All about college credit cards

All about college credit cards




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.

Avoiding Impulse Spending

Avoiding Impulse Spending






Answer these questions truthfully:



1.) Does your spouse or partner complain that you spend too much money?



2.) Are you surprised each month when your credit card bill arrives at how much more you charged than you thought you had?



3.) Do you have more shoes and clothes in your closet than you could ever possibly wear?



4.) Do you own every new gadget before it has time to collect dust on a retailer’s shelf?



5.) Do you buy things you didn’t know you wanted until you saw them on display in a store?



If you answered “yes” to any two of the above questions, you are an impulse spender and indulge yourself in retail therapy.



This is not a good thing. It will prevent you from saving for the important things like a house, a new car, a vacation or retirement. You must set some financial goals and resist spending money on items that really don’t matter in the long run.



Impulse spending will not only put a strain on your finances but your relationships, as well. To overcome the problem, the first thing to do is learn to separate your needs from your wants.



Advertisers blitz us hawking their products at us 24/7. The trick is to give yourself a cooling-off period before you buy anything that you have not planned for.



When you go shopping, make a list and take only enough cash to pay for what you have planned to buy. Leave your credit cards at home.



If you see something you think you really need, give yourself two weeks to decide if it is really something you need or something you can easily do without. By following this simple solution, you will mend your financial fences and your relationships.

Choosing Your Reward Card

Choosing Your Reward Card




When you are in the market for a new credit card, the features you have to choose from may draw you to the card. Low interest rates and the types of rewards you can get, are what draw many to reward credit cards. Those of you who have good credit, will more than likely be able to get reward cards that boast 0% APR. This does have an introductory period, normally 1 year, that goes along with your new reward card.



You’ll also need to think about the type of card that best fits your lifestyle. The credit card field is very competitive, meaning that you always have a lot of offers to choose from. Reward cards and becoming very popular, with more and more coming out all the time. If you look for your reward credit card on the Internet, you’ll be able to compare hundreds and hundreds of offers - and decide which one is indeed the best for you.



Those of you who travel on a frequent basis, may find frequent flyer reward cards to be very beneficial. These credit cards will accumulate either points or miles for every dollar that you spend. You can then use the accumulated points or miles and redeem them for airline travel, hotel reservations, car rentals, and even cruises. These credit cards can also help you with discounts as well, which can make a vacation or business trip more affordable than ever.



If you like to pay your full balance at the end of every month, then you may find a reward credit card with a cash back feature to be the most enticing. There are some cards that offer cash rewards of up to 5%, which can equal quite a bit at the end of the year. All you need to do with cash back reward credit cards is make a purchase, and you’ll get money back for everything you buy.



Other types of reward credit cards include discounts on gas purchases, contributions to your savings account, and points that you can redeem for great items and things of that nature. No matter what your lifestyle may be, you can almost always find a reward credit card that fits your needs and interests. Reward credit cards are great to have, as you can buy the things you need and earn points, flyer miles, and even cash back.



If the sound of rewards with your credit card purchases sounds enticing, you should look into getting a reward credit card. These cards are great to have, as most include low APR with great reward incentives. They can save you money as well, which is great for those on a budget. With a reward credit card - no matter what you choose you’ll come out a winner.

Uses for Personal Loans

Uses for Personal Loans




Personal loans are obtained for a variety of reasons. A personal loan has a very easy application process and generally has an approval or denial within a few days. Many individuals find it easier to obtain a personal loan than a home improvement loan or small business loan. There is less information required to determine eligibility. Our society has come to apply for personal loans for a variety of needs. Some are necessary such as medical bills while others are for leisure, a vacation for example.



The choice to take out a personal loan should be done only after researching your other options. The most popular reason a person applies for a personal loan is to consolidate other debt. Often this is done because the amount of the other debt is consuming a larger portion of their disposable income than they would like. The interest you will pay on a personal loan is much less than what you will pay on high interest credit cards by the time you pay them off. If you take out a personal loan for this reason, it is important to put your credit cards away. If you start charging on them again you will soon find yourself with many monthly payments again as well as the personal loan payment.



A personal loan is a great way to purchase an older vehicle that the bank won’t finance. This can be a vehicle over 10 years old that you want for a few thousand dollars. This can also be for a classic car you want to restore. Most lending institutions aren’t going to give you $7,000 to by that 1969 Chevy Camaro that isn’t even drivable. By accessing a personal loan you can choose to get such vehicles without any problem.



Education is very important. Sometimes individuals don’t qualify for financial aid, yet can’t afford to take the course without it. Using a personal loan to pay for education classes is a great idea. Especially if the class is going to help you further your career. We all know tuition and text books are very over priced.



Medical bills and emergency surgery can leave you will a very heavy cost that is consuming your monthly income. Even if you have health insurance your portion can be out of your budget ability. A personal loan can often help you pay such bills while having a smaller monthly payment than you would have otherwise.



Some individuals use personal loans to put a down payment on a home because they don’t have the amount needed to cover it. Home improvements are often needed out of necessity or desire. A personal loan can help home owner’s make these improvements happen. Others use personal loans for moving expenses or even to pay the rental deposit on an apartment. The cost of deposits for rentals and utilities can add up to a large amount of money that most of us don’t have.



