Trashing of credit cards is common, especially in light of recent increases in interest rates and fees associated with them. But 
there are still some ways that you can use your credit cards wisely and benefit from them. Here are those ways.
Monitor and track expenses. This works really well if you are a small business person and/or one who travels a lot. A credit card can be the one financial tool that you need to keep track of expenses and be able to have one place to go to in which to pull amounts for your purchases, etc. Also, you can save money by purchasing with a rewards based card that gives you cash back or other rewards. It is a nice perk and has been saving business and traveling people lots of money for years.
Cover Purchases. Nothing is more frustrating that making a purchase of something that is defective out of the box and that is especially true if it is a high ticket item. If you have a problem with a defective product, credit card companies will help you get the issue resolved to your satisfaction. Also, some cards extend your warranty on an item. It is another great way to put your credit cards to work for you.
Increase Your Credit Rating. This is a result of responsible credit card management, but you will keep your credit score high and your history clean by making your payments on time and paying down your balance regularly. Also, you will avoid ‘hits’ to your credit rating if you pay down the cards that have the highest balances first. If you cancel a credit card, you will lower your credit rating, so if you can, avoid that action.
Making Purchases at the best times. Most often, credit cards are bashed for the way they allow people to buy on impulse and without forethought. But, they can also help you make purchases at the best times that merchandise or services are at their lowest in price. Consider these choices:
Window air conditioners. Buy in the winter on your card, pay off by the time warm weather arrives.
Major appliances. The fall is the best time to make these purchases because of new models that arrive at this time.
Outdoor equipment. If you purchase in January you can find very good buys.
Computers. July and August seem to be the best times for these purchases because of manufacturer changes and also back-to-school sales.
Furniture. January and July are the best months for these types of purchases. Clearance sales to make way for new merchandise is the reason.
Jewelry. Avoid the holidays around Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. These three are the highest profit days for jewelers and demand is high, so they will not come down on prices very much if at all.
Toys. October and November are the best months for toys because retailers are gearing up for the holidays. They do this in order to help jump-start the season.
Electronic Entertainment. Televisions and home theatre products are best purchased during sales around the holidays and then in January as well.
Making purchases on your credit cards at the best times and then paying down the balances makes you a wise consumer.
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