The economic crisis has pushed consumers everywhere to cut back on expenditures and seek money-saving opportunities instead.
For many, this has meant holding off on larger purchases, such a new car or property, or downsizing on larger yearly expenditures, such as holidays.
For countless others, however, economising has equated to watching day-to-day expenditures, such as food and clothes shopping, or home utility use.
Yet something that both methods of saving have in common is that consumers have continued to use their credit cards to meet these expenses.
While the "credit crunch" has certainly seen many households and businesses experience financial hardship, credit cards have also stepped in to help countless people during the economic crisis.
That's because at a time when cautious spending is the norm, these little plastic cards can offer financial flexibility and help safeguard credit.
However, it's important to remember that the latter applies only if cards are used reasonably and responsibly - that is, if you spend only what you can afford on a month-to-month basis.
Paying your balance off in full at the end of each month means you won't accrue interest.
But it also means you'll help build positive credit - something that's of particular value during the credit crunch.
Yet there are even more ways to benefit from credit card use.
For instance, if you use a rewards credit card, you'll gain much more out of your card than a higher credit rating and financial flexibility.
Many rewards credit cards offer incentives on purchasing everyday necessities such as food shopping or petrol - which means you'll earn items and services that are important to you, simply for using your card on essential purchases.
You might even be rewarded with a reduction on your bill, or possibly even airmiles - which could come in handy if you're a frequent flier, either for business or for pleasure.
Another type of card that delivers significant benefits is the cash back credit card.
Of this type of card, some might offer a higher initial cash back rate, which later (usually within a few months) sets in at a reduced rate.
Others, however, might offer a fixed cash back rate for the duration of your contract with your credit card company.
Either way, cash back credit cards offer an ideal way to build your credit and gain cash rewards at a time when you might need them most.
So, practice smart spending with your credit cards by opting for cards that will give you rewards or cash back - it's a sure way to maximise your savings during the economic crisis.
For many, this has meant holding off on larger purchases, such a new car or property, or downsizing on larger yearly expenditures, such as holidays.
For countless others, however, economising has equated to watching day-to-day expenditures, such as food and clothes shopping, or home utility use.
Yet something that both methods of saving have in common is that consumers have continued to use their credit cards to meet these expenses.
While the "credit crunch" has certainly seen many households and businesses experience financial hardship, credit cards have also stepped in to help countless people during the economic crisis.
That's because at a time when cautious spending is the norm, these little plastic cards can offer financial flexibility and help safeguard credit.
However, it's important to remember that the latter applies only if cards are used reasonably and responsibly - that is, if you spend only what you can afford on a month-to-month basis.
Paying your balance off in full at the end of each month means you won't accrue interest.
But it also means you'll help build positive credit - something that's of particular value during the credit crunch.
Yet there are even more ways to benefit from credit card use.
For instance, if you use a rewards credit card, you'll gain much more out of your card than a higher credit rating and financial flexibility.
Many rewards credit cards offer incentives on purchasing everyday necessities such as food shopping or petrol - which means you'll earn items and services that are important to you, simply for using your card on essential purchases.
You might even be rewarded with a reduction on your bill, or possibly even airmiles - which could come in handy if you're a frequent flier, either for business or for pleasure.
Another type of card that delivers significant benefits is the cash back credit card.
Of this type of card, some might offer a higher initial cash back rate, which later (usually within a few months) sets in at a reduced rate.
Others, however, might offer a fixed cash back rate for the duration of your contract with your credit card company.
Either way, cash back credit cards offer an ideal way to build your credit and gain cash rewards at a time when you might need them most.
So, practice smart spending with your credit cards by opting for cards that will give you rewards or cash back - it's a sure way to maximise your savings during the economic crisis.