Terms of Use The credit card you pick can save you money Table of Contents: Credit Card Interest Rates How Much Will You Pay? Credit Card Shopper's Checklist Deciphering the Application Glossary For More Information Smart consumers comparison shop for credit, whether they're looking for a mortgage, an auto loan, or a credit card. Comparison shopping is important because it could save you money. When you're looking for a credit card, be sure to consider the costs and terms. They c  More...

Terms of Use: Consider and compare all terms, including the following, before you select a card: Annual Percentage Rate (APR) - the cost of credit as a yearly rate. Free or Grace Period - allows you to avoid any finance charge by paying your balance in full before the due date. If there is no free period, you will pay a finance charge from the date of the transaction, even if you pay your entire balance when you receive your bill. Fees and Charges - most issuers charge an annual fee; some al  More...

Terms of Use: Credit repair companies advertise that they can erase bad credit and create a new credit identity legally, all for a hefty fee. Don't believe it . No one can legally remove accurate and timely negative information from a credit report. No credit repair company can do anything you can't do for yourself for free. Only time, hard work, and a personal debt repayment plan will improve your credit report. If you need assistance, you have several options. Credit counseling serv  More...

Terms of Use How to Deal with Debt When You're Out of Work You've found yourself without a job, not knowing how long you may be unemployed. What can you do now to manage your finances in the short-term and long-term? Here's a six-step plan: Step One: Prioritize your debts Step Two: Talk with your creditors Step Three: Pay what you owe (at least the minimum payment amount) on time Step Four: Cut back on your expenses Step Five: If you have to borrow, find the least expensive sources  More...

Terms of Use: If you can't make your mortgage payments, your lender can foreclose on your home. Foreclosure is a process that can begin immediately and will result in your losing your home. Most lenders, however, will allow you to miss a couple of payments before starting foreclosure proceedings. If you're at risk of missing a mortgage payment, contact your lender immediately. While the process of foreclosure can take several months, be aware that the process itself will be a costly   More...

Terms of Use: The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act applies to those who collect debts owed to creditors for personal, family and household debts, including car loans, mortgages, charge accounts and money owed for medical bills. A debt collector is someone hired to collect money owed by you. A debt collector may not: Contact you at unreasonable times or places, for example, before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., unless you agree, or at work if you tell the debt collector your employer disapproves  More...

Terms of Use: Friendly looking people proclaiming the benefits. Smiling representatives, extending a hand. The ads for payday loans and check cashing services are appealing and perhaps you've been tempted to check them out. What is a payday loan? Payday loans are usually small, short-term, high-rate loans intended to get you cash before payday. The idea is that once you receive your paycheck, you'll pay off the loan. These loans may also be called cash advance loans, check advance loans or p  More...

Terms of Use: Overdrafts occur when you spend more than you have on balance in your account. This spending can occur from online bill payment, check writing, use of an ATM, or purchases made with a debit card (sometimes called a check card). While it's important to maintain your balance in your account to avoid overdrawing it, once in awhile you may accidentally overdraw your account. Depending on the arrangements you have with your financial institution, you may have overdraft or bounce prote  More...

Terms of Use To begin building your credit history: Start by opening an account at your favorite financial institution. While it won't appear on your credit report, you may be asked to provide account numbers when completing credit applications. Next, apply for a credit card . It may be easier for you to be approved for a department store or gas credit card before applying for other types of credit cards, such as a VISA or MasterCard. Now, begin using your credit card for purchases . B  More...

Terms of Use Did you know that bankruptcies resulting from unpaid medical bills will affect nearly 2 million people this year? Unpaid medical bills are the number one cause of bankruptcy filing in the U.S. today, outpacing bankruptcies caused by credit card bills or unpaid mortgages. The data finds that most of those who filed for bankruptcy were middle-class, well-educated homeowners and carried health insurance. Since bankruptcy is an extreme measure, perhaps there are steps you can take no  More...