Hi, my name is Michael.
I'm an assistant manager with TD Bank.
Today, I'll be talking to you about how I stay smart with credit.
My first introduction to credit cards was actually when I was in college.
I took out my first credit card to pay for my end of semester.
Later on, as a financial rep, I realized that wasn't a smart decision.
Once I saw the impact it had on my credit score, I aggressively paid off all my debt.
My first tip for you is to check your credit score regularly.
Nowadays, there's a lot of platforms online where you can check your credit score on a regular basis where it wouldn't hurt your credit score.
In order to attack the problem, you have to know where you stand.
So, checking your credit score regularly is a first step.
My next tip is a credit card is not an emergency plan.
Using your credit card in the short term might help you, but in the long term, you're only creating more debt for yourself.
Therefore, you have to focus on building a liquid savings account so that when you do have expenses in the future, you can use that money that's in your savings rather than your credit card.
Save your money, and your money will save you.
My next step is to educate yourself.
I made it through undergrad and grad school without learning too much about financial literacy, so it's important to take it upon yourself to learn.
The way I did was I watched a lot of videos.
I listened to podcasts and read lots of books.
If you're watching this video, you're on the right track.
You're going to be able to learn a lot of things today.
Just to recap what we've been talking about.
So, check your credit score regularly.
A credit card is not an emergency plan.
And educate yourself.
Thank you for watching how I stay smart with credit.