Showing posts with label credit card. Show all posts
Showing posts with label credit card. Show all posts

Sunday, 9 May 2010

Too Much Credit Card Debt? How to Fight Back and Eliminate Credit Card Debt


If you are experiencing too much credit card debt, there is a way to fight back and eliminate your debt in a lawful way. Although there are various means of eliminating your debt and getting rid of your financial issues, the most significant thing is solving your problems in a legally accepted method. Although there are methods like debt consolidation, bankruptcy and debt settlement, after considering the after effects of these, you should be in a position to select the best method for you.

Debt consolidation should be done when you have multiple debts, but, it is not a solution for your debt problems because debt consolidation is not a way out of you're debt responsibilities. Bankruptcy appears to be a effective solution as it manages to free you entirely from your debts which have always been a worry to you. But, it is not the conclusion of your financial issues, as it brings further problems to you. It definitely destroys all your credit history and even harms your good reputation. In addition it restricts some of your rights very considerably. You will definitely lose your right for acquiring any bank loans in the next fewyears. This has a large effect on you as most businesses depend on bank loans. Therefore, these types of problems can definitely put you in to more trouble if you select bankruptcy.

Whereas debt settlement exclusively brings relief rather than bringing you further financial issues. This is obviously a way of fighting to eliminate your credit debt, you are not directly fighting; instead you are having negotiations with the help of some professionals in the debt settlement field. In this method a series of negotiations are going on between the creditors and the counselors in the settlement company who works for the debtors. Therefore, the success of the debt negotiations solely depends on the ability of the counselors to fight. Thus, your debt settlement will definitely be more successful and you will be able to eliminate a greater amount of money, perhaps 50% or 60% of your due amount, if you go through a very talented and legitimate company. Thus, when selecting the company, you have to confirm the legitimacy of it by going through the contact details and the other given information about the particular company. If you did good research on the company, you will definitely be able to produce a better result and finally be debt free!

Tip For The Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards


Balance transfer credit cards make an excellent choice for consumers looking to transfer a balance from a higher interest rate credit card to one with a lower interest rate. In this way, the consumer can save money by reducing or even eliminating finance charges. When looking for the best balance transfer credit cards, it is important to look at a variety of factors.

The APR is one of the first factors a consumer should consider when looking for the best balance transfer credit cards. Credit card companies are hoping to steal your business away from other credit card companies. As a result, they often make special introductory offers with lowered interest rates for balance transfers. In many cases, this APR will even be 0.00%. Be sure to find the balance transfer credit card offering the lowest APR, and then only use that card for your balance transfer. Don't use it to make any purchases. This is what the credit card companies are hoping consumers will do so they can assess finance charges on the purchases they make with their card.

The length of the special introductory APR varies from card to card. Sometimes, the length is also dependent upon the applicant's credit history. It is important to be sure how long this period lasts and to set goals to have the balance paid in full once the introductory period is complete. The best balance transfer credit cards will keep the special introductory rate in effect on the card for the life of the loan. In other words, the APR stays the same until it has been paid off entirely. For consumers that will not be able to pay off the balance within the introductory period, this is certainly the best way to go.

Most credit cards assess fees when making balance transfers. These fees are generally determined as a percentage of the total amount of funds transferred. Most commonly, balance transfer fees are 3% of the amount transferred. Many balance transfer credit cards will, however, waive these fees during the introductory period. It is best for consumers to choose these balance transfer credit cards. Otherwise, they may be paying large amounts in fees, negating the savings in finance charges.

Some balance transfer credit cards require initiating balance transfers at the time of application for the card. Yet others allow balance transfers to be completed throughout the duration of the introductory period. The best balance transfer credit cards are the former, simply because they allow for more flexibility. Consumers who are sure they will not need to transfer balances later may, however, be happy with a credit card that only allows transfers to be made at the time of application.

Some balance transfer credit cards place restrictions on the types of balances that can be transferred. For example, some business credit cards only allow business expenses to be eligible for introductory rates. It is important for consumers to be sure to understand what type of balances can be transferred before applying for a card to ensure it meets their needs.

Many balance transfer credit cards also have special rewards programs. Consumers need to compare the programs before deciding on a credit card so they can choose the card with the rewards program best suited to their lifestyle. In addition, some balance transfer credit cards do not count the funds that are transferred toward the points system used in the rewards programs. To get the most of the card, consumers should find balance transfer credit cards that do count the transfers toward their rewards programs.

Monday, 3 May 2010

Consolidating Debt to Reduce Interest Rates


For those who have a number of debts in hand currently (especially credit card debts) and are looking for a way to eliminate them as fast as possible, the option of debt consolidation loans would be a useful way to get rid of debts. By utilizing the advantages of debt consolidation, you can now combine and consolidate all your debts into one single account, and instantly reduce the interest rates you pay on your borrowing. When you have several debt accounts open, each account is subject to its own interest rates, after combining all these debts you will realize that you end up paying large sums in interest alone every year to your creditors.

Through debt consolidation you would be able to combine all your debts into a single account that you can manage more easily. You can also forget about late payment charges as the debt relief firm that you deal with would constantly remind you of your payment date to ensure that you don't miss the payment. The company would then pay all your creditors without fail every month, and eventually you could end up debt free faster than you ever thought possible.

