Ryanne Donnellon tries to use cash and her debit card when it comes to spending money. Her credit card is intended for emergency situations only, so she tries not to use it unless there really is an emergency situation.

Donnellon, a journalism freshman, likes using her debit card because the money comes straight out of her account, which means she isn't racking up debt and worrying about paying bills.

"The money on my debit card is money that I earned from my summer job," Donnellon said. "It's not like I'm spending money that I don't have."

Joyce Banish, vice president of marketing at MSU Federal Credit Union, recommends using something other than a credit card as a primary source of funding.

"It's best not even to carry your credit card because it's just too tempting to use," Banish said. "Credit cards are best used for emergencies, rather than to live off."

Banish advises her customers to take spending seriously.

"Students have to remember to pay back anything that they charge to their credit cards," Banish said.

In order to stay on top of credit card payments and keep out of debt, she said it is extremely vital to also pay credit card bills in a timely fashion.

"It's easy to just make minimum payments," Banish said. "Even if you can't afford to pay the whole bill, you should try to pay back as much as you can."

She added that even if people just add a few dollars extra to their minimum payment, that additional money adds up and works to people's best interests.

Nina Gardner, an international studies senior, said she tries her hardest to pay her credit card bills as soon as she receives them, or else she might forget about them.

"I try to pay the whole bill if it's possible," Gardner said.

Gardner said since she's nearing graduation, she knows a lot of people her age who are becoming irresponsible with finances and credit.

"Most people I know have debt — huge debt sometimes — and they're just sitting on it until graduation, figuring they can just pay it off later," Gardner said.

It's not always best to sit on credit card debt. With the perks of having a credit card comes the drawback of interest rates.

Overspending and financial irresponsibility can lead to harsh repercussions beyond incurring massive debt.

Donnellon said one of her friends used her credit card too much, and it got her into significant trouble not only financially, but with her parents.

"My friend's mom took her credit card away over Christmas break because my friend was spending way too much," Donnellon said. "The credit card was supposed to be for emergencies only."

Gardner and Donnellon said when they go out with their friends, everyone seems to pay with a credit card instead of cash or debit.

"Especially up at college, it's just easier," Donnellon said.

Gardner added that opening a tab at the bar requires a credit card, so that may be another reason why credit cards are being primarily used for spending.

Banish said at places such as the credit union, employees want to sit down with students and work out debt problems before they grow to be bigger problems.

"Not all credit card companies care about you. Most are just interested in making money," Banish said.

Banish said any students who are having difficulty making credit card payments or meeting due dates should come to the credit union, where employees there will try to help.

"We want to keep our students accredited," Banish said. "We want to be the lender when students buy their first house or first car. It's important to keep students credit-worthy."