How to be A Credit Card Debt Dummy
by John Stevenson
Anyone that is living or about to live on their own, be they high school graduates or middle aged parents, should understand the uses and perils of credit cards. They can be fantastic tools for charging items when you're a little too short on cash, but using them too often and to charge very large purchases can result in massive debt that some people find it nearly impossible to escape from. The average credit card debt in the US is over $9,000. Chances are you are one of the people that should read about info on credit card debt.
How to Get into Debt
Getting into debt is a lot easier than most people realize. That's a pretty silly statement isn't it? It would be except it is so true. I've been there myself. So how does somebody get into credit card debt without their realizing it at the time? They most likely make a lot of small purchases which add up over time. While eating out at McDonald's or seeing a movie at the theater doesn't seem like much at the time, continual small purchases do add up. A $5 purchase once a day, like that mocha latte you love so much, adds up to $150 a month. Therefore, try paying small purchases with cash or a debit card as opposed to a credit card. Or cut out the latte a few times a week.
I'm sure you know enough about getting in to debt. What should you do to get out of debt? Don't ignore the bills! If you do, your credit rating will suffer, making loans and other lines of credit harder to acquire over time. When you get bills, pay them on time. This will help minimize the interest that you accumulate from credit companies. Interest doesn't go down on its own. When many people ignore it, it grows to unmanageable proportions. A $5,000 balance can grow to $15,000. Pay your bills.
Are you in over your head? For more info on credit card debt, you can turn to credit counseling companies to give you an idea of how long it would take to pay off a particular balance with a particular interest rate. Better yet, stop making the minimum payments. By paying more than the minimum payment, you can easily shave 50% of the interest payments off. This is just a basic amount of info on credit card debt. Don't let it ruin your life. For more information please visit Reduce Credit Card Debt.
Showing posts with label Credit Card Debt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Credit Card Debt. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
How To Choose and Use Credit Cards
How To Choose and Use Credit Cards
by sas_upena1
Credit Card Terms
A credit card is a form of borrowing that often involves charges. Credit terms and conditions affect your overall cost. So it's wise to compare terms and fees before you agree to open a credit or charge card account.
The following are some important terms to consider that generally must be disclosed in credit card applications or in solicitations that require no application. You also may want to ask about these terms when you're shopping for a card.
Annual Percentage Rate. The APR is a measure of the cost of credit, expressed as a yearly rate. It also must be disclosed before you become obligated on the account and on your account statements.
The card issuer also must disclose the "periodic rate" - the rate applied to your outstanding balance to figure the finance charge for each billing period.
Some credit card plans allow the issuer to change your APR when interest rates or other economic indicators - called indexes - change. Because the rate change is linked to the index's performance, these plans are called "variable rate" programs. Rate changes raise or lower the finance charge on your account. If you're considering a variable rate card, the issuer must also provide various information that discloses to you:
* that the rate may change; and * how the rate is determined - which index is used and what additional amount, the "margin," is added to determine your new rate.
At the latest, you also must receive information, before you become obligated on the account, about any limitations on how much and how often your rate may change.
Free Period. Also called a "grace period," a free period lets you avoid finance charges by paying your balance in full before the due date. Knowing whether a card gives you a free period is especially important if you plan to pay your account in full each month. Without a free period, the card issuer may impose a finance charge from the date you use your card or from the date each transaction is posted to your account. If your card includes a free period, the issuer must mail your bill at least 14 days before the due date so you'll have enough time to pay.
Annual Fees. Most issuers charge annual membership or participation fees. They often range from $25 to $50, sometimes up to $100; "gold" or "platinum" cards often charge up to $75 and sometimes up to several hundred dollars.
Transaction Fees and Other Charges. A card may include other costs. Some issuers charge a fee if you use the card to get a cash advance, make a late payment, or exceed your credit limit. Some charge a monthly fee whether or not you use the card.
Balance Computation Method for the Finance Charge. If you don't have a free period, or if you expect to pay for purchases over time, it's important to know what method the issuer uses to calculate your finance charge. This can make a big difference in how much of a finance charge you'll pay - even if the APR and your buying patterns remain relatively constant.
Examples of balance computation methods include the following.
