Finance Globe

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

Don’t Use a Credit Card for Investing. Here’s Why.

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If you have a credit card with available credit and you’ve just spotted a great investment, you might be tempted to use your credit card to get into the investment. However, that could be a huge mistake - one that could leave you with credit card debt and no value in your investment. Here’s why you shouldn’t use your credit card for investment. The Cost of Investing With a Credit Card Using a cash advance to...

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Is it Time to Review (and Tweak) Your Estate Plan?

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When it comes to your finances it’s easy to focus on the here and now. Just the same, you may have a plan for saving for the future (such as for retirement). However, it’s much more difficult to create an estate plan with the idea of passing your assets onto someone else upon your death. While it may not be the most exciting thing you do from a financial planning perspective, here’s something you need to...

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Online Credit Card Account Access: What Can You Do?

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Do you carry a credit card? If so, there’s a very good chance you have access to online account management. There aren’t too many credit card companies in today’s world that don’t provide cardholders with this feature. It’s important to understand the many benefits of online credit card account access, as to ensure that you take full advantage. Here are five things you can do with this: •    Learn more about the details of your card?...

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How to Choose the Best Gas Rewards Credit Card

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A gas rewards credit card is exactly what it sounds like: you earn rewards for spending money on fuel. Just the same as any rewards card, you earn points for every dollar you spend. These points can then be redeemed for everything from cash back to travel to miscellaneous merchandise. If you fill up your tank often, a gas rewards credit card is one of the best ways to get the most out of every purchase....

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How Fed Interest Rate Hikes Affect You?

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You may have seen in the news lately how the Federal Reserve has increased the federal funds rate target range. If not, it is important to know in their March 2018 meeting, the Federal Reserve decided to increase its federal funds rate target range by 0.25% to 1.5%-1.75%. While this may not seem like a large increase, it is important to know the increase could affect you in a lot of ways. It can have a...

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3 Signs You May Qualify for a Better Credit Card

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The credit cards you open when you’re just starting out or repairing your bad credit aren’t always the cream of the crop. Sometimes even when you have great credit, you opt for a credit card without knowing you can qualify for something better. It helps to shop around for a credit card to see if you can get better terms – better rewards, better interest rate, or lower fees. Here are a few ways to tell...

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How Federal Rate Increases Affect Credit Cards

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The federal funds rate, set by Federal Reserve, is the basis for the interest rates set by most financial institutions. While the rate directly affects the interest rate that banks loan money to each other overnight, it also indirectly impacts the interest rates for many other types of financial products. If you're carrying a credit card balance, you could be affected. How Fed Rates and Credit Card Rates Are Related Most credit cards have a variable...

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Ask Your Credit Card Company for These 3 Things

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If there is anything you don’t like about your credit card company it’s important to understand your options. For example, there may come a point when you call your company, discuss your situation, and ask if there is anything they can do for you. If you ask your credit card company for one or more of the following, don’t be surprised if they comply: •    Bonus points. This one is simple: you tell your credit card...

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How to Get the Most From Your Credit Card Rewards

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 There are some rewards credit cards on the market right now. Most rewards credit cards are currently offering a great signup bonus if you meet a minimum spending requirement in the first few months of having your credit card. Earning credit card rewards gives you an extra benefit for spending you would have done anyway. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your credit card rewards. Pick the right rewards credit card. With...

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9 Things to Know About Credit Card Car Rental Coverage

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Many major credit cards provide car rental insurance, alllowing you to ditch the car rental agency’s expensive daily plan and save money on the cost of your rental. Before you rent, here are a few essential things to know. You must pay for the rental with your credit card. Coverage only applies when you use your credit card or rewards points to pay for the rental. You must decline the car rental agency’s collision damage waiver....

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