Investments. Certain investments generate income and capital gains. Often, the interest expense on money borrowed for investments is tax deductible. Borrowing money to maximize your RRSP contributions can be good debt, since you’re investing in your future and benefiting from tax sheltered investment growth.   Bad debt involves purchases where the value becomes lower than the original cost, and which can carry a high rate of interest, making them harder to pay off:

Credit cards. Though you need to activate and use at least one credit card to generate credit history, irresponsible use can get you deep into debt. If you usually carry a balance on your card and make only the minimum payment each month, you’ll end up paying significantly more in the long run.

Buying a new vehicle. Before you start shopping for new wheels, keep in mind that cars start depreciating in value as soon as you drive them off the lot. Try not to buy more car than you need!

Deferred purchases. Be wary of advertisements for big purchases like furniture or home electronics at places where you “do not pay until 2015!” Sellers add financing charges to the cost of these items, and you could also be slapped with a steep interest rate until the item is paid off.

Preventing or reducing credit card of other bad debt may seem overwhelming at first, but it is manageable.  Avoid cash advances, since these carry high interest penalties; use your debit card or cash instead.  Only use your credit card to buy what you can afford, and pay off the balance in full each month!