5 Things You Should Know about the New Credit Card Rules! by John Janney

1. Late Payments



Some credit card companies went to extraordinary lengths to cause cardholder payments to be late. For example, some companies set the date to August 5, but also set the cutoff time to 1:00 pm so that if they received the payment on August 5 at 1:05 pm, they could consider the payment late. Some companies mailed statements out to their cardholders just days before the payment due date so cardholders wouldn’t have enough time to mail in a payment. As soon as one of these tactics worked, the credit card company would slap the cardholder with a $35 late fee and hike their APR to the default interest rate. People saw their interest rates go from a reasonable 9.99 percent to as high as 39.99 percent overnight just because of these and similar tricks of the credit card trade.



The new rules state that credit card companies cannot consider a payment late for any reason "unless consumers have been provided a reasonable amount of time to make the payment." They also state that credit companies can comply with this requirement by "adopting reasonable procedures designed to ensure that periodic statements are mailed or delivered at least 21 days before the payment due date." However, credit card companies cannot set cutoff times earlier than 5 pm and if creditors set due dates that coincide with dates on which the US Postal Service does not deliver mail, the creditor must accept the payment as on-time if they receive it on the following business day.



This rule mostly impacts cardholders who often pay their bill on the due date instead of a little early. If you fall into this category, then you will want to pay close attention to the postmarked date on your credit card statements to make sure they were sent at least 21 days before the due date. Of course, you should still strive to make your payments on time, but you should also insist that credit card companies consider on-time payments as being on time. Furthermore, these rules do not go into effect until 2010, so be on the lookout for an increase in late-payment-inducing tricks during 2009.



2. Allocation of Payments



Did you know that your credit card account likely has more than one interest rate? Your statement only shows one balance, but the credit card companies divide your balance into different types of charges, such as balance transfers, purchases and cash advances.



Here's an example: They lure you with a zero or low percent balance transfer for several months. After you get comfortable with your card, you charge a purchase or two and make all your payments on time. However, purchases are assessed an 18 percent APR, so that portion of your balance is costing you the most -- and the credit card companies know it and are counting on it. So, when you send in your payment, they apply all of your payment to the zero or low percent portion of your balance and let the higher interest portion sit there untouched, racking up interest charges until all of the balance transfer portion of the balance is paid off (and this could take a long time because balance transfers are typically larger than purchases because they consist of multiple, previous purchases). Essentially, the credit card companies were rigging their payment system to maximize its profits -- all at the expense of your financial wellbeing.



The new rules state that the amount paid above the minimum monthly payment must be distributed across the different portions of the balance, not just to the lowest interest portion. This reduces the amount of interest charges cardholders pay by reducing higher-interest portions sooner. It may also reduce the amount of time it takes to pay off balances.



This rule will only affect cardholders who pay more than the minimum monthly payment. If you only make the minimum monthly payment, then you will still likely end up taking years, possibly decades, to pay off your balances. However, if you adopt a policy of always paying more than the minimum, then this new rule will directly benefit you. Of course, paying more than the minimum is always a good idea, so don't wait until 2010 to start.



3. Universal Default



Universal default is one of the most controversial practices of the credit card industry. Universal default is when Bank A raises your credit card account's APR when you are late paying Bank B, even if you're not or have never been late paying Bank A. The practice gets more interesting when Bank A gives itself the right, through contractual disclosures, to increase your APR for any event impacting your credit worthiness. So, if your credit score lowers by one point, say "Goodbye" to your low, introductory APR. To make matters worse, this APR increase will be applied to your entire balance, not just on new purchases. So, that new pair of shoes you bought at 9.99 percent APR is now costing you 29.99 percent.



The new rules require credit card companies "to disclose at account opening the rates that will apply to the account" and prohibit increases unless "expressly permitted." Credit card companies can increase interest rates for new transactions as long as they provide 45 days advanced notice of the new rate. Variable rates can increase when based on an index that increases (for example, if you have a variable rate that is prime plus two percent, and the prime rate increase one percent, then your APR will increase with it). Credit card companies can increase an account's interest rate when the cardholder is "more than 30 days delinquent."



This new rule impacts cardholders who make payments on time because, from what the rule says, if a cardholder is more than 30 days late in paying, all bets are off. So, as long as you pay on time and don't open an account in which the credit card company discloses every possible interest rate to give itself permission to charge whatever APR it wants, you should benefit from this new rule. You should also pay close attention to notices from your credit card company and keep in mind that this new rule does not take effect until 2010, giving the credit card industry all of 2009 to hike interest rates for whatever reasons they can dream up.



4. Two-Cycle Billing



Interest rate charges are based on the average daily balance on the account for the billing period (one month). You carry a balance everyday and the balance might be different on some days. The amount of interest the credit card company charges is not based on the ending balance for the month, but the average of every day's ending balance.



So, if you charge $5000 at the first of the month and pay off $4999 on the 15th, the company takes your daily balances and divides them by the number of days in that month and then multiplies it by the applicable APR. In this case, your daily average balance would be $2,333.87 and your finance charge on a 15% APR account would be $350.08. Now, imagine that you paid off that extra $1 on the first of the following month. You would think that you should owe nothing on the next month's bill, right? Wrong. You'd get a bill for $175.04 because the credit card company charges interest on your daily average balance for 60 days, not 30 days. It is essentially reaching back into the past to drum-up more interest charges (the only industry that can legally travel time, at least until 2010). This is two-cycle (or double-cycle) billing.



The new rule expressly prohibits credit card companies from reaching back into previous billing cycles to calculate interest charges. Period. Gone… and good riddance!



5. High Fees on Low Limit Accounts



You may have seen the credit card advertisements claiming that you can open an account with a credit limit of "up to" $5000. The operative term is "up to" because the credit card company will issue you a credit limit based on your credit rating and income and often issues much lower credit limits than the "up to" amount. But what happens when the credit limit is a lot lower -- I mean A LOT lower -- than the advertised "up to" amount?



