finance credit 31

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Nobody enjoys being up to their eyeballs in debt. I mean let's face it life is hard enough without having to worry about how you're going to pay bills that seem to keep piling up all around you. If you're feeling this way I can assure you it's not just you. Sadly millions of people suffer from having to pay a large financial obligation due to an enormous amount of debt they have accumulated over time. Just doing a quick search on Google shows that there are over 16,000,000 million web pages that use the term debt reduction which explains the hundreds of debt reduction programs that are offered online. Stop and take a breather for a second because this article will give you several ways you should be able to reduce your debt.

Debt Reduction Tip Number 1 - Consolidate Your Credit Cards
Credit cards, credit cards and still more credit cards. Millions of people carry them with a large portion of that group overusing them to an extreme resulting in high interest and a large accumulation of credit card debt. If you are suffering from high credit card debt then one method to alleviate that stress would be to consolidate all of your credit cards onto a lower interest rate or zero interest rate card. This should allow for one central payment at a lower rate then several payments too many different cards at a higher percentage interest rate. Do your online research and find a card that offers a lower rate and then transfer all of your balances over to that new card and don't use the now debt free credit cards again.

Debt Reduction Tip Number 2 - Consider a Debt Consolidation Loan
On the surface this sounds like a bad idea but in reality this can be a way to relieve yourself of several payments at different rates and terms. The key here would be to find a debt consolidation loan with favorable rates which will most likely be based on whether or not you have a steady income from employment and a fairly decent credit score.

Debt Reduction Tip Number 3 - Consider an Estate Sale
Depending on the amount of debt you need to relieve yourself from it could be possible to sell some items you have laying around your house for a few extra dollars. This could be jewelry you no longer wear, that hot tub you no longer use or that third car that collects dust in the garage month after month. Use any money gained from this sale to immediately be put to use paying off any credit card debt you may currently have.

Debt Reduction Tip Number 4 - Consider a Second Job
Nobody enjoys having to work more then one job to make ends meet but if your financial security and future is at risk then perhaps you should reconsider. After all wouldn't you rather go through the pain of working a second part time job now instead of bankruptcy and poverty at a future date? Use all income gained from this second form of employment to pay down any of your outstanding debt starting with the higher interest debt first. Once things have settled down for you and you have your financial future back under control you can always part ways with your second job.

Debt Reduction Tip Number 5 - Look For Another Way Out
Even if you're piled under a mountain of debt that doesn't mean you have to roll over and take it. Let your mind relax and become creative in ways you can earn money to pay off your debt. Look at other methods of acquiring funding to pay off your bills - such as tapping into a home equity loan (if you own a home). Maybe you have some stocks you can sale or a little bit of cash stashed away for a rainy day. You as a last resort could even consider bankruptcy but this has a drastic effect on your credit score and may not be worth it if you think you can salvage a way to pay off your high interest debt.

This article wasn't intended to provide a debt reduction plan. Instead I wanted to pass along a few tips that I've seen other people use successfully to rid themselves of high interest debt in order to regain their financial freedom. If they can do so can you. Do some additional research and see what you can come up with in order to eliminate your debt.

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finance credit 30

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Unpaid monthly payments will damage a person's credit history. Even though you may plan to make double payments the following month, the missed payment will show up as a negative, and may compromise your future ability to borrow money or extend your credit limit on existing accounts. That is why it is important to make every effort to pay your bills on time. Sometimes a creditor will let you make partial payments temporarily for extreme conditions, such as disability or unemployment. Still, you will have to find sources of funding that will help you make those credit card payments and either avoid a negative credit history or prevent your financial standing from damaging reports if the bills remain outstanding.

A debt consolidation loan may be the answer to your problem. Although a loan will not automatically reduce your debt load, it can provide smaller payment options that will ease your financial strain and help you stay current with monthly balances. A consolidation loan could provide several benefits toward paying off your credit card debt in a timely manner without defaulting and hurting your credit reputation.