A personal loan may be the only way for you to pay for the wedding you have always wanted. Some people find this extravagant, but people do it all the time. You will need to plan your wedding and come up with some figures so you will know how much money to borrow. Make sure you will be able to afford the monthly payments as you don’t want to start your marriage off with financial stressors.

Most of us work so hard and we rarely are able to take a long vacation. Personal loans can help you take that cruise to Alaska or trip to Italy that you have always wanted. Too often, individuals put off such dreams because they can’t afford them. However, it is important to try to achieve your dreams. Taking such a vacation can do wonders for your mental health as well. You can return to work rejuvenated and with wonderful memories of your vacation.



Personal loans are available for many uses. I am sure there are many more that I haven’t mentioned. They are used for bills, necessities, hobbies, vacations, and even weddings. The key is to be financially responsible and make sure you can realistically pay back any personal loans you take.

Benefits of Pre-paid legal plan for your company

Benefits of Pre-paid legal plan for your company




Employers are on the hunt - researching benefit tools that are low-cost,

easily administered and satisfy their employees’ needs. One such tool is

pre-paid group insurance. We examine the benefits of having such a

work-benefit option from an employer’s perspective.



The first benefit employers expect from legal insurance plans is increased

productivity and efficiency. Today’s employees are interested in a variety

of benefits to balance their work with their life requirements. Given that

most American household had an issue with law last year that might have led

them to hire a lawyer, it’s only normal that a legal benefit would increase

employees’ morale and efficiency.



Having legal benefit as part of a work-benefit package can help the company

recruit and retain the best employees. In this age of work-benefit

hysteria, many prospective employment candidates base their career choices

on the set of benefit package provided by employers.



Cost containment is another benefit. With less time and resources to be

used for personal matters, the company expects to make significant savings

Getting A Higher Limit On Your Credit Card

Getting A Higher Limit On Your Credit Card




Nearly everyone who has a credit card always has the goal of a higher line of credit. A higher credit card limit will enable you to make much higher purchases, normally purchases that you are unable to get with your current line of credit. There are ways that you can get a higher credit limit. Below, are some tips that will help you raise the limit of your credit.



The most important thing to do when improving your credit limit is to improve your overall level of credit worthiness. This tells banks and lenders that you can be trusted with credit, and that you are little to no risk for them. When lenders and banks look at your credit report, this is the first thing that they look for.



You can attract a lot of positive attention with a credit card company or bank with your finance purchases. You should pay them every once in a while, although you shouldn’t go out of your way to make a habit of it. Normally, this should be done as a last resort when all else fails to increase your overall chances of raising your line of credit.



Once you prove to a bank or credit card company that you can be trusted to borrow money, they may raise your line of credit. You should be careful with this strategy however, as this could only apply to your bank or current credit card company. Having a higher credit line may allow you to have more purchasing power, although it can also leave you with more fees and even an increase in your current interest and APR charges.



Another great way to increase your credit limit is to use your credit card every chance you get. When you have a credit card, don’t use it just for emergency purposes. If you save your credit card for emergency purposes only, you’ll rarely use it. When this happens, your company will begin to wonder about your spending behavior and ability to pay it back, therefore they will start to think twice about giving you a higher line of credit.



When you send in your payment, always try to pay more than just the minimum amount. If you can afford to, you should try to pay the whole outstanding amount. Doing so shows credit card companies and banks that you are striving for better credit. This way, you’ll show them that you deserve to have a higher line of credit.



If you follow the above tips, you’ll get your credit limit higher in no time at all. Once you get your limit raised, you should protect it at all costs. If you continue to strive for perfection - you’ll get a higher line of credit than you ever thought possible

Low interest credit cards

Low interest credit cards




A lot of people just look at low interest credit cards when they are looking to get a credit card for themselves. The credit card suppliers too advertise low interest credit cards more that any other kind of credit cards. However, should low interest credit cards be the only ones on your list when you are hunting for a credit card? Probably not. For some people, interest rate or the APR is probably the most important thing to look for when selecting a credit card. However, that doesn’t hold good for everyone. Low interest credit cards are good and should surely be on your list, but APR is not the only thing to look for.



Let’s start with understanding what an APR (annual percentage rate) is and where its importance lies. APR is simply the interest rate that is used to calculate interest on the balance in your credit account with the credit card supplier. There is no interest charge if you make the full payment of your credit card bill (by the due date). However, in case of a partial payment, you will need to pay an interest on whatever you owe the credit card supplier. The APR is backward calculated to get a monthly rate and the same is applied on your balance to calculate the interest for the applicable period.



That means, people who are not sure about being able to pay the full amount, every time, should surely look for low interest credit cards. A low interest credit card helps in reducing your total outgo by curtailing the interest you pay on your balance. So, low interest credit cards help in slowing down the rate at which your credit card debt builds up. Thus low interest credit cards are surely important for a particular group of people, as stated above.



Besides this group, there are others who don’t really need low interest credit cards. These people are capable of (and intend to) pay off their credit card bill in full every month. Their purpose in using a credit card is convenience and other benefits associated with the credit cards. So, be it low interest credit cards or high interest ones; it really doesn’t matter for them.



So the need for low interest credit cards is more felt by a particular group of people. However, even if you go for a low interest credit card, you need to pit the various low interest credit cards against each other (vis-à-vis the other benefits they offer) and then select the low interest credit card that is best suited to your needs.