College students and subprime consumers (those with low credit scores) often found that the "up to" account they applied for came back with credit limits in the low hundreds, not thousands. To make things worse, the credit card company charged an account opening fee that swallowed up a large portion of the issued credit limit on the account. So, all the cardholder was getting was just a little more credit than he or she needed to pay for opening the account (is your head spinning yet?) and sometimes ended up charging a purchase (not knowing about the large setup fee already charged to the account) that triggered over-limit penalties -- causing the cardholder to incur more debt than justified.



The new rules place restrictions on how much credit card companies can charge for these account setup or membership fees and requires that they spread out these fees over at least a six-month period if these fees consume more than 25 percent of the account's credit limit.



What now?



It's 2009 and these rules don't take effect until 2010. So, credit card companies have one year to wreck havoc on consumers (not that they haven't been doing so over the past 30 years). So, you'll need to keep your eyes open for an increase in tricks designed to plummet you into more debt and make a habit of insisting that these companies abide by the new rules of the game once they kick into action in 2010. However, there are three universal points to live by to get the most out of these new rules: always read your cardholder agreement and notices, always pay on time and always pay more (much more) than the minimum monthly payment.



Time to Get Out of Debt



These new rules may also have other side effects. Some credit card companies are already lowering credit limits and increasing the minimum monthly payment amount from around two percent of the outstanding balance to as much as five percent. So, some cardholders may see their payments double and this could cause a lot of problems for cash-strapped consumers. This just means that there is no better time than now to start getting yourself out of debt and out from under the thumbs of the credit card banks.



There are a few ways to get out of debt. Bankruptcy is often an obvious option for people financially pinned against the wall, but the 2005 bankruptcy law revision made it more difficult for many consumers. Consumer credit counseling is another option that's popular, but it involves more organizational relief than financial relief. Debt settlement is growing in popularity because it provides financial relief through negotiated reduction in the amount owed, but people looking to enroll with a debt settlement company should make sure they are dealing with a well-established, reputable company. Alternatively, some people trying to get out of debt can negotiate their own debt-reduction settlements with the help of do-it-yourself debt settlement kits. Do-it-yourself debt settlement kits are available online and are less expensive than a professional, third-party debt settlement program.


John Janney is the president of the National Financial Awareness Network, publisher of the popular Do-It-Yourself Debt Settlement Kit at http://www.diydebtsettlementkit.com and the online debtor support community at http://www.helpfordebtors.com. To learn more information about NFAN, please visit http://www.nfan.com.


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Receive Online Credit Card Approval Today

Receive Online Credit Card Approval Today
by C.R. Hayes

Many times when you choose to fill out an application on the internet, online credit card approval can be done instantly. You are asked to give the same information as you would on a paper application that comes in your postal mail box. But rather than wait for the mail delivery and processing time, some people are more anxious to receive notification instantly.



Card issuers use the latest high-tech secure programming and fraud protection to protect the data you enter. So there is no need to worry about just where your financial information will end up. Make sure though, that the web address in your browser bar begins with 'https', which signifies a secure internet connection.



One of the biggest advantages of searching and applying online is that you can do side by side comparisons for different bankcards offered by different providers. You can also narrow them by the category you need, such as:

• 0 interest
  
  
• bad credit
  
  
• travel rewards
  
  
• those for college students
  
  
• cash back cards
  
  
• and more
  
  

When you get your choices narrowed down, you need to compare all of the fees associated, like:

• annual fee
  
  
• APR
  
  
• interest rate
  
  
• late fees
  
  
• any other cost that may apply
  
  

You will want to know how long any promotional rates will last too, if applicable. It's not uncommon to find that 0 interest rates can apply up to the first 6 to 18 months of your account.



If you are more inclined to opt for travel rewards or cash back features, make sure you get the most benefits and perks you can while still keeping your fees and interest rate as low as possible.



Before you apply, it would be a good idea to get a copy of your latest credit report and know your credit rating. After all, issuers base your acceptance according to your credit score. The higher your score, the better deal you will be offered and approved for.



Everyone in the U.S. is allowed one free copy of their credit report every 12 months. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires this of each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can order yours by phone by calling 1-877-322-8228, or by visiting annualcreditreport.com.



Online credit card approval can be both instant and convenient for the application and approval process, but you will usually have to wait for the actual card to arrive in your mailbox before you can use it. Nevertheless, you will still receive it sooner than if the entire process was done through the mail.


We recommend that you don't just stumble around the internet looking for good credit card deals when you can compare and find the right credit card that best fits your financial situation.

Receive free, instant, online credit card approval by visiting http://www.creditlookup.net/ today.



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Get the Most From Your Credit Card

Get the Most From Your Credit Card
by Finance Globe-14426

Credit cards can be a valuable money management tool if used properly. We have many choices in card features, perks, and rewards. Getting the most out of any credit card starts with choosing the one (or several) that best suits your needs.

Credit cards offer more than a convenient way to pay, and if you manage your credit card accounts well, you can be sure to get the most out of your credit card while paying less for those benefits. The extras your credit card offers will depend on the type of account you qualify for. Carefully consider all aspects of any card before you apply, and use your card in the way that will benefit you most once you get it.



Secured cards and credit cards for people with poor or limited credit are usually bare bones credit cards that don't offer many, if any, benefits. They charge significantly higher interest rates than other credit cards and usually have a somewhat steep annual fee. The only real benefit they offer is that they can help you establish or improve your credit until you qualify for better terms. You have to actually use your card to improve your credit history; just having the account open without using it won't improve your credit. The best way for you to build your credit is to use your card every month, use no more than 30% of your credit limit, and pay your bill in full every month to avoid finance charges. If you've had one of these types of credit cards for some time, you've stayed within your credit limit, and you've always paid your bill on time, contact your credit card issuer to see if or when you'll qualify for a better card. They may agree to return your security deposit, reduce your interest rate, or do away with the annual fee. You may even qualify for a card with rewards. Your credit score can be hurt by closing old accounts and opening new ones, so see if you can upgrade the terms of your credit card while keeping the same account number.