1. Shop around with different lenders to see if you are eligible for a debt consolidation loan. The internet is an incredible resource for debt management and offers a wealth of information if you know where to look. One such resource is www.banklady.com. Potential lenders will consider several things to see if you can get a loan of this type, including the amount of debt you currently owe and the monthly payments that are due for each one, your household income, previous credit history, paid items that were financed-like a car or a boat, and your ability to make monthly payments for the proposed consolidation loan.

2. If it appears that you are eligible, you can submit an application for the debt consolidation loan. You may be able to do this from home at your computer. This would be helpful if you need to consult records and pay stubs rather than bring them all to the bank for copying. On the other hand, making an appointment with a loan officer to review some of the necessary records will give you the opportunity to ask questions and clarify information. Make sure the application is filled out correctly and completely, as missing information could delay an answer.

3. After discussing figures with the loan officer, make sure that you can afford the debt consolidation monthly payment. There's no point in refinancing if the new payment will still be hard to meet. Try to get the due-date set to a day each month right around payday, so you can make the payment before spending that money on other things. Payroll withdrawals are another option that will automatically deduct the monthly payment from your paycheck before you ever get a chance to see or spend that amount. Ask your lender if this option is available, and if you use it, be sure to deduct the payment amount from your check register each month.

Should everyone in financial trouble take out a consolidation loan? Not necessarily. There are potential drawbacks to consider, so do your research before making the decision to apply for the loan.

1. How long will a debt consolidation loan extend your current balances? If your present credit card balances could be paid in full within three years by making regular payments as scheduled, is it advisable to refinance your debt and extend the loan another three to five years? You could end up paying far more over the life of the loan than you would by keeping current with regular debt payments. Compare the two to see if refinancing is in your best interests.

2. What will be your new interest rate? A debt consolidation loan generally is an unsecured loan, which means you may pay a higher interest rate than you might for a secured purchase, like a new car loan, for example. If your current credit card debt interest averages at six percent, and your new loan interest will be nine percent, how much more will you end up paying until the balances are paid in full?

3. Consider upcoming circumstances. For example, if your financial crunch is temporarily due to having a child in college, and he will graduate in a year, is there a way to make regular payments during this time by tightening the household budget rather than by refinancing a loan? You might be able to use your job's year-end bonuses, an unexpected windfall, or a postponed vacation as a source of revenue to help you meet the present payment schedule, which could save money associated with the costs of a loan application, a longer payment scheduled, and higher interest.

These are some of the issues that typically come up when people think about refinancing their credit card debt to protect or clear their credit records. Give careful thought to the pros and cons of a debt consolidation loan before switching debt balances to a new lender.

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finance credit 29

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You've finally come to that stage in life when you can afford to own a credit card, not as a supplementary cardholder but as the principal cardholder. Finally, you've earned the right to have a credit card in your own name and to be able to purchase whatever you want without having to ask anybody else's permission. But now that that time has come, you find yourself in a quandary - what type of credit card should you apply for?

There are just two basic choices for you - do you want a credit card that offers rewards and one that doesn't?

The Non Reward Type of Credit Card

These credit cards do not offer you any reward points or bonuses no matter how many times you use their credit cards or how prompt you are when it comes to credit card payments. Instead, this type of credit cards allow you to waive interest charges for a certain period of time or avail of lower interest rates than those offered by reward types of credit cards.

Basically, there are two choices that you're given when it comes to the non reward type of credit card. The first one would be a credit card that offers 0% APR intro rates. When you get yourself this kind of credit card, you'll be able to purchase anything without having to worry about contending with high interest rates. But the 0% APR is only applicable for a certain period of time because it's an introductory offer. Once it's over, the APR will revert to normal.

The second type of non reward credit card is the low interest ongoing APR credit card. Although it's not 0%, the interest rate may be lower than what the new APR would be for a credit card with 0% APR intro rates.

The Reward Type of Credit Card

If you don't find yourself excited with all those low interest rates being offered by non-reward types of credit cards then perhaps you'll find your heart racing with credit cards offering rewards.

