Choose a Rewards Card Carefully – WSMH-TV (Flint/Saginaw)

  • August 23, 2015
  • By: Greenpath Financial Wellness
  • GreenPath Financial Wellness is a trusted national nonprofit with more than 60-years of helping people build financial health and resiliency. Our NFCC-certified counselors give you options to manage credit card debt, student loans and homeownership.

wsmh tv

You have nearly endless options when it comes to credit cards, and that competition often works in your favor as companies add on perks and rewards. Used wisely, they can be a great financial tool, especially if you choose a rewards card carefully.

“When you’re looking for a reward you want to make sure you’re not overspending just to get more rewards,” said Midea Porterfield, a financial counselor with GreenPath.

Porterfield says to make sure you align your rewards with your interests. For example, if you’re flying to see family across country several times a year, a card with great travel rewards makes a lot of sense. Other cards give cash back incentives if you shop at certain places. If those shopping areas are already somewhere you frequent, that card could be the right choice for you.

Porterfield also cautions to read the fine print when it comes to fees.

For a broad overview, you can compare cards and their rewards at Comparecards.com.
If you’ve found a card that looks like a good fit, make sure the points don’t expire before you can capitalize on them.

“On average, 12-18 months sometimes as long as 18 months then they’ll expire,” Porterfield said.

Here’s the entire interview:

BG GreenPathIconDkBg
Greenpath Financial Wellness

GreenPath Financial Wellness is a trusted national nonprofit with more than 60-years of helping people build financial health and resiliency. Our NFCC-certified counselors give you options to manage credit card debt, student loans and homeownership.