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Variable Versus Fixed Rate Credit Cards
One of the first things you should always look out for in a credit card is the low APR and the low annual fees. Now, it is evident that you cant have the best of both worlds thus youll just have to do with a balance between the two. You can either pay high annual fees year in and year out but save up on interest rates, or you can save on the fees but risk being charged a higher interest. Apparently, the best way out of this is just to clear your outstanding balances each month. However, many of us are not masters of our finances. Lucky for us though, there exists another way to get around the system and that is to obtain cards with variable rates.
Unlike fixed rate credit cards, variable rate credit cards impose APR that fluctuate according to indices such as the Prime rate. The prime rate is dependent on the amount of money that can be borrowed by banks in the United States from the Federal Reserve. Cuts made to these reserves will bring down the rate and thereby affecting the interest rate they charge upon your card. However, great care is taken against the rates falling too low and making the company suffer major losses. Thus, there is usually a floor-rate implemented on these cards. Unfortunately, when prime rates escalate, there are no ceiling-rates to protect card users. Customers have to literally go with the flow if they decide on variable rate credit cards.
On the other hand, it should not be assumed that a fixed rate card will impose APRs that will never change. The term fixed rate here would be better explained as a rate that is stable for a longer period of time as compared to variable rate cards. Companies can merely issue you a 30-day notice in writing and your APR can suddenly jump a percentage or two, with or without your consent. One such example is the introductory low APR promotions that companies use to enlist new credit card users. After 6 to 12 months of 0% APR, card companies can immediately change your fixed rate credit card APR to a figure that is higher than most cards without the introductory 0% APR.
Ways To Secure Yourself For A Financial Emergency
One of the wisest moves is to make preparations for any possible financial emergency. Financial experts advise everyone to set aside a certain amount of funds that is enough to last for a minimum of 6 months. Hence, if tragedy happens like loss of job, you have the assurance that you have emergency savings that can be used to cover for you and your family until you can get a new job or other means of earning your income.
Can it really be possible to save money without using paychecks? How can you be more prepared to face financial trials? Here, we’re going to discuss some tips to help you secure yourself for a financial emergency.
Open a checking account. Send a portion of your paycheck to your deposit account each month. Thus, you can have something to rely on during emergencies.
Take out a personal loan from a credit union. In case you need emergency money, you may turn to a credit credit union to ask for financial assistance instead of payday loan lenders. Compared to banks, credit unions have a more relaxed policy and lower interest rates for borrowers.
Seek credit counseling. There are certain credit counseling agencies which are government accredited. They offer counseling services for a lower cost. If you have problems controlling your expenditures or handling your credit card and other financial concerns, it’s best to ask for assistance rather than to let yourself get stuck in.
Watch your spending. The best way to save money despite having limited paycheck is to control your spending. To start with, one can make a list of all the monthly expenses and subtract it from your monthly salary. It may be important for you to make adjustments on your expenses to stretch your budget. This needs self-discipline on your part to avoid unnecessary splurges on luxuries.
Apply for insurance. Secure a home insurance, personal insurance, and car insurance. Medical bills can put you in debt in just a few weeks if you don’t have a health insurance coverage. So, it’s best to save a certain portion of your monthly salary for your insurance payments as part of your financial plan.
Take out a Home Equity Loan. Another source of emergency funds that you can use is the equity of your home. But, you have to be aware that an equity loan puts your property at risk. If fail to keep up with the payments, in the end, you’re most likely going to lose a home. Hence, it is important to consider all your options first if you have any plans of using your home equity for a loan.