With this type of credit card, the interest charge is usually higher but you really don't care about that, do you, if it means being able to win a iPod Mini later on, does it? With reward types of credit cards, frequency of use and promptness of payment matter a great deal. There are also a whole variety of rewards being offered so you're surely be able to choose one that you truly desire.

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finance credit 28

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Mano y mano, which one is better do you think - a credit card with low, ongoing APR or one that offers 0% APR as an intro rate?

There are so many types of credit cards that offer all sorts of promotions and rewards that it's definitely hard for a consumer to pinpoint which one would best suit their wants, needs and present financial situation. If, however, you've already managed to reduce your choices to just two and the battle's simply between the low ongoing APR credit card and the 0% APR intro rate credit card then here are several tips to help you determine which one is the best credit card for you.

Are You Planning To Buy Anything Expensive - Yes, the words zero percent can certainly be dazzling to the eye but is it something you really need? If you're planning to buy something very much expensive and that's beyond your budget then yes, it might be better if you go for a 0% APR intro rate credit card - just as long as you're sure you'll be able to pay off the full amount before the introductory period is over. Because if you can't and you don't, then what's the use of having 0% APR in the first place?

How Long Does The Introductory Period Last - Generally, for credit cards offering 0% APR intro rates, the introductory period usually lasts from ninety days to fifteen months.

If you're going to purchase something expensive but you don't think you can pay it off before the introductory offer expires then it's time to bring out your calculator once more. Compute how much your balance would be after the introductory period and see if it's still lower than what you'll pay with a low ongoing APR.

What Would The APR Be After The Introductory Period - Going back to the previous situation, let's just say that you don't think you'll be able to pay off the full amount in time. If the new APR is higher than what other low ongoing APR credit cards are offering then maybe, having a 0% APR intro rate credit card isn't the right credit card for your needs.

Are There Any Other Fees To Pay - Whether it's a 0% APR intro rate credit card or a credit card with a low, ongoing APR, don't forget to ask if there are other fees to pay. Naturally, it's better to stick with the credit card with lower fees.

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finance credit27

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Whether you own a credit card that offers reward points, a credit card with a low ongoing APR or one with a 0% APR intro rate, it helps - and pays - to act smart with your credit card usage. If and when you own a credit card, it's not just simply a matter of swiping and paying off bills. There are ways to maximize the promotional offers and rewards of your credit card and we're here to teach you how to be a smart credit card owner.

The Zero Percent (0%) APR Intro Rate Credit Card - So, you've been approached by a credit card representative offering you this type of credit card, have you? He made it all sound so simple and wonderful, didn't he? Or maybe, you accidentally came across a credit card website and you found yourself mesmerized with the words zero percent.

Whatever the case, here's the truth about 0% APR intro rate credit cards - it's not what everybody needs. That's right. Even if it does promises to give you 0% APR on your credit card purchases, keep in mind that this is an intro rate we're talking about.

And this means that if the introductory period is over - and the coverage is usually between three to fifteen months, tops - then say bye-bye to your beloved 0% APR and say hello once more to the normal APR for credit cards.

A 0% APR intro rate credit card is best for people who want to transfer their balance from old credit cards and people who are planning to make expensive purchases and are able to pay them off before the introductory offer expires. When shopping for 0% APR intro rate credit cards, remember to ask about the duration of the introductory period, what the APR's going to be after the intro period and if there are any additional fees to be paid.

The Low Ongoing APR Credit Card - If you just want a credit card with a low or lower interest rate but you're not in the mood to buy a Tiffany jewelry set or a yacht then yes, you're better off with a low ongoing APR credit card.

Credit Card Offering Rewards / Reward Points - This is the most popular type of credit card. Although they have higher interest rates compared to other credit card types, if you don't mind paying more on finance charges in the hopes of winning something else later on then this type of credit card is the ideal one for you!