Average Daily Balance. This is the most common calculation method. It credits your account from the day payment is received by the issuer. To figure the balance due, the issuer totals the beginning balance for each day in the billing period and subtracts any credits made to your account that day. While new purchases may or may not be added to the balance, depending on your plan, cash advances typically are included. The resulting daily balances are added for the billing cycle. The total is then divided by the number of days in the billing period to get the "average daily balance."
Adjusted Balance. This is usually the most advantageous method for card holders. Your balance is determined by subtracting payments or credits received during the current billing period from the balance at the end of the previous billing period. Purchases made during the billing period aren't included.
This method gives you until the end of the billing cycle to pay a portion of your balance to avoid the interest charges on that amount. Some creditors exclude prior, unpaid finance charges from the previous balance. Previous Balance. This is the amount you owed at the end of the previous billing period. Payments, credits and new purchases during the current billing period are not included. Some creditors also exclude unpaid finance charges.
Two-cycle Balances. Issuers sometimes use various methods to calculate your balance that make use of your last two month's account activity. Read your agreement carefully to find out if your issuer uses this approach and, if so, what specific two-cycle method is used.
If you don't understand how your balance is calculated, ask your card issuer. An explanation must also appear on your billing statements.
Other Costs and Features
Credit terms vary among issuers. When shopping for a card, think about how you plan to use it. If you expect to pay your bills in full each month, the annual fee and other charges may be more important than the periodic rate and the APR, if there is a grace period for purchases. However, if you use the cash advance feature, many cards do not permit a grace period for the amounts due - even if they have a grace period for purchases. So, it may still be wise to consider the APR and balance computation method. Also, if you plan to pay for purchases over time, the APR and the balance computation method are definitely major considerations.
You'll probably also want to consider if the credit limit is high enough, how widely the card is accepted, and the plan's services and features. For example, you may be interested in "affinity cards" - all-purpose credit cards sponsored by professional organizations, college alumni associations and some members of the travel industry. An affinity card issuer often donates a portion of the annual fees or charges to the sponsoring organization, or qualifies you for free travel or other bonuses.
Special Delinquency Rates. Some cards with low rates for on-time payments apply a very high APR if you are late a certain number of times in any specified time period. These rates sometimes exceed 20 percent. Information about delinquency rates should be disclosed to you in credit card applications or in solicitations that do not require an application.
Shopping Tips
Keep these tips in mind when looking for a credit or charge card. * Shop around for the plan that best fits your needs. * Make sure you understand a plan's terms before you accept the card. * Hold on to receipts to reconcile charges when your bill arrives. * Protect your cards and account numbers to prevent unauthorized use. Draw a line through blank spaces on charge slips so the amount can't be changed. Tear up carbons. * Keep a record - in a safe place separate from your cards - of your account numbers, expiration dates and the phone numbers of each issuer to report a loss quickly. * Carry only the cards you think you'll use.
by sas_upena1
Credit Card Terms
A credit card is a form of borrowing that often involves charges. Credit terms and conditions affect your overall cost. So it's wise to compare terms and fees before you agree to open a credit or charge card account.
The following are some important terms to consider that generally must be disclosed in credit card applications or in solicitations that require no application. You also may want to ask about these terms when you're shopping for a card.
Annual Percentage Rate. The APR is a measure of the cost of credit, expressed as a yearly rate. It also must be disclosed before you become obligated on the account and on your account statements.
The card issuer also must disclose the "periodic rate" - the rate applied to your outstanding balance to figure the finance charge for each billing period.
Some credit card plans allow the issuer to change your APR when interest rates or other economic indicators - called indexes - change. Because the rate change is linked to the index's performance, these plans are called "variable rate" programs. Rate changes raise or lower the finance charge on your account. If you're considering a variable rate card, the issuer must also provide various information that discloses to you:
* that the rate may change; and * how the rate is determined - which index is used and what additional amount, the "margin," is added to determine your new rate.
At the latest, you also must receive information, before you become obligated on the account, about any limitations on how much and how often your rate may change.
