Common sense measures sure to help you maintain your good credit rating
It's ironic how often we get ourselves into trouble by failing to exercise common sense, despite the fact that from the time we are children through our advancing stages of life, there is always someone offering us common-sense advice in the form of a maxim or parable. Who hasn't been counseled "Don't count your chickens before their hatched," "It's better to be safe than sorry" or "Don't bite the hand that feeds you?" When it comes to finances, there is no shortage of common sense advice on prudent savings and investing, from "A penny saved is a penny earned" to "Don't keep all your eggs in one basket."
The times may have changed, but the cure-all claim is very much the same
There has always been an unflappable, entrepreneurial spirit in this country. Unfortunately, not all entrepreneurial endeavors have been of an altruistic nature. An early example of this was the unregulated pharmaceutical industry, known for purveying false hope on the public through the sale of "snake oil" remedies that were the cure-all for everything from hangnails to cancer. Not surprisingly, there is a modern-day version of this practice, in which snake oil salesmen prey on those seeking a cure to their credit "ills", the so-called credit repair industry.
Often overlooked, credit insurance is something that should be seriously considered
When most people think of insurance, they think of health and life insurance coverage. But a growing number of consumers are turning to credit protection insurance. Commonly called payment protection, credit protection insurance is growing in popularity because of its affordability and flexibility.
What exactly is credit protection insurance? Credit protection coverage generally makes the minimum payments - typically 2- to 3-percent of the balance - on your personal loans, lines of credit and credit cards, in the case of unemployment or disability. And in the case of death, your account may be paid off in full.
Not all cards are created equal: How to determine which rewards card is best suited for you
Many credit cards offer rewards, points and mileage programs, but not all cards are created equal. That's why it's important to closely evaluate credit card features to determine which card will meet your needs.
The type of rewards card you choose will depend on your spending habits, lifestyle and needs, says Daniel Drummond, a spokesperson for Your Credit Card Companies, a Washington, D.C.-based consumer education group. There are many programs available and consumers should closely compare them to find the best match for them. "The credit card is just another product, and people should shop around to find the best card for their needs," he says.
The cost of doing business can actually help your bottom line
You've probably heard the old joke that a weekly budget is just something to help you explain why the money ran out about Tuesday. To small business owners, keeping a lid on costs is no joke. Consequently, small business owners are ever vigilant about cutting corners to make ends meet.
Understanding your risk and that of a lender can keep you out of trouble
For every risk in life there is the chance of a reward. The way to lower that risk and increase the reward with credit cards is to understand just what you're getting into. For people with bad credit, not understanding how credit cards work may be partly to blame for some of their problems. Fortunately, with some work and an increased awareness of how to better manage plastic, choosing the right option can help you get back on your feet.
Choosing the credit card travel rewards program that's right for you
Shopping for the right credit card travel rewards program can be an overwhelming task. Yes, the marketplace is as crowded with travel rewards programs as an O'Hare Airport terminal during the workweek. And yes, your typical Internet search yields countless programs offering a multitude of different benefits. But no, this wide range of choices shouldn't make you reach for the air sickness bag.
How to take advantage of the perks your good credit is bound to attract
You've played by the rules for a number of years, diligently saving for a rainy day and beyond, spending prudently and always meeting your financial obligations in a timely manner. What's more, you've established a credit profile that is the envy of all mortals due to the fact you've always demonstrated a disciplined habit of never carrying much debt beyond your mortgage. And for all your hard work and efforts, each month you are rewarded with a slew of envelopes baring the words "You're Pre-Approved."
With credit card rewards programs, it does pay to keep all your eggs in one basket
People often say you shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket. But keeping your eggs in one basket can actually be a good thing - if you want to earn the most cash rebates and points from your rewards credit card.
Keeping all your purchases and points in one place can lead to faster and greater rewards. And this, of course, can help you get the most overall value from your credit card.
Comparing cards to find the one best-suited to your needs
About 74 percent of U.S. consumers have credit cards, according to Your Credit Card Companies, a Washington, D.C.-based consumer education group. Those who don't are in the "driver's seat" when it comes to getting a card that matches their lifestyle and needs, according to Daniel F Drummond, a spokesperson for the group. He notes that there are many credit card products out there, and that consumers would be well advised to evaluate all competing offers before making a decision about any one card. "You really are going to benefit from shopping for credit, not just taking the first thing that comes around," he says.
