CU’s op-ed: Teach young adults to manage credit

ROCK HILL, S.C. (11/6/09)--Teaching young adults how to prudently manage their credit before they go into the real world is vital in today's economy, according to an opinion piece by a local credit union staffer in a South Carolina newspaper.

"With the economy being at such a low point, young adults need to learn how to build and maintain good credit," wrote Jennifer Panther, a certified financial counselor for the $231.7 million-asset Family Trust FCU in Rock Hill, S.C., in a Thursday op-ed article in The Herald.

"Before helping your children establish credit, teach them about credit," she continued. "Explain to them the concept of credit, the responsibilities that come with using credit, and the reason credit is out there. Start by showing them one of your credit card statements. Show them how to read it, how interest accrues, and how late fees and over-limit fees can apply.

"Stress to them that every swipe of their card will count and appear on the statement," she added.

To read the article, use the link.

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