Need A Loan After A Bankruptcy? Possible If You Have Equity

By Joseph Kenny


If you have had the misfortune to declare bankruptcy recently, then you definitely know what a struggle it can be to get funds. Not only do you have a limitation on your ability to get funds from most lenders, but even getting a credit card will not be easy. However, one option that you do have, if you possess a house, is the equity that is in the house. Here is how you may still be able to get the needed loan you want by the equity in your house.

After a bankruptcy, you will probably need to wait about two years before most lenders will give you any money. They calculate that it will probably take about that long to begin to get reestablished financially. So, in the interim, you will want to be careful to build your credit rating and do nothing to make it any worse than it is. Also, look over your credit report and see if there is anything on it that is not correct. If there is, work to get the necessary corrections before you apply for any loans.

The good thing is that your creditors know that you want to keep your house. Other things may have been lost but you have kept the house. They also figure that you still plan to keep it - even after they issue you a loan. That gives you some stability in their eyes, and even makes you a rather good risk. Even if you should decide to not make the payments, they still will have the house to recover their losses.

This makes it look rather good to them. As long as other things look good, like you've had your job for a while, make a decent salary and do not have a lot of other debt you are paying on now, then you may very well be able to get the loan you want.

Even then, you may still want to check around to make sure you get the best deal. One way to do this easily, is to apply online and get several quotes from a broker. This way you just fill out one application and you may receive several offers. It would be a good idea to see several offers, and compare them to find the best option.

Be sure that you will not be able to get really good terms - at least not nearly as good as someone with good credit. You will most likely have not only higher interest, but shorter repayment terms, too. They will also cut down on the size of the loan you can get, too.

A possibility exists, though, to work on getting a better loan. When you find someone will give you a loan, make it a small one. Get one that you can pay back in a short time. This way, you can start to rebuild your credit and get a larger one on better terms before long. The bankruptcy mark will stay with you for a while, but you still can have access to some of the loans you may need.

About the Author:
Joe Kenny writes for the UK Loans Store, offering bad credit loans and you can also consolidate debts by filling out the loan application form on site.

Visit Today: http://www.ukpersonalloanstore.co.uk

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Online Security: Be Safe With Your Credit Card

By Ed Vegliante

You never can be too sure, at least thats what my anti-Internet Shopping friends tell me. Maybe they are right, but the Internet is too convenient and powerful to not take advantage of. So, as long as you are online, you ought to keep a few things in mind after all they could be correct.

Phishing Scams What to Watch For

The biggest credit fraud problem on the Internet today doesn't have to do with consumer purchases, it has to do with a phenomenon known as phishing. Phishing is a criminal activity in which scamsters attempt to acquire personal or credit card information. Although phishing originated in the 1990s as a way to gain illegal access to America OnLine, it has progressed into one of the fastest and most adaptive credit card crimes in America.

The latest incarnations have attempted to target online shoppers and bank patrons, as well as social networking sites like MySpace or Facebook. Typically, a user will receive a spoofed email, a clever production made to imitate a bank, merchant or credit card company. The email will contain general information, and typically requests some sort of verification of account information, or request for personal data. Phishers have even gone so far as to imitate the IRS and capture sensitive tax data. Instant messenger and the telephone have been used to a lesser extent.

Some common tactics that Phishers use are mimicking URLs to banks or credit providers that you use. For example, a website could be set up that asks you to verify your account number and billing address. It could appear to be related to your bank, and show a web address of something like: www.creditCardCompany.fakePage.com. Unwitting users may end up simply forking over extremely account data that could, and probably will be used for identity theft. So, be weary of online solicitations of account information. Most, if not 100% of banks and credit card providers have a strict policy to never solicit personal account information online.

How to Respond to Phishing

The Federal Trade Commission began prosecuting phishing crimes in 2004, with mixed success. If you become a victim of phishing you should contact them, your local police, or the FBI immediately. Also, it goes without saying that you should close any account that may be tampered with, and contact your credit providers immediately. Finally, make sure to contact the three major credit reporting bureaus to have a fraud alert posted on your credit report.

In 2005 Senator Patrick Leahy introduced the Anti-Phishing Act of 2005. It is a bill that doles out severe criminal penalties to anybody convicted of creating fraudulent emails or websites in order to illegally gain information or financial reward. Phishing is now a federal crime, and the Secret Service and FBI are more aggressively pursuing it.

The basic and obvious steps to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of phishing is to not respond to email or Internet solicitations for your personal account information. In fact, as your browser can be manipulated by Javascript, you ought not even open unsolicited mail or junk mail. The best possible tip you can follow is that if you see a request from a creditor or bank you do business with, you should contact them by phone or in person to discuss the online solicitation. Verify their intentions, but do so using customer service contact information you already have in your account informations that is to say, don't use the contact phone number from the suspicious email.

For more information on phishing and Internet fraud, visit www.ftc.gov.

5 Tips For Identity Theft Protection

It's that time of year.

This is when we all start getting those emails that want to steal our secret codes and passwords. You know the ones:

Your Account Is About To Be Closed,

There's A Block On Your Account,

Congratulations! You've Won The Lottery (that you never entered)

and my favorite

Could You Help Me Claim My Funds?

This is also the time of year when we start shopping for gifts and the last thing you need is for your bank or credit card accounts to be stolen by "cyber grifters". They are counting on some of us to follow the instructions in the email.

First and foremost, DON'T FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE EMAIL! If you think there might be a problem, access the account in question as you normally do on your PC and not with the link supplied in the phony email.

I've had some very authentic looking email supposedly from banks, that even went so far as to copy the colors of the bank logo and stationery style. But, don't fall for the scam. In fact, don't even open the email, because many are just set to loose a virus program on your computer by being opened. Simply forward the suspicious email to the "spoof email" address supplied by your bank, or credit card company.

Identity Theft is a worldwide epidemic. According to the Better Business Bureau and Javelin Research, almost 9 million Americans fell prey to identity theft this year with fraud costing businesses and individuals over $56 billion dollars.

There are ways to reduce your chances of identity theft:

1. Understand debit card dangers: When it comes to fraud, debit cards carry much greater personal liability than credit cards, depending on how quickly you report the loss of the card. If you fail to report unauthorized use within 60 days of receiving your bank statements, you could lose all the money in the account and be held responsible for the amount of money that has been tapped from your line of credit.

2. Rethink check writing: That little slip of paper has way too much information. Some experts advise against check writing because it gives away your address, bank account number, signature and license number to complete strangers. On top of that, there's no federal legislation to limit your liability for forged checks (each state has its own set of rules). Experts advise that you look into automating your bill paying.