Regular credit cards are for people with average to good credit. Regular credit cards often have a reasonable annual fee and fair rates. They don't require a security deposit and usually have a higher credit limit than cards for people with poor credit. Some come with limited rewards, such as travel miles, points you can redeem for merchandise, or even cash back. Cards with no annual fee usually don't offer as many rewards or charge a higher rate of interest than cards with an annual fee; if you want a low rate or rewards, you might have to pay an annual fee. Basically, you're going to pay for the use of credit somewhere. You can reap the benefits and avoid the costs of a credit card by choosing one with rewards you can use and no annual fee. If you can pay your balance in full every month, it really won't matter what the card's APR is. Many regular cards, and even cards for people with poor credit are marketed as "platinum", but really don't offer many benefits to validate the platinum status. Find out if you're really getting better treatment from the platinum card before you apply; you may get a better deal from a plain vanilla credit card.



Premium credit cards are for people with good to excellent credit. Credit card issuers want your business, and they will offer you their best terms because they know their competition is offering you their best deal, too. You have many choices in credit cards with no annual fee, great interest rates, and generous rewards. Many even offer extras like extended product warranties, roadside service, car rental insurance, and travel accident coverage at no charge. Some offer special discounts at selected merchants. You are likely to qualify for high credit limits because credit card issuers know they can trust you to manage your debt well. If you are interested in a credit card that's available to people with average credit simply because it offers benefits that are important to you, check with the card issuer before you apply. They may be willing to sweeten the deal due to your stellar credit rating.



Getting the most from your credit card

Be true to yourself when choosing a credit card. Before you shop for any product, the first step is to know what you want and how you're going to use it. Then you've reduced your choices to products that suit your needs. Once you've decided what type of product you actually need, you can further narrow your choices based on the price of the product. It's no different with credit cards. You may get credit card solicitations every week in the mail, but what are the chances that it's the best one for your needs when you have so many to choose from? Every day a retailer wants you to apply for their credit card at checkout, as if the card's incentives will prevent you from shopping anywhere else. Don't let them suck you in just because they offer credit; be sure that you'll benefit from the use of that particular card before you apply.



Rewards aren't freebies; they come at a price. I overheard a conversation in a store at checkout the other day, a shopper's friend commented that the shopper had spent way more than she said she was going to. The shopper replied, "Oh, it's okay, this card gives me rewards and the minimum payment is really low." Her response showed that she was not being rewarded at all, but being punished. It's too bad; she obviously didn't realize it. It's fun to think of all the things you can do with your credit card rewards; travel the world, redeem points for gift certificates, or even get cash back. But it's important to understand how much those rewards are actually costing you if you carry a balance.



For example, many rewards cards generally give you one point for every dollar you spend. One hundred points equals one dollar in redemption value. So what it boils down to is that for every dollar you spent, you get back one cent. To get one full dollar back, you have to spend one hundred dollars. If you carry a balance, that one hundred dollars will accrue an annual finance charge of anywhere from ten to thirty dollars, depending on your card's APR. How can you call it a reward if you are paying that kind of interest? You can't, that's why it's so important to pay your balance in full every month to truly benefit from the rewards your card offers.



Another way people are missing out on their rewards is by overspending simply to build up rewards points. If you are hoping to earn a plane ticket valued at three and fifty dollars, you would have to charge thirty-five thousand dollars on your credit card. That's a lot of money! It's better to pay for your ticket outright rather than buy stuff on impulse just to accrue rewards points. You can benefit from the card's rewards only if you are using your credit card for things that you would normally buy anyway. Use your rewards card for everyday purchases, like gas and groceries, to build up points based on what you normally spend, without spending more just to get the rewards. Over time, you can redeem your points or miles to get a bonus, without breaking the bank to get that bonus.



For people who don't pay their balance in full every month, a card with a low APR is the way to go. Forget about the rewards you'll be "missing"; many rewards cards charge a significantly higher rate of interest than a no rewards card. The card issuers have to make up for the cost of their rewards somewhere, and they often do it by charging a higher APR. If you always carry a balance, and you can get a card with an APR that's 5% lower than a rewards card, you'll automatically be saving five dollars in interest for every hundred dollars you spend. That's a much better deal than the one dollar you'll get back with a rewards card!



It's up to you to decide what kind of credit card will benefit you most. You must consider your spending habits, as well as your debt repayment habits. It's great to be rewarded for buying the things you already spend money on, as long as you aren't paying more in interest charges than the rewards are worth.


Finance Globe is a professional contributor of personal finance publications. All inquiries pertaining to this aricle should be submitted to them.


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Free yourself from credit card debt

Free yourself from credit card debt
by Nick Cox

If your debts are starting to build up to uncomfortable levels then now is the time to act! Procrastinate at your peril, because a debt problem that is ignored will just grow and grow, until you are left with a mountain to climb.



An increasing amount of people are struggling with what feels like insurmountable debt. As debts worsen, many are forced to search for more credit to help meet monthly outgoing demands. Debts then begin to spiral out of control as more and more credit is sought to help keep afloat.



If this sounds familiar, then now is the time to stop and take stock of your situation. There are things you can do to help improve your situation.



If your debt is serious then seek professional assistance. Services such as the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Consumer Credit Counselling Service provide free advice.



It could be time to assess your lifestyle. If you are using your credit cards to fund your social life then this has to be one of the things that must be swiftly curtailed. Credit cards should never be used to fund anything that is non essential to your life. It's time to cut up your credit cards to avoid accumulating more debt.