So, first you need to evaluate whether you need to go only for low interest credit cards and then select the low interest credit card that fulfils your needs. After all, you don’t go hunting for a credit card everyday.







Like this article? Low interest credit cards

All about credit card rate

All about credit card rate




What’s the thing that is most prominent on any credit card ad? Well, it’s the credit card rate (or the APR, as we know it). The credit card rate is the most publicized thing in the world of credit cards. A lot of people just compare the credit card rate of various credit cards and just go for the one that is offering the lowest credit card rate (or APR). Credit card rates are, in fact, one of the most important factors in the selection of a credit card (though not the only factor). Therefore, a proper understanding of Credit card rates is even more necessary.



So, what is a credit card rate or APR? Very simply, credit card rate is the rate of interest that the credit card supplier will charge you with on the amount you owe them. The credit card supplier will charge you an interest only if you don’t make full payments in time. When you receive your credit card bill, it specifies the full amount you owe the credit card supplier. It also specifies the minimum payment that you must make (by a particular date), in order to avoid incurring a late fee and other inconvenience. You have the option of making either a full payment or just the minimum payment. If you make a full payment (by the due date), you are not charged any interest. However, if you decide to go with the minimum payment or some amount that is lesser than the full amount, the credit card supplier will charge interest based on the credit card rate and the balance amount. This credit card rate is the interest rate that you agreed with them at the time of applying for the credit card. The credit card rate or the annual percentage rate, as is obvious, is an annual interest rate. The credit card suppliers use this annual credit card rate to calculate the monthly credit card rate and then they calculate the interest on the balance amount that you owe them. The balance amount here is simply Full amount – (payment made by you). This interest is added to your balance for the next month (at the time of next billing cycle). If you again make a partial payment, the new balance is calculated again and the credit card rate (monthly one) applied to it for calculation of new interest; and it keeps going on and on until you make the full payment.



That’s how credit card rate acts in this vicious circle. Hence, credit card rate is termed as the most important consideration in choosing a credit card.





Like this article? All about credit card rate

Comparing Credit Cards

Comparing Credit Cards




All across the United States, there are hundreds and hundreds of banks and credit card companies looking for your business. This day and age, banks and credit card companies are in competition with each other, trying all they can to get your business. To try and get your business, they offer different credit cards with various incentives, rebates, and other perks.



Before you make your decision and choose a credit card, you should always compare what each company or bank has to offer you. If you get an offer in the mail for a credit card, you should go on the Internet and look into it more. You should also make sure that you read the fine print as well, to see if there are any type of hidden fees or other costs associated with that card. Many times, with offers in the mail, credit card companies or banks will try to sneak hidden fees and costs in there.



When you start to compare offers, you should make sure that you look at the APR and the fees. The APR is very important, as this will tell you your interest rate. You want to get the lowest APR possible with your credit card. If you look at a credit card that has an unusually high APR, you should immediately rule it out. Credit cards that come with high APR rates can easily lead you on a roller coaster towards credit card debt. No matter how good your credit may be, high APR rates can leave you with charges that are really difficult to pay.



Among the many options available to you, you’ll have three primary choices for your credit card - Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. These three giants are the leaders in credit cards. Visa and MasterCard don’t issue the cards themselves, they have banks and other companies issue on their behalf. American Express, or AMEX, is the only one that does everything themselves. AMEX issues their credit cards, maintains their own networks, and doesn’t use any type of third party.



If you like to travel, you will probably want to choose either Visa or MasterCard, as they are accepted all over the world. American Express is the least accepted of the three, although the company is upgrading their networks every chance they get. Before too long, AMEX will be accepted virtually everywhere. Right now though, AMEX isn’t accepted in all areas of the world.



Discover is another type of credit card, although it isn’t near as popular as the three above. Discover does have some great benefits to offer you, although it isn’t accepted in other parts of the world. Most people who have Discover credit cards stay local and use their cards in the event of an emergency. If you don’t have a credit card and have been thinking about getting a Discover card, you should really think about that decision and choose either Visa or MasterCard instead.



All in all, there are a lot of credit cards to choose from. That final decision though, is entirely up to you. There are a lot of great companies and banks out there, although it’s up to you to find the best credit card for your needs. You can choose to go with a company or bank that’s local to you, or get online and look for your credit card. The Internet can be a great resource for credit cards, as long as you know what you want. If you know what you want before you go online - you’ll save yourself a lot of time and money.

Spend Wisely to Save Money

Spend Wisely to Save Money






Have you ever noticed that the things you buy every week at the grocery and hardware stores go up a few cents between shopping trips? Not by much…just by a little each week but they continue to creep up and up.



All it takes for the price to jump up by a lot is a little hiccup in the world wide market, note the price of gasoline as it relates to world affairs.



There is a way that we can keep these price increases from impacting our personal finances so much and that is by buying in quantity and finding the best possible prices for the things we use and will continue to use everyday… things that will keep just as well on the shelves in our homes as it does on the shelves at the grocery store or hardware store.



For instance, dog food and cat food costs about 10% less when bought by the case than it does when bought at the single can price and if you wait for close out prices you save a lot more than that.



Set aside some space in your home and make a list of things that you use regularly which will not spoil. Any grain or grain products will need to be stored in airtight containers that rats can’t get into so keep that in mind.