Free Period. Also called a "grace period," a free period lets you avoid finance charges by paying your balance in full before the due date. Knowing whether a card gives you a free period is especially important if you plan to pay your account in full each month. Without a free period, the card issuer may impose a finance charge from the date you use your card or from the date each transaction is posted to your account. If your card includes a free period, the issuer must mail your bill at least 14 days before the due date so you'll have enough time to pay.
Annual Fees. Most issuers charge annual membership or participation fees. They often range from $25 to $50, sometimes up to $100; "gold" or "platinum" cards often charge up to $75 and sometimes up to several hundred dollars.
Transaction Fees and Other Charges. A card may include other costs. Some issuers charge a fee if you use the card to get a cash advance, make a late payment, or exceed your credit limit. Some charge a monthly fee whether or not you use the card.
Balance Computation Method for the Finance Charge. If you don't have a free period, or if you expect to pay for purchases over time, it's important to know what method the issuer uses to calculate your finance charge. This can make a big difference in how much of a finance charge you'll pay - even if the APR and your buying patterns remain relatively constant.
Examples of balance computation methods include the following.
Average Daily Balance. This is the most common calculation method. It credits your account from the day payment is received by the issuer. To figure the balance due, the issuer totals the beginning balance for each day in the billing period and subtracts any credits made to your account that day. While new purchases may or may not be added to the balance, depending on your plan, cash advances typically are included. The resulting daily balances are added for the billing cycle. The total is then divided by the number of days in the billing period to get the "average daily balance."
Adjusted Balance. This is usually the most advantageous method for card holders. Your balance is determined by subtracting payments or credits received during the current billing period from the balance at the end of the previous billing period. Purchases made during the billing period aren't included.
This method gives you until the end of the billing cycle to pay a portion of your balance to avoid the interest charges on that amount. Some creditors exclude prior, unpaid finance charges from the previous balance. Previous Balance. This is the amount you owed at the end of the previous billing period. Payments, credits and new purchases during the current billing period are not included. Some creditors also exclude unpaid finance charges.
Two-cycle Balances. Issuers sometimes use various methods to calculate your balance that make use of your last two month's account activity. Read your agreement carefully to find out if your issuer uses this approach and, if so, what specific two-cycle method is used.
If you don't understand how your balance is calculated, ask your card issuer. An explanation must also appear on your billing statements.
Other Costs and Features
Credit terms vary among issuers. When shopping for a card, think about how you plan to use it. If you expect to pay your bills in full each month, the annual fee and other charges may be more important than the periodic rate and the APR, if there is a grace period for purchases. However, if you use the cash advance feature, many cards do not permit a grace period for the amounts due - even if they have a grace period for purchases. So, it may still be wise to consider the APR and balance computation method. Also, if you plan to pay for purchases over time, the APR and the balance computation method are definitely major considerations.
You'll probably also want to consider if the credit limit is high enough, how widely the card is accepted, and the plan's services and features. For example, you may be interested in "affinity cards" - all-purpose credit cards sponsored by professional organizations, college alumni associations and some members of the travel industry. An affinity card issuer often donates a portion of the annual fees or charges to the sponsoring organization, or qualifies you for free travel or other bonuses.
Special Delinquency Rates. Some cards with low rates for on-time payments apply a very high APR if you are late a certain number of times in any specified time period. These rates sometimes exceed 20 percent. Information about delinquency rates should be disclosed to you in credit card applications or in solicitations that do not require an application.
Shopping Tips
Keep these tips in mind when looking for a credit or charge card. * Shop around for the plan that best fits your needs. * Make sure you understand a plan's terms before you accept the card. * Hold on to receipts to reconcile charges when your bill arrives. * Protect your cards and account numbers to prevent unauthorized use. Draw a line through blank spaces on charge slips so the amount can't be changed. Tear up carbons. * Keep a record - in a safe place separate from your cards - of your account numbers, expiration dates and the phone numbers of each issuer to report a loss quickly. * Carry only the cards you think you'll use.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Best Credit Card Deals
Best Credit Card Deals
by Mario Churchill
No matter where you search on the Internet today there are several advertisements for the best credit card deals. Some that offer low interest rates while others offer no payments for a year.
With so many credit cards available the best credit card deals are usually the ones that are offering incentives as well such as reward points, or air miles, anything of that nature.