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finance credit 26

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Many consumers are overwhelmed by accumulated debts. In most cases, the problem creeps up gradually, until the total debt load reaches unmanageable proportions. Sometimes even minor problems such as temporary illness can tip the balance for the heavily indebted because they have no savings on which to fall back. Here are some suggestions to help ease the debt burden.

Credit Cards
If you know you are tempted to overspend on credit cards, leave them at home when you go shopping. Pay with cash and you will not have the temptation to overspend.

Develop a Budget
To take control of your financial situation you must have a realistic assessment of how much money you earn and how much money you have left over to spend. Calculate your total income, then list your "fixed" expenses - those unescapable charges you incur every month - like mortgage payments or rent, car payments, and insurance premiums. Next, list optional expenses such as entertainment, recreation, and clothing. Writing down all your expenses, even small ones, is a helpful way to track spending patterns, identify necessary expenses, and prioritize the rest. The goal of a budget is to ensure that your basic needs are met before any discretionary spending.

Contact Your Creditors
Contact your creditors immediately if you're having trouble paying debts. Tell them why it's demanding for you, and try to establish a modified payment schedule that reduces your payments to a more manageable sum. Do this before your account is handed to a bill collector. At that point, your creditors have given up trying to collect the debt voluntarily.

Auto and Home Loans
Debts are referred to as unsecured or secured. Secured debts usually are tied to an asset, like your car for a car loan, or your home for a mortgage. If you miss payments on a secured loan, the lender can repossess your car or even foreclose on your home. Unsecured debts are not linked to any any asset, and include virtually all credit card debt, medical bills, signature loans, and debts for other services. It is wise to pay off secured loans first, to avoid loss of assets.

Debt Consolidation
Debt consolidation loans reduce interest rates thus lowering your monthly payments. Shop around for the best rates, and consider closing costs as well. There are many different companies offering widely different rates. Consolidation loans can give you a fresh start, consolidating all of your loans into one simple payment, in virtually all cases at a lower rate of interest.

Methods of Debt Consolidation
Credit Card companies and banks offer debt consolidation as unsecured individual loans, with no collateral. Because these are risky loans for the lender, they're usually more expensive than secured loans and not always available if you have a lot of debt and a bad credit rating.

Home Equity Loans, Home Equity Line of Credit, Interest-Only Loans, and Cash Out Refinance are all secured loans using your house as collateral. Rates are lower than unsecured loans, but if you default, you may lose your home.

Credit Counselling Services
Credit counselling agents will help you get out of debt, though they don't actually consolidate your debt. Instead, payment plans (usually with lower interest and fees) will be worked out for all of your eligible debts. You are left with a single monthly payment to the counselling agent, who will pay all your creditors.

Participating in a credit counselling program normally won't hurt your credit rating and will provide a payment program to clear up your debts in 3 to 6 years. However, be sure to choose a reputable service provider. If the credit counselling agency pays your bills late, you'll pay the cost since you are still legally responsible to the lender.

Retirement Loans
If you have a 401(k), 403(b) project or even certain varieties of company pension plans, it is possible to borrow against your nest egg. (You can't borrow against your IRA.) You do not have to pre-qualify. It is preferable to borrow against your retirement account, rather than withdraw from it early to avoid paying higher taxes and a ten percent penalty. But remember, if you lose your job, you might have to pay your loan back immediately or even pay taxes and penalties for an early withdrawal.

Debt Class Action Settlement
This involves an agreement with a personal injury settlement company. You make monthly payments to them, and they deal with your creditors to negotiate a final settlement of your debts, usually for fifty percent or less of the balance. Your credit rating will go down if you use this option, but in extreme circumstances it may be preferable to bankruptcy.

Most consumers can solve their debt problems by using one of these plans. It is best to have a plan to pay off your debts in 3-5 years. Don't procrastinate -- choose an approach and begin getting out of debt today.

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finance credit 25

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Need a credit card? No problem! And that's exactly the problem. In a nation where instant gratification is touted as a virtue, credit is available to anyone no matter what their credit history. This is causing personal and financial problems for many consumers who abuse the easy availability of credit and find themselves unable to pay back their loans.

