There’s not a day goes by that we don’t hear new words describing the latest fashion; words that relate to people, places and things. I’ve discovered it’s important to keep up to date or you could easily find yourself causing offence or misunderstanding a harmless statement.

I remember the first time someone called me a “card tart”, I was most offended. I ended up feeling as pleased as punch, once that person explained they were impressed by the way I transferred credit card balances to get great deals.

I know I make judgements about people, it helps me to make decisions about the people I work with and the people I chose to be friends with. Businesses are no different, they like to categorise us because it helps them to decide what services to offer and what kind of risk we present to them. Simply put, they use labels to inform their business practice.

I came across a website this morning that helps people find the best deals on credit cards and they had some great descriptions for credit card users. Have a look at the list below and see if you can work out what kind of person each of the card users described might be.

• Th O% Surfer
• The Monthly Revolver
• The Claimer
• The Big Spender
• The Traveller
• The Emergency User
• The Poor Credit Experience/First Timer

Then go to which Credit Card 4U and find out how accurate you description was. Did you fit any of those descriptions? Or perhaps you have a name to describe how you use your card that wasn’t there.

The next time someone calls you a first timer, just take a moment to breathe and reflect on the conversation before you respond - you just might stop yourself getting a black eye.