues that the cause of a large part of its debt was inaction, "I was lazy to inquire about the status of their loan balance and to take responsibility for their money."
Professional financial advisors recommend that you carefully study all the statements on the cards immediately for penalties, errors or fraudulent transactions, as well as to immediately pay all the bills. "If you are lazy with respect to their own money, it's really a problem. You have to work very hard and finally solve it "- confirms Gail Cunningham.
In addition, clients should carefully study the market of credit cards in search of the best deals. "People are often too lazy to look for the most advantageous offer for yourself. But this often does not even need to leave your bank, but just be ponastoychivee and agree on the best conditions for themselves. It requires perseverance and a few phone calls - five, six or seven "- explains Larry Uindzhet.
6. Anger:
Anger can cause a lot of trouble, if the credit card becomes an instrument of the former site of a spouse or lover. Financial experts have even invented a special term for this kind of action - "the cost in retaliation."
Among the clients was Uindzheta couple who suffered because of this problem. The wife was fond of shopping on the internet auction site eBay, and she has a closet was occupied by these acquisitions, which she hid from her husband. He eventually learned this secret, have not found a better way to "even the score", but to go out and buy a motorcycle, says the expert.
Usually exorbitant spending do not remain unpunished. In the case of the couple said their costs have resulted in even greater debt. "They could not afford any all this nonsense with eBay, or a motorcycle," - confirms Uindzhet.
7. Pride:
Personal finance experts say that pride - a common cause not only climbing into debt, but at the same unwillingness to seek help from.
For New Yorker Tiffany Black says that was too proud in his student years and never asked her family to help with the purchase of textbooks, food, clothing, and even tickets for the journey home during the holidays. "I just used a credit card. And if I did not behave well recognized that I needed help, then maybe I would not have done such debts, "- says Black, whose result was 12 credit cards and 27 thousand. Dollars of unpaid debt.
In addition, because of false pride clients often do not seek help from professionals and specialists in finance, adds Cunningham. "In a stressful situation, people often decide that themselves right. But to delay seeking help - hence exacerbate the problem. The sooner you consult a professional, the better, "- she advises.
The key to getting rid of the financial sins - an honest look at the real situation in their own finances, as well as its behavioral motivations. "Money matters means not only money, there is always something else. Sincerity and awareness in relation to their finances - the first step to getting out of debt, "- he concludes Rod.