Then set out to find the best prices you can get on quantity purchases of such things as bathroom items and dry and canned food.



You will be surprised at how much you can save by buying a twenty pound bag of rice as opposed to a one pound bag but don’t forget that it must be kept in a rat proof container.



You can buy some clothing items such as men’s socks and underwear because those styles don’t change, avoid buying children’s and women’s clothing, those styles change and sizes change too drastically.



Try to acquire and keep a two year supply of these items and you can save hundreds of dollars.

Different Types of Stock

Different Types of Stock






The different types of stock are what confuse most first time investors. That confusion causes people to turn away from the stock market altogether, or to make unwise investments. If you are going to play the stock market, you must know what types of stock are available and what it all means!



Common Stock is a term that you will hear quite often. Anyone can purchase common stock, regardless of age, income, age, or financial standing. Common stock is essentially part ownership in the business you are investing in. As the company grows and earns money, the value of your stock rises. On the other hand, if the company does poorly or goes bankrupt, the value of your stock falls. Common stock holders do not participate in the day to day operations of a business, but they do have the power to elect the board of directors.



Along with common stock, there are also different classes of stock. The different classes of stock in one company are often called Class A and Class B. The first class, class A, essentially gives the stock owner more votes per share of stock than the owners of class B stock. The ability to create different classes of stock in a corporation has existed since 1987. Many investors avoid stock that has more than one class, and stocks that have more than one class are not called common stock.



The most upscale type of stock is of course Preferred Stock. Preferred stock isn’t exactly a stock. It is a mix of a stock and a bond. The owner’s of preferred stock can lay claim to the assets of the company in the case of bankruptcy, and preferred stock holders get the proceeds of the profits from a company before the common stock owners. If you think that you may prefer this preferred stock, be aware that the company typically has the right to buy the stock back from the stock owner and stop paying dividends.



Like this article? Different Types of Stock

Tips to Check and Improve Your Credit Score

Tips to Check and Improve Your Credit Score


You're in your home watching your favorite television show. Since you're enjoying it too much, you run out of snacks. So you put on a jacket, and scramble your way outdoors to go to the nearest store. When suddenly you stop and walk your way back towards your house. What could be the reason behind this?

Well, it's quite simple. You can't proceed to the store because you haven't paid your debt. If you're always like this, there is a big chance that you can't handle bigger debts. And with the overabundance of people incurring debts everyday, they are looking for quick and easy ways to improve their credit scores.


Credit scores helps in building a good credit history, so if you constantly leave your bills unpaid, and don’t take your credit transactions seriously, your credit score will eventually go down.


If you have credit, you must be responsible enough to repay what you owe, otherwise this will reflect in your credit report. Suppose now you have a low credit score; its time that you start improving or cleaning it up little by little. How will you do it? Consider the following tips:



1. Review your credit report on an annual basis. There are three credit-reporting agencies, so you must get a copy of your credit report from each agency. Check for any mistakes, and if you do find some, you must have it corrected. This will usually take about three months before the change can take effect. If you are planning to apply for a loan, you must do this ahead of time.



2. Start paying all your dues on time, and if you can afford it, always pay the bill in full. Don’t leave balances because this will greatly help in improving your score.



3. If you have a credit card, you may want to start paying your remaining balance until you've reached about 25% of the credit limit.



4. Credit insuring is important if you want to purchase a car. Having a car nowadays is important especially if you need to travel every now and then. Car dealers can help in arranging your finances. This is called repossession insurance. Though it can be expensive, it is one way to improve your credit score and secure vehicle loan.



5. Start applying for account overdraft if you have a checking account. This means that you can issue a check more than what you actually have in your checking account without getting extra charges. The excess amount will be reflected in your monthly bill. Banks report to credit agencies, so make sure that you pay your debt on time to have your credit score improved.



6. Join clubs which charges annual fees and those that report to credit bureaus. Just make sure that you meet all the club's requirements. Some clubs arrange for financing, and if you receive credit, pay your debt on time. This is also one way to improve your credit score.



If you follow the tips mentioned, you're on your way to repairing your credit report. Your credit score is your only way to getting finance on credit, so make sure that once you've improved it, stay on the right track and avoid getting bad debt again.



Maintaining a high credit score entails great responsibility and discipline. Start now, while you still have room for improvement.




Like this article? Tips to Check and Improve Your Credit Score

The Budget – The Ultimate Financial Management Tool

The Budget – The Ultimate Financial Management Tool






A carpenter uses a set of house plans to build a house. If he didn’t the bathroom might get overlooked altogether.



Rocket Scientists would never begin construction on a new booster rocket without a detailed set of design specifications. Yet most of us go blindly out into the world without an inkling of an idea about finances and without any plan at all.



Not very smart of us, is it?



A money plan is called a budget and it is crucial to get us to our desired financial goals.



Without a plan we will drift without direction and end up marooned on a distant financial reef.



If you have a spouse or a significant other, you should make this budget together. Sit down and figure out what your joint financial goals are…long term and short term.



Then plan your route to get to those goals. Every journey begins with one step and the first step to attaining your goals is to make a realistic budget that both of you can live with.



A budget should never be a financial starvation diet. That won’t work for the long haul. Make reasonable allocations for food, clothing, shelter, utilities and insurance and set aside a reasonable amount for entertainment and the occasional luxury item. Savings should always come first before any spending.



