Your credit card personality: The Newbie

By Erin Peterson

Your credit card personality: The Newbie

Your traits: You're finally out on your own -- so now what? You're inexperienced with credit and while you're ready to test the waters, you don't want to get in over your head. You're probably busy with school, a new job or a new place to call home, so keeping an eye on your finances may not feel like your top priority.

You should consider: Get a card with training wheels, says Clarky Davis, the Debt Diva for CareOne Credit Counseling.

"A prepaid card can help establish boundaries," she says. "It doesn't allow people to overspend and they can learn to manage a balance. At the same time, they can learn the flexibility a card has to offer."

Another option for these financial personalities is a card with low interest rates and low limits.

You should avoid: Don't get trapped by cards with high credit limits, high interest rates and high annual fees. Until you know how you manage a card, stick with the basics.

CREDIT CARD PERSONALITIES Before choosing a credit card, know yours.
The Diva	The Futurist	The Newbie
The Better Man	The Veteran	The Avoider