Saturday, August 30, 2008

Many Small Business Collapse Because Of This Debt

Category: Finance, Credit.

Credit card debt is one of the leading types of debt in the US and in many parts of the world.



It is an unsecured debt because it does not have any value to support the debt except for the borrower s credit history. It is responsible for a majority of all bankruptcy cases. Therefore, it presents risk to the lender. About one- third of these cases belongs to a group of debtors that owe a minimum of$ 50, 000 in credit card debt. Every year chapter 7 cases discharges about$ 20 billion. This demonstrates that managing this kind of debt is not an easy task.


Usually, the interest is expressed as an annual percentage rate that is charged on the credit being used. In addition, you continue to let the outstanding amount to pile up, it will come a time where you can t pay on time. You can treat this as a fee for the convenience of borrowing money. Failure in paying promptly will force you to bear a high interest rate of 14% . This fee is the price you pay for the ability to spend money today that would otherwise take time to accumulate. Interest on credit cards varies widely.


If you want to get out of debt, then you need a solid strategy. In some situations, the interest can escalate to as high as 29% . However, what if you can t even afford to pay the minimum monthly instalment? But most of the times, you would end up with more debt because of you borrow money to settle your financial commitment. The you have to find some creative ways to amass the money. You can manage this debt but it depends on how much risk you are willing to take.


If you don t feel under pressure, then perhaps you can wait until a third party take over the credit. It also depends on the creditors. You can reinstate your account with lower interest rates through re- againg. The other method is to calculate a monthly payment that you can commit. You can consult your lawyer about it. Make sure you don t stretch the repayment period too long, preferably between 4 and 6 years. Many small business collapse because of this debt.


Then check some debt consolidation loans that can match your requirement. Therefore, you should try to clear whatever money you owe the credit card companies. As a personal debt, you may face the risk of losing personal assets such as your home or car. Bringing the balance forward will accrue higher interest rates. Therefore, it is better to eliminate it before it becomes unmanageable. With the card, many people find it easy to spend for the value which is equivalent to an immediate loan for both purchases and cash advances.


Credit card debt is the primary cause that drives so many people to fall into this financial trap. Almost every thing that they buy, they use credit. Don t let it destroy your financial life. It is one of the most costly debt you ever accumulate in your life.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Are You Over Hampered With Debts

Category: Finance, Credit.

Are you over hampered with debts?



Do you want to sidestep insolvency or arrears? Are you not able to achieve these arrears? Did you answer yes to all questions? Debt board solution is a way of paying your sum unpaid with a cyclic compensation that you can afford on your peculiar circumstances. If so, then debt managing solution is for you. No distrust to get your creditors decide to lower frequent can be hard as the are time and again attached with the word no. Debt supervision solution will take chief care to prove the creditor as many turn down the promise.


But to make your agree is not terrible. The resulting ways by which the debt bosses solution you are- - 1) Go through your business with you. 2) Agree an affordable 30- day expense with you. 3) Prepare a Financial Statement and Budget. 4) Negotiate with your creditors. 5) Distribute your payments to your. But the invalidation written notice is within 7 days of making the concurrence. One more thing you may remember while taking debt organization solution is you can revoke the harmony and be authorized to a full reimbursement of money. This is proven as& lsquo. PassÃ�  © after which debt running solution ordinary conditions apply.


Preservation off& rsquo. Once the debt managers solution programme is under way you can stop the deal any time and no penalty is added to it. The benefit can be used as long as you want until you feel assertive to deal with your creditors once more. As such there is no tiniest or maximum time contract. Of procedure no debt is diminutive if you can& ;t afford it. In not maintaining payments at the agreed level and on the agreed dates your creditor may with draw his upkeep for the plan.


But debt management solution is of use for those who are with portly amounts of amount overdue, predictably in spare of �20, 00Debt administration solution is practical to unsecured debts and not to secured like utilities, mortgages etc which, CCJs you persist to pay and debt executives assistance is not compulsory. But as said& lsquo. Must be the proverb of your clearing sum unpaid. Prevention is better than cure& rsquo. Debt directors solution not only your debt but also improves your credit history. It is actually not a good thing that many people are misguided into taking loans that are not applicable to their monetarist situation. Loan borrowing is like once in a life time decision and much is at investment.