Even a small amount saved will help you reach your long term and short term financial goals. You can find many budget forms on the internet. Just use any search engine you choose and type in “free budget forms”.



You’ll get lots of hits. Print one out and work on it with your spouse or significant other. Both of you will need to be happy with the final result and feel like it’s something you can stick to.



Like this article? The Budget – The Ultimate Financial Management Tool

Chasing a Chase Credit Card?

Chasing a Chase Credit Card?




Credit cards indeed have become one of most indispensable tools in managing finances nowadays. Aside from being an effective way of obtaining credit, credit cards also make it easier for people to spend their money the right way. That is why making the crucial decision of choosing the right credit card should be paid more attention.



One of the most popular brand names of credit cards in the market today is the Chase credit card. Like any other credit cards, Chase credit card is a brand name of credit card like MasterCard or Visa that is accepted worlwide. Aside from Chase credit card, the company also offers travel cards, Auto & Gas cards and student cards. Indeed, there are a number of ways in which Chase credit card can be advantageous and beneficial. Probably, the best feature Chase credit card has is the convenience it offers to busy and working people. A Chase credit card is also perfect for customers who are comfortable online. Aside from making it easy for the customer to maintain their account online, Chase credit card lets you check your balance and pay your bills through a secured web site.



Having a chase credit card is quite convenient for the customer because it lets the credit card holder purchase goods easily and quickly whether they buy it directly, over the phone, or even on-line. Since Chase Credit cards are international cards, it is beneficial for people who travel a lot because they can use it all over the world wherever they see the Chase credit card logo.



More and more people are choosing a Chase credit card because it offers a lot of credit card processing alternatives. Because Chase credit cards offers a wide array of processing options, many people appreciate it compared to other brands. One of the most enticing offer Chase credit cards has is that it is available in numerous places. Chade credit cards also offer many deals and promotions like lower introductory APRs and waived membership fees that allow the holder to save more money.



There are alos many types of Chase credit card that offer reward programs for every purchase the holder makes. For instance, one type of Chase credit card allows you to earn travel miles for every dollar spent using your your Chase credit card. Another type of Chase credit card also allows you to earn reward points for every dollar you spend. These points will then enable you to purchase from a Chase credit card catalogue and they will have your chosen item shipped to right next to your doorstep! These reward options you get from using a Chase credit card are great because it will give your tangible gifts and rewards, free trips and wonderful merchandise without spending a single cent. A Chase credit card is handpicked by many people because its company makes sure that they give good customer service to its customers. Aside from getting all the great deals the card offers, having a Chase credit card can also give the holder instant access to customer support around 24/7. This will enable the customer to contact someone if his or her Chase credit card is stolen. Apart from this round-the-clock feature, Chase credit card also protects its customers from identity of thieves.



When you apply for Chase credit card, some of the benefits include 0% intro APR on all purchases and balance transfers you make for up to six months. Chase credit card does not charge any annual fee so it will fit your budget and, a Chase credit card have interest-free grace period as long as you pay your bill in full each month. Having a Chase credit card also allows the holder to earn cash rewards on purchases and cash rewards. Apart from these, chase credit card has no balance transfer fee for balances transferred during the introductory period and you have the privilege to apply online over a secure server.



Although it offers a lot of advantages, bear in mind that a chase credit card it is still a credit card. And like any other credit cards, there are also a number of ways in which chase credit card usage can be less positive.





Like this article? Chasing a Chase Credit Card?

Depreciation

Depreciation




Depreciation is a term we hear about frequently, but don't really understand. It's an essential component of accounting however. Depreciation is an expense that's recorded at the same time and in the same period as other accounts. Long-term operating assets that are not held for sale in the course of business are called fixed assets. Fixed assets include buildings, machinery, office equipment, vehicles, computers and other equipment. It can also include items such as shelves and cabinets. Depreciation refers to spreading out the cost of a fixed asset over the years of its useful life to a business, instead of charging the entire cost to expense in the year the asset was purchased. That way, each year that the equipment or asset is used bears a share of the total cost. As an example, cars and trucks are typically depreciated over five years. The idea is to charge a fraction of the total cost to depreciation expense during each of the five years, rather than just the first year.



Depreciation applies only to fixed assets that you actually buy, not those you rent or lease. Depreciation is a real expense, but not necessarily a cash outlay expense in the year it's recorded. The cash outlay does actually occur when the fixed asset is acquired, but is recorded over a period of time.



Depreciation is different from other expenses. It is deducted from sales revenue to determine profit, but the depreciation expense recorded in a reporting period doesn't require any true cash outlay during that period. Depreciation expense is that portion of the total cost of a business's fixed assets that is allocated to the period to record the cost of using the assets during period. The higher the total cost of a business's fixed assets, then the higher its depreciation expense.

Debt Management for Personal Loans

Debt Management for Personal Loans

Personal loans can offer individuals a way to have the funds for an array of uses. Some are necessary while others are for pure enjoyment. It is important that you consider the financial obligation that comes with personal loans. Too often, individuals access money quickly then struggle to repay it. If you don’t have a good budget in place you may find yourself unable to make the payments on your personal loan.