However with the best credit cards available in such abundance it is actually rather hard to choose which one to go with. The best credit card values depend solely on what the credit card company has to offer so basically read the terms and the agreements and you should be able to come up with the best credit card deals.
If you own a company or a small business then obviously the best credit card deals for you would be those referenced for business. And these can be found simply by doing a search on the Internet. A note to the wise however, some of the best credit card deals have a catch so read up on them thoroughly.
Although, some of the best credit card deals actually come to your mailbox, offering different types secured, unsecured, or prepaid. In any case the best credit card deals are out there, you don't even have to look very hard for them.
In fact, another way to find out about the best credit card deals is through your email address, quite often credit card companies will send offers via the email account that you have placed on one advertising site or another.
If you aren't sure which credit card company has the best credit card deals then do a little research on the background of the company, compare different credit cards, believe me they are in abundance and used a lot today.
In all reality, the best credit card deals are those with low interest rates or fixed interest rates, those that offer points or cash back when you use the credit card, or those that are offered with minimal fees and requirements.
Nine times out of ten you will find the best credit card deals on the Internet through a search of some kind, whether you look up the actual name of a credit card provider or simply search unsecured or secured. Whatever your preference may be, the best credit cards will be listed among the results, however as previously stated, compare a few of the results to actually find the best credit card deal that suits your finances and your needs.
In most cases some of the best credit card deals even offer two credit cards one for you and one for you domestic partner, whichever the case may be.
Ultimately, the best credit card deals are out there just waiting for people to sign up for them. After the initial application is done, then if you are approved for whichever type of the best credit card deal you could find, then you should receive your credit card and after activation you will be using the plastic in no time.
by Mario Churchill
No matter where you search on the Internet today there are several advertisements for the best credit card deals. Some that offer low interest rates while others offer no payments for a year.
With so many credit cards available the best credit card deals are usually the ones that are offering incentives as well such as reward points, or air miles, anything of that nature.
However with the best credit cards available in such abundance it is actually rather hard to choose which one to go with. The best credit card values depend solely on what the credit card company has to offer so basically read the terms and the agreements and you should be able to come up with the best credit card deals.
If you own a company or a small business then obviously the best credit card deals for you would be those referenced for business. And these can be found simply by doing a search on the Internet. A note to the wise however, some of the best credit card deals have a catch so read up on them thoroughly.
Although, some of the best credit card deals actually come to your mailbox, offering different types secured, unsecured, or prepaid. In any case the best credit card deals are out there, you don't even have to look very hard for them.
In fact, another way to find out about the best credit card deals is through your email address, quite often credit card companies will send offers via the email account that you have placed on one advertising site or another.
If you aren't sure which credit card company has the best credit card deals then do a little research on the background of the company, compare different credit cards, believe me they are in abundance and used a lot today.
In all reality, the best credit card deals are those with low interest rates or fixed interest rates, those that offer points or cash back when you use the credit card, or those that are offered with minimal fees and requirements.
Nine times out of ten you will find the best credit card deals on the Internet through a search of some kind, whether you look up the actual name of a credit card provider or simply search unsecured or secured. Whatever your preference may be, the best credit cards will be listed among the results, however as previously stated, compare a few of the results to actually find the best credit card deal that suits your finances and your needs.
In most cases some of the best credit card deals even offer two credit cards one for you and one for you domestic partner, whichever the case may be.
Ultimately, the best credit card deals are out there just waiting for people to sign up for them. After the initial application is done, then if you are approved for whichever type of the best credit card deal you could find, then you should receive your credit card and after activation you will be using the plastic in no time.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
A problem called 'Credit Card Debt'
A problem called 'Credit Card Debt'
by sas_submitemail
Credit cards are no more a luxury, they are almost a necessity. So, you would imagine a lot of people going for credit cards. In fact, a lot of people posses more than one credit cards. So, the credit card industry is growing by leaps and bounds. However, the credit card industry and credit card holders are posed with a big problem called 'Credit Card Debt'. In order to understand what 'credit card debt' actually means, we need to understand the workflow associated with the use of credit cards as such.