This leads to many united doubts. The difficult with this solution of debt problems is that it includes a lot more than straightforwardly eliminating debt. A debt solution like economic failure should if truth be told only be used as a last possible solution. When name declares them self bankrupted, all debt assortment comportment against that person are. The most worthy exception is that when a loan is by chattels can seek help from the stay and seize that material goods. The enclosure an" automatic stay" , which- with a few exceptions earnings that creditors come after the money owed to them. The extra are pupil loan debt, child pillar and, alimony.


This acreage is then sold and the profits are distributed in addition to the creditors. The behind for the person who seeks this solution to do away with his debt is that he or she must hand over all non- exempt house. There are two of this solution of your debt problems: . Chapter 13 allows a person to keep most of their income, but have to make a plan to pay the debt back to based on their coming income. Chapter 7which that a person is requisite to hand over much of their home, but cannot seek reparation from further income. Under this plan, the patio can require to live within a very severe cheap. One of the biggest weakness is that both debt wipe out plans will significantly impact a person s credit rate.


As you see, there are to both debt removal. For this intention, yourself bankrupt is a solution of your debt problems that be duty- bound to be evaluated very thoroughly and protectively. A form in debt by and large machinery with a debt consolidation psychoanalyst to find a way to consolidation all the debt he or she has into one, practicable once- a- month payment. Debt consolidation and KEYWORD is designed to lower the season and the concentration rate of a soul who has a large aggregate of debt. The debt psychotherapist frequently will do a free debt consolidation evaluation to come up with a plan. However, the consumer is under no gratitude to accede the plan. If the potential shopper agrees to the plan, it is put into situation.


The term" debt consolidation" is often distorted and can be mistreated by mortgage brokers and banks in group to sell big name in debt a high gain another mortgage or to encourage them to refinance their home. A loan or KEYWORD is in all chance not the maximum way out to a debt badly- behaved. A following mortgage or refinancing can, in the long run, put a person more into debt and is certainly not a good blend. Debt consolidation enables one to solve the fundamental problems of high debt without having to take sweeping steps like declaring bankruptcy. If there are any questions or doubts, they should be discussed with the debt consolidation loan analyst. A defaulter should basic make sure that the jargon of the debt consolidation online loan are unstated.


The assistance of a debt consolidation loan can be numerous. Over limit and late fees are often eliminated by making one customary month- long payments on time. Monthly incidentals are in general reduced by up to 50% . Delinquent accounts turn to current standing again boosting the pledgerР� Ðâ� �� Р� †�. ¡ÃÂ ²Ã¢â‚¬ �. ¾Ã�? �. ¾s credit ranking to a pleasing equal. It would be best to find the most cost efficient liquid in the shortest period of time, but summon up that doing correct due diligence past to you construction a" buying" decision is basic. Once you ve identified KEYWORD your main debt problematic, what s left is to take action in the right way. Choosing the Best Debt Solution for Your NeedsDon t just go with the fundamental proposition you greet.


A debt consolidation loan powerfulness be the answer for you if the hobby and the payment position are beneficial. Uniformed consumers tend to privileged a solution based on what their friends or intimate recommend, your own debt explanation may be different dependent on the extent of debt you are in and your financial capabilities. This doesn t mean that the best resolution would be to consolidate your debt. Debt Settlement and Negotiation can be achieved by outcome good mix providers. You may find it nifty to reference a credit counselor if the amount of debt you are in isn t too high. The vast popular of debt controlling organizations will operate payments for you and negotiate the attention rates with your creditors, if achievable.


Keep in mind that if your situation is similar to this one you will need to acquaintance a sub- prime building society to help consolidate your debt. Problematic Credit ScoresPeople with bad credit that are submerged in debt may find the best cocktail to be a debt consolidation loan for bad credit ratings. If credit card debt is the main problem you influence have to put up some security in regularity to get a loan at the best attentiveness rate.

Read more...

In Reality, This Overdraft Doesn T Exist, But Your Credit Card Issuer Is Not To Know This So Long As You Don T Choose A Card Issued By Your Own Bank - Amanda Caviness's Finance and Credit blog:

Most people are well aware of the old credit card game of exploiting 0% balance transfer deals to avoid paying interest on their debt, shifting the balance from card to card, always moving the debt along before the end of the introductory period to avoid interest charges almost indefinitely.

The Qantas Premium Card Gives Full Benefits And Bonuses That Enhance Its Appeal - Finance and Credit:

The biggest trend among credit card companies today is in the realm of travel related rewards.

