6. Sharon lives in Saskatoon. She wants to go to the West Edmonton Mall for a shopping trip with her friends. She does not have a job or much money. She decides to pay for the trip with her credit card. Do you think this is wise? Explain.

Using a credit card to finance a shopping trip, especially when lacking a stable income or substantial savings, may not be the wisest decision for Sharon. Here's why: 1. **Debt Accumulation**: Credit cards typically come with high-interest rates. If Sharon doesn't have a steady income to pay off the balance promptly, the debt can quickly grow, making it harder to manage in the future. 2. **Financial Strain**: Without a job or sufficient funds, committing to credit card payments can lead to financial stress. Missed or late payments can negatively impact her credit score, limiting her ability to obtain credit in the future for essential needs like housing or a car. 3. **Limited Purchasing Power**: Shopping trips can be enticing, but they often involve discretionary spending. Prioritizing essential expenses over non-essential ones is crucial, especially when financial resources are limited. 4. **Alternative Solutions**: - **Budgeting**: Sharon could create a budget to save gradually for her trip, ensuring she doesn't incur debt. - **Alternative Funding**: Exploring options like part-time work, saving from other income sources, or seeking travel deals and discounts can make the trip more affordable without relying on credit. - **Postponing the Trip**: Waiting until she has a more stable financial situation can prevent potential financial hardships. **Conclusion**: While the desire to enjoy a shopping trip with friends is understandable, financing it through credit in the current circumstances may lead to more significant financial challenges for Sharon. It's advisable to consider alternative methods of funding the trip that don't involve taking on debt.