Credit cards, as the name suggests, are cards on which you can get credit i.e. make borrowings (your credit card debt). Your credit card is a representative of the credit account that you hold with the credit card supplier. Whatever payments you make using your credit card are actually your borrowings that contribute towards your credit card debt. Your total credit card debt is the total amount you owe credit card supplier. You must settle your credit card debt on a monthly basis. So, you receive a monthly statement or your credit card bill which shows your total credit card debt. You must pay off your credit card debt by the payment due date failing which you will incur late fee and interest charges. However, you have the option of making a partial (minimum) payment too, in which case you don't incur late fee but just the interest charges on your credit card debt. If you don't pay off your credit card debt in full, the interest charges too get added to it. So your credit card debt keeps on increasing, more so because the interest rates on credit card debt are generally higher than the interest rates on other kind of loans/borrowings. Further, the interest charges add on to your credit card debt each month to form the new balance or the new credit card debt amount. If you continue making partial payments (or no payments) the interest charges are calculated afresh on the new credit card debt. So you end up paying interest on the last month's interest too. Thus your credit card debt accumulates rapidly and soon you find that what was once a relatively small credit card debt has ballooned into a big amount which you find almost impossible to pay. Moreover, if you don't still control your spending habits, your credit card debt rises even faster. This is how the vicious circle of credit card debt works.
by sas_submitemail
Credit cards are no more a luxury, they are almost a necessity. So, you would imagine a lot of people going for credit cards. In fact, a lot of people posses more than one credit cards. So, the credit card industry is growing by leaps and bounds. However, the credit card industry and credit card holders are posed with a big problem called 'Credit Card Debt'. In order to understand what 'credit card debt' actually means, we need to understand the workflow associated with the use of credit cards as such.
Credit cards, as the name suggests, are cards on which you can get credit i.e. make borrowings (your credit card debt). Your credit card is a representative of the credit account that you hold with the credit card supplier. Whatever payments you make using your credit card are actually your borrowings that contribute towards your credit card debt. Your total credit card debt is the total amount you owe credit card supplier. You must settle your credit card debt on a monthly basis. So, you receive a monthly statement or your credit card bill which shows your total credit card debt. You must pay off your credit card debt by the payment due date failing which you will incur late fee and interest charges. However, you have the option of making a partial (minimum) payment too, in which case you don't incur late fee but just the interest charges on your credit card debt. If you don't pay off your credit card debt in full, the interest charges too get added to it. So your credit card debt keeps on increasing, more so because the interest rates on credit card debt are generally higher than the interest rates on other kind of loans/borrowings. Further, the interest charges add on to your credit card debt each month to form the new balance or the new credit card debt amount. If you continue making partial payments (or no payments) the interest charges are calculated afresh on the new credit card debt. So you end up paying interest on the last month's interest too. Thus your credit card debt accumulates rapidly and soon you find that what was once a relatively small credit card debt has ballooned into a big amount which you find almost impossible to pay. Moreover, if you don't still control your spending habits, your credit card debt rises even faster. This is how the vicious circle of credit card debt works.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
6 Questions and Answers on Credit Card Application
6 Questions and Answers on Credit Card Application
by Susan Rumbo
Nowadays the range of credit cards is so vast, that sometimes choosing the one can be quite confusing. In one particular case, why one credit card deal can be so different from hundreds of others? We are glad to suggest you six questions and answers. They will possibly help you to choose a plastic which does for you best.
1. Are you a student? Being a student, you are free to apply for a student credit card. It would be much better, of course. It is quite possible, that your application will be accepted without problems, no matter what your credit is. However, before an application, it would be better to contact to the bank where you are going to obtain a credit card.
2. Are you going to transfer your balance from a credit card to another one? In this case it would be much better to look for a plastic with low APR on balance transfers. APR is an abbreviation for Annual Percentage Rate, and it implies the total cost of your loan expressed as interest rate. Plastics with low APR on balance transfers may be very convenient; however, you still should be careful with these, as they represent a nice base for swindlers.
3. Are you going to make large purchases? In this case, pay special attention to the plastics with low APR on purchases. If you are really intended to make large purchases, you can also take advantage of bonus points which you can earn with every purchase. Moreover, pay attention to special grace period, which is different for various plastics. Grace period is a special period during which you may pay off your debt without any extra charges, or you do not have to pay at all, if you cannot. Usually this period lasts for 10-28 days.