3. Secure your mail: Your mailbox is a goldmine of information. Between bank statement, bills, and all those pre-approved credit card offers, your mailbox is loaded with personal data which identity thieves can use to easily apply for a credit card in your name. Unless you diligently check your credit report, you may never even know about it. One way to avoid this is to have your mailbox under lock and key, but most of us in Santa Clarita have our mailboxes at the curb in front of our house and the postman frowns on carrying dozens and dozens of keys around. The other solution is to have a rented mailbox, or to foil "dumpster-diving" thieves by buying a shredder and destroy documents before discarding.

4. Go virtual: For shopping online, there are "virtual" card numbers. These are randomly generated credit card numbers that are disposable and that on-line shoppers use once and throw away. It's linked directly to your real credit card account so purchases show up on your monthly bill. The service is easy to use and it's FREE! All you need to do is register with companies offering the virtual card, and they are MBNA, Discover, and Citigroup.

5. Create an emergency identity kit: Would you know how to contact your credit card company in an emergency? Create an emergency kit that contains: your account number, expiration date, issuing company name, and emergency contact number for each card you own. While you're at it, make copies of your driver's license, social security card, birth certificate and passport and store them in a locked box or file cabinet, or a safe deposit box. I like the safe deposit box best, because this gives you protection in the event of a catastrophe such as fire, earthquake, etc.

This may all seem like a lot of unnecessary work, but if you're ever the victim of identity theft even just once you'll realize that it's well worth the effort.

Many of us forget that were it not for what we carry in our wallets or in our purses, we're all John and Jane Doe's if we can't speak due to injury or are unaccompanied by someone who knows us. How much less stressful is it to know that in a bank box, no matter where you are, there are items that can verify your identity. Better to be safe, than sorry!

Daryl Campbell's website provides more free tips, resources, feature articles and advice from security experts plus up to the minute news and information to help you protect yourself against identity theft and credit card fraud.

Check it out http://fightidtheft.winthemarket.com

The Best Ways To Build Credit: How Credit Cards Can Help

By: Edward Vegliante

If you have not yet established a credit record for yourself or you are in the process of rebuilding your credit, getting a credit card can greatly help you. The fact is, credit cards are one of the best ways to build a credit history and increase your credit worthiness.

If you wondering why you need to build your credit, consider the following reasons:

1. Having a credit history makes it far easier to obtain utilities like gas, electricity and phone services in your personal residence. Without a credit history, you may be asked to put down a large cash deposit to ensure that you will pay all your bills on time.

2. If you plan to ever buy a house or condo, the higher and more extensive your credit history is, the better the rate you will obtain for your mortgage.

3. If you ever want to get a degree and borrow money to pay for it, having a credit history will make it far easier to qualify for a good loan.

4. If you ever want to open your own business, you need a positive credit history in order to obtain a business loan or line of credit.

In short, you have much to gain by establishing credit for yourself as soon as you can. The earlier you begin building your credit history, the more advantages you will create for yourself for any future plans you may have.

You can build credit in many ways, such as having a department store credit card, or taking out a small loan at a bank and paying it off, but having a credit card is actually a far more effective way to build your credit. The simple reason for this is that you can use a credit card to pay for all your regular and ordinary expenses for which you might be paying cash, and in the process, you are literally building your credit record.

For example, at the very minimum, you might as well use a card to pay for all your grocery purchases, gas station fill-ups, and clothing purchases. By paying off these purchases in full when you receive your credit card statement each month for as little as two years, you can be taking advantage of hundreds of simple opportunities to build yourself a credit history without any risk or pain.

So if you do not yet have a credit history or if are trying to improve your credit, don’t wait any longer to apply for a credit card and begin using it as often as you can on your ordinary daily purchases. Many banking institutions are seeking new credit card business and are eager to find new applicants who need to build their credit history. They are especially interested in college students, young professionals, and people seeking cards in order to get special benefits such as airline miles or bonus points, and so you can find many attractive deals online from banks catering to your needs.


About Author

Ed Vegliante runs the website http://www.Credit-Card-Surplus.com , a well organized credit card directory enabling the consumer to compare and apply for a variety of credit card offers including 0% APR Credit Cards.

Credit Repair Can Be Your Ticket To Lower Living Expenses

By Information Net Source Jones

There are few problems in life that can be more damaging than poor credit. Poor credit translates into a low credit score, causing all manner of trouble for American citizens.

A low credit score can have very damaging effects on one’s financial life and well being. For example, a low credit score can mean higher interest rates when purchasing a home.

Higher interest rates on a home mean a higher house payment. Having a house payment start at a high level means that one will not be able to afford as nice a house as he or she would if he or she were starting with a high credit score.

Some people with low credit scores would like to refinance the home they do own, but are unable to because the interest rate they receive will make their house payment too steep.

Even with the abundance of credit card offers most of us receive in the mail, those with low credit scores do not have the opportunity to obtain a credit card. Credit cards are often portrayed in a negative light, but they do have their uses.

For example, take the case of a family with a low credit score and no credit card who would like to go on a vacation. This family would run into two problems when attempting to plan the vacation.

For starters, the family would have much difficulty obtaining a reservation for accommodations. Most hotels and vacation rental companies require a credit card number to reserve a room or vacation home.

Secondly, the family would not be able to make a reservation for a rental car. As with accommodations, rentals on cars can only be made with credit cards.

If someone with poor credit would take the necessary steps to increase their credit rating, many benefits would immediately be in place.

Suddenly, this person would be able to make reservations for vacation accommodations and rental cars. When attempting to purchase a car, he or she would be able to obtain financing easily and with a lower interest rate.

When house hunting, this person would realize that he or she could afford a nicer home with the same payments he or she was making previously without an increase in monthly house payment.

Basically, those with higher credit scores are able to live more cheaply than those with lower credit scores. Those with higher credit scores have saved countless dollars over their lifetimes while those with lower credit scores needlessly spend money.

In addition to financial burdens, those with low credit scores must deal with other inconveniences.

Many people with low credit scores do not make their payments on time. Therefore, they must deal with phone calls from debt collectors that can be embarrassing and frightening.

So, how can a credit score be repaired? There are certain steps individuals can take that will help them start on the road to credit recovery.

The first step is to know what is in the credit report. There are three agencies that handle credit reports and information should be obtained from all three.

Once armed with knowledge of the credit report, an individual is ready to take action.

By writing letters and calling the credit agencies, credit scores can increase. These means of communication must be well planned and be executed in a calm and professional manner.

Once credit agencies have been contacted, the individual must begin paying off debt. The highest interest debt needs to be paid first. Once the highest interest debt is paid, an individual should pay off the next debt with the highest interest rate and so forth.

In addition, there are many books and web sites devoted to helping individuals increase their credit scores. It is worthwhile to explore these options and consult professionals.

