Hi, I turned 18 a while ago and I am interested in getting my first credit card. What is the best credit card for people with little/no credit history? I am looking for one WITHOUT an annual fee. The main things I buy are gasoline and food. Do you guys have any recommendations? What are your personal experiences?
I would offer the following advice to any 18 year old.
Too many people fall into the trap of thinking that a great credit score means they are doing well financially. This is not the case at all. Every factor used to measure a credit score deals with debt. Debt can easily be avoided. Follow this very simple advice and you will win with money.
Save. Save. Save. Put aside 10-15% of your check in a mutual fund. Time is your biggest friend right now. Look at the following chart and see the power of compounding interest. It is absolutely amazing!
http://www.daveramsey.com/etc/cms/index.cfm?intContentId=64
Notice Ben never invested another dime after age 26 and his investment of $40 per week turned into $130,000 at age 38 and over $2 million dollars at age 65! His friend Arthur waited to start saving at age 27 and had to contribute $40 per week the rest of his life and NEVER CAUGHT UP! That’s the power of compounding interest. Time is on your side!!! Save now.
There is also a common sense method to never having a car payment. Watch this video.
http://www.daveramsey.com/etc/cms/index.cfm?intContentId=64
Some people will tell you that you can’t get a home loan with no credit. This is not true either. There are lenders who do automatic underwriting (look at credit score only) and other lenders who do manual underwriting (look at rent history. payment of utility bills, cell phone bills, etc) You can get a mortgage loan without having to worry about building up a credit score.
To sum it all up, don’t make the same mistakes so many other Americans do!! Save your money, buy things with cash, don’t spend more than you earn. Sounds simple, but it works! Just not many people do it. But millionaires do!!!
Good luck to you friend!