4. Do you pay off your debt in full every time you get it? If a customer has enough money or your credit card is only for an emergency, he or she can pay off a bill in full every time he or she gets it. In this case, chose the deals with introductory APR of 0% or grace period. You will be able to pay off a balance not worrying about rates.
5. Are you ready to pay fees? In many cases the issuers charge various fees. And sometimes these can be really high. There are quite enough of them: annual fees, cash advance fees, balance transfer fees, foreign exchange fees, setup fees, penalty fees... Of course, not all of them are charged, but some (for instance, cash advance fee) are charges ALWAYS. Moreover, some issuers can charge a fee irrespective of the fact, that you do not use your plastic.
6. Do you need a good Customer Service? Sometimes this can be a quite important issue. In some cases, for instance, in case of loss of your plastic or if there is any charge you would like to contest, etc. you may need such a service. Moreover, you need a friendly and competent service. So choose the right bank with great reputation and with really nice customer service.
by Susan Rumbo
Nowadays the range of credit cards is so vast, that sometimes choosing the one can be quite confusing. In one particular case, why one credit card deal can be so different from hundreds of others? We are glad to suggest you six questions and answers. They will possibly help you to choose a plastic which does for you best.
1. Are you a student? Being a student, you are free to apply for a student credit card. It would be much better, of course. It is quite possible, that your application will be accepted without problems, no matter what your credit is. However, before an application, it would be better to contact to the bank where you are going to obtain a credit card.
2. Are you going to transfer your balance from a credit card to another one? In this case it would be much better to look for a plastic with low APR on balance transfers. APR is an abbreviation for Annual Percentage Rate, and it implies the total cost of your loan expressed as interest rate. Plastics with low APR on balance transfers may be very convenient; however, you still should be careful with these, as they represent a nice base for swindlers.
3. Are you going to make large purchases? In this case, pay special attention to the plastics with low APR on purchases. If you are really intended to make large purchases, you can also take advantage of bonus points which you can earn with every purchase. Moreover, pay attention to special grace period, which is different for various plastics. Grace period is a special period during which you may pay off your debt without any extra charges, or you do not have to pay at all, if you cannot. Usually this period lasts for 10-28 days.
4. Do you pay off your debt in full every time you get it? If a customer has enough money or your credit card is only for an emergency, he or she can pay off a bill in full every time he or she gets it. In this case, chose the deals with introductory APR of 0% or grace period. You will be able to pay off a balance not worrying about rates.
5. Are you ready to pay fees? In many cases the issuers charge various fees. And sometimes these can be really high. There are quite enough of them: annual fees, cash advance fees, balance transfer fees, foreign exchange fees, setup fees, penalty fees... Of course, not all of them are charged, but some (for instance, cash advance fee) are charges ALWAYS. Moreover, some issuers can charge a fee irrespective of the fact, that you do not use your plastic.
6. Do you need a good Customer Service? Sometimes this can be a quite important issue. In some cases, for instance, in case of loss of your plastic or if there is any charge you would like to contest, etc. you may need such a service. Moreover, you need a friendly and competent service. So choose the right bank with great reputation and with really nice customer service.
College credit card
College credit card
by JimmyW
College credit cards are the credit cards that have been specially designed for college students. College credit cards are more popularly known as student credit cards. College credit cards allow the students to experience the benefits of credit cards much earlier in their life. Through college credit cards, the college students are able to learn more about credit cards and their use. In fact, for most of the students, their college credit card is their first credit card that acts as a gateway to the world of credit cards. Some other students might have previously used supplementary credit cards linked to their father's credit card account; however, for such students too, their college credit card is the first one that is truly theirs.