Never Email Your Credit Card Details To Anyone - Allison Darrigo's Finance and Credit blog:

Many people enjoy the ease and convenience of paying for goods and services with a credit card.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

However, Have You Explored All Your Options Or Bankruptcy Alternatives

Category: Finance, Credit.

Because of some reasons or others, if you have caught yourself in the heavy piles of various kinds of debts, you might be thinking about filing bankruptcy to relieve the pressure of debt. You should note that the bankruptcy is going to be there on your financial record for the next seven to ten years.



However, have you explored all your options or bankruptcy alternatives? In this age where many things run on credit, a person with a bad credit score will have a hard time. If you are not sure, it is advisable that you work out all your options before you go ahead and file a court petition for bankruptcy. So, are you sure that filing bankruptcy is the only thing that can bring for you the much desired debt relief? It will help you decide whether your decision of filing bankruptcy is a right step towards earning you a debt- free life. Review Your Income And Expenses. It is important because of the fact that bankruptcy comes with lots of severe negative impacts on your future financial life.


The first thing that you have to do is to do an extensive review of your income and expenses. Work Out The Possibilities Of The Loan Repayment With The Money Left. Your objective should be to figure out how much money will be left to you on a monthly basis after deducting all the necessary expenses the day- to- day expenses that you cannot live without. Now with the money left, you will have to work out whether it is possible for you to repay all the loans that you owe in the next three years. Here, you should note that even your creditors will not like you to file for bankruptcy because that will risk the money they have lent and they may not be able to get their money back. It does not matter whether you have taken loans for one year or six months, if you are sure that you can repay the loans in the next three years, you can negotiate with your creditors regarding that.


Therefore, it is very likely that the creditors will readily agree to extend the loan tenure. Availing The Services Of An Expert Credit Counselor. However, they may increase the amount of interest payable, the bottom line, but again is that paying a higher interest rate is better than filing bankruptcy. If you are not able to work out all these things yourself and you find things a bit complicated, it is recommended for you to avail the valuable services of an expert credit counselor. They will teach you how to manage your finances accordingly in an effective manner. They will show you the way to avoid filing bankruptcy and pay off all your debts with the means available to you.

Read more...

Is Your Business Considered High Risk - Finance and Credit:

Is your business considered high risk? In credit card processing, there are many different reasons why a business may be considered high risk.

Special OPEN( R) The Small Business Network Features - Finance and Credit Articles:

If an unmatched business credit card with fee free membership reward program, from one of the leading credit card providers in USA is your priority, the Platinum Business From American Express is the right credit card for you.

But, How Do You Get The Most Out Of Your Business Credit Card - Ana Imhoff about Finance and Credit:

Business reward credit card offer a lot to the small business in terms of savings, business travel, cashback, hotel stay, protection and other, insurance facilities. Strange it might sound, but the fact is that most of the small businesses aren t even able to enjoy a fraction of the business reward credit card benefits.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Credit Card Debt Is No Longer A Problem

Category: Finance, Credit.

Debt has become a way of life for everyone these days. However, in all these cases there is bad credit debt consolidation to bail you out of it.



There could be many reasons for debt like credit cards or bad financial planning etc. These loans allow you to club all your loans and dues under a single head and repay them at reduced rates of interest. Making multiple payments under different rates of interest can really tell on your already depleted finances. This allows you to conserve your resources as well as saves you a lot of tension. With consolidation services you are reassured that you will be able to stabilize your finances pretty quickly and will be able to repair your credit score soon. The consolidation program will function keeping in mind your needs, and present options, resources accordingly. Bad credit debt consolidation provides assistance like consolidation loans, bad credit counseling etc which help in the repayment process of the loans and also in better financial planning for the future.


Credit Card Debt Is No Longer A Problem. Feeling crushed under debt and thinking about bankruptcy is not the only options open to all those in debt. Bad credit debt consolidation works for all kinds of loans and dues like credit card debt consolidation etc. With debt counseling, one can learn the right approach towards finance management and ensure that they stay out of debt in the future. Counselors give individual attention to your problems and suggest means not only to get out of the present fix but also design charts and plans for you to follow in the future. What is the benefit of seeking consolidation of loans now and falling into debt all over again?


