Credit Abuse Resistance Education Program
C.A.R.E.
Presentation Outline
I. Introduction and Overview
A. Purpose of Program
B. Overview of Presentation
II. Choosing and Using a Credit Card
(review of interactive program on use of Credit and discussion of related issues with illustrations)
A. Types of cards/terms
1. Differences between debit, charge and credit cards
2. Terms - rates, fees, grace periods, balance computations, rewards
B. Uses and abuses of credit cards -- what to buy and what not to buy with your credit card
C. Understanding the cost of credit
D. Credit reports -- scoring and its meaning, uses of credit reports, monitoring your credit
III. Consequences of Credit Abuse
(review of video presentation and discussionof issues including illustrations)
A. Personal/relational
B. Economic -- credit rating and its effect on credit availability and employment
C. Bankruptcy -- types of bankruptcy proceedings, relief available, impact on future credit
IV. Points to Take Away
A. Have one card; keep the limit low
B. Limit use of the card -- distinquish wants v. needs; use cash or checks when possible; do not charge more than you can pay
C. Pay off the card each month
D. If you keep balances, monitor them
E. Create a budget, including savings or investments