There is a time when things aren't on sale-no matter what the store sign says, what's written on the price tag, or how much the cashier actually charges. When is this? When you pay with your charge card.
Credit Card Fees in Foreign Countries
If you're fortunate enough to travel overseas, first check with your credit card company about any daily fees and what their policy is on the Monetary Exchange Rate. (Ex.: Some friends recently used their credit card overseas for their card's "reward" program. Upon returning home their bills started coming in, they realized for each credit card transaction overseas there was an extra fee.
Use Credit Cards for All Purchases and Earn Cash Back
I recently received my credit card bill and was happy to see my cash back amount earned was $120.00, which I called and had them apply to my bill. We only use one credit card and charge everything we purchase in a month.
Small Balances Left on Pre-paid Credit Cards
I like to use pre-paid credit cards to order items online. The only thing I don't like is that there are times I have a small amount of money left on it (ex. 50 cents). Does anyone know how to use this small amount up before the credit card company starts applying their fees to it?
Building Credit With Credit Cards
My husband and I would like to be able to make a budget using credit cards. We have little credit and would like to be able to someday get a loan to buy a home. How can we successfully budget our finances to be able to pay off the credit card every month?
Online Credit Cards. I saw an article in the paper about using private on-line credit cards when purchasing on-line. They are impossible for thieves to steal any info.
Getting a Better Credit Card. How do I get a high limit card to transfer a high balance? I have a Credit Card that's killing me in interest but my credit rating is too low to get much in a new credit card.
Stop Charging and Start Using Cash
If your credit card debt is getting out of hand, the first thing you need to do is stop using your credit cards. Many people get into the mindset of "I'll pay it off later" or "I'm already in debt, what will a little debt hurt?".
Credit Cards and New College Students
Credit card companies fall over themselves to offer credit to new college students. If you have a child heading off to college, be sure to warn them about this because they can quickly amass high interest credit card debt that could haunt them, and you, for years to come.
Stopping Prescreened Credit Card Offers
Stopping Prescreened Credit Card Offers. "You can choose to stop receiving 'prescreened' offers of credit from credit and insurance companies by calling 1-888-567-8688. . .
Keeping Credit Card Signatures Legible
Keeping Credit Card Signatures Legible. To keep your signature legible on the back of your credit or debit card, just cover it with a strip of cellophane tape. . .
Don't be fooled by a credit card company's claims that credit cards can help you save money. Finance charges quickly erase any benefits that credit cards offer in cash back incentives unless you pay your credit card off at the end of each month.
Dealing With Debt After Divorce
I recently got divorced after 40 years and I am trying to get my credit cleaned up after he made a mess of it. I was surprised to find that there was a credit card with over $50,000 on it! In the divorce settlement, he was to take over all debts for the exception of one.
Are you trapped into making only minimum payments on your credit cards? I hope not. Minimum payments decline as the balance on the credit card declines.
Beware of Balance Transfer Fees
If you have a credit card you have probably received balance transfer offers which offer to lower your interest rate. Make sure to factor in the balance transfer fees and to look at the actual interest rate before accepting one of these offers.
Using Cash Back Cards for Gas Purchases
I use my Citicard "Platinum Select Card" to buy gasoline. You save 5% of cost (about 15 cents/ gal.). It adds up . . .
When paying off credit cards, always round up payments as much as you can. If the minimum payment is $25, try to pay $30. Credit card companies set minimum payments to maximize the amount of interest they can earn from you over the life of the debt.
Low Interest Credit Card Cautions
Credit card companies are not altruistic in any way. I carry a balance with 0% interest. They sent me checks to buy items or to transfer other balances at 3.99%. On the surface this seems like a good deal but then I read a contract they provided ...
Credit card debt makes a massive contribution to the overall personal debt burden. While credit cards are almost a necessity for certain purchases and a handy way to spread costs, temptation so often wins and people overstretch themselves. That's when things can get out of hand...
Why Is My $20 Bill Only Worth $5 Bucks?
With a $1000.00 balance on your card and $20.00 minimum payment due ($15.00 will be for interest. Only $5.00 will be for the principal to actually pay down the balance. Your new balance is $995.00. Yep! You paid $20.00, but it was only worth $5.00
American Express paid for my son's vacation. Seriously? Yes, the focused and frugal can manipulate credit card rewards to their benefit. Of course, without dedication and restraint you'll fall into the trap that the credit companies created.
Do I Need to Insure My Credit Cards?
Calls to a credit card company often involve a brief speech offering various services affiliated with the card. Accumulating debt is bad enough, but paying interest on the debt and then paying to insure that debt is a poor financial decision.
Reporting Errors on Your Credit Card Bills
How many of us notice errors on our credit card bills? If you're like most people, you look at the total amount due, and you scan the companies that placed charges on your account.
As holidays approach credit card balances rise. The average American credit card debt is $5,100. While it may not seem like it, this balance is manageable. Within three yeas it can easily be paid off provided that new charges are not added to the debt.