Shopping around for the consolidation quotes is the best way to find something worthwhile. However, you need to make a choice according to your requirements. There are many companies around that offer good deals. Some companies offer you the option of clubbing your debts under a head, while some on the other hand offer to speak to your creditors and negotiate terms with them. However, one thing is for sure that loans consolidation scores over bankruptcy. Its up to you to decide which the best debt program is. Filing for bankruptcy shows on your records for quiet some time but with consolidation options you can be back on the track comparatively quickly.

Read more...

Ask The Debt Consolidation Pro How Can A Bad Credit Credit Card Improve Your Credit - Finance and Credit Articles:

If your credit ratings have been at the receiving end for all the reasons that can attract bad ratings you need to stop and assess your debit situation. This will help you assess your debit situation and arrive at a decision on how to improve it.

It Is The Credit Card - Finance and Credit Blog:

The world is constantly changing. Convenience wins out over qualities such as loyalty, and discipline, steadiness.

Why Should You Avail Of A Credit Card - Finance and Credit Blog:

Life without credit cards is hard to imagine these days.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Having A Credit Card Is Almost Essential These Days

Category: Finance, Credit.

Having a credit card is almost essential these days.



Credit cards are also a convenient way to prove identity and to apply for things such as movie store memberships and for online purchases. They are the most commonly accepted forms of payment, even available for use from locations that do not take debit cards. Still, as ubiquitous as credit cards seem to be, many people choose not to carry one. Some people choose not to carry a credit card because the application procedure is invasive, asking questions about employment and credit history. The reasons for this decision can be varied. Others avoid credit cards because they do not like the idea of spending money that they do not have.


These are all sound reasons for not carrying a credit card, but for those who approach plastic with caution, there are alternatives that will still open all the possibilities of credit cards without the setbacks. Still others lack the credit history to qualify for a card. Prepaid credit cards offer a way around all the uncomfortable credit card alternatives, and can be used wherever credit cards are accepted. Not only will users enjoy the benefits of a credit card, they will also be able to go with a card uniquely designed for the Elvis fan. In the case of the Elvis Prepaid MasterCard Card, users will be able to use their card wherever MasterCard is accepted. This card comes with a special Elvis graphic on the front, one that is sure to draw comments from everyone who sees it.


The Elvis Prepaid MasterCard works along the same lines as other prepaid cards. The card also carries the personal signature of The King! In order to use the card, cardholders must first have a balance on it, which is gained by" loading" the card with money. As soon as the balance is gone, the card can no longer be used for transactions until it is loaded again. This way, users will never spend money that they do not have. You can load the card by making a transfer from your bank, by using a money order, or by having your employer deposit your pay directly onto the card account.


However, users can take advantage of the Internet when it comes to managing their card and their account. Unlike other prepaid credit cards, the Elvis Prepaid MasterCard does not work for online purchases. Users can check their balance 24 hours a day over the Internet, and can also see their last five withdrawals and deposits. Finally, this Prepaid MasterCard also offers a telephone assistance line that is open 24 hours a day. They may also use the Internet site to see all of the transactions they have ever made. Users of the card can call this line in the event that a card is lost or stolen, or to check on their balances and activity. In addition, this card also charges an activation fee and a monthly usage fee.


Cash withdrawals can be made through an ATM, but additional fees will be charged.

Read more...

But, It Hurts The Credit Card Holder In More Than One Ways - Michelle Mingus's Finance and Credit blog:

When a business such as hotel blocks or keeps your credit card on hold for certain amount while you avail the services of the hotel or business is termed as credit card blocking. When a person checks into a hotel and uses his/ her credit card for registration, the booking clerk contacts the credit card company and depending on your estimated stay will tell the credit card company about your bill.

You Re Able To Sit Down, Take Your Time And Read What Each Credit Card Is About - Finance and Credit:

As a university student looking for a credit card, everything is going to be foreign to you at first.

Still, There Are Sometimes When There Are Discrepancies Put On Your Credit Report That Rightfully Should Not Be There - Finance and Credit Articles:

If there is any way you could get your bad credit back up to where it used to be, or at least up to a descent level so that you could have a better chance of getting credit in the future, would you do it? But do you really have to wait the entire seven to ten years to have the discrepancies taken off of your credit report, or is there a better, quicker way for you to get your credit back on track?

Thursday, August 21, 2008

What Is It That Determine Is If You Get Low Interest Credit Cards

Category: Finance, Credit.

A low APR credit card is the best option for securing credit by far. Yet, it is very clear to most of us that our credit score is the main factor in what makes this number high or low.



