Cash Back vs. Rewards Credit Cards
March 10, 2010
Ah, the sweet rewards of using credit!
Not only do you get immediate gratification with the buy now-pay later plastic, but now, many credit cards offer rewards and incentives for using their card to make purchases. You can get cash back, or gift cards, or ‘reward points’ that you can spend on merchandise or services from various merchants. There are also cards that allow you to designate your ‘cash back’ points to a charity ? sometimes called affinity cards ? and those that put your cash back into a special savings account for college.
Great deal, right? You spend your money and get something in return. The catch is, of course, that you’re paying interest and card fees to get your cash back rewards. But if you’re going to be using the credit card anyway, you might as well get something back out of it, right?
Most cash-back cards give you 1-2% cash back on most of your purchases. You’ll get a check at specified periods for the amount of your ‘rewards cash’. You can cash the check and spend the money on anything you want.
Finding and Applying for the Right Credit Card Offer Online
March 8, 2010
Anywhere you go online nowadays, you will see a multitude of ads for credit cards. Some offer low interest rate for an introductory period, or bonus frequent flyer miles while others offer real discounts on new vehicles and equipment. Trying to find one that suits your needs and lifestyle can be a little overwhelming.
Before you dive on in, ask yourself some key questions about your needs:
1. What is my credit history situation?
The first and foremost question when applying for a credit card is going to be your credit rating. Have you had credit opportunities in the past, and if so, how have you handled them? Did you pay off the balances with timely payments, or did you fall behind? These are situations that your rating will be based on, so plan ahead and you’ll be able to get the best credit card offer that you deserve.
2. What are my plans for the credit card?
If you plan to use your new credit card instead of cash (which is possible in todays world), you might want to look for one with a low ongoing interest rate (APR). This way, in case you don’t pay off the balance within the interest free grace period, you aren’t taxed too heavily with interest fees on the balance.
Common Credit Score Myths
March 4, 2010
A lot of credit score myths about fico score ratings get spread around and some of them are just outdated information. Sometimes even lenders can give you the wrong advice and it can get confusing. But the bottom line is bad information can cost you money no matter who you get it from.
Fico score ratings are used for most mortgage lending, which means, you need to know what will hurt or help your credit score points. To make it clear, here are some of the most common credit score myths.
* Checking your credit report will hurt your credit score
Checking your own credit report and credit score counts as a soft inquiry and does not go against your score. However, if anyone else like a lender or credit card company is checking your credit report, this is considered a hard inquiry and will generally knock off about 5 credit score points.
The credit score rating system treats multiple inquiries in a 14-day period as just one inquiry. The system ignores all inquiries made within 30 days prior to the day the credit score is computed. So if you want to minimize the damage from credit inquiries, shop for a loan in that short period of time.
10 Signs You May Need Credit Counseling
March 2, 2010
Debt management programs can be of real help for people that discover they cannot face their debts. At first, they will attempt to solve the situation all by themselves by cutting down on spending and keeping a close eye on accounts. If this doesn’t work then it is time to ask for help from a financial expert. The sooner you admit you need help from an expert, the better will be for your future. The best time to seek the advice of an expert is before the appearance of most of the important 10 signs you may need credit counseling. You should already be worried when one or two signs appear. Of course that there are not only 10 signs you may need credit counseling but, these 10, are the most important. When you see more than a few of 10 signs at the same time, know that the situation is bad and getting into a debt management program could be the right solution for you.
How Your Credit History Can Affect Your Life
February 28, 2010
Your credit history is an important aspect of your life. Maintaining your credit rating is very important to your future and to your lifestyle. A poor credit history can mean denial of credit, high interest rates, and could possibly affect your ability to get a new job or apartment. If you are unsure of your credit score or credit history in general, it is a good idea to find out the contents of your credit report and to monitor any changes in your credit report carefully.
You credit history affects your quality of life. Make sure you understand what is in your credit report and take steps to correct any inaccurate information it may contain.
Being denied credit is an unpleasant experience. Not realizing in advance what your credit history is can be even worse. Your ability to obtain credit cards, get a new job, and purchase a home can be hindered by the information in your credit report. Your credit report contains a variety of information including your payment history with your creditors, the total amount of debt you have, mortgage information, collection accounts, and public records. Taking control of your credit history can make your life easier and less stressful. The information contained in your credit report is the key to your quality of life.