An area where many individuals get into trouble with personal loans is debt consolidation. Within a year most people who use personal loans for this find themselves in even worse financial shape. This is because they have not altered their spending habits any. The result is they charge their credit cards up to the limit and now have those payments to make again as well as a personal loan payment. They may soon find they are drowning in the swimming pool of debt.

Enrolling in a debt management plan may be a great alternative for you to help you meet your financial obligations. Most debt management plans involve working with your creditors to reduce interest rates as well as working with the individual to establish a realistic budget and work to change spending habits.

The first step in the process is to do some research on the debt management programs available. Find out how long they have been in business and check for any reports from customers with the Better Business Bureau. Once you have chosen one, call to discuss your situation with them and schedule an appointment. You will need to bring statements for all of your bills as well as verification of your income.

With a debt management counselor you will discuss your monthly obligations. They will work with your creditors to reduce the interest on your debt. This will reduce your monthly payments. You will then make one monthly payment to the debt management agency. They will then disburse the funds to your creditors. You will continue to get monthly statements from your creditors for your records.

It is important that you understand you can’t use any of your credit cards that you place into a debt management program. Keeping that in mind, you might want to choose one with a very small limit that you pay separately. You will avoid making any additional charges on that credit card unless it is an absolute emergency. You will want to discuss this with your debt management counselor.

Most creditors are willing to accept the terms of a debt management program because it shows you are accepting responsibility for your debt. They want to recoup the money you owe so this is a very realistic way for that to happen. Most debt management agencies have policies in place about missing payments. Generally, if you miss two payments in a row they will drop you from the program. It is important you notify the debt management agency if you are having difficulties with making a payment.

Obtaining credit is often too easy, yet repaying it can be a struggle you have for a large portion of your life. If your personal loans and other debt have spiraled out of control, contact a debt management program to see if they can help your situation.

Like this article? Debt Management for Personal Loans

Is Re-Financing Worth the Hassle?

Is Re-Financing Worth the Hassle?

Some homeowners may never re-finance while others may re-finance frequently. This is a decision which is largely a matter of personal preference. Sure there are some financial benefits which may result from re-financing but for some homeowners these benefits are not worth the hassle of going through a mortgage re-finance. For these homeowners the amount of savings overall or the opportunity to lower monthly payments is simply not worth the effort of investigating the re-financing options, comparison shopping for lenders and paying closing costs to obtain a re-finance.

Are Some Homeowners Just Lazy?

Yes, let’s face it we have all visited a friend’s house to find dust bunnies under the couch or unfolded laundry lying on the floor. However, laziness is usually not the culprit when a homeowner opts not to refinance despite the opportunity for an overall savings or lower monthly payments. In these cases the homeowner may simply decide not to re-finance because they are not confident in making the right decision. These homeowners essentially decide they are happy with their current financial situation and are not willing to make changes which may or may not improve this condition. It is likely that these same homeowners would re-finance their home if all the work was done for them and they were guaranteed an improved financial situation.

Do Some Homeowners Just Not Understand the Financial Benefits?

This may be true as well. Homeowners who do not fully comprehend the potential savings which may be involved in re-financing are not likely to undergo the re-financing process. For these homeowners it may seem as though the efforts are not worthwhile for the benefits that are received. If the homeowner had a clearer understanding of the situation they might have a different opinion but in this case the homeowners may be unable to comprehend the ramifications of a re-finance.

Consider the factors involved in re-financing. Most of the equations use to justify the benefits of re-financing are rather complex. There are calculators available online which make it extremely simple for homeowners to enter the known information and obtain the desired results. However, these calculators typically do not explain how the calculations are performed. This can make it hard for some homeowners to simply accept the results produced by these calculators. When this is the case the homeowner is not likely to be inclined to automatically accept the results generated by these calculators. Additionally, the homeowner may not consider re-financing until they are able to confirm these calculations. Depending on the homeowner’s mathematical skills, this could be either a short process or a long process.

Can You Convince a Homeowner to Re-Finance?

This is a hard question to answer because it depends on a number of factors. Some homeowners may be extremely trusting and may be convinced to re-finance with little effort at all. Conversely some homeowners may be quite guarded in terms of their financial situation. These homeowners may be suspicious of claims that the re-financing can improve their financial situation. These suspicions can make it extremely difficult for a homeowner to be convinced to make a change. Once suspicions begin to develop the homeowner may either seek out more information on the subject or become less receptive to additional information. While one case may lead to the homeowner being more likely to be convinced to re-finance the other case will likely make him less willing to re-finance.

Like this article? Is Re-Financing Worth the Hassle?

How Much Money Should You Invest?

What is financial window dressing?

About Online Trading

Credit card processing

Credit card processing

It comes as a surprise how credit cards have found their way into our lives (and out wallet). Credit cards have gradually turned into becoming a necessity (rather than luxury). You can find credit card processing machines in almost all the shops today. With the advent of internet, online credit card processing has become popular too. ‘Credit card processing’ as such is a really interesting topic. This article tries to put into perspective the people, systems and the equipment that go into credit card processing.

First, let’s check the equipments used for credit card processing. So, there are credit card processing softwares for online credit card processing, there are credit card processing machines (i.e. the credit card reading machines at shops), there are data verification/validation devices/softwares that verify the security information on credit cards, there are communication devices/systems that enable safe transfer of credit card information from one point to another, and then there are other credit card processing equipments like the credit card processing equipment that is used for the preparation of the actual plastic (credit card).

