Written by Paul Richard - ICFEs Executive Director
Are you considering signing a credit card application? Before you do, especially if it is your first credit card you are applying for, answer the questions below to determine your credit risk profile. With money or credit comes decision making responsibilities. These true or false questions will help you understand how well you (might) manage credit-based spending and also provide some insight on why you want to obtain credit. Mark your answers true or false. Scoring is on the next page.
1. ____ Having a credit card (will give me) gives me a sense of security.
2. ____ I (will be buying) purchase more from retailers who extend credit
3. ____ I often pay for eating out or purchase gifts to impress others.
4. ____ Credit cards (will) help me improv e my life-style.
5. ____ Having credit (will) allow me to buy major items I want now.
6. ____ I often argue with myself or others about over-spending.
7. ____ My savings balance is negatively affected by credit-based spending.
8. ____ I often have trouble recounting money I have spent during the day.
9. ____ Others I know overspend, and it doesn't seem to hurt them financially.
10. ____ My closet is full of things I have only have worn once or twice.
11. ____ Many things I have purchased I wish I hadn't when I get home.
12. ____ I'm often a bit late with some payments, but it doesn't matter much.
13. ____ I have borrowed money from relatives and friends I haven't
14. ____ I make impulse purchases at the last minute to make me feel better.
15. ____ I charge things (meals, gas, etc.) that are gone when the bill arrives.
Credit Risk Profile Scoring
None True_ A true credit-worthy person, you are, (or should be ) spending wisely.
1-2 True_ Just barely "OK" observe the caution signs now. If any
of the statements were marked "true," developing and strengthening
financial self-discipline is more necessary and urgent than obtaining a credit
card or an additional credit card or even an expanded line of credit.
For example, if savings and accumulation (question seven) will be (or is) negatively
affected by credit-based spending, priorities are out of order. No matter if
income is sufficient enough to pay in full the credit card bills when they arrive,
if there is no money left over with each paycheck to put into savings and investments,
credit is being abused and is most likely fueling over-spending.
3-5 True _ Danger ahead! Suspend all credit based spending now. If more than
three questions were marked "true", better put that credit card application
on hold. Next, look for ways to improve spending practices such as comparison
shopping techniques and increase savings through better spending.
If you presently are holding more than one credit card with an out-standing balance,
put them on ice* or cut them up AND return them to the issuer.** Don't apply
for more credit or make any credit based purchases until all outstanding balances
are paid in full.
5-10 True_ You are close to becoming a "debt-head," avoid credit
all together.
If more than five questions were marked "true", this isn't the time
for you to be considering any sort of credit-based spending. If some sort of
card is needed for convenience or business travel, as an example, consider a
debit card.
11-15 True _ Confirmed plastic spending addict. Financial melt-down ahead.
* Put your credit cards in a glass of water in the freezer. "If you have
to go home and defrost your credit before you charge something, you have time
to decide whether the purchase is a wise one."
** Credit Cards belong to the Issuer. If cut-up and simply discarded, the Issuer
doesn't know you are closing the account and it will show a zero balance and
available credit. this could preclude you from getting credit when you have a
legitimate need.