Articles Tagged ‘credit card’

Mobile Device Applications to Help You Stay On Top Of Credit Card Payments
Tuesday, April 5th, 2011
Mobile Device Applications to Help You Stay On Top Of Credit Card PaymentsThe 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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Compare Credit Versus Debit Cards
Monday, September 28th, 2009

If you’re holding plastic in your purse or wallet, you may think all plastic is alike. Although there are similarities between debit cards and credit cards, there are also some major differences. When considering which to use, debit card versus credit cards, you may want to think about a few things. Credit cards are financial tools which allow you access to revolving credit through a lending institution. This money must be paid back, often with interest. Debit cards are financial tools which allow you direct access to money you have deposited into your own bank account. You are limited by the funds...

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Reduce Your Credit Card Debt
Thursday, August 27th, 2009

According to the American Banker’s Association, the average American family carries $8,000 in credit card debt. While a lot of companies claim they can magically make this debt disappear, there’s no substitute for formulating a realistic plan to get it paid off. High interest rates and late fees can complicate matters, so it’s important to make a plan and commit to it. There is no quick fix – paying down any debt takes time – but there are several viable options and techniques that can help. * Prioritize Make the payment of your credit card debt a...

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Review Your Credit Card Statement
Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

Paying bills is something that no one looks forward to doing. It’s one of those things we just want to get out of the way. So we often look at how much is owed, write a check or pay online, and forget about it. But when it comes to credit card bills, that’s not such a good strategy. Credit card statements detail each and every charge we’ve made since the last statement. That doesn’t make for a very exciting read, but it is an important one. If you don’t carefully go over the charges on your bill, you could end up...

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Is a Debit Card a Good Choice?
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009

Debit cards are a good choice if managing money and your credit is a problem for you. Debit cards are linked to your checking account. You can use them as credit cards if they contain a Visa or MasterCard logo on them. They don’t incur annual fees or interest charges like a credit card does because they use the money in your checking account to make payments. With that said, are debit cards as good a choice as they seem? Debit cards teach you to manage money if you had trouble in the past with credit cards....

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Keep Track of Your Debit Card
Sunday, March 1st, 2009

Plastic money is accepted everywhere these days. Many merchants even prefer it to checks. That’s why your new debit Visa or MasterCard is such a convenience. The merchant runs it through like a credit card, but the funds come out of your bank account like a check. And therein lays the danger. If someone else gets hold of your card, they don't need your PIN to use it. They can charge things simply by forging your signature. Before you even know it, the money has disappeared from your checking account. Unlike a disputed credit card bill that you can simply refuse...

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Manage Your Credit
Wednesday, February 18th, 2009

With home foreclosures skyrocketing and individuals falling behind with their credit card payments, there is no shame in asking for help. We would all like to believe we can handle any situation, any crisis. But all too often our pride gets in the way and the hole we are in gets deeper and deeper. If you are finding it difficult to pay your bills, talk to your family members to see if you can work out an arrangement with them. After all, your peace of mind and your health is at risk if you do nothing. In addition, call the credit...

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Request an Interest Rate Reduction
Wednesday, February 18th, 2009

One of the primary concerns facing consumers today as a result of the economic crisis is how to save money. While some have speculated interest rates on credit cards would be lower as a result of the Federal Reserve lowering its rate, the opposite is true. Due to the credit crunch, some banks are increasing interest rates and/or changing their terms of service. For example, one credit card company sent a notice along with the monthly bill that stated they were requiring payment of 1% of the total balance. The notice went on to state that: “This change in...

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Watch Out for Credit Card Fees
Tuesday, February 17th, 2009

Credit card companies find ingenious ways to get extra money out of cardholders — and they're all legal. If you haven't reviewed your account statement lately or read the fine print on the fee-disclosure booklet, you may be surprised to know how much you're really paying. For example: Pay the bill one day late and you could incur a penalty of $25. The same thing could happen if you go over your credit limit. (If you're a good customer they won't decline the transaction, they'll just charge you extra for it.) Such minor "transgressions" can also bump you to a...

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Over Your Head in Credit Card Debt?
Tuesday, February 10th, 2009

If you have gotten over your head in credit card debt you are not alone. According to the FTC, there are four basic methods you can use to assist you with this: Credit Counseling, Debt Management Programs, Debt Consolidation, or Bankruptcy. While bankruptcy should only be considered only as a last choice, let’s review the first three programs that may be of significant help to you if you are in debt. 1) Credit Counseling: By selecting a reputable credit counseling service and talking with certified counselors, you may have the opportunity to learn how to budget properly and maintain...

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