College credit cards are not very different from other types of credit cards in the basic sense; they function in the same way as any credit card would. However, there are some differences, which basically arise from the fact that college credit cards are used by people who have no prior experience with credit cards and who perhaps don't understand the concept of credit cards completely. Hence, the credit card supplier is at risk with issuing credit cards (college credit cards) to such people whom he is not sure about. Most of the students don't have a credit history either. In such a case, the supplier of college credit card cannot be sure of receiving the credit card bill payments in time (and even receiving them at all). To counter such risks, the supplier of college credit card requires the parent of the student to co-sign the college credit card application form as a guarantee. Moreover, the credit limit on college credit cards is generally around $500-$1000 per month, which is lower than what it is for other credit cards (this credit limit is generally sufficient to fulfil the typical needs of a student). Another risk mitigation instrument used by the college credit card suppliers is the interest rate or APR. The APR on college credit cards is generally higher than that for other credit cards. Again, this is done to dissuade the students from overspending on their college credit card (and finally not being able to pay their credit card bills). However, if we were to look at these impositions in a positive sense, we would find that these are actually in favour of the student (who is still getting trained to take on the real world of credit cards). Moreover, college credit cards also help the students in establishing a (good) credit history which is another important benefit that becomes handy when the student needs any type of loan at a later stage in his/her life.
So, college credit cards are really something that every student should consider going for.
by JimmyW
College credit cards are the credit cards that have been specially designed for college students. College credit cards are more popularly known as student credit cards. College credit cards allow the students to experience the benefits of credit cards much earlier in their life. Through college credit cards, the college students are able to learn more about credit cards and their use. In fact, for most of the students, their college credit card is their first credit card that acts as a gateway to the world of credit cards. Some other students might have previously used supplementary credit cards linked to their father's credit card account; however, for such students too, their college credit card is the first one that is truly theirs.
College credit cards are not very different from other types of credit cards in the basic sense; they function in the same way as any credit card would. However, there are some differences, which basically arise from the fact that college credit cards are used by people who have no prior experience with credit cards and who perhaps don't understand the concept of credit cards completely. Hence, the credit card supplier is at risk with issuing credit cards (college credit cards) to such people whom he is not sure about. Most of the students don't have a credit history either. In such a case, the supplier of college credit card cannot be sure of receiving the credit card bill payments in time (and even receiving them at all). To counter such risks, the supplier of college credit card requires the parent of the student to co-sign the college credit card application form as a guarantee. Moreover, the credit limit on college credit cards is generally around $500-$1000 per month, which is lower than what it is for other credit cards (this credit limit is generally sufficient to fulfil the typical needs of a student). Another risk mitigation instrument used by the college credit card suppliers is the interest rate or APR. The APR on college credit cards is generally higher than that for other credit cards. Again, this is done to dissuade the students from overspending on their college credit card (and finally not being able to pay their credit card bills). However, if we were to look at these impositions in a positive sense, we would find that these are actually in favour of the student (who is still getting trained to take on the real world of credit cards). Moreover, college credit cards also help the students in establishing a (good) credit history which is another important benefit that becomes handy when the student needs any type of loan at a later stage in his/her life.
So, college credit cards are really something that every student should consider going for.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
5 Tips to Help Eliminate Credit Card Debt
5 Tips to Help Eliminate Credit Card Debt
by Max Anderson
If there's one thing almost all consumers have in common, it's the desire to eliminate credit card debt. Whether it's a few hundred dollars or a few thousand, credit card debt can really put a dent in a household budget. Here are five tips to help eliminate your credit card debt while building a healthy and solid financial future.
1. No Minimums Apply
Credit card companies have this thing that they like to call a minimum monthly payment. I call it keeping you in debt for as long as possible while they make as much money off you as they can. If you really want to eliminate credit card debt, forget that the minimum monthly payment option even exists (unless, of course, you're having a hard time even making that payment).
Don't make the mistake so many consumers make by paying only the minimum payment to each of their credit card companies when the bills come in. Instead, pay as much as you possibly can towards your credit card debt each and every month.
2. We're Not Gonna Take It!
Shrinking grace periods, increasing interest rates, hidden fees and charges -- don't put up with them! If you want to eliminate credit card debt you need to avoid incurring unnecessary expenses, and that includes the nickel and diming that some of the credit card companies try to get away with.
If you feel that your credit card company charges too many fees or too high an interest rate, switch over to a more favorable card. If you really want to eliminate credit card debt, you need the right tools to do it. That includes a credit card that works for you, not against you.