The lower your interest rate is, the less you have to pay for borrowing money and using your card. The better your credit has been, the better your ability to secure a low APR credit card. Of course there is. Is there anything you can do to better your opportunities? Why Low APR Is Important. This number will define how much the credit lender will charge you to use their service. If you are looking at two credit card offers that have come your way, you want to determine which one offers you the lowest APR, or annual percentage rate.


Even a few fractions of a rate will matter greatly. The lower the interest rate is, the less you have to pay. If you carry a balance on your credit card, as most people do, you will be charged interest on that amount. What Determines It? There are many things that play a role in what you are offered, how much you are offered, as well as in the interest you will be charged. What is it that determine is if you get low interest credit cards? One of the most fundamental aspects, is that of, though your credit score.


The lower your score, the more of a risk you are to the company. The ability that you have to secure a low APR is based at least in part on this. Therefore, to keep it worth the while for them, they charge you more in interest. Therefore, you get the lowest APR. If you have a better score, you are less of a risk. How To Lower APR.


So, how do you do that? It goes without saying that if you want to improve your ability to secure low APR credit cards that you would do so by improving your credit. It can be a bit worrisome to individuals that have a low credit score. Pay your bills on time. Here are a few ways to improve your score quickly. Just one late payment on your credit report is going to cost you dearly in your score. Pay down debt quickly.


This mark on your report will hurt you considerably. If you know you will need to extend your credit over the next few months and want to get a low APR credit card, you need to pay down as much debt that you currently have. This is a big plus for you. You create a shift from having too much debt to credit ratio to having more credit than debt. Don t close accounts. This provides for addition debt to create ratio numbers that greatly impact your abilities to secure low APR credit cards.


It pays to have accounts opened with no balance or low balances on them. While we all want low interest credit cards, you are better capable of getting this ability if you work hard at improving that score. You surely can be in a better place when you do get those numbers up and improve your overall ability to secure low APR credit cards in the future. There are many other things to do, including not spending on credit cards and not opening too many accounts at once.

Read more...

The Credit Card Interest Rates Vary From Card To Card - Finance and Credit Articles:

Generally the credit card interest rates are higher than any other loan. The credit card interest rates vary from card to card.

The Credit Card Companies Greet Him With The Following: Very High APR - Finance and Credit Articles:

Having a bad credit and getting good credit card offers simply doesn t happen.

A Prepaid Credit Card Is Yet Another Alternative To Traditional Credit Cards - Finance and Credit:

It can be hard to find a credit card to help rebuild your credit when you have had credit problems such as a bankruptcy.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Chase Credit Card Company Is A Credit Card Brand Owned By JP Morgan Chase& Co, A Pacesetting Wide- Reaching Economic Services Firm

Category: Finance, Credit.

To start up, if you re particular about your privacy and would like to sign up with an Internet credit card company which treats your personal details with the a lot of respect, then locate a credit card company on the Internet whose website www address starts up with https. You have the choice of meeting the minimum payment of the total funds billed to you by your credit card company if you re unable to pay the total amount.



This is no doubt a clue that the website is secure. Nevertheless, meeting the minimum payment makes you eligible for an interest rate charge on the rest of the capital. It is a really well known credit card company that creates a lot of credit cards with a lot of benefits which cut across all layers of the population. Chase Credit Card company is a credit card brand owned by JP Morgan Chase& co, a pacesetting wide- reaching economic services firm. If you re unable to meet your credit debts simply because you re too far behind in payments, you stand the risk of facing bankruptcy and may loose a considerable chunk of your assets in the bid to pay off your debts. A reason as meager as filling in a credit card application form with the false information can deprive you of a credit card as you may be rejected by the credit card corporation. So extreme concern is needed when making use of your credit cards.


Credit card debt consolidation is more so known as balance transfers as it comprises the transfer of loads of debts from many credit cards to a new credit card or credit cards. Secured credit cards, more so known as bad credit cards are as well known as their credit card counterparts and give credit card debtors a likelihood to be free of debt and still utilize a credit card. Bad types of credit cards are typically known as debit credit cards simply because they function more and more as a means of payment instead of a means through which debts are incurred. A good credit card deal is a relative expression that is made use of to describe the procurement of a credit card which matches what the customer wants. To draw the curtain on this piece, credit cards come with loads of offers such as points or earning which come in percentages and are gotten when you make certain purchases at super stores or supermarkets. You can get an excellent credit card deal by extensively ferreting through the ones which are available. Knowing this can help you make the correct decisions.

