Credit cards can be great allies to organize your finances, but if they are not used responsibly, they can become a trap that drags on for years. Many people make the mistake of spending more than they earn and end up paying high interest rates for purchases they no longer remember. That’s why it is key to know some tricks that can save you financial headaches.

- Always pay the full balance at the cutoff, not just the minimum. Although the minimum payment prevents you from falling into arrears, it generates interest on the remaining amount. If you only pay part of it, the debt is prolonged and becomes increasingly difficult to pay off.

- Avoid using the card as extra money. It is not an extension of your salary, but a tool that you should manage with planning. If you use it for expenses that you cannot cover with your monthly income, you will end up trapped in a spiral of indebtedness.
- It is advisable to use the card only for planned purchases or real emergencies. If you are going to defer payments, do it only when you can cover the monthly payments without affecting your budget. Also, avoid promotions that sound attractive but end up compromising your income for months.

Using a credit card wisely does not mean not taking advantage of its benefits, but having control over its use. With discipline, planning and responsibility, it can be a great ally for your economy and not an eternal debt.