There was a time in history when extensive credit was available only to the aristocracy, and debt carried a social stigma for anyone else. The poor and middle class were carefully scrutinized when they applied for loans, and debtor's prison awaited those who did not repay their debts.

Americans are more indebted than ever in the nation's history. The amount owed on loans for cars, homes and credit cards adds up to nearly 100% of annual after-tax income, according to a report in Business Week magazine. Yet, according to the Consumer Fedaration of America, this alarming level of indebtedness has not deterred the moneylenders: credit card companies have more tha $3 trillion of unused credit lines up for grabs, approximately $30,000 per
American family.

According to Fair, Isaac and Co. (FICO), the average consumer has access to $12,190 on all credit cards combined. Not everone is a spendthrift: more than half of cardholders use less than 30% of their total credit limit. However, one in eight is using 80% or more of their credit limit, and 1 in 10 have a total debt greater than $10,000. Cardweb.com estimates that 20% of American credit cards are maxed out.

There are specialized credit cards being offered to all kinds of borrowers, from students to small business owners. Each demographic group is targetted with a specific sales pitch.

People with good credit ratings can easily access lines of credit at an interest rate of 5% or less over the current prime rate, and such applicants are also qualified for Platinum credit cards. However, about half of cards in circulation are Gold cards, which require just $10,000 in annual income for qualification.

The credit industry uses credit scores to divide potential customers into "prime" and "subprime" markets, referring to the prime interest rate set by banks. Elite borrowers can obtain a line of credit on a Platinum card at an interest rate around 12%. A Gold card carries an average interest rate of 15%, while a standard credit card charges rates around 17%.
Then there's the subprime market, which first emerged in the 1990s, dealing with consumers whose credit scores are 500 or less, little or no credit history, those emerging from bankruptcy and anyone with an inconsistent performance in managing credit. These people are often low income earners and/or poor money managers, but the credit card industry finds a way to profit from these most needy of borrowers.

Unlike "secured" credit cards, cards offered to subprime borrowers require no security deposit. Credit limits start out very low -- initially in the $100 to $500 range. However, fees can be hundreds of dollars and interest rates can easily soar to usurous rates of 30% or more.

The industry also offers "secured" credit cards to offer high-risk customers. Borrowers are required to pay an up-front security deposit from $99 to $5,000 to serve as collateral in case of default.

Many social and business commentators have denounced the subprime lending business for exploiting the poor, comparing the industry's problems to depression-era banking scandals. Lenders take on poor and desparate customers at their own risk, writing off losses in the 15% to 17% range, versus the average industry loss rate of 6.5%, according to CardWeb. The delinquency rate among subprime card issuers is 10%, twice as high as the industry average. Some credit card companies, such as NextCard, have been unable to recoup their losses and have closed up shop.

According to many pundits, the American economy has been thriving in the past 5 years, with a steady growth in the GDP. However, 90% of this growth has been due to the housing bubble; real wages have declined by 4% since 2000 while health costs have risen by 40%. Middle and lower class Americans are becoming increasingly financially squeezed and unable to pay their debts.

A record number of 1.3 million cardholders filed for bankruptcy in 2004. In response, the credit industry lobbied successfully for stricter bankruptcy laws. However, according to the Consumer Federation of America, the increasing incidence of loan defaults did not spur the card companies to become more discriminating in their choice of customers. In fact, they actually boosted their promotional campaigns to a record 5 billion solicitations ( approximately 50 per American household) compared to 3.5 billion the previous year, many of these ads targeting the sub-prime market.

Now consider the debit card: it is decorated with the Visa or Mastercard emblem, and has all the functions of a credit card in that can be used at a cash register and for internet and telephone purchases. However, it takes money directly out of the cardholder's bank account and allows no more spending once the account is empty. A debit card has no monthly fees and no interest charges, and no chance of getting into debt. Perhaps this is the best consumer solution to a credit-mad economy.

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