Read more...

Your Credit Rating Is Everything - Finance and Credit Blog:

Having high interest rates is a hassle. But perhaps, if you are swamped with high interest rates and feel like you deserve a break, there could be a solution.

The Use Of Credit Cards Has Its Own Pros And Cons - Charmaine Kesterson about Finance and Credit:

The use of credit cards is but just an evolution of the ancient merchants form of transacting for their various businesses. The words Credit Card had been mentioned in his novel Looking Backward eleven times, and in the book s sequel named Equality three times.

It Has Always Paid Off To Know How Your Credit Card Works - Finance and Credit Articles:

There is nothing that will protect you better from being ripped off by con artists and thieves than a credit card. Here is something you may want to look for.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

So Don T Panic When Applying For A Credit Card

Category: Finance, Credit.

First of all, you have got to be aware that albeit credit cards come with certain exciting perks such as cash prices or gift certificates, it does not give you the right to spend far more than you are entitled to or you may possibly end up in debt.



It equally guarantees you a speedier relay of your credit card. A benefit of Internet credit card registration is that it saves you both time and finances. Credit card firms that particularize in providing student credit cards make use of the credit card rate or annual credit card rate( APR) , as a check to stop students from exceeding the credit card limit and as a means of encouraging speedy payment of credit card bills. So tremendous caution is compulsory when utilizing your credit cards. If you are unable to meet your credit debts because you are too far behind in payments, you stand the risk of facing bankruptcy and may possibly loose a sizable chunk of your assets in the bid to pay off your debts. The joy of the credit card procedure is that it s gettable for everybody, no matter what, including you wage or condition. Chase credit card, a key credit card firm can be found on the World Wide Web with a mixture of credit cards such as flexible rewards visa signature card, free cash rewards platinum visa card, chase perfect platinum master card and others.


So don t panic when applying for a credit card. It s possible to access the imperative information on the web site- www. The attraction of a business credit card is that it facilitates business costs accounting. Chase. com. More so, the business owner can have an account of his costs drawn up for study or for the record. If you are somebody who loves shopping at a particular retail outlet, determine if the outlet supplies credit cards is a very good way of getting a credit card suited to your needs.


You have got to pay close attention to details when filling out an application for a credit card because any slight oversight may possibly mar your integrity and render you ineligible to get a credit card. To close with, if you are in credit card debt and are planning to consolidate your credit card debt, you have got to make a decision to use cash discreetly and meet payments on time. This decision will really aid you pay off your debts faster.

Read more...

And That, Is Money, My Friend - Finance and Credit Blog:

Everybody, over the ages has had an opinion on money. "Money makes the world go round. " "Money talks. " "It s all about the money. " Money has an important role to play in our day- to- day lives.

The Credit Card Companies Sure Didn T - Finance and Credit Articles:

I couldn t believe what I was seeing.

Find The Best MasterCard Offers For Your Home Or Business Life Today - Erika Pettitt's Finance and Credit blog:

MasterCards are plastic money which is widely used and accepted all over the world. MasterCards are available through many banks and credit organizations.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Be Cautious When Looking At Credit Card Offers

Category: Finance, Credit.

Even if you have a good income, you could be facing escalating credit card debt.



However, you can get it paid off without too much hassle. There are times when this can not be avoided. A 0 apr on balance transfers is possible. Up to recently a balance transfer could be done without a balance fee. Though it should not be considered lightly, using a 0 interest balance transfer, which is paying off the amount owed on one credit card with a different credit card, can be something to take into consideration. Now credit card companies are charging as much as 3% . 0 interest balance transfers are normally for 6- 12 months.


Once introductory rates expire, interest rates can go rather high in the next few years. A high balance can result in having years of credit card debt for many people. It is not unusual for people to discover that they are now paying up to 25% on the original balance. By transferring high interest credit card balances to a card with lower interest rates, you can get those debts paid off at once and have a monthly payment that is lower. If you have credit cards with high interest rates, finding a credit card company that has lower fixed rates is something you may want to take into consideration. To determine if this is a good solution for you, get a calculator and all the relevant paperwork and figure out what your monthly payments are each month with your current credit cards, being sure to estimate any interest rate hikes. These calculations may be a bit time consuming but can help you find the best solution.


