College students face a constant concern in their growing finances. Whether it is in cash or credit form, students are constantly keeping an eye on their money. On Dec. 4, the Sparkpoint Center held a financial education workshop to give students information concerning the advantages and disadvantages of credit.

The workshop, titled “Credit Do’s and Don’ts”, was the last of a series of financial education workshops this semester. Each workshop focused on giving students information about different aspects of handling their finances. The first three workshops gave tips on banking, building your savings, and creating and sticking to a budget. This is the second year these workshops have been held, and have been open to both Skyline College students as well as the community.

The objective of “Credit Do’s and Don’ts” was to give students a better understanding of what credit is, the importance of keeping a good credit history, and certain myths concerning credit. Melanie Espinueva, a counselor at the Sparkpoint Center , was the main speaker at the workshop and covered a variety of topics as well.

One of the main points of the workshops was discussing the importance of education of credit. Espinueva sees the annual amount that is borrowed in credit as a main reason for education.

“On average, there is about $2.2 trillion exchanged in credit or borrowed in credit just in the United States,” said Espinueva. “That is why credit education is so important because we need to make sure people manage their credit.”

Another topic that was discussed during the workshop was certain myths that come along with credit. For example, one myth that was discussed was the concept of “using credit cards during emergencies only.” According to Espinueva, this is an easy way to build credit card debt.’

“Credit cards are rarely used in emergencies,” said Espinueva. “Due to its ease of use, it is easy to run up a credit card debt. Unless you have good self discipline, emergency use is very rare.”

The advantages and disadvantages of owning a credit card were also discussed. The ease of purchasing items is one of the main advantages. Establishing a good credit history is another advantage because it plays a significant role in all major purchases in the future.

“It will allow you to get a better loan for your house later on,” said Espinueva. “More so, it applies to students because it you are applying for a job, your employer might check your credit history. If you are trying to get your own place, your potential landlord might check your credit history.”

Espinueva went on to explain that credit history showcases your responsibility and ability to pay on time to those who ask for your credit history. Since this was the last workshop of the semester, Espinueva feels the workshops this semester have gone well, just as with previous semesters. She also wants to the message of this workshop is to give students the knowledge they need concerning credit.

“My main goal with these workshops is just to increase knowledge of credit,” said Espinueva. “I want this to be a safe place for students that can get basic information concerning credit. How to establish credit, how to manage credit, and what are the myths about credit out there.”

Skyline student David Cohn says the workshop went well and gave him a great amount of knowledge that he will use going forward.

“It was filled with information,” said Cohn. “Some I knew and some I didn’t so it was definitely worth attending.”

For those who missed the workshop, Cohn also explained the importance of students obtaining knowledge about credit.

“I would say attend the next set of workshops and go to the Sparkpoint Center. It is a free resource that will teach you about credit, which is something that you will need in the world.”