Great Ways To Manage Your Personal Finances

The state of the economy is forcing many families to take a long, hard, look at their wallets. Focusing on spending and saving may feel frustrating, but taking good care of your personal finances will only benefit you in the long run. Here are some great personal finance tips to help get you started.

If you are currently paying for your checking account, it’s time to find a new one. Banks compete for your business, and so many offer free checking with amenities and services similar to those you used to have to pay for. Shop around and find one that won’t charge you on a monthly basis. continue reading

Credit Card Stolen? Here's What You Do

Despite high-profile media attention, the odds of having your credit or debit card number stolen by crooks remains at historically low levels. That said, it's always good to know what to do in case lightening does strike and someone fraudulently uses your card. Left unchecked, they might try to run up bills, drain your checking account or worse -- steal your identity.

Here are actions to take if this happens to you, as well as preventive measures that can lessen your risk going forward:

Call the card issuer. First, contact the bank or credit union that issued your card. You'll find a toll-free number on the back of your card, on your billing statement or at the company's website. The issuer will closely monitor your account for odd behavior and may either reissue a card with a new CVV (card verification code) number or issue an entirely new card number. Read Full Story

Five things to discuss with your freshman

BY STEVE ROSEN
The Kansas City Star

Here are my freshman five to address:


• Monitor the checking account. Why is your daughter running short of cash each month? Was the $250 monthly deposit in her account to cover personal expenses unrealistic? 


• Get a debit card. If your college student has been writing checks and paying with cash — and handling money responsibly at that — it’s time to graduate to a debit card. With a debit card, you can easily monitor the account online and replenish with funds when necessary. The down side is that a debit card won’t help your child develop a credit history.


• Time to add a credit card? The best option is to add your student as an authorized user to your account. That way, you control the account, but your child can start building a credit history. And if your college kid is misusing the card, you can have him removed from the account. The other approach is to co-sign on a credit card account. It would be in your child’s name, and help start him on building a credit history.


• Taking a car back to campus. If your freshman didn’t have a car at school during the first semester, but will be returning in January with a set of wheels, alert your insurance agent. 


• Check the health care coverage. You thought your HMO covered your daughter who attends college in another state. It wasn’t until an asthma attack sent her to a hospital emergency room that you discovered the hole in your coverage Read Full Story

Take full advantage of 0% University student Bank card This kind of Christmas time

Since customers gear up, able to spend more money in preparation regarding Xmas and New Year, many credit card companies provide special deals like returns or even 0% opening Interest rates. Actually individuals may grow their credit card spending throughout the holidays.

If you’re each student, in the event you get yourself a 0% Apr interest rates minute card? How may you take full advantage of a charge card that gives 0% preliminary fee? How can you use it to your benefit and prevent the potential risk of negative debts? In this post, let’s response these queries one by one:
In case you Apply for a 0% Annual percentage rates Student Charge card?

Students are advised to be cautious whenever getting bank cards. Keep in mind, taking care of numerous company accounts will show to be a greater challenge. Obtaining way too many bank cards will simply encourage shelling out of course, if you run upward amounts about every single minute card, payment could be a stress. Being unable to pay back your current credit card amounts entirely can result in debt build-up as well as a bad credit score. Continue Reading

Reasons You Should Handle Credit Cards With Care in College

If you talked your parents into cosigning for credit cards, then you might have been lectured about the dangers of college credit card overspending. You know to pay bills on time, use credit cards only when necessary, keep balances low, charge only what you can afford and avoid staggering credit card debt.


Yeah, yeah, yeah.


You know the instructions for wise credit card use. Now, here are 5 reasons to follow those instructions:


1. Get a Car After College
2. Avoid Icky Credit Report Confrontation
3. Impress Employers at Graduation
4. Avoid Paying for Credit Card Splurges When You’re Married with Kids
5. Less Credit Card Debt = More Spending Money

Read Full Story

Consumer agency logs 5,000 credit card complaints in first months

December 1, 2011

Reporting from Washington —— In its first three months of operation, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau got more than 5,000 complaints about credit cards, the federal agency said in a report.

"When consumers contact us, we get a snapshot of how the consumer finance markets are working," said Raj Date, the special Treasury Department advisor who is running the bureau until the Senate confirms a director.

The agency, which launched on July 21, has made handling complaints a priority. The report covered complaints received through Oct. 21. Read Full Story

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About the Author:

Samantha Wilson is a consultant for student bad credit cards. For years she has written student credit card reviews that would help build student credits

10 Ways to Building An Outstanding Credit History

In case you’ve just started out establishing your credit history, it’s advisable to ensure that it stays free via derogatory represents and keep very good ranking. Here I will discuss the ten ways in creating a high credit score and maintaining the idea on the top:

1. Get a copy of your credit history at least 2 times a year.

Examining your credit report enables you to be sure that your obligations are accurately recorded knowning that absolutely no bogus fees are placed below your bank account. It also permits you to look into the status of the financial obligations for your credit card companies.

2. Acquire good credit.

Not necessarily acquiring any obligations at all within your account will not likely help you build your credit rating. Exactly what do be looked at as good debts? Home financing mortgage is an excellent credit card debt considering that a house property increases in benefit through the years. Credit card charges may also be considered as great debts if they're kept under control. The key is to acquire just the quantity of debt that you could repay by the due date. read more


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The holiday season Shopping Methods for School students

A lot of youth enjoy shopping especially when get yourself ready for the particular vacation trips. If you’re a student, how can you survive the holidays without getting stuck in holiday debt? Consider these Christmas shopping ideas:

Make a gift list. Who are you planning to give presents to for Holiday season? Don’t feel negative if you can’t provide gifts to every person you find out. You can still show the nature of kindness and love in many ways apart from providing material things.

Fixed a budget for each person. For each person on your list, make a decision precisely how significantly you're willing to spend before looking for the perfect gift. Consider the person’s interests and desire just before getting a gift. Don't forget, a gift doesn’t will need to be overpriced in order to be particular.

continue reading : Christmas Shopping Tips for Students

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