Check to see if your credit card balance can be moved to a new 0% balance transfer card. Once you have done this, make sure your old credit card is destroyed. This avoids the temptation of maxing out your old cards and thus worsening your situation.


Compare deals on credit cards

Find the best deals available on credit cards and 0% credit cards at moneysupermarket.com



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Paying Off Holiday Debt Quickly

Paying Off Holiday Debt Quickly - 6 Tips for Consumers by Valeri A. James

Dana, a 30-year old public relations specialist, may be earning big bucks while climbing the corporate ladder but like most unattached career women in town, she is struggling with the payment of her credit card balances. For Dana, Christmas is a challenging season as she would have to rein her spending impulses to remedy her already worsening credit rating.



Like Dana, most Americans (single or married) are faced with budgeting problems. Bad credit can get worse with overspending especially during the Christmas season. Holiday debts can pile up and contribute to a negative credit rating.



A negative credit rating is just a symptom of a budgeting problem that can get worse if it goes unchecked. If you still have left-over holiday debts from last year or if you have already placed yourself in deep Christmas debt this year then talk to a debt counselor or consider the following sure-fire tips for paying off your holiday debts quickly.



1. Use CASH whenever possible. Have you noticed how you become more conscious of spending when you need to pay in cash? Paying in cash allows you to keep track of your purchases in real time and by doing so (whenever possible) you would be able to keep yourself from splurging. Ergo: less credit card balances to pay at the end of the month or whenever your card is due.



2. Use your credit card wisely. That strip of hard plastic should be used only when necessary. The first rule of thumb is to use CASH whenever possible. However, American society is so dependent on plastic that you may have to use your credit card more often. Just make sure you do so for reasonable and necessary purchases. Christmas is not a license to overspend. You may be able to buy all the things you want for Christmas (up to your credit card's limit, that is!) but your credit history will suffer if you are not able to pay all your debts on time.



3. List all your outstanding debts. You may be spending too much because you do not keep track of your debts. Document your debts (both credit card and otherwise) and print them out for a quick reference. Seeing your actual debt in black and white will help you cut back on unnecessary expenses and Christmas spending until you have cleared your credit card balances.



4. Make holiday debt payment a priority. It is fun to spend but if you have over-expended your wallet then you have no choice but to prioritize the payment of your debts first before you incur new ones. If your Christmas debts are divided among several credit cards, choose the ones with the least amount and pay it first. Then choose the other credit card balances that you can afford to pay given your financial state.



5. Sacrifice your little pleasures. Paying off your credit card balances can be a pain especially when your finances are limited. This can mean little sacrifices like cooking home meals instead of eating out and drinking instant or office-made brewed coffee instead of going to expensive coffee shops during break time or after work. Before you know it, you already have enough savings to pay for some of your holiday debts.



6. Look for additional sources of income. If your income is limited then you may have to look for additional sources of income to pay off your holiday debts. You can monetize your hobby and make good money out of it. If you are good in photography, why not take photos of your fellow workers during the Christmas party and sell them their photos? Or if you bake a mean chocolate cake, why not sell them this Holiday season? Who knows, your sideline can become a business someday which will help you improve your finances.



If despite these tips you still find yourself overspending and incurring Christmas debts like there is no tomorrow then you should get professional help. Debt counseling groups and Certified Credit Consultants can help you get your spending habits as well as your credit back in track.



Valeri A. James is the President and CEO of Simple Solutions Credit Consulting, Inc. A consumer advocate and author, she has spoken on radio programs and to hundreds of people at seminars, workshops, and business groups. She has over 22 years of experience in the credit industry helping thousands of consumers escape the trap of debt and bad credit. If you are feeling helpless about your debt or low credit score visit http://mycreditsolutions.com or call 1-888-303-7722 for a FREE consultation.



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Personal Finances - K.I.S.S.ing Your Checking And Credit Card Accounts
By George Gilbert

My Dad and father-in-law were at both ends of the spectrum when it came to managing their checking accounts. Dad would spend hours, sometimes days, tracking down a two cent error in his checkbook register. It drove him bonkers when his checkbook didn't balance to the penny with the account statement.

My father-in-law, on the other hand, didn't even keep a checkbook register. He couldn't be bothered with balancing his account. His philosophy was, "If I run out of money the bank will let me know." That is a hands off approach that few of us can get away with, but, it worked for a person that was born and lived in a town of less than 800 people. The bank did, indeed, let my father-in-law know when he was overdrawn. They never, to my knowledge, charged him overdraft fees.

That approach can work in a small town in Northern Idaho. Most of us, however, do not have that kind of a relationship with our bank. In order for our personal finances to run smoothly, it is our responsibility to make the lifestyle choices, and do the work associated with managing our day-to-day finances. How we handle our checking account and credit card transactions is fundamental to keeping things running well.

My Approach Is Somewhere In The Middle

My approach to managing our family checkbook register is somewhere between the two parental extremes cited above. My wife, Lois, and I record all transactions in our register and, like clockwork, I balance our account every month. What I don't do is spend an unnecessary amount of time trying to find errors when our account doesn't balance with the statement. If the error is within comfortable limits, I adjust the account balance and then get on with my life.

What's a "comfortable limit?" That depends on the account balance. My error tolerance is directly proportional to how much money we have on hand when the error occurs. Balancing errors don't happen very often. More often than not our checkbook balances to the penny. The accuracy can be attributed in some measure to the fact that I use personal finance management software.

The point is that personal finances do require some work, but, perfection may not be desirable. There are a lot of people involved in the processing of the various transactions each of us generates as part of our monetary lives. Those millions upon millions of transactions, large and small, are all subject to our own human error as well as the human errors that can be committed by all of those people behind the scenes who we rarely think about.