Then calculate what your payments would be after transferring those balances to a o interest rate credit card. Be cautious when looking at credit card offers. If your debt is nearly paid off or if you know you will be getting a large amount of money before the grace period is over, you might think about this. Some companies are known to offer easy o balance transfers with generous grace periods and extremely low payments as a come- on to get new customers. But be sure you know whether the payment will go up and by how much once the grace period expires. This needs to be calculated into the picture, too.


Another thing to check into are any penalties, withdrawal fees or termination of service fees you might have to pay. Knowing everything you possibly can about your credit card accounts is the most useful weapon you can possess. Call the credit card company you are thinking transferring balances to and consult with one of their representatives before you make a commitment so you know whether it is the best thing to do or not. You need to know where all your money is going each month. A good representative will assist you in mapping out your payments to see how this will work out for you in the long run. But you need to be mindful of everything involved in the process and keep track of your rates every month. A balance transfer can be a way to make getting out of debt faster.


If this is manageable for you, a balance transfer could be a good way for you to get your debts paid off and become financially solvent again. Hopefully a no balance fee will be available again in the not to distant future.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

It Should Never Be Funded By Debt

Category: Finance, Credit.

It is essential that you get in control of your finances from an early stage- but does that mean not having any debt?



Quite often when I speak to people in debt I find that they didn t know what they should or shouldn t borrow money for. When is it right to take out a new loan? They could benefit from this simple but very powerful rule for their personal finances. Quite often it is the feeling of not being in control that gets people down. It allows them to plan, feel in control and not resent their debts. This nice simple rule has worked for me for years and helps to decide what you can and cannot afford, when it is right to borrow and when it is not.


Accountants talk about things such as" amortisation" and" useful economic lives" . It draws from my economics background and my professional accountancy training- but despite that it s very simple! This means that if you buy an asset such as a building or piece of equipment the cost gets spread over several years- over its" useful economic life" . But what has this got to do with debts and loans? Economists have a different language( you may have noticed! ) and they talk about utility - ie the satisfaction you get from consuming a particular product or service. Well my simple rule comes from both of these concepts combined.


Of course being an economist at heart, I shorten this to the" BJB" rule. The result is what I call the rule of" Benefit- Justified Borrowing" ! So what does it mean? In other words borrowing should only be justified by the benefits that will flow to you in the future from what you have purchased. Quite simply this: only borrow money to fund something that will continue to give you some satisfaction or benefit over the life of the loan that is funding it. Think of it like this- you are buying a reservoir of satisfaction, benefit or enjoyment that will last for several years and this is the reason that you can justify a loan to fund it. A perfect match!


To the economist you are deferring your consumption and you are deferring the funding of it. That s all a bit abstract- so let s look at some examples: Buying a house- it s unlikely that you can pay cash for it- so you have a mortgage. Furniture- let s say that a piece of furniture will last you for 10 years and you fund it by a loan. This fits the BJB rule because you will derive benefit from living in the house over the life of the debt. Again this fits the BJB rule very well. You could choose to have a loan over any period up to 10 years, although in reality you would probably want it to be less than 10 years- as it would be sensible to take into account what the furniture might be worth in the future.


The next question is how long the loan term should be. If it was likely to be worth nothing after 5 years then this would be the sensible maximum term of the loan. Many people go on vacation and thoroughly enjoy it but then have expensive credit card debts for months afterwards. Vacations- this is a great example. This is where the resentment can kick in- you get to a point where you are desperate for the next vacation but can t afford it as you are still paying off the last one! If you follow my BJB rule you will never fund a vacation with debt because when you are paying off the debt you are no longer getting any satisfaction or benefit from the purchase you have made- the vacation is over.


This is depressing- and cancels out the original enjoyment! This is where good old- fashioned discipline comes in- save up first for things that do not have a future benefit. You are going on vacation, knowing that it is all paid for, with cash in your pocket in accordance with the budget you have set. Imagine you have followed the BJB rule. You can go away with a clear conscience to enjoy a relaxing break- and then when you come back there is no debt hanging over you to pay off! You will hopefully realise that this would not meet the BJB rule!


The last example is your usual day to day living costs. It should never be funded by debt. So does this rule mean never use a credit card? If you are building up long term debt to fund your day to day food and living costs then you urgently need to address this issue and should seek some help and advice without delay. Not at all- short- term loans can have their place- but it does mean only use it when you understand how you will pay off the debt. Occasionally it is necessary to use short- term debt such as a credit card to get over temporary and short- term cash- flow difficulties. So like all good rules the BJB rule has this one exception.


