Tag Archives: credit card

Why Credit Card Spending Doesn’t Feel Real

It is true. Spending cash is painful to us, while using a credit card doesn’t quite feel real. Oh sure, logically we know that we are spending the money on that new television, iPad or boots, but there is a well-documented disconnect in our brains that makes it much easier to spend when we do it with a credit card. Think I might be wrong? The average household credit card debt through the end of 2012 was $15,422. The average cash debt? That is $0, of course. With cash, you don’t want spend what you don’t have. So why does … Continue reading →

Three Reasons Why Low Interest Credit Card Transfers May Put You in Debt

Many of us seek to take advantage of those low interest credit card transfer offers. With a low interest credit card transfer offer, you can take the debt you have on one credit card and move it over to a new card that gives you a lower rate of interest. With lower interest, you will save more money, right? If your credit score is still decent, you will find yourself getting a lot of these offers in the mail. Switching from a 12 percent card to a five percent card seems like a great way to speed up your recovery … Continue reading →

To Get Out of Debt, Start Small

The bills are piling up in the corner of your desk, and it seems that every day the mail brings a new stack to deal with. Although the collection agencies haven’t started calling yet, you know that it is only a matter of time before they do. You want to get out of debt and get back on track, but the whole thing seems so overwhelming. Fortunately, it really doesn’t have to be. Just start small and go from there. Most financial advice about debt will guide you toward paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first. This … Continue reading →

Should You Get A Home Equity Loan?

If you have built up a good amount of equity in your home, you might be considering taking out a home equity loan, but is this a good idea? First, think of a home equity loan, also sometimes called a home equity line of credit as an investment tool. If you will be using the money in order to make a significant improvement to your home that will increase it’s value, then this is probably a good investment. A good example is if you remodel your kitchen or adding on additional square footage to your home. These things will generally … Continue reading →

Advice on Letters for Credit Disputes

When you have a charge on your statement that is incorrect, it is important to document your interactions. Often this documentation is in the form of a letter to either a merchant or your credit card company. It is important that this letter follow some basic rules for your protection. While there are laws to protect the misuse of your credit card, there are also some rules you have to follow to ensure the laws protect you. In order to utilize the protection of the Fair Credit Billing Act, you must contact the merchant directly who placed the incorrect charge. … Continue reading →

Stemming Credit Card Debt

Do you need to get a hold on your credit card expenses? Credit cards are one of the leading causes for financial problems. I can’t say enough about paying them off as soon as possible and not racking up new debt. Here are some ways to get the outward money flow under control. Many experts tell you to freeze that credit card in the freezer or leave it at home so you won’t be tempted to use to to spend, spend, spend. But, what if you have an emergency that requires a credit card while you are out? Perhaps your … Continue reading →

Expect the Unexpected

Expected the unexpected seems to be the motto of this Christmas. My husband’s Christmas gift had been planned. I knew exactly what I wanted to buy and where to find it in Nowra. But on Friday when I reached the shop where I’d seen it earlier in the week, they didn’t have what I wanted. That required a whole re-think and casting about for ideas, which I didn’t have time for on Friday as my husband and I had another appointment to meet up with friends in Huskisson. So yesterday, armed with a new set of ideas for gifts, I … Continue reading →

Credit Card Scammers on the Horizon

Just when you thought you were safe we hear about a new credit card scam out there. If you ever needed a reason to cut up your cards and just say no, now is the time. I still use a card for a few items. I like to use it when I purchase from the internet – but it also opens me up for scammers. If you are using a card, be careful, the scammers are getting smarter and cleverer and just downright nasty. Here’s how it works: A person calls you on the phone and identifies themselves as a … Continue reading →

Debt Free, Debt Free, Debt Free At Last!

My Hubby and I were married 26 years before we became 100% debt free – but we could have done it years earlier if I’d known a few simple things. Easy rules really, ones that everyone knows, but few live by. It took me a very long while to understand the charge card concept. I wish I’d learned this simple rule early: If I have to charge it, I probably don’t need it. Charging on credit cards doesn’t help. It just gives you more debt. Yes, I can live on less. Being debt free now means we can live on … Continue reading →

Starbucks Treats

Perhaps different from many Americans, my husband and I have never spent oodles of money on regular Starbucks “treats.” We’ve been married 4 1/2 years now, and until a year or so ago we had gone to Starbucks for a special treat only 3 or 4 times since getting married. When we would go there, it was a major treat for me, mostly, since I like coffee and tea so much. Starbucks was a treat for really only me until my husband realized Starbucks had other non-coffee or tea-related beverages, like Caramel Apple Cider and Strawberry Frappuccinos®. When he found … Continue reading →