Tag Archives: outstanding

Top 10 Credit Card Tips (Page 1 of 2)

The credit card has been one of the most popular inventions of this time, helping consumers acquire convenience and boosting consumer spending for the economy. However, credit cards have been exploited for the wrong reasons, and thus have become the main source of debt for many consumers. Thus, in order for credit cards to be beneficial, consumers would need to be well-informed on the proper usage of credit cards.

1. Pay off your outstanding balances each month

Rolling over outstanding balances will only result in snowballing debt. Credit card interest rates are amongst the highest as compared to other types of debt. With this, your cost of expenses is increased without any apparent benefit to you.

2. Transfer your high interest credit card balances to 0% APR credit cards

If your outstanding credit card balances are high, you should work out a balance transfer to other credit cards that offer introductory 0% APRs. This way, you can stagger monthly payments and pay off your credit card debt gradually without incurring additional interests.

3. Cut up high interest credit cards

It’s time you evaluate your credit card interests, and cut up those that charge high interest rates, no matter how wonderful their reward programs at. At the end of the day, the rewards attained will not equate the additional interests incurred.

4. Be careful with your credit limit

As your credit limit may be 2 or 3 times greater than your monthly income, it can be fairly easy for you to overspend. Thus, when using your credit card, be sure that you don’t charge more than what you can truly afford.

5. Check your credit card statements

Contrary to what you may believe, banks and credit card companies may make errors in their billing statements to you. Thus, it is best to have a habit of cross checking your credit card charges before making payment.

6. Automatic transfer payments

If your credit card is being used for grocery shopping, you can always arrange for an auto-payment with your bank to ensure that you always pay on time. However, you would still need to cross-check your credit card statements and make a complaint if you find any discrepancies.

7. No credit cards when window shopping

Do you have bad control over your shopping habits? If you are on a window shopping spree, it may be advisable not be bring your credit card. How else would you buy anything if you are out of cash with no credit cards? This is a good way to stop yourself from impulse purchases.

8. Be aware of your rights

Consumers are entitled to rights when it comes to making purchases. The government has set forth many guidelines for retailers in order to protect consumers. Thus, if you have paid for something which did not get sent to you, or if you purchase something that turns out to be faulty, you have every right to demand for a refund or make a report to the Federal Trade Commission.

Loan Consolidation: An Effective Way To Manage Debt

Loan consolidation services were introduced in the United States to help people burdened by debts: credit cards, home loans, car loans, departmental bills, utility bills, medical loans, student loans and other such outstanding liabilities. Keeping a track of many different monthly payments is not an easy job. Statistics reveal that an average American spends more time focusing on what payment to make, rather than planning how he can manage his finances better. Credit consolidation service can help here.

Benefits Of Using A Loan Consolidation Service

A consolidation debt program has the following benefits.

*Consolidation of all the miscellaneous debts and loans into one single aggregate payment per month.

*Reduces the possibility of a missed installment, and allows the borrower to focus on improving the state of his finances.

*Loan consolidation firms act as agents on behalf of the borrower. They re-negotiate the payment plans with the lenders and credit card companies, and sometimes even work out lower interest rates or smaller monthly payments for the clients.

*Such a credit consolidation service not only provides one debt relief, but also gives professional guidance to the borrowers on how to manage their funds more effectively in future.

*It puts an end to dozens of harassing and stressful collection calls from various different lenders, since there is only one lender left to deal with.

*People with bad credit ratings also get one more benefit by consolidating their loans. The fact that they have taken a step forward in setting their financial affairs in order, shows them in positive light before the credit rating agencies, and helps them earn several points in favor while ascertaining their new credit scores.

Who All Can Benefit From Such A Program?

Anybody who has several outstanding loans on his balance sheet can use a loan consolidation program. It doesn’t matter whether those are outstanding credit card bills, medical loans, a home loan or car loan. Even students can use the advantages of a student loan consolidation program, if they have more than one student loan. Further, if a person has any departmental store card or utility dues, they can be clubbed in such an aggregate loan. A debtor whose account has been handed over to any collection agency can also use the services of such a program.

There are several firms that provide debt consolidation services online. A person can easily use their free online debt calculator to compare rates and net savings. However, people should first ensure that such sites use proper data encryption features before they enter any financial information, to avoid becoming a victim of phishing. Secondly, any genuine loan consolidation program will work in tandem with a customized financial management program, so a debtor can enjoy debt relief for a longer time.