My parents warned me. They told me over and over again how living the life of a 18 year old was great and carefree, but that it was a good thing to try and not be TOO carefree. I didn’t listen. I got my first Visa card application in the mail and felt instantly like a million bucks. I will never forget my first splurge. Bras & panties in an array of colors from the local mall’s Victoria’s Secret. I don’t know why I remember that exactly, but for some reason it sticks out in my mind. I was completely freed from my parents in two distinct ways. The first was of course the freedom to pick out and purchase my own undergarments without any comments from mom intruding on my joy. “RED underwear?! My goodness, isn’t that a little SUGGESTIVE?!”
The second was the fact that I had financial freedom.
The freedom had me down in chains a little quicker than I thought possible. My first Visa bill statement was reasonable and more importantly, payable. So were the second and third. But then costs started to mount, interest came into play, and then I came home for the summer while the bills went to my college housing, and suddenly it was 3 months overdue. 4 months. Then it was Christmas and I just couldn’t possibly make a payment because hello, I obviously had to spend my money on gifts for others. The credit agency would understand. I was merely being charitable.
Now I am 24 and reeling from the consequences. I got married last October, and still my in laws had to cosign for our first apartment. Why? Because even though both my husband and I had full time stable jobs, my credit was trashed. We have looked into applying for home loans and the banks have all but told us it is impossible, at least for the next 7 years as we fix…you guessed it…MY credit. My husband, my soul mate, my partner in life is suffering because of MY mistakes.
I am not saying this to be overtly dramatic or scare you into being anally responsible and driving your friends and family mad with your immaculate fiscal responsibility. But I am stating the facts. I didn’t think that credit was that big of a deal, and now I am suffering the consequences. I am singing the same “ I didn’t think it could happen to me” song from the world of recovering alcoholics and drug addicts, only my tune is even a little more bittersweet. Recovering substance abusers can choose who they share that with. My little “issue” is displayed on a computer screen to banks, credit card companies, mortage companies, department stores, my employer, and pretty much anyone else who wants to find out. I have the scarlet letter of debt pinned to my life and there isn’t exactly an easy escape.
Get a credit card, sure. But only get one. Or maybe two if you have been complimented on the past on our great self control and ability to pay things on time. But be careful. Don’t end up like me. It isn’t worth it. Debt isn’t fun, and an indebted reputation is even worse.
Click on a program or degree below to request information from the school of your choice.
There are no obligations and it's completely free!
|
Westwood College isn't your typical institution of higher learning. With our career-focused education, students can earn a bachelor's degree in just three years and some associate degrees in as little as 20 months.
|
|
| Associate Degree - Business Administration |
About
|
Request Info
|
| Bachelor Degree - Business Administration: Major in Accounting and Financial Management |
About
|
Request Info
|
| Bachelor Degree - Business Administration: Major in Fashion Merchandising |
About
|
Request Info
|
| Bachelor Degree - Business Administration: Major in Healthcare Management |
About
|
Request Info
|
| Bachelor Degree - Business Administration: Major in Management |
About
|
Request Info
|
| Bachelor Degree - Business Administration: Major in Marketing Management |
About
|
Request Info
|
| Bachelor Degree - Business Administration: Major in Retail Management |
About
|
Request Info
|
| Master Degree - Business Administration (MBA) |
About
|
Request Info
|
| Master Degree - Master of Business Administration |
About
|
Request Info
|
|
|
|
With convenient class locations as well as online learning, University of Phoenix makes quality higher education highly accessible. Whether you’re seeking an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, we can help you reach your goal while you work – and much sooner than you might expect.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
An accredited online university founded in 1970 and dedicated to enabling the success of working professionals around the world. Join 33,000+ students making a positive change in their careers and the lives of others.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At ITT Tech we are committed to helping men and women develop the skills and knowledge to pursue many opportunities in fields involving technology, criminal justice, and business.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Whether you want to change or advance your career, Kaplan University will help you get the education you need for the life you want to live. Offering online flexibility, the personal attention of a campus-based experience, reduced costs, financial aid assistance, and a quicker path to your degree, Kaplan University is a smart choice for working adults.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Florida Career College has been specializing in career training since 1982. All our programs are specially designed with employers' requirements in mind. We train individuals who want to succeed in the fields of Allied Health, Cosmetology, Information Technology, and Business and Wellness.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As an accredited university, Capella University takes online education to a higher level. We believe that real, life-changing learning happens in an environment of academic excellence, challenge, and personal connection.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Founded in 1970, American InterContinental University offers a wide range of Associate, Bachelor's and Master's degree programs. Our institution of higher learning is focused on helping students acquire industry-current knowledge and skills as they pursue, build and advance their careers in many of today's most in-demand fields.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Programs at Argosy University are geared to your lifestyle. Depending on the program you select, you may be able to choose from day, evening and weekend schedules. Many of our classes are accessible online providing outstanding instruction and resources no matter where you are or what time of day it is.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tags: business, Business and Management, education, financial prospects, financial security, management
This entry was posted
on Friday, December 21st, 2007 at 10:40 pm and is filed under Business and Management.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.