Credit scores should be closely monitored by everyone. When one has a low credit score, the individual should take immediate action to increase the credit score. By increasing the credit score, the individual is given the freedom to spend money more wisely while saving money in the process.

About the author:
Information Net Source Corp. has been helping people find the perfect work at home jobs, businesses and opportunities for the last 9 years.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

When Not To Use A Credit Card

By: Michael D. Strauss

Credit cards are a great convenience in our everyday lives, allowing us to easily buy products online and by telephone, and freeing us from having to carry large amounts of cash when making purchases in the bricks and mortar world. However, there's a potential dark side to plastic, with some unfortunate account holders getting out of their depth and building up debts that become a problem and cause of worry.

This is obviously a situation that's best avoided, and knowing when it's a bad idea to use your card can help you avoid getting into difficulty.

- Withdrawing cash at ATMs

Most cash machines these days will let you draw out cash using your credit card. This might seem an attractive option if you're short of cash towards the end of the month, but it's a bad idea for two reasons. Firstly, cash withdrawals will attract a fee of a small percentage of the amount you withdraw. This in itself makes it an expensive way of getting your hands on cash, but advances are also usually charged at a much higher rate of interest than purchases.

What's more, under a system known as 'allocation of payments', the repayments you make to your account are applied first to the parts of your debt which attract the lowest rate of interest. This means that so long as you are carrying some debt from purchases, your cash withdrawals will sit in the background, being charged a high rate of interest, and never getting any smaller.

- Credit card checks

These allow you to use your credit cards in situations where you normally can't, such as paying a bill by post. However, the interest rate charged on them can be as high or even higher than with cash withdrawals. This means you should avoid them for the same reasons, as given above.

- Covering the cost of everyday bills

Paying your energy bills, for example, using your card is convenient and easy, but is only a good idea if you repay the debt in your next payment. If you're using your card because you can't afford to pay the bill, this is a clear sign that you need to take a harder look at your personal budget.

- Expensive impulse purchases

Of course, we all like to treat ourselves from time to time, and no one would begrudge that. However, before handing over your card, bear in mind that the interest you'll pay over the months it takes to repay the debt will make your impulse buy much more expensive than it appears. Is it still worth it?

- To make repayments on other debt

Credit cards aren't usually the cheapest kind of borrowing available, so you should never use your card to service another, cheaper debt. The only exception to this is if you make use of a balance transfer facility, either to get a 0% rate for a limited number of months, or to lock in a permanently low rate.

As we can see, most of the above advice is simply common sense, but following these rules will give you the best chance of staying in control of your credit card, and avoiding running up unneccessary or excessive debts.

Article Source: http://www.articles4free.com
Michael writes for Credit Card Sense UK, where you can read reviews of credit cards including balance transfer cards and low rate cards.

MasterCard: Then, Now and Why

Copyright © 2005 http://rehab-information.info

*Then *
Way back around 1947, many banks in the US started doing their premium customers a favor. The banks gave them a piece of paper for the customers to flaunt at stores. The paper said, “ We, the bank, will pay you on behalf of the customer. Just send us the bill.”

One can imagine how privileged and special those customers felt. One can also visualize how those customers would stay bonded for life to their respective banks, as would their succeeding generations.

This practice of banks really caught on because it promoted customer loyalty and brought in new accounts. Which is why in 1951, The Franklin National Bank, New York, offered the first credit card as a formal financial instrument.

Throughout the fifties, this idea was franchised; a single bank in each large city would allow chosen merchants to accept cards instead of cash. The Interbank Card Association (ICA), which later became MasterCard International, evolved from this situation in August 1966.

ICA was a member-run organization, and banks formed the majority of members. They elected governing members and committees from amongst themselves to frame rules for ICA’s functioning and to implement those rules. In short, ICA was and is run like a true corporation.

In due course, like a typical corporation, ICA put plans in motion to expand internationally. The first steps took place in 1968, when ICA signed agreements with partners in Mexico, Europe and Japan.

By around 1978, ICA had practically covered all the continents. It changed its name to MasterCard to reflect its international stature. 1987 was a watershed year: MasterCard arrived in the People's Republic of China, where no other credit card had stepped foot in the history of banking. The very next year, the Soviet Union fell to that smart little piece of plastic.

*Now*
The situation now, to quote MasterCard Incorporated, is simple: “No other payment card is accepted in more locations around the world than MasterCard.”

MasterCard presently has a staggering 25,000 shareholders. A list of MasterCard's largest current shareholders with their holdings reads like this:

1. JPMorgan Chase - 11.7%
2. Citigroup - 6.2%
3. Bank of America - 6%
4. Euro Kartensysteme - 5.2%
5. Europay France - 5.0%

*Why*
So why do millions of people carry MasterCard?

Well, to start with, and as mentioned earlier, it is accepted by more merchants the world over than any other credit card. Add to that the fact that wherever you may be on earth, you have an ATM nearby that will disgorge you cash if you have a MasterCard. How many ATMs are we talking about? Just 780,000!

Also, the intermediate and premium cards, Gold and Platinum, carry attractive value-added features. Such as “Road Assist”, which provides access to emergency service to travelers anywhere in the US. Or “PayPass”, which is a smart MasterCard that you just tap on the PayPass reader at participating locations for your card account to be debited (no swiping or giving your card to checkout counter staff).

If you are in the US, you also have MasterCard’s famous zero liability benefit: you are not liable if your card is stolen and misused.

*Conclusion*
MasterCard offers customers one of the greatest advantages in today’s commercial world: cashless transactions. Coupled with all the benefits mentioned above, it is very difficult to prove why you should not acquire one! Count on MasterCard International to evolve beyond plastic into state-of-the-art personal technology, like credit-loaded mobile phones… stay tuned!

Lucky Balaraman is a graduate engineer who writes on a variety of subjects. Learn more about MasterCard from his site, http://master-card-information.info

Lucky Balaraman runs The Magnum Group a leading CAD drafting service provider in India. He has an MSEE degree from the University of Michigan and a BTech degree from the Indian Institute of Technology. He is a member of the AIA and IEEE.

Instant Approval Credit Cards: The Advantage of Applying Online

By Ed Vegliante

Getting instant approval for a credit card – and sometimes getting immediate access to use it – can now be done in less than 60 seconds. No muss, no fuss like the old days when getting a credit card took a month or more. If you weren’t aware of how instant your approval could be, now is the time to find out.

Internet Technology and Security – Behind the Scenes of Instant Approval

How did the instant approval credit card come about? The answer is that the Internet has completely changed the way card-issuing banks can research consumer information and make a decision about an applicant’s credit worthiness. Nearly every major financial institution that issues credit cards – including Chase, CitiBank, American Express, HSBC, and others – now allows you to use the Internet to fill out their application online with complete security, submit it with the click of a button, and then count the seconds while they make their decision. And in most cases, if your credit is good to excellent, you will be approved instantly and a credit card will be on its way to you within days.