It behooves us, therefore, to keep tabs on the pulse of our personal finances as recorded in our checkbook and credit card accounts. This ongoing monitoring can be psychotic or a normal, healthy part of our lives. It's up to each one of us to decide where we stand on this issue. Will we adopt a fringe behavior like one of my parents? Or will we keep it sane and simple (K.I.S.S.)?

Using Tools Imposes Lifestyle Choices

Using a cash flow management tool forces you to make choices by imposing lifestyle traits that are required if the tool is going to work as intended. That may sound intimidating, but, for a well written, user friendly program, the required lifestyle traits are not an undue burden. For those of us who are sincerely interested in having "more money than month" instead of "more month than money," developing a few, possibly new habits need not be a harsh adjustment. The payback in financial peace of mind is very well worth it.

Choices We Make Regardless

First, let's take a look at those habits that will make your financial life easier regardless of whether or not you use personal finance software.

* Keep your checkbook register accurate. Your checking account is probably your primary money management tool. It just makes common sense, in my opinion, to keep your checkbook register up-to-date and accurate. If you are not used to writing every transaction (e.g. checks, ATM transactions, deposits) in your checkbook register, or balancing your checkbook every month, these are habits you may want to look at developing immediately. Should you decide to use a money management program, an accurate checkbook is imperative.

* Keep an accurate record of charge transactions. If you use charge cards, keeping an accurate record of your charges and returns is also vital to the success of your cash flow management efforts. In my opinion, not keeping track of charges is a main contributor to why many people get into trouble with charge card debt.

I think it is vitally important that, starting today, you keep the receipts from all of your charge transactions for no other reason than for reconciling your monthly credit card statement. If you are using appropriate personal finance software, charge transactions are entered into the program as soon as convenient. The program will, with accurate charging information, keep you informed of where you stand on your charge card debt.

Choices Imposed By Software

The following issues are specific to the successful use of many personal finance programs.

* One checking account. How people manage their personal funds is very, well, personal. For a single person, the choices are simplified. Once a person takes on a partner, however, personal finances can become complicated depending on how much financial autonomy each partner requires.

Regardless of how many savings and checking accounts each single or partnered person may have, at least one checking account is normally required for use with the software. This one checking account, coupled with the program, is used to plan for and pay bills; plan and pay for planned purchases; and to smooth out weekly living expenses. The intent is for the program and it's associated checking account to encapsulate a person's entire month-to-month financial records.

* Pay bills on a schedule. Instead of paying bills when you receive them or when you get paid, pay your bills on the same days each month. An appropriate schedule for most people would be on the 1st and 15th of each month. The mechanics of bill payment (e.g. check, cash, online, automatic withdrawal) are entirely up to you, but, sitting down twice a month and arranging for your bills to be paid on or before the date they are due will simplify and smooth the paying of your bills.

* Pay yourself on a schedule. "Paying" yourself a fixed amount of spending money the same day each week regardless of when you receive your income will smooth out your day-to-day expenses. How much weekly spending money you give yourself is entirely up to you as is the weekday on which you "pay" yourself.

The trick is to find that amount of weekly spending money that is enough for day-to-day expenses, but not so much that you don't leave yourself enough to pay bills. An appropriately written personal finance program will automatically include your personal "payday" in your month-to-month financial projection so you can easily see whether you have correctly set your weekly spending money amount.

* Keep accurate records. An appropriately written personal finance program gives you a "forward looking" projection of your month-to-month cash flow. When using such a tool, keeping your cash flow projection current is the key to giving you a continual picture of where you are and where you're headed. You will, therefore, have to be consistent with keeping your month-to-month financial records current.

With the right personal finance software, this does not have to be a big chore like keeping track of every penny you spend, or entering and categorizing every check you write. In an appropriately written personal finance program, most of your record keeping will consist of entering bills when you receive them, entering charges as you incur them, paying yourself once a week, reconciling bank and charge account statements, and paying bills. Typically, all of this financial activity will take two to four hours per month.

Paperwork Flow

There are a couple of habits that Lois and I have developed that simplify tasks like the keeping of accurate records. When any piece of paper is received on which is recorded a financial transaction, that piece of paper is placed in our "In" basket.

While most of our financial transactions are handled electronically, there are still items like charge slips, magazine subscriptions and account statements that are printed. By placing all such printed items in one place, they get recorded in our computer records accurately and in a timely manner. It is unusual for one of our paper transactions to be forgotten.

Those pieces of paper that are needed for account reconciliation, like credit card receipts, are put into a "Hold" folder after having been recorded in our personal finance software. Those pieces of paper that are not needed after being recorded are shredded or burned. After reconciling credit card statements, all of the pieces of paper for transactions that have cleared are removed from the "Hold" folder and also destroyed.

It's a simple system, but, it works for us. As long as everyone in a household knows the "paperwork flow," and habitually uses that flow, the chances that transactions will be lost, resulting in potential financial errors, are greatly reduced.

Being Big Brother To Your Checking Account

Another habit that I have adopted is the close, online supervision of our checking account. I'm a big fan of online banking which gives me almost up to the minute information about the status of our checking account. As part of my computer startup procedure, I take a look at the activity in our checking account. This may sound a bit paranoid, but, I've been able to spot unexpected activity on several occasions.

There has been nothing traumatic like identity theft, but, by keeping a close eye on checking account activity I've caught unexpected withdrawals shortly after they happened instead of being surprised on the next account statement. The most recent example involved automatic credit card payments that I thought I had cancelled.

It took two months working with the credit card company's customer service staff to straighten that one out. Had I not spotted the first unexpected payment when it happened, our checking account could have been short by $75.00 each of those two months. That may not be a large amount, but, it could have been enough to cause a potential, inconvenient problem if left undetected.

