Advice on How to Improve Your Credit Score in 2012
Thursday, January 26th, 2012
Even if you don’t plan on buying a home or car or making any other significant financial purchases in the coming year, it’s important to make sure that your credit score is as high as possible.
Improving your credit score can help you save money in the form of lower interest rates on your current credit cards, and help you get approved if you want to apply for new credit cards. Having a better credit score could even help you when applying for a new job, as employers in some industries (as well as certain types of jobs functions in...
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Tags: credit card advice, credit score, improve credit score
Posted in Managing Credit | No Comments »
Information and Advice on How to Get Your First Credit Card
Friday, January 20th, 2012
Credit cards have become an indispensable part of modern-day life. They certainly make it much easier for common transactions (like paying for gas directly at the pump), but they’ve also become practically mandatory for transactions such as renting a car or hotel room.
In recent years it’s become more difficult for young adults to obtain their first credit card. Not only have some credit card companies been taking a closer look at their applicants and being more selective in granting cards, but recent legislation has made it more difficult for students to get their first credit cards while still in...
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Tags: college credit card, credit card advice, first credit card, teen credit card
Posted in College & Kids | No Comments »
Credit Card Sign-up Bonuses are Heating Up
Tuesday, January 10th, 2012
As credit card companies face new laws and regulations that limit how they are able to charge fees to their customers, the companies are competing harder with one another for new customers. Because credit card issuers are reluctant to drop their interest rates too low, many are now competing on the basis of certain “extras,” perhaps the most popular of which are the bonuses that new customers receive upon opening a new account.
Some of these sign-up bonuses are becoming increasingly valuable. While the exact bonuses available for each card change quite frequently, a quick Internet search will help you...
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Tags: credit card advice, credit card rewards, credit card sign-up bonus
Posted in Rewards Cards | No Comments »
Advice on When and How to Dispute a Credit Card Charge
Thursday, January 5th, 2012
Each year it seems that we do more and more of our shopping with credit cards. It’s hard to argue against the convenience of swiping a credit card over writing a check at (or making sure that you bring enough cash to) the grocery store. And it’s very difficult to try to purchase anything from an online merchant by a method other than a credit card.
But unlike those other methods of payment, credit cards are subject to more problems and vulnerabilities when it comes to unknown or unauthorized charges showing up on your account. If you think that there’s...
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Tags: credit card advice, dispute credit card charge
Posted in Basics | No Comments »
10 Tips to Improve Your Personal Credit Score
Friday, November 18th, 2011
We all have a lot of important numbers in our lives, but when it comes to borrowing money, your credit score is one of the most important. Credit scores are something of an enigma to the average consumer, because we don’t have free access to them like we do our credit reports. But you can find out your credit score by paying a small fee, and there are also online calculators that will help you estimate it based on your credit history.
In order to borrow money from many lenders, you’ll need a credit score of at least 620. And...
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Tags: credit card advice, credit cards, credit score
Posted in Managing Credit | 1 Comment »
When Should Your Child Get a Credit Card?
Wednesday, September 7th, 2011
Credit cards are among the most beloved inventions of the twentieth century. They make purchasing items on credit a simple matter of swiping and signing. Unfortunately, many credit card users have found that they make it a little too easy. An alarming number of people, including a great many young adults, have found themselves over their heads in credit card debt.
Kids are often eager to get their first piece of plastic, but the Credit Card Act of 2009 has made it more difficult. Those under 21 must now prove that they have sufficient income to pay the bill or...
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Tags: child credit card, credit card advice, first credit card
Posted in College & Kids | No Comments »
Pay Down Your Credit Card Balances
Monday, June 27th, 2011
The credit card is one of the most popular inventions of the 20th century. It made it possible for consumers to buy what they wanted when they wanted it without worrying about paying for it right away. But with that convenience comes a price. The longer it takes you to repay the amount you borrowed, the more the credit card company makes, and the more money you pay for that convenience.
Credit card companies are laughing all the way to the bank, because many borrowers tend to take their sweet time paying off their balances. That means more money for...
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Tags: credit card advice, credit card balances, payoff credit card
Posted in Managing Credit | No Comments »
How to Cut Your Credit Card Debt
Wednesday, June 1st, 2011
Are you challenged with excessive credit card debt? Don't despair! While credit card debt can feel difficult, it can be overcome with a little work and planning. You can take action today, and achieve mastery over your finances!
Whichever of these strategies you use, avoid the common mistake of running up the balance on your credit cards again. Then you'll potentially have a loan and a credit card balance to deal with. Cut up those cards you don't need (yes, literally!), and move forward with your life on a cash-only basis.
Here is some advice on how to reduce and eliminate...
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Tags: credit card advice, credit card debt, reduce debt
Posted in Managing Credit | No Comments »
Credit Cards for People with Bad Credit
Monday, May 9th, 2011
Sometimes bad credit is a result of poor money management. Others, it’s due to job loss, illness, or other circumstances beyond one’s control. But whatever the reason may be, having bad credit can make life a lot more difficult. Those who wish to rebuild their credit may have a hard time doing so because they won’t qualify for most loans and credit cards.
Fortunately, there are credit cards out there designed for those with bad credit. Their interest rates and fees are often higher, but once you’ve established a good record with them, you’ll be more likely to qualify for...
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Tags: bad credit, credit card advice, credit score
Posted in Managing Credit | 1 Comment »
Mobile Device Applications to Help You Stay On Top Of Credit Card Payments
Tuesday, April 5th, 2011
The world has gone mobile. In fact, according to a recent CBS news report there are approximately five billion mobile devices worldwide. All of this mobile activity has led to an increase in the functionality of cell phones. You can now play games, take video, write documents and manage your finances all from a small device that fits into your pocket.
Using your mobile device for your finances – whether it’s a cell phone, smart phone, iPod or tablet – is fast and efficient. It makes it easy to stay on top of your credit card payments and transactions....
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Tags: credit card, credit card advice, mobile credit card, mobile finance
Posted in Managing Credit | No Comments »
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