Friday, August 27, 2010

The Card and Your Credit

Did you know that you could consolidate your credit card dues at a much cheaper rate of interest? You may even find a balance transfer scheme where you could get an interest free period of 12 months apart from a consolidated credit card. Much like debt consolidation, this way of consolidating your finance is a better way and may be a cheaper way of paying your dues.

Smart use of your cards can see you through a tricky time, though credit card overdue and regular expense exceeding your income are not great news. Managing credit is ultimately about managing your finances both in the long run and short term. Seeking finance from the right credit facility and repaying o n time and the full amount are crucial aspects of not being burdened by debt. Interest rates on credit cards should not be taken lightly or overlooked especially if you are borrowing a large amount.

For calculating and comparing APRs of various credit card companies you could opt for a finance portal.

You can use credit card comparison sites to view several card ratings in a go. The interest rates too have some dynamic factors, though there is a typical interest rate for most credit card companies and the grace period is between 28 to 56 days, you may find some exceptional deals. Some introductory offers may give 0% interest rate for a period of 12 months, though one should be careful not to accumulate credit before a high interest rate overwhelms you after the introductory period is over.

Having borrowed an amount, make sure you repay before the grace period is over. Overdue payments should never become a habit. Credit card usage should be prudent and not prompt! Take care to not just meet the minimum amount of repayment (which may barely be a little over the interest accumulated on the card) but the full amount. Wise credit card usage will empower you but the same tool could be abused and debt may hang like an albatross around your neck.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

What Exactly is Credit Card Consolidation?

Credit card users can get hampered by so many technical industry terms. It can get a bit daunting for the first time card user. For example, what exactly is credit card consolidation? A lot of people in a debt crisis would benefit from knowing this term. It might save you a lot of money in the long run.

But first of all, how does one know if you are in debt crises? After all, some people take so long to realize that they need help. It may be too embarrassing and shameful for one to admit to others that they are in a dept problem; it may also be hard to accept this fact yourself because you can really on your other credit cards. But being in denial can only worsen one’s situation. There are several sure fire signs that you are in debt crises.

-First of all, are you only paying the minimum for your card accounts?
-Are you using one card to pay another?
-Are you starting to use your card to pay for things you can’t afford?
-Do you start using plastic to pay for daily things such as groceries or food, things that you usually use cash to pay for in the past?
-Are you starting to get nervous when answering the phone or checking your mail? Or do you start avoiding these all in all?
-Are you afraid of telling other people the numbers of your debt?
-Are your cards getting maxed out?

If these seem like an accurate description of your situation then in all probability, you really are in a serious debt crisis. You might want to consider debt consolidation.

Debt consolidation is basically getting a loan from a bank to pay all of your various other loans. In a sense, your card loans, mortgages, and or student loans can be lumped together into one giant loan in this way. There are several advantages to doing this.

Usually, debt consolidation will help you reduce your over all interest rate. This is especially true for credit card consolidation because most cards typically have soaring interest rates as well as late fees and penalties. Also, debt consolidation will make your life so much easier. Instead of looking at remembering to pay loans left and right, all you need to do is to focus on this one consolidated debt. Also, consolidation can help you because it can extend the time you are given to pay. It can probably have a longer payment time than any of your smaller debts.

However, there is a downside. Though payment time is longer, it can also mean that the interest will accrue over time. Think about doing credit card consolidation carefully. You might want to do this for some of your loans and leave out big ones such as your mortgage for example.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

The Facts About Low Interest Credit Cards

So what are low interest credit cards really all about? The following article includes some pertinent information about low interest credit cards –info you can use to make wise financial decisions.

Trying to save on interest expense? Apply for a low interest credit card and start saving money by paying less interest expense. Low interest credit cards are considered cheap credit cards because they offer 0% Intro APR (annual percentage rate) up to one year. These offers may only apply to the balance transfer and not to new purchases and cash advance. Therefore, making purchases and taking cash advance with your promotional offer credit card may result in paying multiple interest rates. Individuals who are planning to make purchases and carry a credit card balance each month may be better off with low fixed interest rate credit cards. Customers will need to decide if a 0% intro APR or a low fixed APR credit card is better suited for their personal needs. It’s not uncommon for the interest rate to shoot up dramatically after the introductory period expires. Therefore, customers should know what the interest rate will be after the promotional period ends.

The promotional offer or interest free period can save hundreds of dollars in interest expense. During this interest free period no interest is accrued if the account is in good standing. Customers utilize the interest free period to transfer balance from high interest rate credit cards to a low interest credit rate credit cards to save money on interest expense. These cards are also very important for customers who are planning to consolidate credit card loans, make large purchases and carry a credit card balance from month to month. Credit card issuers charge a fee to do a balance transfer. This fee varies from bank to bank so it is a good idea to shop around for the best deal. Individuals with excellent credit score can ask to have the fee waived.

