Tag Archives: credit cards

February 25 – March 2nd — Weekly Review

We have had a special guest blogger here on Money, so I wanted to take a few minutes to give some highlights of the week! This week started with a great article from Courtney, our guest blogger. She discusses the struggle between her husband and his opinion of credit. In Change your Thinking, learn how Courtney discovered the differences between needs and wants. With so much discussion about the stock market in the news, I figured it would benefit us all to learn a little more about the main economic indicator: the Dow Jones. No Fees is a reminder to … Continue reading →

How I Use My Credit Cards to Earn $200+ Each Year

Yesterday I wrote about how I changed my thinking about credit cards and changed my debt status. But in finding spending harmony I didn’t shun credit cards altogether like many financial advisors tout. (Having too many credit cards was never my problem, though. Maxing out the one I did have was.) No, instead I learned how to use credit cards to make them earn for me. Sign Me Up for That Reward Program! For the longest time I couldn’t get a Discover Card because my credit was so bad. (Not only did I have that maxed out balance on my … Continue reading →

Change Your Thinking, Change Your Debt Status: A Lesson in Needs vs. Wants

I am married to Mr. Finance who does not believe in debt. At all. Before we got married I believed a little debt was part of the American way of life. Who didn’t have a balance on their credit card? Wayne didn’t. Never has, never will. Yet, he had a credit card. “But how come you don’t have any debt? What about the things you want? You’ve got all that credit and could buy so much.” “Credit isn’t money, Courtney. If I want something I make sure I have the cash in hand first. I might use my credit card … Continue reading →

History of Credit Cards

Ever wonder how long our society has been reliant on credit cards? While the concept of credit has been around for thousands of years, credit cards are far more recent of a phenomenon. The first type of credit card appeared in the early 1910s as a department store card, limited to purchases made at a specific store or location. The general use credit card took another 40 years to develop. In 1950, Diner’s Club introduced the first credit card used at multiple stores. Of course, this card could only be used at restaurants, but it was the first time that … Continue reading →

Ensure your Credit Security Through Credit Cards

I realize many people out there shun credit cards entirely. While I can see their point, they are actually bucking a system ingrained in society. By doing this, they are inadvertently hurting themselves. Yes, credit cards can be black holes into debt and financial ruin, except, they are not a loaded gun. You have to use them incorrectly to get yourself in trouble. There is no accidental debt. The problem with not having credit cards is our society has become so reliant on them. Therefore, so have the credit bureaus for their credit reports and scores. By avoiding credit cards … Continue reading →

Are Your Credit Cards getting a Workout?

Instead of giving credit cards a workout, try putting them on a diet if you want to save money over the long term. This time of year, it’s tempting to break out the plastic. I have sworn off plastic myself, but I know many people that can’t help getting a little carried away during the holidays. It’s easy to do! There are some other things to keep in mind about credit cards too. For one thing, you can sign up to pay your bill online with many different cards. This is a great option if you happen to be running … Continue reading →

Building Credit

Many young people falsely believe they have to either apply for a loan or carry a credit card balance to build a credit history. The myth is in thinking you must be paying interest to create credit. If you are just beginning in the credit world and want to generate a great score from the start, follow these simple steps. The easiest way to start your credit history is through a credit card. Find one with no annual fees and the lowest interest rate available to you. If you are really early in developing credit, you probably won’t get a … Continue reading →

Are Credit Cards Tools or Traps?

Many view credit cards as useful tools. They can help you get something that you want now, that you do not have the money for. Others view them as a way to get cash back, or earn points for prizes, vacations and flights. It is important to realize that with the convenience that credit cards offer, also cards are also dangerous. It is important to avoid charging your wants on your credit card. If you are paying for your wants with cash at the beginning of the month, but charging your groceries at the end, then you are still charging … Continue reading →

Stop that Credit Junk Mail

Do you receive credit cards offers in the mail? Well, take that as a good sign about your credit, but a bad sign about your vulnerability. These offers not only fill up the recycling bin, they leave you exposed to mail crime and identity theft. Many of us can easily say we receive at least a handful of pre-approved credit offers in the mail each week. What do you do with these? If you don’t plan to use any of them, they probably end up in the trash. Hopefully you also put them through the shredder first. If these offers … Continue reading →

Week in Review for July 29th to August 4th

Do you even know what a delinquency is? Dig deeper into the words and meanings of the credit world in regards to your credit score in Delinquencies and Credit Issues. What exactly happens when your bill goes past due? How does the late payment show up and your credit report? In this week blog entry, Collection Activities, you can learn some valuable information to help you maintain a clean credit report. As more of our population enters their senior years, reverse mortgages are a major buzz word. What exactly are they and do you qualify? Learn more in Miriam’s article, … Continue reading →