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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 →

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 →

Negotiating Credit Card Rewards

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If you have reasonably good credit history and a handle on managing your use of a credit card, then you absolutely should be making money with credit card points. In order to remain competitive most credit card companies are offering some sort of rewards program. Often you don’t even need to open a new account to start receiving rewards. The best type of rewards program pays you cash. Money can be used to buy almost anything and is a far more flexible reward then points toward travel, cars, or mortgages. I highly recommend you find a rewards program that pays … Continue reading →

Credit Cards and Rewards

Recently I have talked to people who use credit cards for the cash rewards. Generally when you do this you charge all of your living expenses on the card (groceries, gas, clothing and so on), and then you pay off the balance at the end of the month. This can be beneficial if you are responsible enough to pay off your balance in full at the end of every month. If you do this you need to be extremely disciplined and follow these guidelines. 1) There are so many credit cards available with cash back rewards that there is no … Continue reading →

Five Tips to Help You Stop Using the Credit Cards

Have you told yourself that you need to stop using the credit cards, but find yourself pulling them out anyway? Each month you promise yourself that you are going to start paying back the cards, but then find your balance steadily increasing? Here are five tips to help you stop using those cards. 1) The best way to stop yourself is to stop carrying the cards with you. If you do not feel safe without a credit card (to pay a tow truck or to handle a similar emergency) then carry one with a very small limit, so you will … Continue reading →

Choosing the Right Credit Card

If you have considered taking out a credit card to build your credit. You need to make sure to use the card wisely and to pay off the bill in full every month. This will safely build your credit, and help you to avoid accumulating debt. However, not all credit cards are created equal. There are important things to consider when you are opening a credit card. 1) There is no reason to pay an annual fee for a credit card. You should be able to find a credit card available to you that will not charge you an annual … Continue reading →

Choosing the Right Bank for You

If you are new to the area or opening your first checking account, you should do some research. Different banks offer different accounts. It is important to look for hidden fees (they really do exist) and other benefits that the accounts can offer you. You should also take into account convenience of locations and/or ATMs as this may affect your choice depending on your account. Here are five steps to making the right choice for a checking account for you. 1) First you need to go online or go to the different banks and credit unions that you are considering … Continue reading →

My Three Favorite Finance Websites

The internet can be a great source for information about financial matters, if you know where to look. Whether you are looking for ways to save more and spend less or you need advice on a particular topic such as retirement planning or business finance you can find the information you need online. Choosing a finance themed blog or two to read on a regular basis can be a great way to boost your financial literacy, too. Here are a few resources that I have found helpful for various financial topics: Kiplinger’s Personal Finance – A very well established personal … Continue reading →

Thrifty Tips for College Students

Whether you are a parent of a college student or you are a student yourself, you know that college is expensive. What you may not know, and what I wish that I knew when I was in college a few years ago, is that there are some things that you can save money on while you are in college which can add up to significant savings. That’s right, you can have more cash left in your pocket or less money borrowed from student loans and other sources if you do a few things a little differently. For example, when you … Continue reading →