Finance Globe

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

The Major Difference Between Debit and Credit Cards

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Two of the most common types of electronic payment methods are credit and debit cards. The two cards look so similar, it’s easy to confuse them. And to make things even more confusing, many debit cards have a Visa or MasterCard logo can be used “as a credit card” at the time you’re purchasing. Knowing the difference between the two is important, especially if you have one of each. Where the Money Comes From? A debit...
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Frank
I always recommend using credit cards to get the rewards, but always make sure to pay off the credit card every month so you don't... Read More
Saturday, 19 May 2018 14:36
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3 Reasons a Low Credit Card Rate is Better

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The interest rate is one of the most important features of your credit card. It directly impacts the cost of your credit card whenever you carry a credit card balance. When you’re shopping for a credit card, it’s best to choose one with a lower interest rate. And once you have a credit card, you want to avoid things that will trigger an interest rate increase, like late payments for example. Here are a few benefits...
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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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Frank
I would never advice to make investments with a credit card. WAY to risky.
Saturday, 19 May 2018 14:35
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5 Basic Rules for Investing

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  According to CNBC, more than 700,000 people became millionaires in 2017. And many of them did so through investing. Whether your goal is to become a millionaire or to build a sizeable income, knowing how to invest can help you reach your overall financial goals. There are some rules every investor should follow. Invest in what you know. There are lots of types of investments - stocks, bonds, mutual funds, IRA, real estate, to name...
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Frank
I would also add: (i) research, (ii) ask lots of questions, and (iii) seek out professional advice.
Saturday, 19 May 2018 14:34
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3 Things to Consider Before Settling a Debt

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If you fall behind on a debt, your creditor may extend an offer to settle the debt for less than the balance due. When you settle a debt, you pay only a portion of the balance due and the creditor cancels the rest of the debt. Settlement offers are typically only made on past due and charged-off accounts and on debt collections. If you’ve received a settlement offer from one of your creditors, here’s what you...
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Frank
While you should definitely consider these things, if you do get a really good deal on the debt settlement, I would definitely tak... Read More
Saturday, 19 May 2018 14:30
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Does a Fraud Alert Provide Enough Protection?

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With the increased amount of data breaches comes an increased need to protect your identity from being stolen. Once a thief has your personal and financial information, they can use it to make unauthorized charges on your account, open accounts in your name, take over your current accounts and leave you to deal with the fallout. Fraud alerts have been a way to protect your identity for several years, but is a fraud alert enough? What...
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Frank
I will say I really don't think there is any fraud alert/prevention solution out there that truly protects you. The individual sho... Read More
Saturday, 19 May 2018 14:29
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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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Frank
As you check your credit score every year, always keep in mind that could help you get better credit cards with more reviews, high... Read More
Saturday, 19 May 2018 14:28
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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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Frank
Great article! You should also check out my general article on what else the fed rate affects!
Saturday, 19 May 2018 14:27
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5 Major ATM Mistakes to Avoid Making

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ATMs are a convenient way to get cash from your account and make other bank transactions without having to go inside a bank branch, It's especially convenient outside of business hours or during the bank's busiest hours. But, remember may non-bank ATM operators are in it to make a buck. If you’re not careful, you could end up spending a lot of money just from going to the ATM. Not paying attention to the ATM fee....
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Frank
A lot of credit unions waive all ATM fees so you should always call them and make sure you aren't having to pay for ATM fees ever.... Read More
Saturday, 19 May 2018 14:26
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6 Things to Look for In a Savings Account

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A savings account is more than just a place to keep your spare change or an account to hold your emergency fund. This place has to provide good protection for your money. You should put just as much consideration into choosing your savings account as you do with any other financial account. While you may be tempted to choose a savings account at your primary bank because it’s easier that way, you may be able to...
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Frank
Today, given the amount of saving account opportunities, you should never have to pay a monthly fee for the savings account. If yo... Read More
Saturday, 19 May 2018 14:20
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