protection

Extent of insurance coverage provided by a policy.

Not financing your purchases doesn't mean you can't pay with a credit card - you just have to pay your bill in full within a month. The convenience, protection and cash-back rewards offered by credit cards make them a handy tool if you use them wisely. The truth is if you can't really afford it, you may be giving yourself a gift in the short term, but you'll be giving yourself an expensive headache in the long run.