Behind the scenes, instant approval credit cards use the speed of the Internet and the sophisticated communication networks created for the banking industry. When you submit your application, banks can now easily verify your identity and check with one or more of the three national credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union – to ensure that your FICO score meets their application criteria. (Your FICO score is a mathematical calculation performed by each of the credit bureaus that rates your credit history on a scale of 0 to 800.)

The Benefits of Instant Approval

If you’re wondering why you might want to take advantage of this instant approval service to get your next credit card, there are several good reasons:

1. Many banks periodically offer special promotions on their credit cards, such as 0% APR on purchases and/or balance transfers for a specified period of time or bonus travel miles on airlines. These are offers you may not hear about if you don’t browse the Internet looking for instant approval credit cards.

2. There can be a value in knowing quickly if you will be approved for a credit card if you find yourself needing additional credit for your business or personal needs. Using paper applications and the US mail will usually take 4 to 6 weeks before you know if you are approved.

3. You can sometimes get immediate access to a portion of the credit line for which a bank approves you. For example, some banks will offer you $300 to $500 that you can tap into immediately using a code they give you.

4. Applying for a credit card using a secure Internet site can actually be safer than filling out a paper application with your personal information and mailing it. Secure Internet sites use 128-bit encryption which is considered unbreakable in the computer security field. (You can tell when you are at a secure Internet site because your web browser contains a small icon that looks like a lock down at the bottom of the page.)

A Sensible Advantage

So the next time you are pondering your credit card needs and feel that you can benefit from a new credit card, consider looking into an instant approval card. In today’s fast-paced world, you may agree that this new form of getting a credit card makes a great deal of sense for consumers.

Ed Vegliante runs the website http://www.Credit-Card-Surplus.com , a well organized credit card directory enabling the consumer to compare and apply for a variety of credit card offers including Instant Approval Credit Cards. Find Links to secure online credit card applications.

Money Management For Couples

By Joseph Kenny

Foremost among the reasons that lead to marital discord are financial issues. Most couples are unable to or find it extremely difficult to broach the topic openly and honestly. Although the reasons may be different for each couple, being disorganized and unable to communicate are common.

In order to avoid serious consequences it is necessary to for couples to implement the art of budgeting and money management. Couples should avoid conflict over purchases made by each other and learn to respect each other’s opinions.

The initial step is to sit down and discuss the income and expenditure. If there is a lack of communication, which is the case most of the time, this discussion could end in a heated argument. It is important to decide on a strategy before hand, to prevent an ugly situation. For example, get up and drink a glass of water, take a few deep breaths and go for a short walk and then resume the dialogue or invite a friend to be a part of the discussion.

Make a list of all the bills that are pending and the amounts, highlighting the dates on which they need to be paid. Compare this with the joint income and in case of inadequate funds, try to find ways to reduce expenditure or increase income.

Document all facts and figures so that they are easily available to your partner. Make a separate file for documents and papers related to insurance payments, credit card statements, car installments, monthly mortgage, utility bills and expenses. Remove them from the file only when they are paid. Decide on a common place accessible to both, to keep checkbooks, receipts and all relevant financial information. If there have been withdrawals from the joint account, each partner should let the other know the reason.

Such discussions should be scheduled regularly. Financial planning should be an essential part of the discussions. Financial issues become stressful if not handled with care. Make a plan to ensure that both of you take turns to maintain checkbooks, file taxes and track investments. This will allow each partner to be aware of the financial details. Discuss and create a budget to suit both of you.

Try to visualize finances for the next five or ten years. Large amounts of money are required for buying a house or a new car. The different ways in which you could save for these purchases should be discussed openly.

When you set your goals, devise a strategy to achieve them. The plans would mainly comprise of eliminating debt and setting up a savings plan. One excellent way would be to save a certain percentage of the monthly income in a tax deferred account. You can also save and invest in securities and bonds.

Financial mismanagement is generally a key factor in wrecking a happy marriage. In order to keep finances on the right track, proper communication is essential. Regular discussions and mutual decisions on the family budget and savings are sure ways to maintain the harmony among couples.

About the Author:
Joe Kenny writes for CardGuide.co.uk, offering UK credit cards, visit them today to compare credit cards.Visit today: http://www.cardguide.co.uk/

Selecting A Good Credit Counseling Agency

By Linden J. Walhard

Setting up non-profit credit counseling agencies is quite popular these days because the non-profit status helps these agencies in availing numerous benefits. One of the biggest benefits is the federal and state level tax exemptions granted to these non-profit credit counseling agencies. The two tax exemptions combined together can add up to thousands of dollars every year. In addition to tax exemptions, the non-profits status also makes these agencies eligible for several public and private grants. To initiate Fair Share contributions, it is mandatory to have non-profit status. Therefore, the non-profit status helps these credit counseling agencies obtain greater respect of the creditors. That is not all. In a few states the non-profit agencies are also unreachable by consumer protection laws.

Due to all these benefits bestowed upon them, it is not surprising to see almost all major credit counseling agencies advertising their non-profit status. However, you must keep in mind that most of these so called non profit agencies are set up only to make profits. The non profit status is only used by them as an easy method to tempt customers. Debtors in need of professional help and advice get carried away by these profit-making non profit credit counseling agencies. Only after they start dealing with these agencies they realize the actual truth related to interests and worth of these agencies. Although there are many non-profit credit counseling agencies set up just for making profits, all of them are not like that. Agencies providing genuine and authentic counseling also exist. National Foundation for Credit Counseling or the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies provides credit to most of these agencies.

You can enquire about authenticity of a profit credit counseling agency from the local Better Business Bureau. As a debtor, you can get information related to any complaints lodged against the agency at the bureau. You can also get information related to a profit credit counseling agency from online credit forums. Good credit counseling agencies are a boon for all debtors. They help in developing a personalized debt management and budget plans for debtors. To help debtors in reducing their debt, these agencies go a step forward and speak to creditors and make them lower down or remove interest, finance charges and late payment penalties from debt amount. Some of these agencies can even get the debt collectors off the back of poor debtors. Keeping these advantages of good non profit credit counseling agencies, debtors must always be careful in selecting an agency to help them in managing their debts. Remember that if you get involved with an agency established just to make profit, you may end up worse than you are at this moment.

About the Author:
Linden Walhard continually makes short articles on subjects dealing with consumer counceling and settle debt. His publications on credit card debt settlement are published on his site .