Banks and credit card companies competing for the low interest credit card business offer impressive features similar to standard credit cards. Similar features may be cash back, rewards, bonus miles, no annual fee and more. Therefore, comparing credit card features is very important because it allows you to find the card that meets your lifestyle and one that will save the most money on interest expense. The best way to save interest is to pay the outstanding balance off each billing cycle. Credit card companies usually waived the interest charges if the entire outstanding balance is paid on time each month. If the outstanding balance is not paid in full each month then the credit card companies will charge interest on the entire outstanding balance from the date of each purchase. Many customers are not financially able to maximize their interest savings by paying off the entire balance each month. Therefore the next best way to save on interest expense is to use a low interest credit card to make purchases and carry an outstanding balance.

It’s a common situation for individuals with bad credit to pay credit card companies large fees and finance charges. This situation keeps them indebted to the credit card companies if no action is taken to improve credit score. However, individuals with excellent credit can apply and get approval for a low interest credit card and avoid the burdensome situation of high interest rates and fees. Credit card companies have the option to change the interest rate on your credit card for various reasons such as making late payment, applying for too much credit, making late payments on different accounts or they can change it without any reason at all. Therefore, understanding credit and how to use it wisely is very important.

Low interest credit cards are ideally suited to consolidate credit card debts because of the 0% intro APR or low interest rate offered. It will make monthly payments more manageable and can alleviate the financial problems that come with having too much credit you can’t afford. This is an opportunity to get your finances in order and to start managing your credit more wisely. Having less credit card accounts will simplifies your life and eventually improve your credit score. It’s much more convenient to write one check instead of writing several checks each month to various creditors. Debt consolidation is an excellent opportunity to keep you out of bankruptcy and get your finances back on track.

Learning about grace period as it relates to your specific credit card is very important. The grace period is between 20 to 25 days. You have this free period to pay no interest if your payment is credited to your account during that time frame and your account carries no balance. Customer’s monthly payment must be received by the creditor during this time frame. Learning about grace period as it relates to your specific credit card is very important. Usually credit cards without a grace period are charged finance charges immediately on new purchases even if your previous month’s bill was paid in full.

The internet is the easiest place to find low interest credit cards with online credit card application. Websites offer various types of credit cards. The cards are grouped into different categories. Clicking on low interest credit cards will bring up a list of low interest credit cards. Customers will then be able to compare offers and submit their online credit card application for approval. The internet is very convenient and fast way to apply and submit your credit card application. No more waiting weeks to receive your credit card in the mail. Once approved your should receive your credit card by mail within a few days.

Read your credit card agreement to find out if there are separate interest rates for balance transfer, new purchases and cash advance. Card holders maybe charged a very high interest rate and fees for cash advance or making new purchases while getting the 0% intro offer for balance transfer. Don’t let this happen to you. Take the time to read the credit card agreement. Reading and understanding the credit card agreement is of utmost importance because it gives you the knowledge needed to make the right decision.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Credit Card Consolidation Companies

A credit card consolidation program can show you the way to reduce credit card payments. If you’re struggling with never ending debt and endless payments that seem to go nowhere, you have come to the right place. This article has been designed to give you the information you need to escape the debt trap so you can be debt free again sooner than you might imagine. Many Debt Consolidation Companies have specialty websites that answer many questions about properly handling your debt, what credit really is and how Consolidators can help you be debt free again. Taking the time to conduct the proper internet research will help to find the right Debt Management Company or information that will really help make a difference in your search for help.

Credit card companies spend millions of dollars laying a carefully designed trap and encouraging people into debt. You probably have already experienced the worry, stress, uncertainty, and probably even a difficult relationship due to debt and money problems. However, there is a way out of this trap, a way to recover your life and to eliminate the stress and worry, and be debt free again in as little as 10-20 payments. To help you reduce payments many have custom tailored programs to fit your budget and financial situation. It will eventually relieve the stress and worry that normally comes with debt. a properly tailored solution will extricate you of debt without bankruptcy or yet more loans.

Start breaking free of the debt trap right now. Start your journey to freedom contacting a debt counselor for a free, no obligation consultation. Most will be happy to give you as much help and advice as you need to help resolve your financial problems. Most Debt Consolidation companies will help you reduce your payments even if you do not qualify for the program. They will show you how to help eliminate your debts in as little as 10 payments and reduce your unsecured debt principle i.e. the actual amount owed down to just 60-65% of the current balance including all payments and fees. The information contained in this article will help you get back to living your life and stop worrying about your finances. Now you can relieve the stress and worry that normally comes with debt comfortably.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Refinancing Your Home to Write Off Your Credit Card Debts

Credit card companies are trying harder than ever to attract new customers, if you have fairly reasonable credit then you will probably be used to the array of junk mail which lands on your mat every day. There are many different companies offering these credit cards, some of which we know very well. You will no doubt receive lots of junk mail from GE Capital, however it is worth bearing in mind that just because they use these big names it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are part of that company.

This company may have started with the large company but spun off many years ago forming its own company. It is also possible to make your life easier by consolidating some of your debts, however you must be very careful when doing this otherwise you could make your financial situation worse than it already is. Many credit card companies make the idea of consolidating credit card debt very easy, however that may not always be true. Just keep your wits about you, if anything seems too good to be true, then it almost certainly is.

