How to Use the Debt Snowball to Pay Off Credit Card Debt

September 19, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Having a great deal of debt can, indeed, be depressing.

Credit card debt is expensive, and it seems to be paid down at a rather slow rate.  Because of the high interest charged, if you are only paying the minimum balance, it can take years to pay off your credit card — and you could end up repaying an amount several times what you originally borrowed.

One way to feel as though you are making better progress with paying down your debt is to employ the debt snowball method popularized by Dave Ramsey. The debt snowball is a way of systematically paying down your credit card debt, while remaining enthusiastic about the process.

How to Use the Debt Snowball to Pay Off Credit Card Debt

Step 1: Order Your Credit Card Debts

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Why You Should Regularly Check Your Credit Report

September 11, 2012 by Leave a Comment

One of the realities of the current way that we interact with money as a society is that credit is important.

Indeed, credit history is one of the most important elements of your finances.  Building your credit is vital if you want the best interest rates, and even if you want lower rates for your insurance policies.

If you want to build your credit history, one of the easiest ways is to use a credit card.  Credit cards can help you build your credit, and improve the chances that you are approved for loans, and that you get the best possible interest rates on loans, saving you money.

However, just having credit cards isn’t enough.

You also need to keep track of what’s happening with your credit report.

What is a Credit Report?

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Filed Under: Credit Report and Credit Score

American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Review

August 28, 2012 by Leave a Comment

For years, American Express has been known as a card issuer that charges anual fees.  That reputation has been fading, though, due in large part to the introduction of the American Express Blue Cash Everyday(SM) credit card.

This card features an easy to use rewards program — and one that is reasonably generous.  On top of that, there is no annual fee.

The American Express Blue Cash Everday card can be of benefit to those who use their cards for everyday purchases, as the name implies.  Read on for our American Express Blue Cash review…

Blue Cash Everyday Rewards

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Use a Business Credit Card to Establish Business Credit

August 21, 2012 by Leave a Comment

If you are serious about your business as a separate entity that needs to do business on its own, you need to establish business credit.

One of the most effective ways to establish a credit history of any kind is to have a business card that can be used to make purchases and help your business establish a measure of financial credibility.

Establishing Business Credit

Before you get a credit card, it helps to take a few preliminary steps: [Read more...]

Filed Under: Business

Are Those Credit Card Rewards Worth It?

August 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment

It can be exciting to see that credit cards will give you cash, or other rewards, just because you spend money.

However, it’s important to realize that not all credit card reward programs are worth the trouble.  Indeed, some of them have such difficult redemption policies, and there might be other costs, that significantly reduce the value of your rewards.

Before you start spending like crazy, consider the value of the rewards, and whether or not they will really work for you.

And consider some of your habits.  You could be following financial practices that reduce the value in your credit cards, and not even realize it.

Points, Miles, and Cash Back

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Tackling Debt: Start with the Credit Cards

August 14, 2012 by Leave a Comment

When it comes to tackling debt, it can be difficult to decide what you should tackle first.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to be a tough choice.

Start with the credit cards, and you are likely to see good results. This is because credit cards generally have high interest rates.  If you start with your credit cards, you are more likely to get rid of the highest rate debt first, and let you concentrate on other debt later.

Paying Down High Interest Debt

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How Does Your Credit Report Affect Your Credit Score?

August 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Your credit score is based on an algorithm that takes the information found in your credit report and reduces to a number.

Your credit history is the basis for your credit score, and it is important that the information in your credit report is accurate — and positive. Negative information in your credit report will bring down your credit report, and it could cost you money.

Sexy stuff, right?  But you need to know about them.  Below you will see how your credit report affects your credit score.  Understanding this is key to making sure you have a great credit score and get the best rates on loans as well as better rates on insurance and more.

What Effect Does Your Credit Report Have on Your Credit Score?

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Filed Under: Credit Report and Credit Score

Analyzing Store Credit Card Offers

August 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment

No matter where you shop, it seems as though the store has its own credit card.

And, to draw more shoppers to their cards, many of them are offering rewards programs that rival what you see from major card issuers.

Before you jump on the band wagon or succumb to the pitch of “saving 10% on your purchases today”, consider your options.  You want to make sure that you are getting the best rewards program for you.

Downsides to Store Credit Cards

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Savvy Credit Card Use: Pay Off Your Balance Each Month

August 2, 2012 by Leave a Comment

There’s a reason that plastic is becoming the most popular method of paying for things.

Credit cards are convenient to carry, and they provide a way for you to make large purchases quickly and easily.  Additionally, credit cards can help you establish a financial reputation.

However, it’s important to understand that credit cards also have a dark side.

If you aren’t careful, you could end up in debt.  And one of the ways that it’s easy to slip into debt is by failing to pay off your balance each month.

Avoid Credit Card Debt

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Personalize Your Credit Card – It’s Fun But Be Aware

July 31, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Our society is increasingly interested in self-expression.

We like to feel that things we use are “ours.”  We get vanity license plates or sport jerseys with our own names on the back, among others.

In some cases, this feeling even extends to the way we feel about credit cards.  Many credit card companies let you personalize your credit card, and make it your own in some way.

Ways You Can Personalize Your Credit Card

Teams, Organizations, and Motifs

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Filed Under: Uncategorized
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