Hey, pals. It’s Cache the Dog, your furry, friendly buddy at Partners Bank. 🐾 Father’s Day is coming up, and I want to take a moment to talk to my friends who recently turned 18 years old.

You’re officially in the big dog park. You can vote, sign your own paw-pers, and even fetch your own Debit and Credit Card! 💳 These card options can be confusing and can get you in a lot of trouble if you don’t use them the right way. (And I know a thing or two about trouble!) I’m here to help you use that first swipe for something truly special: a Father’s Day gift for your top dog (Dad).

Why should you care about Credit or Debit Cards?

A Credit Card is a tool – not a chew toy – that can help you build your financial future when you use it correctly.

Here’s a rundown of the basics:

• Cards must be used responsibly. They will help you learn about budgeting and how you spend your money.
• Debit Cards are so easy to use, and you need to learn a few tricks on how to watch your balance and control your spending.
• If you pay your Credit Card bill on time like a good pup, you build a great credit history.
• That history helps you in the future when you want a new car, an apartment, or even a doghouse of your own! Landlords, dealerships, and other banks will see how good you’ve been on your payments and will be more excited to let you rent or loan you money to make bigger purchases.

How to use your Credit and Debit Cards wisely

Debit Cards are easy to use – just remember you need to watch your balance. Teach yourself a good trick – come up with regular days and times of the week that you check your balance, so you are aware of how much you have on hand at all times.

The thing you need to remember about Credit Cards is that if you bite off more than you can chew, it can come back to bite you. So here are some tips to help you become financially successful:

• 💰 Only spend what you can repay. Don’t dig yourself into a hole of debt.
• ⌛ Always pay on time. Set up payment reminders or auto-pay to avoid late payments.
• 👇 Keep your balance low, ideally below 30% of your credit limit. (Pop quiz: If your Credit Card limit is $1,000, what is 30% of that? Use those math skills you learned in school and keep your total balance below that number!)

Now that we’ve gone over the basics, are you ready for your first swipe?! Father’s Day is just around the corner!

First swipe ideas: gifts for Dad under $300

The top dog deserves some top gear. Here are some gift ideas that Dad will howl over.

• 🎣 Fishing gear set – So you and Dad can go to the lake or pond by your house and catch something together! ~$150
• 🎧 Noise-cancelling headphones – Once in a while, Dad needs some peace and quiet from his kids’ barking. ~$200
• 🛠️ Tool set – Together, you two can fix up the doghouse! ~$100-$300
• 🌭 Smart grill thermometer – For perfect steaks and hot dogs every time. Yum! ~$70
• 👟 New sneakers – So he can take walks in style. ~$120
• 🎮 Gaming accessories – For the Dads who take play time seriously. ~$60-$100

These are just some ideas, but you know your Dad the best. Get him something he’d like or would be useful to him. And make sure the price isn’t too ruff on your wallet.

Partners Bank is here to help

Using your first Debit or Credit Card for something special is a thoughtful, heartfelt, and grrr-eat way to begin your credit journey at 18 years old. Partners Bank is here to lend a paw.

Happy Father’s Day (and Happy Responsible Spending!)

 

Cache the Dog