Holiday Spending Tips - Ten Ways To Keep From Having A Holiday Spending Hangover

By Kristine McKinley

Ah the holidays a time for parties, over eating, and over spending. Americans routinely overspend during the holidays, often resulting in increasing credit card debt to go along with that increasing waistline from too much pumpkin pie.

The holidays are stressful enough. Don't add to that stress by overspending your holiday budget. Here are ten tips to help you save time, money and stress this shopping season:

1. Make a list. Decide how much you can afford to spend this year and write it down. Decide who you want to buy for, and how much you want to spend on each person. Take this list with you when you go shopping to ensure that you dont buy on impulse or exceed your spending limit. Also, dont forget to include wrapping paper, decorations and shipping costs. These can add up fast!

2. Pay cash for your holiday gifts. Its much harder to spend cash than credit, so this tip alone could save you hundreds of dollars this holiday season. Also, avoid credit card offers or store charge card offers that offer you a discount if you sign up. These cards usually have high interest rates, and could end up costing much more in the long run than the discount you receive when you sign up for the card.

3. Do your shopping online this year. Buying online could result in discounts not available in stores. Just remember to include the shipping cost when buying online. Even if you dont actually buy online, the time you can save by doing comparison shopping before you go to the malls could be invaluable.

4. Have a Secret Santa gift exchange, where you put names in a hat and each person draws one name to purchase for. If you have a large family, this could mean tremendous savings! You should set a dollar limit so each person knows how much to spend. That way no one overspends and relatives with smaller budgets wont feel bad about not spending a fortune on a gift.

5. Another alternative for those with large families is to do a group gift. Have several relatives go in on one big gift instead of each person buying a separate gift. You will probably all save money and you can buy the recipient one big, cool gift that they really want.

6. Start early! Shopping early allows you to comparison shop and to catch pre-holiday sales, which could mean huge savings. This also curbs impulse shopping, which can be very expensive. Another benefit to shopping early is lower shipping costs if you need to mail a gift. Waiting til the last minute can be expensive because youre more likely to pay full price for the gift, and you may have to pay extra to ship it if you want to guarantee it arrives in time.

7. Make your holiday gifts. If you have creative talents, such as cooking, crafts, etc., making your own gifts can be very special. If youre not very creative, consider giving your time. Offers to baby-sit or to do something special for someone can be very personal and appreciated gifts. How many parents do you know who wouldnt love to have free babysitting?

8. Purchase wrapping paper, holiday cards and other decorations right after the holidays. Seasonal items are usually offered at deep discounts after the holiday, and they never go out of style. Stock up on clearance-priced items for next year, this year!

9. If you'll be traveling this holiday season, book your travel plans early. Airline flights, train tickets and bus tickets usually go up significantly during the holidays, so booking your travel plans early can save you money and stress.

10. Start a Christmas fund in January for next years shopping. Many credit unions and banks offer special accounts just for this purpose. A CD is another great way to save for next years holiday expenses. It never hurts to sock away a little money every month between now and the next holiday season. You'll earn a little interest and you'll have cash to spend on your holiday gifts and other expenses when the holidays roll around.

About the Author:
Kristine A McKinley, CPA, and Certified Financial Planner, offers fee-only financial planning. Learn how improving your credit score can save you money with our free ecourse Boost Your Credit Score in Five Easy Steps. http://beacon-advisor.com/e-course.asp

Understanding The Basic Concepts Of Debt

By Hazel Leong

Remember: Running away from your creditors is not the answer. It is not a solution, and may in fact lead you to bigger problems. If you are having trouble paying off your debts, address this immediately with your creditors.

By accelerating the payment structure on your loan, the life of the loan is reduced:
In a normal 30 year fixed rate loan situation, your monthly payment is applied towards principle and interest. It is amortized over the course of 30 years.

In national accounting debts are added according to those who are indebted. Household debt is the debt held by households. "National" or Public debt is the debt held by the various governmental institutions (federal government, states, cities ...). Business debt is the debt held by businesses.

For many Americans debt is an overwhelming problem, a stressor that can quickly take hold of ones life. When there are bills attached to house, boat, automobiles, college tuition, and daycare, its not hard to imagine that many folks can quickly be swept under the current of spending which can unexpectedly whirl into deep debt.

Understanding the basic concepts of debt

Reduce debts today for a better life! Budgeting is an important aspect of living and a person who knows how to budget will go a long way in this commercialized society. Budgeting has a lot to do with keeping the expenses less than the total income of the household. Those who are very good at budgeting can even come up with savings even if they have meager incomes. The problem sets in when a person fails to make an efficient financial plan and his expenses exceeds his earnings. When this happens, a person has no choice but to borrow money to make up for his financial deficiencies. Borrowing once or twice because of a mismanaged financial plan is normal but when borrowing becomes a regular thing then that can put a person in serious debt problems.

A person who borrows money from another is said to be in debt. The debts of a person can be minimal or it can reach up to millions depending on the credit limits of such person. Sometimes, a person who has assets but isn't liquid can use these assets to get cash. Under this term, the person can be indebted for an amount mess or more than his assets.

There are laws which provide that a person can never be forced to render services as payment for his debts. This is already called undue servitude which is prohibited by the laws of some countries. However, there are situations when the person who is in debt opts to settle his obligation by rendering his services. This can happen if a person is so talented in his craft like painting and he opts to pay for his debts by creating a painting of the creditor or the assignee of the creditor. Sometimes, a person can pay his debts gradually or on an installment basis.

When a person dies, the law has provided for a hierarchy of preferences in the payment of such debts. Of course, payment of taxes to the government will always come first. The second priority for debt payments includes funeral expenses of the deceased and the payment for the wages of people.

Most creditors want the money and will extend your time to repay the debt, since they do not want to go through the hassle that comes along with reporting you. Most creditors want their clients to return and believe that if they give you a chance you will repay your debt and open a new account. All of the debt that an individuals owes appears on a credit report. Credit repots are used by financial institutions when a loan has been requested.

The UK attitude toward debt has received a major shift over the past few years. Where once the UK was seen as a nation that held up thrift as being virtue and considered debt a vice, it has now changed to owing 1.3 trillion on mortgages, credit cards and other loans. Find out how long it will take to become debt free and how much you'll pay in interest by making the minimum monthly payments.

There are a number of different types of debt consolidation loans: home equity loan, line of credit, or second mortgage. Debt is really just a simple concept which provides that a person who borrowed something from another is duty bound to pay that debt. However, the concept of debt becomes more complicated with the introduction of other concepts like mortgage, interest rates and other charges. Interest makes most debts double or even triple in amount. More often, the interest rates due for a certain debt is even higher than the principal amount borrowed.

A person who wants to get credit can do so in the form of a loan. A loan can either be secured to unsecured. A secured loan means the debtor borrowed some money and supported by collateral or a security for the loan. The security or collateral can come in the form of a house and lot, a car or any asset of the debtor. An unsecured loan means otherwise.