Life rarely goes according to plan and you may just be a month away from having completed your savings plan. Using a credit card means that you don t have to have saved up every last penny before packing your cases. A good example is back to the vacation- clearly it would be ridiculous to cancel it because you were short of savings by one month! However using a credit card should be in the context of a solid plan to pay off your debt within a couple of months of your vacation. Clearly this exception to the rule is about a small shift in timing and is quite different from building up medium to long- term debt that is not benefit- justified! You have already mentally spent that money for the next month or two. So from now on follow the" Harper BJB rule" and match the debt to your enjoyment and you shouldn t resent a debt again!


Copyright( c) 2006 SimplifyLoans. com

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Credit Card Checks Are Not Free

Category: Finance, Credit.

Credit card companies have worked on numerous innovations and are constantly evolving to create a better experience for card holders, one of the latest innovations is credit card checks. These checks are particularly useful when payments have to be made to organisations that do not accept credit cards.



Just like a regular bank accounts even credit cards offer customers the facility to use checks. Also they are increasingly popular as being backup cash reserves. Let's take an example, say a card holder has actually issued bank checks for amounts more than what he has in his bank account. In the course of this article I will explain how a person can use these checks effectively and what are the pros and cons of them. Today banks charge up to$ 35 for a bounced check the question is, can a person deposit funds into his bank account using his credit card? Similarly paying utility bills like electricity bills are also simplified by issuing card checks when there is no available balance in the bank.


Yes, by depositing a credit card check in the account, the card holder can ensure that none of his checks bounce, and once he has adequate funds he can then pay the card company as usual. Credit card checks are not free. If you are looking for a credit card that offers checks, make sure you choose it that has low fees associated with those checks, also most do not charge additional fees for issuing them for a limited period of time, make sure you understand clearly the duration during which you will not be charged fees. Unlike bank checks that usually have no charges associated with issuing checks, a credit card check charges an interest each time a check is issued, the charges for issuing it vary from company to company, but almost all credit card companies charge fees for' processing' the check issued. An additional downside with most card checks is that when compared to a regular credit card, most do not generate any reward points or incur any cash backs. How to use credit card checks. In the long run issuing too many of them may not be a good idea, as not only are you paying additional fees for issuing a check, but you are also not getting reward points that you would have otherwise received by using your card.


Credit card checks are a new concept when compared to other card innovations, and in time this innovation too will improve. As it stands these checks incur heavy charges if they bounce, and the interest rates associated with them are also high. However, the current scenario for these checks is simply that they are best left used for emergency purposes and making payments when there are no other options available. There is no denying that they are a brilliant innovation, but there are a few things that are going against them, this is expected to change over a period of time. As mentioned earlier they are not free, so you are better of using them during the promotional period when they are free, or else for emergency purposes. If you are a card holder and have the opportunity to use credit card check make sure you are fully aware of the charges that are associated with each one you issue. Before you use any credit card, not just credit card checks, you should read the terms and conditions of the card and clearly understand the charges that are involved, and also the APR that you will incur when you make check payments or other larger payments.

Monday, August 11, 2008

A Purse Full Of Credit Cards

Do you need credit card debt consolidation? But, the stark reality is that more and more people are consolidating their credit card debts to avoid falling into a debt trap and tarnish their credit history.



When confronted by this question majority of us will simply say no. What are the indicators that make you a highly probable candidate to consolidate your credit card debt? If you have any one of these characteristics, get ready to consolidate your credit card debt. Here is a checklist. A purse full of credit cards. Remember any transaction done with a credit card is a loan and it has to be repaid with interest.


Too many credit cards is the first and foremost reason which indicates that you will require debt consolidation sooner or later. The larger the number of credit cards the more the loans. Too many credit cards with varying repayment dates can cause a lot of confusion. Missing repayment dates frequently. If this makes you miss a repayment date just because of the number of credit cards, its time to think. A late payment fees along with penalty APRs can make things worse. Every missed installment increases your debt burden.


This will surely reflect in your credit history. Too many credit cards with small debts, result in one large debt to be repaid to multiple credit card companies. Large amount of debt. Since, the person who has to repay all these little debts each month is you, things become complicated with every increase. Though it is a popular means to avoid credit card debt, debt consolidation proves beneficial for the credit card company in terms of money. Credit card debt consolidation, clubs these small debts into one large manageable one and makes things easier for the borrower.