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Using Credit Wisely

2021-10-22T10:11:00

(BPT) - Credit is an essential part of any strategic financial plan, particularly when individuals are planning to make a major life change or reorganize their affairs. Whether you’re seeking to cover unexpected expenses, fund a major purchase like a new home, or make a long-term investment, leveraging debt can often be an essential tool for achieving your goals. Here are some of the ways different types of credit can be used wisely across different aspects of your financial life.

Choose a credit card that gives you a financial leg up

With so many modern card programs offering incentives and rewards, credit card users can find a card to boost their finances with savings on balances and more cash back on their biggest expenses. To earn cash back on everyday essentials, the AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays card earns 3% cash back on gas station and drug store purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®), 2% cash back on medical expenses like healthcare provider visits and eyeglasses, and 1% cash back on all other purchases

For those interested in travel, the AARP® Travel Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays earns 3% cash back on airfare, hotel stays and car rentals, 2% cash back on restaurant purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Both cards have:

  • No annual fee
  • 0% introductory APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening. After that, a variable APR will apply (16.74%, 20.74% or 25.74% based on your creditworthiness).
  • A $100 cash back bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening

Terms apply.

The AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays and AARP® Travel Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays are issued by Barclays Bank Delaware (Barclays) pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard, World Mastercard and World Elite Mastercard are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard Incorporated.

Use personal loans to support your financial goals

Sometimes it makes more sense to obtain a personal loan to fund objectives such as home renovation and debt consolidation. Whatever the need, individuals need to understand the terms of the loan when researching options and ensure that they are a good match. Personal Loans from Marcus by Goldman Sachs offer no-fee personal loans ranging from $3,500 - $40,000 and have special pricing available for AARP members, ensuring that the loan supports users’ financial goals rather than detracting from them.

Secure your dream home through real estate benefits

Borrowing is often an essential step for funding the purchase of a new home, whether you’re a first-time buyer, looking for a vacation property, or settling into a new home for retirement. To help secure your dream home, real estate benefits are a great way to balance out a mortgage and the costs that come along with it. These costs can be offset by AARP Real Estate Benefits by Realogy, which offers members assistance and a benefit of between $300 - $5,500 based on the purchase price of a home. The program provides access to Realogy’s trusted real estate brands, there’s no fee to sign up, and depending on the home location members receive benefits as cash, a gift card or a commission reduction.

Debt plays an important role in any strategic financial plan, especially when it’s fully understood and managed effectively. Make sure you tick everything off on your checklist by evaluating your short- and long-term financial goals and capitalizing on the best possible options available — then, kick back and enjoy the rewards that come with using credit wisely.

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