Most creditors require a security before granting a loan because it gives them something to hold on to or to forfeit in case the debtor defaults in payment. When the debtor fails to pay the debt within the agreed time frame then the creditor can foreclose the security or the collateral. However, having an unsecured loan doesn't mean that the debtor can renege on his debts. When the debtor fails to pay his loans, the creditor can still run after him by filing a case in court. When this happens, the debtor who has no cash can sell some of his assets to pay for his outstanding loan.

Being in debt is common even for the rich and the famous, the only difference between them and the common people is that their debts can be in the millions since they have more assets to support their loan. Unsecured loans most often have higher interest rates to make up for the lack of security. Even third world countries are indebted to more developed countries. However, the debts of a country can go on forever because they keep on paying their loan but they also get new credits as their credit ratings go up.

It may be more convenient to make one payment rather than several. Or you can improve your cash flow in the short term by reducing monthly outgoings. But this may cost you more over time because you are paying the debt off over a longer period of time.

Interest rates for credit card debt consolidation loans through traditional lenders may be based on your credit score. If high, you are likely to get a credit card debt consolidation loan at a lower interest rate.

The prospects of managing financial obligations have just gotten worse, as Congress has passed legislation that will make bankruptcy filings more difficult than ever.

Debt Elimination tips shows how Millions of Americans are living on the edge of financial disaster surviving only on the hope of next week's paycheck. The average American is dying under a load of debt, with little or nothing building in the bank or in investments.

About the Author:
Debt is a hard thing to live with, reduce debts today!

Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Prepaid Card

By Peter Kenny

Prepaid cards are one of the newest and most interesting financial products on the market, and they are something that everyone should be made aware of. However, many people do not know what prepaid cards are, and how they can benefit you. If you want to know more about prepaid cards, then here is some advice about their advantages and disadvantages.

What does prepaid mean?

Many of us have prepaid phone cards or SIM cards for our mobiles, but prepaid debit cards are quite a new idea. However, the concept is the same as other prepaid mediums, where you load money onto a card and then you can spend this money at retailers or withdraw the money at an ATM. You load money onto the card using cash, bank transfer or another card.

Are they credit or debit cards?

Prepaid cards are neither credit nor debit cards, but have features similar to both. These are VISA or MasterCard cards usually, and so have the wide usage and security features of a credit card. However, you are not borrowing money, simply using your own money to top up a card and spend on it. They are a financial product that falls in between debit and credit cards.

What are the advantages?

The major advantage of a prepaid card is that you can easily keep track of your spending and limit yourself to a certain level of spending each month. Also, you don't have to pay interest and don't have to go through credit checks to get one. All of the funds on the card are completely controlled by the amount of money you wish to put on it. This means there is no risk of borrowing too much and getting into debt.

Who should get a prepaid card?

Prepaid cards can be useful for anyone who wants to control their spending but still have the security and usage features of a credit card. Also, prepaid cards can be very useful for teenagers or children if they need a card. As a parent you can control their spending by only putting on a certain amount each week or month for them to spend, whilst still giving them the freedom and security to purchase items using plastic.

The costs of a prepaid card

Although prepaid cards have many advantages, they can cost you money through various charges and fees. Many prepaid cards carry an application charge as well as a monthly usage charge. If you are paying a monthly service charge, then you need to make sure that other services are given to you for this money, such as helplines or added security. Before getting a prepaid card, you should shop around to find the card that has the lowest fees. Although you are not paying interest, these fees can add up and if you don't use the card a lot could cost you more than you will end up spending. However, if you look around there are some good deals to be had. If you want to control your spending or your child's then getting a prepaid card might be the answer.

About the Author:
Peter Kenny is a writer for creditcards-gb.co.uk Please visit us at Credit Cards UK and Compare Credit Cards

What is a Secured Credit Card?

A secured credit card is a type of credit card secured by a deposit account owned by the cardholder. Typically, the cardholder must deposit between 100% and 200% of the total amount of credit desired. Thus if the cardholder puts down $1000, he or she will be given credit in the range of $500–$1000. In some cases, credit card issuers will offer incentives even on their secured card portfolios. In these cases, the deposit required may be significantly less than the required credit limit, and can be as low as 10% of the desired credit limit. This deposit is held in a special savings account.

The cardholder of a secured credit card is still expected to make regular payments, as he or she would with a regular credit card, but should he or she default on a payment, the card issuer has the option of recovering the cost of the purchases paid to the merchants out of the deposit.

Although the deposit is in the hands of the credit card issuer as security in the event of default by the consumer, the deposit will not be credited simply for missing one or two payments. Usually the deposit is only used as an offset when the account is closed, either at the request of the customer or due to severe delinquency (150 to 180 days). This means that an account which is less than 150 days delinquent will continue to accrue interest and fees, and could result in a balance which is much higher than the actual credit limit on the card. In these cases the total debt may far exceed the original deposit and the cardholder not only forfeits their deposit but is left with an additional debt.

Most of these conditions are usually described in a cardholder agreement which the cardholder signs when their account is opened.

Secured credit cards are an option to allow a person with a poor credit history or no credit history to have a credit card which might not otherwise be available. They are often offered as a means of rebuilding one's credit. Secured credit cards are available with both Visa and MasterCard logos on them. Fees and service charges for secured credit cards often exceed those charged for ordinary non-secured credit cards, however, for people in certain situations, (for example, after charging off on other credit cards, or people with a long history of delinquency on various forms of debt), secured cards can often be less expensive in total cost than unsecured credit cards, even including the security deposit.

It’s Not Me! Preventing and Dealing With Identity Theft

By: Joe Kenny

It’s one of the fastest growing crimes in the country, and most victims are unaware they’ve become a target until long after the crime is committed. We’re talking about identity theft. In today’s world, information travels faster than ever, and that includes your personal information. If it falls into the wrong hands, your personal info could be used to acquire credit cards, loans, or to open accounts.

Unknown to you, somewhere, someone could be using your good name for their own criminal purposes, and you’ll be the one held accountable. In 2004, 3.6 million American households had at least one person who was a victim of identity theft. Don’t let it happen to you.

Prevention is key

The best way to fight identity theft is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Since you could be a victim right now and not know it for months, it’s important to check your credit report. Under an amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have a right to a free copy of your comprehensive credit report once every 12 months. Take advantage. Visit annualcreditreport.com to get started.

Once you have your credit report in hand, check it carefully for any irregularities. It’s also a good idea to put a fraud alert on all of your credit reports. The three major credit bureaus—Equifax (800-525-6285), TransUnion (800-680-7289) and Experian (888-397-3742) will all put a free alert on your reports that will tell companies to call and inform you when someone tries to open an account in your name or tinker with an existing one. The alert lasts 90 days, so give yourself a reminder to call and update it every three months.