Restore Your Credit Rating And Reduce Your Debts
February 23, 2010
Your credit rating affects many areas of your life. Opening new credit accounts, buying a home or car, getting a new job, and receiving discounts on insurance rates are just a few of the things that are impacted by your credit score. Millions of people have inaccurate information, errors, and out dated information on their credit report. These errors can cause your credit score to drop dramatically, which adversely affects numerous aspects of your life. Credit repair services can help you raise your credit score and get rid of old accounts and inaccurate information.
Creditors often report information that is incorrect and you may even have accounts on your credit report that do not belong to you. Even credit accounts that are listed correctly can be removed form your credit report if the creditor cannot prove the information is accurate and up to date. You can legally rid yourself of many items on your credit report and raise your credit score. This will enable you to make important purchases and take advantages of discounts that would otherwise be unavailable to you. The major credit bureaus control a major portion of our lives. It is important to be diligent in monitoring your credit report and make certain any inaccurate information is removed.
Cutting Credit Card Costs
February 21, 2010
What are the APRs charged by the credit cards in your wallet? If you are paying more than 12% interest on any of them, you are probably paying too much. The prime rate is currently in the single digits, so credit card companies that charge above 13% APR are overcharging. If you have good credit, you should be able to find a credit card with an APR below 12%. Shop around and get the rate you deserve. Do not be afraid of asking for a lower rate on your current credit card if you think you deserve it. A lower interest rate can cut your credit card costs significantly.
Another action you can take to save money is transferring your outstanding balances to a credit card with a low APR. Many credit card companies offer low APRs on balance transfers, and taking advantage of those offers can save you a lot of money. You need to make sure, however, that the special balance transfer rate is not temporary. Otherwise, you will need to transfer your balance again once the offer expires. You also need to find out if either credit card charges a fee for transferring a balance. The fee might be higher than the money you will save from the lower APR.
Understanding the Function of Credit
February 18, 2010
What is Credit?
Credit is the backbone and the engine behind the workings of the economy. Credit simply allows individuals and companies to borrow funds in good faith and pay it back over a specified time frame. Lenders base their decisions on who they should lend to by using your credit rating.
Your credit rating is a numerical score that is based on your payment history. From your credit cards and loans right down to your phone bill, you will find a recording of each payment. It reports whether you pay your bills on time or if you are constantly late. And if you are frequently late, it records the amount of time taken to make that particular payment. Your credit report is pulled (viewed) every time you apply for a loan, credit card and even to have a phone line installed.
Good Credit vs. Bad Credit
How important is it to have clean or good credit? It’s very important because the worse off your credit is the harder it will be for you to secure a loan of any sort. It is important to keep on top of your credit finances and make sure that every payment is made on time and always make sure that you pay at least the minimum amount but always try and pay more if you can.
Credit Card Debt: How To Control It
February 14, 2010
A lot of people spend more money than they can afford to repay toward their credit card debts. To regain control over your finances and to manage your debt, here are some solutions you can try.
CREATE A SPENDING PLAN
In many cases, people design and then stick to a spending plan to get their debt under control. A spending plan is a guide for how much money you have and how much money you spend. Sticking to a realistic spending plan allows you to pay off your debts and save for the proverbial rainy day.
CREDIT COUNSELING
Many universities, military bases, credit unions and housing authorities operate nonprofit financial counseling programs. Even though some may be called non-profit, a fee may be charged for their services.
Creditors may be willing to accept reduced payments if you’re working with a reputable program to create a debt repayment plan. When you choose a credit counselor, be sure to ask about fees you will have to pay and what kind of counseling you’ll receive.
A credit counseling organization isn’t necessarily legitimate just because it says it’s nonprofit. You may want to check with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints against a counselor or counseling organization. DECLARING
Have You Ever Opened a Checking Account?
February 12, 2010
Maybe some of you are saving it in your trusty piggy bank, under your mattress or way back in a sock drawer. Although I’m glad that you are saving, your money is not doing anything for you locked up in your house. Consider a checking account where you can make some interest on your money. And for those of you who already have a checking account, after reading this article you may want to change banks.
Checking accounts are the most popular accounts banks hold. People use them to pay bills and expenses but did you know that there is more than one type of checking account? To name a few there is the basic checking, free checking, interest-bearing, joint checking, express, lifeline, senior/student checking and money market. For a summary of them, go here (http://www.bankrate.com/brm/green/chk/basics1-1a.asp).
Choosing a checking account
