Before you begin using credit, be sure you understand the basics.

If you are like most consumers, you're willing to get a credit card. That's reasonable - they offer convenience (no need to carry around wads of cash), enable you to take advantage of opportunities (that TV you've been looking at just went on sale and you don't have your checkbook with you), and can get you through emergencies (try giving the tow truck driver an IOU when your car breaks down on the highway).

Establishing credit is also a must if you plan to ever borrow money to buy a car or home.
Credit can also get you into trouble. At best, credit cards can make it difficult to stick to a budget. At worst, they can tempt you to overspend to the point of not being able to pay your bills.

To enjoy the benefits of credit and avoid the potential pitfalls, you need to understand the basics of getting, using and managing a credit card.