Next, think about the passwords you use to access your credit card information, bank accounts, and other finances. Is it something like the last four digits of your Social Security Number or your mother’s maiden name? If so, change it. Identity thieves are a crafty bunch, and they’ll easily crack a simple password. Think about something that you can remember that includes a variety of uppercase and lowercase letters combined with numerals. If an institution asks for your SSN or mother’s maiden name, insist on another identifier.

Also, secure your personal information at home, at work, and while you travel. Don’t leave your wallet or any important receipts lying around the house or the office. Someone can easily pick it up, write down a few numbers, and set it back down without you ever being the wiser.

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure

Truer words were never spoken when it comes to identity theft. Thieves will do whatever it takes to get your personal info, including digging through your trash to get the numbers they need. Buy a shredder, and use it. Credit applications, receipts, bank statements, insurance forms, and any other document containing personal identification that you are tossing should always be shredded first. And about those unsolicited credit applications that clog up your mailbox every day—you can put a stop to them. Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT to stop receiving these offers.

Speaking of mail, hopefully you get yours out of a locked mailbox. If not, ask your postal worker about getting one. Never deposit your outgoing mail in an unsecured mailbox. Drop it in a collection box or run it by the post office if need be.

Joe Kenny writes for the Card Guide, a UK based credit card site, visit today for a balance transfer credit cards and clear your credit card debt today.Visit today: www.cardguide.co.uk/

Why You Should Reject Most Credit Card Offers

By: Joe Kenny

A lot of credit card companies want you to think that their offer is a good one - without really offering you good features. For instance, this morning, a credit card offer came in the mail. After looking it over, it was rejected - because it lacked the "right features." It would have been unwise to sign up for that card. If you are thinking about getting a credit card - or maybe another one, there are some reasons why you may not want to fill out the next application that comes to you in the mail. Here are some things you need to look for to see if it really is such a good deal.

The Interest Rate

The first reason that this credit card was not a good one was because there were no introductory interest rates on the card at all. It was just for one rate - 9.9%. All purchases came into that interest bracket. Many cards will give you a 0% interest rate as their introductory offer for up to 15 months. That means that you pay no interest on your purchases for up to one whole year, unless your payments are late, or if you allow a balance to be carried over to the next month.

This particular interest rate, while not bad, is certainly not the best, either. Some credit cards go as low as 6.9% interest, and others may go as high as 17.9%. After the first year, though, your interest level becomes the regular amount of the card. Interest rates can change for many reasons - one of them being late payments. One of the things that will effect what interest rate you are able to get is your current credit rating.

Reward Options

Another reason why you should not accept just any credit card offer is because it may not give you the greatest opportunity to benefit from the rewards. Applications sent to you, or ads on the Internet may not cater to your particular needs. Find a card that offers rebates and rewards on the products and services that you use the most. Things like gasoline, air miles if you travel a lot, groceries, discounts on hotels, etc., will benefit you much more if you use these things on a regular basis. Things like air miles can actually help you to get enough air miles to make that trip that you have always wanted - just remember to find out how long they are good for - there is usually an expiration date after a couple of years.

Other Fees

This is one area where some credit cards can really take away a lot of your benefits. Look for things like processing fees, yearly fees, balance transfer fees, and fees for cash advances. The best cards, if you can get one, often will not have extra fees – or, possibly a minimal one.

In addition to the above, you need to know that things like only one late payment can remove your desired benefits and put you into the regular interest rate for the card. Other cards may require you to have a minimum balance in order to get their benefits.

Every credit card offer will always have some nice feature in bold print that will get your attention. That's not where you should look, though. Instead, focus on what is in the small print - that's where the nitty-gritty details really are, and you will want to read these first.


Joe Kenny writes for CardGuide.co.uk, offering the latest offers on UK credit cards, visit today to compare credit cards in the UK. Visit today: www.cardguide.co.uk

The Benefits of Cash Back Credit Cards

By: Joseph Kenny

Cash back credit cards offer customers cash benefits on certain purchases. The offers differ for different cash back credit card companies. Some offer higher rewards on purchase of selected items while some provide benefit on almost any purchase. Cash back credit cards are an alternative to saving money. The cash back credit card users benefit from the cash refund, on spending a particular amount.

Cash back credit card rewards vary from creditor to creditor. 1% is the lowest reward on cash back credit cards and 6% is generally the highest limit of cash back benefit. Credit card companies and banks generally place rewards on the purchase of some selected articles. Generally purchases made at gas stations, drug stores and grocery stores carry higher cash back percentage rewards, varying from 4% to 6%. Some cards require the user to spend a certain stipulated amount on the cash back credit card to be able to avail of the cash back facility.

Various Types of Benefits of Cash Back Credit Cards: Cash back credit card rewards can be of three types -'Discounts', 'Points' and 'Air Miles'.

Several credit card companies tie up with certain brands and companies and their customers avail of discounts when making purchases from these companies.

Credit points are points earned by the card user on or above the purchase of a certain amount. These points can then be used to shop at select stores.

Air miles are the bonus miles rewarded to the credit card users. Many airlines team up with the credit card companies to extend 'Travel Rewards' to patrons. After that, card users are rewarded with 1 mile for every dollar spent on the card. This again varies from one company to another. Some credit card companies even offer two miles for each dollar spent on the card. Some travel rewards include free hotel accommodation, discount on car rentals and credit to buy a new car.

Cash back credit cards provide special benefits to customers for a year. It is therefore advisable to choose one with a low rate of interest. Timely monthly payment of bills is equally important, to avail of the card rewards. Late payments have a negative rating on your 'Intro APR'. This may lead to the special benefits being lifted from your card.

0% Interest Rate: Cash back credit cards generally the enable card user to receive 0% balance transfers for a year, after the user signs on. Many credit card companies charge balance transfer fees up to 4%.

0% APR: Under the 0% APR scheme, some credit card companies provide only balance transfers at 0% APR, while some offer both balance transfers and purchases. The time period for which the 0% APR is valid is again very important to identify. The best credit card companies generally offer 0% APR for 12 to 15 months.

Users must read the small print carefully when applying for cash back credit cards. It is better to compare the rewards offered by the different credit card companies and then invest in one that offers the best deal.

Joe Kenny writes for CardGuide.co.uk, where visitors compare credit cards, and also offer many cash back credit cards to earn you cash as you spendVisit today: http://www.cardguide.co.uk/

Defining Identity Theft

By Sky joe

A concise definition of identity theft is the appropriation of an individual’s personal information to impersonate that person in a legal sense. Stealing someone’s identity enables the thief to make a frightening number of financial and personal transactions in someone else’s name, leaving the victim responsible for what might turn out to be mind-bogging turmoil in his or her life.