Financial Peace Of Mind

All of the discussed lifestyle habits are so firmly embedded in Lois and my everyday lives that we no longer even think about them. Consequently, our month-to-month finances are smooth with few interruptions. When we do have to discuss financial issues, it's a discussion over known choices instead of fights over who is doing, or not doing what.

Money is not a source of discord in our lives like it can be for couples. Lois and I have been enjoying financial peace of mind for most of the 40+ years of our marriage. This financial bliss can be attributed directly to the unique cash flow techniques upon which our personal finance management software is based.

George Gilbert writes software for personal computers. One of his popular titles is myOwnPayday, an innovative approach to personal finance that was created out of practical necessity. Find out more about this innovative program at 2goodsoftware.com.

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How To Build Your Credit Score

How to Build Your Credit Score

A solid credit score can lead to lower interest rates, loan approvals, and even job opportunities. If your score is currently less than what you would like it to be, you can take measures to improve it. By understanding the basics of the system, you can start building your credit score today.

What Credit Score Is

The term "credit score" refers to the overall health of your finances. The Fair Isaac Corporation usually calculates this three-digit figure. Fair Isaac takes information from your credit report and punches the numbers through a series of calculations. Your payment history and the amount of outstanding debt you have are taken into consideration. The length of credit, new credit, and type of credit you have are also reviewed.
Before issuing credit, many lenders check your credit score. You may be accepted or denied based on your credit score. For this reason, it is important to maintain a good score. And doing so can be easy. Following are a number of steps you can take to help you build your credit score.

Make Payments on Time

By far the easiest and best way to build your credit score is to avoid late payments. By paying bills on time, you show lenders that you are reliable and consistent. If you have a hard time remembering when payments need to be made, try streamlining the due dates. Call your lenders and ask to have the due date changed to a certain day of the month. Set up all your bills to be due on the same date. You can also line up automatic payments. That way, the money is withdrawn from your checking account at the same time each month. Have reminders sent to your email or mailbox. Find a method that helps you pay on time, every time.

Pay Down your Debt

Paying off debts that you have is another way to build your credit score. Strive to use only 35% or less of your credit limit. So if you have two credit cards that each have a $5,000 limit, you have a total credit limit of $10,000. Aim to keep your total outstanding balances under $3,500. This will lower your credit risk, thereby raising your credit score.

Keep Accounts Open

If you have had a credit card for a long time and rarely use it, think twice before closing the account. If you have a solid history of on-time payments, it may be in your best interest to keep the account open. It will show lenders that you have a longer credit history.

Use your Credit Card Wisely

Building your credit score does not mean getting rid of your credit cards or not using them. But before you make a purchase, consider how you will pay it back. Look into what you can and cannot afford before swiping the plastic.

If you decide to open a new account, keep your shopping time limited to 14 days. Once you have the credit card, pay off your balances on a timely basis. This will improve your credit score over time.

These are just a few ways to build your credit score. Staying on top of your finances and managing them routinely will help your FICO numbers increase. Before you know it, you will have a high credit score.

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To Apply For A Credit Card Today click the following link: http://www.credit-card-surplus.com . Ed Vegliante runs http://www.credit-card-surplus.com , a directory helping consumers to compare and apply for credit cards.

Credit Card Debt Reduction Strategy

Credit Card Debt Reduction Strategy - A Simple 3 Step Mantra
By Gary Worthington

Sometimes, you know things are quite uncontrollable. Einstein was once asked by someone as to what according to him was the greatest force. And in his humor, he had replied, Compound Interest. Now that is precisely what hinders, and to a great extent pulls you down in your attempts to formulate and execute any credit card debt reduction strategy that you think is your "damnedest best"!

No, I do not mean to sound like that, but the thing most people do not understand about debt reduction solution is that your efforts to reduce the credit card debt or pay them off is seriously devastated by interest on your balance. If you don't know how to proceed exactly, you will find yourself deep in debt - even if you had tried very hard to divorce your credit card!

One of the main reasons people don't succeed in paying off credit card debt is inconsistency and impatience. Aside from that, in many cases, I've found that people are not especially calculative about their debt reduction strategy. Here's a plan that works wonders when you follow it seriously...

I call it the 3E formula. Estimate, Enumerate And Execute.

1. ESTIMATE
Number one thing you need to do before you actually start - and if you wish to have a great start - is to estimate the total debt, the APR or the EAR (rates of interests), and other such trivial and important details. That is the first and best part of any debt reduction strategy or plan. Once you estimate and understand your position, you will know how long you need to be patient and put-in the effort.

Remember, no debt is non-eliminateable - if that word exists. You can eliminate every debt, but by constant efforts. Estimate.

2. ENUMERATE
This is a number game. Supposing there's an amount of balance that seems frightening, we tend to move away from it - and in the process, do not pay up at least (and even) a part of it. What happens then is that as Einstein said, compound interest increases the balance and in the end, you have got a terrifying amount. If the initial balance was frightening, this one was terrorizing!

What you need to do here, is to find out an approximate percentage of the balance - say about 3-8% - and pay that every month. That way, you decrease the balance for which the interest is calculated and thereby, the percentage of amount you pay also decreases! And by the end of an year or so, who knows? You might just become a debt-free man or woman!
Enumerate!

3. EXECUTE
This is where most of the credit card debt services tend to lose their reputation. Psychologists say, you need to be motivated bluntly to get you started in the actual process of "credit card debt pay off". I do not completely agree with them, but I think sometimes they are wiser. So, here I am, forcing you plainly, screaming in your face bluntly, GO AND DO IT.

Start your game today, and you will be debt-free soon. Think about doing it tomorrow, and you are lost. Which do you wish to be? A Winner or A Loser?

Gary is a debt-management freak - who loves to help people solve their debt-problems. He is so "freaky" that he has a personal blog on paying off credit card debt where he frequently rants about credit card debt reduction strategies. Visit his blog to know more about credit card debt pay off.

