Finance Globe

U.S. financial and economic topics from several finance writers.

How to Build Up a Thin Credit File

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When you’re first starting out with credit, it’s natural to have a limited amount of information on your credit report. In the credit industry, that’s called a “thin” credit file. Unfortunately, having a thin credit file can make it difficult to get approved for many credit cards and loans. In some cases, you may not have a credit score if you have a thin credit file. You need at least one account on your credit report...
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Frank
It takes time to build up a strong credit score, but if you are consistent and diligence about it, you will see your score improve... Read More
Thursday, 21 March 2019 11:36
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4 Options for Dealing With Higher Credit Card Interest Rates

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Your credit card interest rate affects how much you pay for carrying a balance on your credit card. The higher your interest rate, the more you'll pay in finance charges and the longer it will take you to pay off your full credit card balance. When you have a variable credit card rate, there's always the risk that your interest rate will go up. That's because variable rates are indirectly tied to the Federal interest rate. Whenever...
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Wanderer
Good information that covers most of the questions people think of. Today, unlike one or two years ago when there were more Fixed ... Read More
Friday, 08 March 2019 06:43
Frank
As I always like to push, you should be paying off your credit card in full every month. There are other alternatives to borrowing... Read More
Thursday, 21 March 2019 11:33
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3 Options for Consolidating Your Credit Card Debt

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Trying to pay off multiple credit cards can be complicated. You have to break up your extra money between all your balances, which means you’re not making as much progress as you would if you could just pay one debt. Consolidating your credit card debt makes it much easier to pay since you can make a single payment. The hard part can be figuring out the best way to consolidate. Here are a few options to...
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Frank
I think consolidating it with a home equity line is usually the best plan as its usually the lowest interest rate. You can also pa... Read More
Wednesday, 27 February 2019 15:36
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Ask Your Credit Card Company to Change These Things

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When you apply for a credit card, you do so after comparing a variety of offers in order to find the right one. Over time, the terms and conditions of your credit card could change. If this happens, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact your issuer to discuss your options. Furthermore, if you come across something that no longer works for you, it’s worth asking for assistance. Here are three things you should ask your credit card...
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Frank
Always ask for the manager! Sometimes they don't provide it, but I have had success in the past.
Wednesday, 27 February 2019 15:35
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3 Tips for Tracking Your Credit Card Spending

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Spending too much on your credit card can lead to major problems. Big credit card balances put you at risk of going into debt. They can also hurt your credit score, since 30% of your credit score is based on how much of your credit you’re using. Here are some tips for tracking your credit card spending so you’re on top of what you’re charging each month. Use a spreadsheet. If your credit card lets you...
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Frank
A lot of the major credit card companies (Chase, American Express, etc.) track your spending into categories automatically. They c... Read More
Wednesday, 27 February 2019 15:33
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Financial Scams in 2019

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Financial scams are extremely common now. They put a lot of people at risk and in many cases you can lose a lot of money. With the advancement in technology, scammers are getting smarter and that makes it much more difficult to identify the scam before it is too late. As we enter into 2019, below are a few scams to keep an eye out on. Crypto Rip-Offs: Cryptocurrencies are so common now due to the...
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Wanderer
A good read and somewhat sobering to say the least. Who can a person trust?
Sunday, 10 February 2019 07:40
Frank
In this day and age, very few people! My wife's Paypal account was recently hacked! Luckily paypal was great about it.
Wednesday, 27 February 2019 12:58
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Negotiate These Things With Your Credit Card Company

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You should never be shy about negotiating with your credit card company. Here’s why: you have a lot to gain and nothing to lose. The worst that can happen is that you get turned down and have to find an alternative solution. There are many things you can negotiate with your credit card company, including the following: •    Balance: This doesn’t come into play often, but it may if you’re in a tight financial spot. If...
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Frank
Calling multiple times and re-asking the same questions, pressuring them usually works for me. I always ask to speak to a manager ... Read More
Wednesday, 27 February 2019 12:55
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7 Ways to Get More Value From Your Credit Card

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Sure, credit cards are a great way to rack up rewards points on your regular purchases or save money on a high interest rate balance, but there are plenty of other ways you can get tremendous value from your credit card. Pay off your balance every month. One of the ways credit card issuers make money is by charging interest to cardholders who take their time paying off a balance. The bigger your balance and the...
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Wanderer
Great review and recommendations on the "how to get more value" out of your credit cards!
Sunday, 10 February 2019 07:44
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Want a Business Credit Card? Answer These Questions First

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As a business owner, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of your company’s finances at all times. This could lead to a situation in which you recognize the need to borrow money. While there are many ways for a business owner to secure the financing they require, a business credit card is one of the best. There are many reasons for this, including the hundreds of offers and ability to receive an instant approval. A...
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Frank
I own 3 business credit cards. I use each one for a unique situation, and I love them!
Tuesday, 29 January 2019 16:29
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Simple Ways to Save Money as a Small Business Owner in 2019

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Are you a small business owner with big goals for 2019? Have you come to realize that cutting expenses would be in your best interest? Do you have some concerns about the best ways to save money, without having an impact on the overall health of your business? There are many ways to save money as a small business owner, so it’s imperative to keep an open mind as you explore all your options. If you’re...
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Frank
Thanks for the tips Chris, I plan to use these in 2019!
Tuesday, 29 January 2019 16:26
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