Then there are various service providers that provide services related to credit card processing. There are suppliers for credit card processing equipment and suppliers for online credit card processing services. Then there are postal and courier service that help deliver credit card bills in time. There are merchants/petrol-bunks etc which provide facility of payment collection boxes at their premises (another important aspect of credit card processing).

Besides that there are complete systems for processing credit card applications, there are systems for credit card bill processing/generation, there are people at call centres who help in addressing the queries from credit card holders and, very importantly, there are people (sales representatives) who help you in filling the credit card application forms. Another important entity with regards to ‘credit card processing’ process is the credit rating bureaus. Credit card bureaus maintain a database of credit ratings for individuals and businesses. This rating is based on the data received from various credit providers over a period of time. This rating is the most important part of credit card application processing and a bad rating can lead to rejection of the credit card application altogether.

Thus, credit card processing involves a coordinated effort from a lot of professionals and service providers. In that sense, we can also say that credit card processing is an industry in itself that has generated a lot of employment.


Like this article? Credit card processing

Credit Cards With Cash Rebate

Credit Cards With Cash Rebate

Credit cards with cash rebate incentives give you cash rewards each and every time you make a purchase with your credit card. Although there are many types of reward credit cards out there, more and more companies are leaning towards cash back incentives, as most people prefer to receive cash back over any other type of reward.

For many, getting cash back is far preferred over air miles, items, or any other reward. If you like to use your credit card often, then you’ll find that cash rebate credit cards will give you a lot of money in return.

Normally, these types of credit cards entail higher fees and APR. You don’t want to carry a high balance on these cards at any time, as it normally ends up very costly. If you can off your balance at the end of the month, then your APR won’t affect you. Paying off your bill will also allow you to take full advantage of the cash rebate reward.

The percentage of cash back will vary, although most normally have 1%, with 5% being applied with certain purchases. For every purchase you make using your cash rebate credit card, you’ll get a small amount of cash back. Using your credit card on a frequent basis will give you a lot of cash back at the end of the year.

If you make big purchases, you can get a lot of cash back by using your credit card, although some may have a limit on just how much of a rebate you get back. If you plan to purchase large items such as furniture, you should check into your cash rebate credit card and find out what the rebate is on these types of purchases. The better rebate cards will normally send a lot of rebate cash your way just for purchasing some of the larger items.

Before you get a cash rebate credit card, you should always find out how much of a reward you will be getting with each purchase, and what the limit may be. Once you have reached the limit, some banks will either send you a check, deposit the reward into your bank account, or simply add the reward to your credit card. All three are wise options, although most prefer to have the money added to their bank account - so it can help draw some interest.

If you research the rebate card and find out what other features are included, you’ll normally come out a winner. Make sure you inquire about the credit limit, fees, and other things that you feel you should find out. Once you have researched and found out what you need to know - you can get a cash rebate credit card and begin living life knowing you will be getting cash back for just about anything you purchase.

PPPPP

(word count 474)

Like this article? Credit Cards With Cash Rebate

Spend Wisely to Save Money

Rebates – Reward or Rip Off?

Rebates – Reward or Rip Off?


Rebates have become increasingly popular in the last few years on a lot of items and certainly on electronic items and computers. Rebates of $20, $50 or $100 are not uncommon.

I’ve even seen items advertised as “free after rebate”. Do these rebates come under the heading of “too good to be true”? Some of them do and there are “catches” to watch out for but if you are careful, rebates can help you get some really good deals.

The way a rebate works is that you pay the listed price for an item then mail in a form and the bar code to the manufacturer and they send you a refund thus reducing the price of what you paid for the item except with a time delay of several weeks.


Rule #1. Rebates from reputable companies are usually just fine.

You can be pretty sure you will get the promised rebate from Best Buy, Amazon or Dell but you should probably not count on getting one from a company you’ve never heard of. If you really want the product and are OK with paying the price listed then buy it but don’t count on actually getting the refund.


Rule #2. Check rebate expiration dates.

Many times products will stay on the shelf of a retailer after the date for sending in the rebate offer has expired so check that date carefully.


Rule #3. Be sure you have all the forms required to file for the rebate before you leave the store.

Rebates will almost always require a form to be filled out, a receipt for the purchase and a bar code.

Rule #4. Back up your rebate claim.

Make copies of everything you send in to get your rebate including the bar code. Stuff gets lost in the mail all the time and if the rebate is for $50 it’s worth the trouble to back up your claim.

Like this article? Rebates – Reward or Rip Off?

Top Six Financial-Planning Tips for 2010

Volunteering in your community. Putting a regular workout schedule in place--and sticking to it. Tackling that pile of books that is fast taking over your nightstand.

If you're like many people, your 2010 to-do list is rapidly growing unwieldy. So the last thing you need is a long and unrealistic list of financial to-dos thrown into the mix.

But getting a grip on your finances needn't be a massive undertaking. In fact, you can accomplish many key tasks in a half-hour or less. (In fact, I coach you on completing 36 such tasks in my upcoming book, 30-Minute Money Solutions.) So go ahead and get a jump-start on your 2010 plans by tackling some of the key issues below. You'll be done before you know it.