Identity theft is not new. It has been around for a long time. There was a time when an individual could flee his or her life, town and mistakes, and go somewhere far away, pretending to be someone else. The ramifications of stealing someone’s identity then did not have the far-reaching implications that they do today for the person whose identity is stolen. Those were the days before credit reporting and high-tech methods of tracking and sharing information were commonplace.

Identity theft can still be done by such low-tech means as previously described – knowing someone else’s basic identifying information and initiating personal transaction in that person’s name. Today, identities can be stolen using highly technical and sophisticated means of obtaining the confidential information of a stranger. Whatever method is being used, it only translates to one thing: an individual can become someone else very easily. The difference today is what an identity thief does as someone else reflects very quickly on the victim’s reputation. An individual’s life can be devastated by the loss of his or her good name and the financial or personal mess that results.

Identity theft criminals usually take your personal information and use it to harm you in a number of ways including opening new credit card accounts in your name, gaining access to your credit card account or bank account, buying new cars and taking car loans in your name, buying cell phones using your name or even committing crimes. Though you may not be responsible for fraudulent charges, the damage to your credit as reflected in your credit report can affect your employment, loan applications as well as any future credit arrangements you may wish to establish in future.

Identity theft is always personal-after all, it is one’s own identity that is stolen! Someone literally assumes your identity and leaves a damaging trail of credit card abuse and exposed personal information all over the internet ( to your creditors). Thieves can be just beside you: relatives, friends, roommates, boyfriends, estranged spouses or even your best buddy!

For more information on Identify Theft Monitoring, Identify Theft Prevention, Identify Theft Protection or Identify Theft Shields, please visit the following website: http://identity-theft.mygeneralknowledge.com/Articles/Identity_Theft_Help.php

Creating A Budget

By Joseph Kenny

Many people do not consider the importance of a budget. They indulge in spending according to their earning and do not leave room for emergencies. This usually ends up in the incurring of debts and sometimes, personal bankruptcy. A budget helps to counter these consequences.

The essential calculations in a budget are income and expenditure. The purpose of a budget is to ensure that the expenses do not exceed the income and also provide for savings for the future.

A budget needs to be documented in the form of a chart or table. This needs to be easily comprehensible and provide a quick summing up of the relevant details. The chart needs to effectively reflect the different heads of expenditure. Suggested heads are housing and utilities, entertainment, health and beauty, transportation, communication and household. These can be further subdivided as follows:

Housing and utilities
- Mortgage payment or rent
- Insurance
- Taxes and electricity
- Natural gas
- Water and garbage pick up

Entertainment
- Cable television or satellite service
- Internet access
- Dining out
- Bars clubs
- Sporting events, parties, lessons and recitals

Health and Beauty
- Hair-cuts, perms etc.
- Make-up
- Medical, dental, vision, weight loss, diet products
- Nutritional supplements

Transportation
- Car payments, insurance
- Gas
- Routine maintenance, repairs
- Air travel
- Rental cars, public transportation

Communication
- Telephone
- Cellular phone
- Voice mail

Household
– Groceries
- Cleaning supplies
- Laundry, dry cleaning
- Home improvement Projects, towels, linens

Others
- Credit card payments
- Other loan payments
- Child care, items for baby/elderly
- Allowances for children, book clubs, magazines, music, etc., fast food
- Investments, vacation, spending money, donations to church or charity
- Gifts (Christmas, birthdays, anniversary, etc.)
- Emergency fund
- Cigarettes.

If you have any other expenses that are not covered, you could add them to the list.

Next, try to reflect all expenses on a monthly calculation. For example, if you pay yearly taxes, calculate the monthly expense by dividing the yearly amount by twelve. Having done this, add up all the figures to arrive at the total monthly expense figure. Then subtract this amount from your take home salary amount. If you find the remainder in negative, you need to look for expenses where you ought to cut down. For example, if your take home salary is $1000 and your expenses total to $1150, you would need to trim down $150 each month, from the expenses.

If you need to cut down on your expenses, you would be the best judge to decide where to make the changes. However, it would be prudent to cut back on the extra subscription channels of the television. If you are smoker, cut down on smoking instead. Take home cooked lunch to office instead of eating fast food. Economize on power consumption by avoiding unnecessary use of the air conditioner and heating and make less use of the phone.

Creating a budget is absolutely necessary to manage your finances and is not dependent on the size of your income. It helps to prevent overspending and personal bankruptcy, allowing you keep track of your income and expenditure.

About the Author:
Joe Kenny writes for SelectLoans.co.uk, a bad credit loans comparison site, visit us today for information on all loan topics including secured loans and links to leading UK providers.Our Site: http://www.selectloans.co.uk/

A Guide To Applying for Credit Cards over the Internet.

Over the last few years the internet has become your one stop to finding credit cards, comparing APR(annual percentage rate), rewards programs and incentives. And the best part is you can apply for all of them online and with a secure connection. Just from searching google you can find millions of credit card resources.

One of the the best ways to find a credit card comparison website is to go to your favorite search engine and simply search "credit cards" and press "enter". Now before you jump on the first one you see there are a few things you should remember when looking for a credit card online.

1.Pick a website that offers comparisons.
2.Choose a website that offers all of the banks/issuers(American Express, CitiBank, Chase etc.).
3.Make sure the website offers more details on each individual credit card.
4.Find a site that is professional and updated often.
5.After you find a few cards that interest you make sure you compare the introductory APR, fixed APR, cash advances, balance transfers and fees, bonus or award programs, cash back programs, credit limit, annual fees, etc.

One website you may find helpful is creditcards.com. creditcards.com has a large database offering cards from, advanta, american express, bank of america, citibank, chase, discover, HSBC as well as visa. The site is easy to navigate and also tells you what type of credit rating you will need for each card. You can apply directly from the comparison page by clicking "apply here" under the corresponding card.

In essence when comparing credit cards online be sure you are looking for cards that are going to meet your daily needs. If you don't fly often then why apply for an airline credit card. If you are driving quite often and with how gas prices are these days pick a gas rebate card. Also be sure to pick a card that offers a low fixed rate. For instance some cards may offer a 0% intro apr, but 6 months later will jump to 14.99%. Lastly remember to have all of your personal information with you when you begin to fill out the online applications.

All of the above information is vital when searching for a credit card online. Be sure to remember this information when searching for a credit card comparison website and it will save you lots of money in the long run. You may also find a site you can use in the future for all of your credit card needs.

Richard Gilliland offers advise on comparing and searching for credit cards on the net.Get more advise from Richard at http://www.credit-wisdom.com and http://www.jetclient.com