3. Sacrifice Is Necessary
Sometimes you have to sacrifice to get what you want and if you really want to eliminate credit card debt, some sacrifices are going to be involved.
You know that expensive vacation you've been wanting to take? It's going to have to wait. And those $4 lattes you've been guzzling almost every day? Gonna have to cut back to once a week. All that money needs to go towards paying off your credit card debt.
By eliminating expenses that aren't necessities (and those lattes are NOT a necessity, regardless of what you've been telling yourself) you can put extra money towards your credit card debt each and every month.
4. Kill Two Birds With One Stone
Want to kill two birds with one stone? Clear the clutter in your home while you eliminate credit card debt.
A garage sale is a great way to take a chunk out of your credit card debt. Go through your home. Anything that you haven't used in a year put in the garage and get ready for a garage sale. Some consumers have been able to knock hundreds of dollars off their credit card debt from the proceeds of a successful garage sale.
5. Put 'Em on Ice
If you really want to eliminate credit card debt, you can't be using your cards while you pay them off. If this means locking them away in the freezer, then do it.
If you pay off $200 in one month and then charge another $100, it's literally like taking two steps forward and one step back. Don't do it. Avoid using your cards at all costs until your credit card debt is eliminated.
Once your credit card debt is gone, you'll be able to save more and spend more. You can go back to planning that great vacation or indulging in the daily latte -- as long as you have the cash to do it. While it may not be easy to eliminate credit card debt, it is most definitely worth it in the long run.
by Max Anderson
If there's one thing almost all consumers have in common, it's the desire to eliminate credit card debt. Whether it's a few hundred dollars or a few thousand, credit card debt can really put a dent in a household budget. Here are five tips to help eliminate your credit card debt while building a healthy and solid financial future.
1. No Minimums Apply
Credit card companies have this thing that they like to call a minimum monthly payment. I call it keeping you in debt for as long as possible while they make as much money off you as they can. If you really want to eliminate credit card debt, forget that the minimum monthly payment option even exists (unless, of course, you're having a hard time even making that payment).
Don't make the mistake so many consumers make by paying only the minimum payment to each of their credit card companies when the bills come in. Instead, pay as much as you possibly can towards your credit card debt each and every month.
2. We're Not Gonna Take It!
Shrinking grace periods, increasing interest rates, hidden fees and charges -- don't put up with them! If you want to eliminate credit card debt you need to avoid incurring unnecessary expenses, and that includes the nickel and diming that some of the credit card companies try to get away with.
If you feel that your credit card company charges too many fees or too high an interest rate, switch over to a more favorable card. If you really want to eliminate credit card debt, you need the right tools to do it. That includes a credit card that works for you, not against you.
3. Sacrifice Is Necessary
Sometimes you have to sacrifice to get what you want and if you really want to eliminate credit card debt, some sacrifices are going to be involved.
You know that expensive vacation you've been wanting to take? It's going to have to wait. And those $4 lattes you've been guzzling almost every day? Gonna have to cut back to once a week. All that money needs to go towards paying off your credit card debt.
By eliminating expenses that aren't necessities (and those lattes are NOT a necessity, regardless of what you've been telling yourself) you can put extra money towards your credit card debt each and every month.
4. Kill Two Birds With One Stone
Want to kill two birds with one stone? Clear the clutter in your home while you eliminate credit card debt.
A garage sale is a great way to take a chunk out of your credit card debt. Go through your home. Anything that you haven't used in a year put in the garage and get ready for a garage sale. Some consumers have been able to knock hundreds of dollars off their credit card debt from the proceeds of a successful garage sale.
5. Put 'Em on Ice
If you really want to eliminate credit card debt, you can't be using your cards while you pay them off. If this means locking them away in the freezer, then do it.
If you pay off $200 in one month and then charge another $100, it's literally like taking two steps forward and one step back. Don't do it. Avoid using your cards at all costs until your credit card debt is eliminated.
Once your credit card debt is gone, you'll be able to save more and spend more. You can go back to planning that great vacation or indulging in the daily latte -- as long as you have the cash to do it. While it may not be easy to eliminate credit card debt, it is most definitely worth it in the long run.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
