Carrying a credit card is a great responsibility. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to overspend and regret it at some point in the near future. By understanding why you have overspent on your credit card in the past, you can avoid a similar situation down the road. Even if you‘ve never found yourself in this position, you can still learn from the mistakes that others have made. Here is why you may be overspending on...
Did you know that approximately 15 million Americans are self-employed? If you’re currently working in the corporate world but hope to join the ranks of the self-employed in the near future, it’s important to implement a plan that will allow for an efficient transition. Starting a business can be one of the most exciting things you ever do. Conversely, it can also bring quite a bit of stress into your life. Are you ready to deal...
If the income from your job isn’t cutting it or you’re looking for way to get ahead financially, adding a second income stream may be a solution. A second income stream, it’s from a second job, a money-making hobby, or a side business, can benefit you in more ways than one. It’s easier to afford your living expenses. More than 50% of Americans are spending at or above their income on living expenses, reports CNN. If...
Gas rewards credit cards can help you cut your transportation cost – a benefit you’ll especially enjoy if you have a long commute to work or you take frequent road trips. If you have a gas credit card or you’re considering getting one, here are some ways to maximize the rewards you earn on your card. Choose a branded gas credit card. Some gas credit cards are closed-loop, meaning they can only be used at a...
Taking advantage of a 0% APR promotional balance transfer offer can save you a lot of money on credit card interest. If you’re considering a balance transfer, make sure you avoid these huge mistakes. Trying to transfer balances with the same credit card issuer. Credit card issuers typically won’t let you transfer a balance from another credit card you have with them. Some credit cards may allow you to merge two accounts, combining balances and credit...
When you use a credit card, you’re technically borrowing money from your credit card issuer. And, as with most types of loans, your credit card issuer will look for ways to make a profit from what you’ve borrowed. If you want to minimize the amount of money you pay to your credit card issuer, avoid the most expensive types of credit card transactions. Cash advances When you use your credit card to withdraw cash from an...
A credit card’s interest rate is one of the most important features, particularly for cardholders who carry a balance on their credit cards. Having a low interest rate means minimizes the cost of paying off a credit card balance over time. But, don’t take your interest rate for granted. If you’re not careful to make your payments on time each month, you could trigger your credit card’s penalty rate. What is the Penalty Rate? The penalty...
Several of the latest credit cards boast a cutting-edge, sleek design that's far more attractive than plain old plastic. Cardholders would feel a rush of prestige to hand a metallic card to a waitress or whip it out in front of a line of customers. But, no matter how impressive a credit card is designed, you should never pick a credit card based on looks alone. Researching the most important features of whatever credit card you're considering is essential to making sure...
Your rewards redemption options will probably include a statement credit. You might consider choosing a statement credit over other options to help reduce your debt without making extra payments. How Do Statement Credits Work The statement credit is applied to your credit card account the same way a payment would be. For example, if you redeem a $25 statement credit, your credit card balance would decrease by $25. You can redeem for a bigger statement credit...
As you search for a 0% balance transfer credit card, you’ll soon find that you have many options to choose from. All the major credit card companies have several offers to consider, with each one providing consumers with a unique set of features and benefits. With all this in mind, you may struggle to compare and select the best offer. Fortunately, there are a few basic details you can focus on to ensure that you make...