1) Rebalance. (Or don't.)
When it comes to your investments, a strategy of benign neglect is often more fruitful than a more active approach. That’s why I'm a big believer in making changes to your portfolio on an infrequent basis, mainly when your allocations to stocks, bonds, or cash are more than 5 or even 10 percentage points different from your targets--a process called rebalancing. As you rebalance, pay the most attention to your exposure to broad asset classes; those allocations are going to be the biggest determinant of how your portfolio behaves. But also consider how your investments are arrayed across various subasset classes. Following this year's rally, aggressive holdings such as emerging markets, technology, and commodities are apt to be in need of a trim, whereas tamer positions such as high-quality bonds and dividend-paying stocks may be consuming a smaller portion of your portfolio than you intended them to. (Eyeballing the Sector Valuation graph in the top right-hand corner of the Stocks cover page gives you a quick view of where our analysts think the bargains are--and are not.)

This article details how to rebalance.

2) Check withdrawal rates.
If you're already retired and taking distributions from your portfolio, check up on whether your withdrawals are realistic given the size of your nest egg. A 4% annual portfolio withdrawal rate is often considered "safe," but that may not be a livable amount for those who aren't superwealthy. T. Rowe Price's free Retirement Income Calculator enables you to play around with the variables, such as changing your asset allocation, to help determine how much you can safely withdraw in retirement. The calculator is also helpful for those who are still in accumulation mode: You can model the effects of continuing to work part-time in retirement, deferring Social Security for a few years, or increasing your equity position.

3) Build liquidity if taking distributions.
On a related note, those who are over age 70 1/2 and taking required minimum distributions from company retirement plans or IRA portfolios will have to resume distributions in 2010, after being allowed to skip them last year. Thus, you'll want to make sure that your portfolio includes adequate liquidity to help you meet your distributions. If you don't have cash on hand, it's time to think about what to sell to raise it.

4) Consider an IRA conversion.
I've been extolling the virtues of IRA conversions for more than a year now, and all savers, regardless of income level, will get their chance beginning in 2010. Those who heretofore have not amassed any IRA assets because they earn too much will also be able to get into a Roth through the back door next year. Although income limits on IRA contributions will remain in place, higher-income savers can make a nondeductible IRA contribution in 2009 and again in 2010, and then convert those assets to Roth status in 2010. It's possible that Congress may close this loophole down the line, given that it doesn't make sense to leave the income limits in place for initial contributions but not conversions. But for now it looks like an opportunity.

The key benefit of converting to a Roth is that you'll pay taxes now in exchange for tax-free withdrawals in retirement, which seems like a pretty good trade-off given that taxes are widely expected to drift upward in the years ahead. (Some of you have been worrying that Congress could decide to tax Roth IRA withdrawals. There are no certainties, but in my view this would be a politically precarious step to take given that the Roth has been the province of middle-class investors for much of its existence.)

The Roth also makes sense from the standpoint of estate planning. Unlike traditional IRAs, the Roth doesn't require mandatory distributions, thereby allowing your assets to compound and increasing the amount you can pass to your spouse or heirs. Your heirs, in turn, will be able to receive tax-free distributions on those assets, and they'll also be able to accept distributions over an extended period, further stretching out the tax benefits and enabling those assets to compound on a tax-free basis.

The second key estate-planning benefit relates to estate taxes. Because you've already paid tax on Roth assets, the overall nest egg that you pass to your heirs will be smaller under the estate tax system, and therefore could help to reduce your estate-tax liability. The traditional IRA assets, by contrast, will be included in your estate-tax liability, even though your heirs will have to pay taxes on those assets. (Of course, the estate tax is another issue that will probably be revisited in Washington in the coming years.)

5) Earn a higher guaranteed return on your cash.
With interest rates way down, investors in search of a guaranteed rate of return on their cash are really getting squeezed. CDs and money market funds are hardly yielding anything, but the risks of venturing into higher-yielding investments were laid bare by colossal blowups at funds like Schwab YieldPlus (NASDAQ:SWYSX - News).

Assuming you have ample cash in your emergency fund to cover any additional expenses you anticipate within the next year or two, one of the best possible uses of your cash is to prepay your mortgage. Of course, you won't have the same access to your capital that you would have by parking your cash in a money market fund or even stocks and bonds. But by prepaying your principal on a more aggressive schedule than your lender requires, you'll earn a guaranteed return on your cash that's far higher than what you can earn in safe investments. Those who are nearing retirement or are paying private mortgage insurance will be particularly good candidates for this strategy; ditto for those who have had their mortgages for awhile and don't have much in the way of deductible interest. This article discusses the ins and outs of prepaying your mortgage.

6) Strategize in preparation for 2011.
All's quiet on the tax front for 2010, meaning that dividend and long-term capital gains tax rates will remain relatively low: 15% for most investors. However, that favorable tax treatment is set to sunset in 2011, meaning that most long-term capital gains would be dunned at 20% and dividends would again be treated as ordinary income.

Basing your investment decisions on taxes alone is invariably a mistake; it's also possible that Congress could extend the currently favorable dividends and capital gains tax rates. But if you were thinking about selling something anyway and the security is trading well above the price you paid for it, you're better off doing so in 2010 than waiting until 2011 or beyond.

Morningstar Premium Members get access to over 3,900 Stock and Fund Analyst Reports, Analyst Picks, and award-winning portfolio tools. Learn More.

Spend Wisely to Save Money