You will probably be aware of the checks that you get sent through he post for large sums of money, this may make it seem like a very good option for eliminating debt from your life. However these checks are really only an advertising gimmick, they are just offering you a way to consolidate the debts that you have on credit cards by using the equity in your home as collateral.

It’s a good idea to avoid equity lines of credit if you are consolidating your credit card loans, as this can put your property at risk for a fairly small loan. Lines of credit should be used for more expensive things like remodeling your home, or sending your children to college. You don’t really want a short term debt held on a credit card to turn into a long term debt added onto your monthly mortgage repayments. It’s best if you throw all of these ‘brilliant’ offers away as soon as you get them!

Refinancing

If you own your home then it might be a good idea to consider refinancing it in order to write off your credit card debt. This is one of the most extreme things that you can do to reduce your credit. This will mean that you have to continue paying mortgage repayments for longer than you otherwise would have. If you don’t mind the idea of increasing the length of your mortgage then I suggest you go for it. You will be financing a much smaller portion of the house than when you originally purchased it. Mortgage repayments will probably be much lower than your current credit card repayments.

Credit card debt can be a major problem which can affect every aspect of your life, you should do everything that you can do in order to reduce your credit card debts and potentially write them off. If you are clever then you will be able to find a way to cope with your credit card debt.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

A Credit Card Consolidation Loan Can Change a Life in 3 Ways

One way to get the credit card debt under control is to seek out a consolidation loan. These loans work very simply. The new loan is used to pay off each of the credit cards you have. It establishes a new loan, so that you have only one to repay.

There are several advantages of using this consolidation method over other solutions. For example, when you consolidate your debts, you maintain your credit score. If you were to file bankruptcy, for example, you would decimate your credit score for the next ten years. Another advantage of consolidation is that you have just one payment to make monthly. This simplifies the payment process and helps you to avoid problems such as late payments, over the limit fees and other fees.

How will this type of debt loan change your life?

#1: It allows you to get control of your credit situation by placing all of your debt into one loan. The result is more confidence. You can get through this debt!

#2: Because of the loan’s structure, you may pay less per month for this loan compared to the amount you would pay on each individual credit card. In other words, you pay less per month.

#3: You can work your way out of debt faster with a consolidation loan, in some instances. With the use of this loan, you can imagine a day when you no longer have debt over your head.

A credit card consolidation loan is often one of the best investments you can make into your future. Take some time to determine if you qualify for the loan. Then, be ready to change your life using it.

By the way, by researching and comparing the best debt consolidation companies in the market, you will be able to determine the one that meet your specific financial situation, plus the cheaper interest rates offered. Nonetheless, it is advisable going with a trusted and reputable debt counselor before making any decision, this way you will save time through specialized advise coming from a seasoned debt advisor and money by getting better results in a shorter span of time.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Your Average Credit Card Debt Can Make you a Millionaire

It is well worth your time to remember that most people who become millionaires live well below their means before and after their monetary success. They can do this because they have enough self-esteem to know who they are and what they want. They have a plan and courage and determination to follow through.

So, if you want to get out of debt you need a workable plan. Every person is different and has different lifestyle choices, but the important thing to remember is that a commitment must be made to gradually reduce the debt in your life and then to keep the debt low enough that it never becomes a serious problem.

The basic way to lower your credit card payment is to reduce the interest and pay off the cards. When you reduce the interest you are paying, then you have to commit to putting the extra money towards making a larger payment on your principle balance.

Depending on your situation you may be able to negotiate a credit card interest reduction, or consolidate credit cards into one low interest loan. The latter may require an attorney if you are entering a debt consolidation program.

A rather unknown credit card reduction technique is to begin paying off the card with the lowest balance first, so that you have some sense of accomplishment and can quickly move the money that was paid towards the now paid off card to another credit card. In this case you would pay the minimum payments on the other charge cards while paying as much as you can afford on the account with the lowest balance.

The idea is to pay the same total each month on all your accounts but every time a credit card is paid off you will pay more to the next card in line. We know this may sound contrary, but it is an effective method to pay off debt when you consider the emotional and mental resistance involved.

If you could stop buying everything that was absolutely necessary to live your life than you could pay off your credit card debt in no time, but most people can not do that. So we develop methods that actually work for most folks.

You may have gathered that the mental game is more important than the actual problem, in this case a large debt problem. Credit card debt is a symptom, not the cause of your problems.

Now while you are paying these accounts off you need to transfer balances to lower interest accounts. If possible combine the debt into as few accounts as possible. The reason for this is that you only have so many cards, and you are probably not able to get a new one if your debt is a problem, especially a low interest credit card with an enough credit to combine balances.

Imagine what your life will be like when, instead of paying thousands of dollars in interest every year, you are able to buy something and not owe any money! Imagine having money in the bank and not worrying about payments. This is very possible when you have the attitude of a millionaire.