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Vehicles, Debt Consolidation Eating Up Personal Loans

Vehicles, Debt Consolidation Eating up Personal Loans
By Erika Anaya

You cannot always buy everything out of your limited income. You need to set out your preferences and plan accordingly. This is perhaps the best way to get more out of your limited budget.

A recent research says from Alliance & Leicester says that nearly 37 per cent of personal loans are taken out to help Brits buy a vehicle. Actually, this is also beneficial for the customers to seek personal loans for buying a vehicle as the finance deals offered at most of the car showrooms are too expensive to help the customers.

The research also shows that the second-biggest reason to take out personal loans was to allow for consolidation of debts. With 34 per cent of the loans used for this purpose and other 20 per cent to carry out home improvements, personal loans are surely helping Brits fulfill their small dreams.

personal loans are basically unsecured and do not require your home as collateral. It means that even tenants can take out such loans. Brits are quite used to taking out these loans and using them for varying purposes. The usage also include cosmetic surgery, payment of tax liability, funding of shopping expenses, holidaying, wedding expenditure, purchasing an engagement ring, etc.

Brits are very much cautious of their physical appearances. With technology and finance both available, many of them are deciding in favour of cosmetic surgery. Some popular reasons to go under the knife include shaping up the body parts, removal of extra flab, anti-wrinkle treatment, facelifts, rhinoplasty, etc. Taking out loans for meeting regular shopping expenses is another thing that Brits are very much used to doing.

The UK financial market is providing many attractive offers to the borrowers. You can rely on options like credit cards, store cards, personal loans, etc. You should first evaluate your financial requirements and then choose the type of loan that is suitable for your circumstances.

The author is a business writer specializing in finance and credit products and has written authoritative articles about Personal loans,
, unsecured loans , Secured loans. He has done his masters in business administration and is currently assisting Go4UKLoans as a finance specialist.

For more information please visit: http://www.go4ukloans.co.uk/

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Bankruptcy IS NOT The End

Guidelines For Buying Things After Bankruptcy Proceedings
By Wade Robins

There are special guidelines you need to follow when filing for bankruptcy. There are also things to remember about buying things after a bankruptcy. Can you get a loan? Can you Can you get a credit card? The answer is simple, do you want to get back into debt after getting out.

After bankruptcy, you may find it a little harder to obtain a loan or a mortgage, but it can be done. Many bad credit programs pop up everywhere and make it easier for people who had the unfortunate bankruptcy filings on their credit report to obtain financing for a loan or a mortgage, even a credit card.

More companies want to help people with bad credit obtain car or home loans and offer many different types of loans for this specific reason. Many people who want to purchase a car or a mortgage will want to check into the many different options. One reason people become qualified is that people cannot file for bankruptcy again for at least seven years after the first filing. This is all part of the guidelines for bankruptcy that you receive when you file.

Before trying to buy anything after a bankruptcy, you should work on building your credit score and watch any credit card balances to make sure that your total debt is not over fifty percent of your income. By adding positive credit history to your credit report helps to raise your credit score. You can apply for a credit card even if it is small as three hundred dollars for the limit, use it, and pay it off many times. This builds positive credit.

Knowing what creditors look for when giving out credit helps you prepare for obtaining credit. You might need to talk to creditors or a credit repair counselor to see what you might do to help your chances of getting a loan. Every lender has a different standard when it comes to dealing with people with poor credit reports and scores.

Two things you can count on them wanting are a down payment and income verification, but also they want you to wait at least two years after bankruptcy to apply for a loan. Of course, you need to make all payments you have for anything, on time, including your repayment plan.

If you need a down payment, you can borrow from family or friends or try a program for assistance for receiving a down payment. You might obtain a grant from these organizations and use that towards your down payment. Another way to obtain a down payment is by borrowing from your 401K plan as a way to provide you with a down payment.

You can also find more info on Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and Personal Bankruptcy. Filingpersonalbankruptcyhelp.com is a comprehensive resource to get help in Bankruptcy.

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Fix Your Bad Credit in 8 Simple Steps

How to Repair Bad Credit in 8 Simple Steps

By: Garret Belisle

Here is STEP 1: Read your credit report to discover what things are listed on the report that have led to your bad credit rating in the first place.



STEP 2: If you note inaccuracies on your credit report, you'll need to dispute those with the individual creditors reporting them. You can't dispute accurate information even if it does reflect poorly on your credit report, but you can make repairs and improve your credit.



STEP 3: Contact individual creditors and ask if they're willing to work with you to create a repayment plan you can afford, but also assures the creditor of your intent to repay the debt owed them.



STEP 4: Contact your credit card companies and ask for a reduction in the interest rate applied to your credit cards. Some may not be willing, but many credit card companies are willing to do so for cardholders. Use the reduction of interest applied to a credit card account to pay the debt you have on it down faster.



STEP 5: Gather pay stubs and statements for monthly, quarterly, and annual bills (utilities, phone, mortgage, home insurance, retirement account contributions) and create a budget to keep from spending beyond what you actually bring in. You'll also find ways to spend less and use those savings to pay on the debts causing you bad credit



STEP 6: Maxed-out credit cards? Barely able to make the minimum payments on them? Stop using them! Hide them away in a drawer so they won't tempt you to use them and add even more debts to them.



STEP 7: Contact a credit counseling service if your debts are so large that you cannot make regular payments on all of them. A credit counseling service can help you create a plan of action to take care of the debts that are responsible for your bad credit. They can often times speak to your creditors and get you reduced rates and extended payments plans as well.



STEP 8: Apply for a bank sponsored debit or prepaid credit card. As you use this for purchases and make regular payments, you will slowly rebuild bad credit into good credit.



No matter how bad a credit problem may be, it can either get better or worse. In many cases much, much worse. Almost everyone has had credit issues at one time or another in their lifetime. The fact is that our credit rating has a very large effect on our every day lives. Always remember that the better your credit becomes the more money you can and most certainly will save on a variety of things such as; mortgage rates, credit card interest, car payments to name but a few.



