By John Casteele
Getting your first credit card can be a major step toward financial independence, but if you aren't careful, then that step could cause you to fall flat on your face. Managing a credit card is a major responsibility, and while not difficult, it also isn't to be taken lightly. Here are some things that you should keep in mind when you get that first credit card to keep you from doing...
By Angel Sharum
Credit is determined by paying your bills on time and not accumulating more debt than you can afford. Good credit leads to stronger buying power, lower interest rates and less expensive insurance rates among other things. Being cognizant of your credit history early and ensuring good ratings is essential. It is possible to build good credit from nothing when you pay attention and are responsible...
By Shannon S.
Are you planning a family vacation or saving up for a birthday or anniversary? Perhaps you want to make some extra money to pay off medical bills or other debt you may have. Maybe you just want to make some extra money to stash away for a rainy day. Here are a few ways you can make some extra money in your spare time. Sell stuff and make money. One option is to hold a garage sale. Go through...
By Larry Parr
One of the best ways to prevent a foreclosure is to sell your property before the foreclosure process gets too far along. No matter what type of housing market you are in, one of the fastest ways to sell your house is through a lease option. Under a lease option, a buyer gives you a non-refundable down payment for your home (which you can use to bring current any past-due amounts on your...
By Barb Nefer
That timeshare seemed like a good idea when you bought it, but now you just want to get rid of it for as much money as you possibly can. Selling timeshares can be tricky. However, if you're willing to offer it for a reasonable price and advertise in appropriate places, you should be able to find a buyer. Locate the laws for timeshare sales in the state where your timeshare is located. Laws...
By Laura Rupert Garcia
Identity theft has increased over the years as well as has the use of credit cards over the phone and online. As a result, credit card users need to take caution when and where they use their cards. In general, using your credit card over the phone is more dangerous than using it online simply because you are providing your information to a person rather than submitting it through encryption...
By Joseph Nicholson
There's no magic wand that can suddenly create good credit or repair bad credit. The word credit comes from the same Latin word that means "trust", and like any trust relationship, it must be earned. Establishing good credit, and a credit history that is attractive to lenders, simply takes time. But, armed with the right strategies, consumers can make the right choices that will...
By Jay Wren
A debit card is similar to a credit card in that it can be used similarly to make purchases at millions of locations throughout the world as well as draw cash from most ATMs. The difference is that a debit card is directly tied to your bank account so the amount is automatically deducted instead of credited and billed later. Most merchants prefer them to written checks because money is...
By Isabel Prontes
On a credit report, a Beacon score is a risk score that is formulated using data from Equifax. The Beacon score predicts the chances of an account becoming delinquent within the next two years. Beacon scores are based on various factors, including your income, occupation, address changes and debts. If you want to understand your credit report fully, you should understand exactly what your Beacon...
By Alina Bradford
Saving money is important for creating a safety net for emergencies. You won't have to rely on racking up debt on credit cards to take care of the unexpected expense. Having a rainy-day fund is even more important during a recession. A savings account with a month or two's income can be a comfort if you lose your job. You can start saving money on entertainment, food and gas without much...
By Sidney
Many individuals decide to create a budget to keep spending on track. Having a budget can also help you pay off bills and carve out long-term and short-term savings goals. If you overspend, it's easier to hold yourself accountable to the exact behavior that caused the issue when you are held accountable by a budget. When creating a budget, it helps to have a little guidance. Decide how you...