Stick to a budget and both you and your credit will be happier for it. Good luck.

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Author Bio

Garret Belisle authors for www.need-to-get-some.blogspot.com, he is also a business consultant for several companies within his community. This is a fun blog that changes daily, not keeping to any particular topic. Check it out, you never know what you'll read (or possibly learn:-)

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Why Choose A Gas Credit Card?

Why Choose A Gas Credit Card? by Michael D. Strauss

It seems like every gas station in the nation now has applications on the counter for a gas credit card. While many people may think, "Why bother, I already have a credit card," gas cards today also frequently offer member bonus features like regular credit cards, including airline miles, cash rebate systems, discount offers with participating merchants and affordable roadside assistance programs. Often, gas card plans will approve accounts for individuals who don't qualify for a good deal on a regular credit card account, also making them a great option for people who need to build their credit rating.



If you're looking to build credit, your options may be somewhat more limited. But if you use your gas card regularly, and pay it off at the end of every month, you'll soon find that you're able to negotiate a better interest rate with your existing card, or even apply successfully for a card with a better benefits package. However, keep in mind that gas cards often have much higher interest rates than a regular credit card would, so you should always make sure you can afford to pay your balance on a monthly basis, to prevent exorbitant interest charges.



If you have driving-age children living at home, a gas card is a great way to ensure your kids don't end up stranded with an empty tank, while at the same time knowing that a regular credit card won't get taken on a "joy ride" by their friends. A roadside assistance benefit can give you extra peace of mind, knowing they won't have to rely on the assistance of strangers if the car breaks down or gets a flat tire.



If you have a particular gas station you visit regularly, getting a gas card from that company would be a good choice, particularly if it offers an incentive program based on frequency of use, such as airline miles per dollar spent, or a coupon or rebate program. If you travel a lot, choosing a gas card for a major nationwide chain of gas stations may be more useful than one that's branded for your neighborhood station.



A gas card with a roadside assistance option may be an affordable alternative to a premium roadside assistance plan such as AAA. There are as many options in gas cards today as there are reasons to apply for one, so don't hesitate to comparison shop to find the best benefits package for your needs!



Michael writes for Card Sense, where you can read reviews of UK credit cards and compare their features such as rewards programs and balance transfer deals.



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Debt Consolidation Tips

Debt Consolidation Tips: An "All in one" Guide!

By: Marsha Claire

A Debt consolidation loan is a loan used to repay several other loans or other debts. A Debt Consolidation Loan is a low cost loan secured on collateral in the form of any securable property, your home, your vehicle or any valuable asset. Debt consolidation loans consolidate all debts incurred through personal loans, credit cards, overdrafts, or any number of unpaid bills that have built up over time. These loans can give you a fresh start, allowing you to consolidate all of your loans into one - giving you one easy to manage payment, and in most cases, at a lower rate of interest. A debt consolidation loan can reduce both your interest costs and your monthly repayments, putting you back in control of your life.

Debt consolidation solutions are practical means for eliminating credit card and other high interest debts, and getting your financial health and future back on track. Being concerned about debt 24 x 7 is extremely stressful, both on you and your family. So take a few minutes right now and educate yourself about your options.


1. Go with a debt consolidation company that has a good reputation.

Don't assume that every non-profit company is necessarily going to look out for your interests more than for a profit. Shopping around will give you the means to decide on the one that best suits your circumstances and your budget. Spend time researching different lenders and get quotes from a handful before deciding on one.

2. Do the math yourself.

Take the time to work through the expenses yourself and see how much you will be paying, how long it will take to pay off the loan, etc. Look for hidden costs, creditor charges, etc. Many lenders add payment protection insurance to their loans without the borrowers' knowledge, which is often more expensive than those available elsewhere. People keen to consolidate their debts, take the first opportunity available, unaware of lower rates and other available options.


3. Is it cost effective in the long run?

Paying off an existing debt may incur charges for early settlement and there may also be a fee for arranging your consolidation loan. A debt consolidation loan should be cheaper than the individual loans and debts since that's its purpose. Otherwise how is it different from any other secured loan? Also, by taking a new debt consolidation loan, you will be extending the period in which you are paying off debts - and that might mean a greater interest cost in the long run. So read the fine print on your credit agreement statement before signing it.


5. Interest rates:

Make sure you understand the difference between variable and fixed rate loans. If you sign up for a variable rate loan, you may get a lower rate initially, but within a few years it may go up. On the contrary, a fixed rate option does not fluctuate with any changes in rates. However, you do not gain when the interest drops either.


6. Debt Consolidation counselling:

Debt consolidation with debt counselling can provide you with expert debt advice for financial planning. This would help you sort out your present debts as well as prevent you from getting into future debt. Debt counselling services can talk to your creditors about reducing your interest rate, eliminating late fees, altering repayment options and extending your loan term. Look up an agency that is the member of the National Foundation for Credit Counselling (NFCC) or the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counselling Agencies (AICCCA).


Secured on your collateral low interest debt consolidation loans can sweep away the pile of repayments to your credit and store cards, loans and replace them with one, low cost, monthly payment - one calculated to be well within your means. Never take a loan that is over the top, take something that suits your needs.


It has been found that a significant number of residents are not aware of the benefits of the debt consolidation options and are suspicious about how it works. There is a need to increase the awareness of the debt consolidation solutions and evolve new varieties and features for debt consolidation loans. There is a great potential to increase the benefits of debt consolidation loans.

Author Bio

Marsha Claire is offering loan advice for quite some time.To find Adverse Credit debt consolidation, UK Debt consolidation Help, Fix Your debt Repayment, Debt consolidation tips visit www.fixyourdebts.co.uk

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