If you have multiple debt accounts, then you should consider this option seriously. Run a basic research online to find the best, legitimate debt relief firms out there (make sure that they have a good track record), and approach a few to receive their proposals. Once your financial situation has been assessed and you have received a few different plans to manage your debt through consolidation, choose the one that offers the best rates and terms.

Remember that the lowest interest rates are not always the best deals, you have to look at the overall plan to ensure that you are not charged any unwanted/ hidden charges. There are also government debt consolidation loans out there, either those offered by governmental agencies or backed by the government itself. With only one account to worry about, interest payments are undoubtedly lower, and you would end up being debt-free much quicker than ever imagined before.

Make use of the various debt management firms out there to help you in your quest to overcome mounting debts, and make sure that you deal with legitimate debt relief firms to ensure that you do not fall for a scam or a hoax. With the right debt relief firm, all you have to do is pay the firm that you are dealing with promptly, and you do not have to worry about debt issues anymore.

Friday, 2 October 2009

Can Debt Consolidation Hurt Your Personal Credit?


When confronted with debt problems, a lot people think about debt consolidation as the best solution. However, some may be hesitant to acquire consolidation thinking that it can hurt their credit history. Is this true? Can debt consolidation hurt your personal credit history? Should you be afraid to consolidate?

Debt Consolidation in Your Credit Report

Once you apply for debt consolidation, it will be recorded in your credit report. Will this hurt your credit rating? Initially, it would be easy to feel the impact of consolidation. Naturally, lenders may have a negative impression to your repayment capability as a borrower since your past records show that you've struggled with debt repayment.

You may not be able to apply for new loans or new credit cards that easily with a debt consolidation loan repayment under way. Nevertheless, the negative effect that consolidation may have on your credit rating is only temporary. Once you have paid off all your debts with other creditors, you can focus on paying off your debt consolidation loan until you achieve complete debt recovery.

The advantage of consolidating debts with a loan is that you can immediately put a stop to further debt accumulation. Remember that each of your creditors will be imposing its own interest rate on your debts. When you sum up the additional costs on interest rates alone, it would be easy to see how you can save a great deal of money by combining all your debts to a single loan.

Aside from paying only one rate of interest, the best debt consolidation companies offer lower interest rates so your monthly debt repayment can be greatly reduced. However, because of the longer repayment period, your debt consolidation company can still profit from the loan.

Use Your Debt Consolidation Loan to Rebuild Bad Credit

The good news is you can use your debt consolidation loan to rebuild your bad credit history. Yes, although your credit history may be hurt, you can use consolidation to regain a good credit standing. How?

By submitting your monthly loan payments on time and by keeping away from new debts outside consolidation. Remember that your priority is to complete your loan payments at the soonest possible time so you'll want to avoid extra bills which can add burden to your obligation.

Do you own a credit card? If you do, avoid charging purchases that would be difficult for you to pay off in full. Learn from your past mistakes. Bear in mind that credit cards carry high interest rates that can easily put you in debt all over again. If you must use your credit card, make sure that you can avoid the additional interest rate costs by paying in full and on time.

It is also worth noting that consolidation loans are secured by collateral. Keep in mind that failing to complete your consolidation payments could mean losing your home or property later on. True, consolidating debts require hard work on the part of the borrower but rest assured all your efforts will pay off as soon as you complete your loan's term.

Wednesday, 9 September 2009

Prepaid Debit Cards: How to tell if they're right for you


If you want to add some plastic to your pocket, it's a good time to consider a prepaid debit card. This type of card lets you first load money onto it. The amount that you put on the card becomes your spending limit. If you think this might be an option for you, read through the following guidelines. They'll help you decide whether or not this is right for you.

You have a low credit score

Customers with no credit history, or those that have a rough financial past, may find it difficult to get approved for a regular credit card. This is due, in large part, to the changing standards in the credit card industry. Some issuers now require a high score or solid history in order to approve an application.

Prepaid debit cards, however, are available to nearly everyone, regardless of score. Some of them even guarantee that you will be approved. So if you'd like to have a credit card but have been unable to get one, your next option might be a prepaid version.

You want to know what you spend

One of the benefits of a prepaid debit card is that you can look at your account every month and see where your cash went. This will give you a good reading on where you are spending your money. You may find that you want to cut back on certain expenses. Or you may see that you are spending within reason in certain areas.

You want some help budgeting

With a prepaid debit card, you won't spend more than you load on to the card. When you make a deposit on the card, the total amount becomes your limit. This can help you figure out just how much money you have to work with. It can also help you decide how to spend it.

If you use the card for a number of months, you can keep track of how much money you put on the card, how much you spend, and where it goes. All of these can, in turn, be used to build a budget.

Since prepaid debit cards are especially valuable for those with low credit scores, you may find that you want some help in the budgeting department. So take the time to track your money. Doing so will make it easier to manage your money.

You want to use it like a credit card

Prepaid debit cards work just like a credit card in many situations. You can use them online, in supermarkets, the mall, or really any place that accepts credit cards. This can be very convenient, especially when you want to do some shopping on the Internet.

If the above scenarios describe your situation, a prepaid debit card might be right for you. As you look online for one, be sure to compare the different offers available. Read through the fine print and understand the fees involved before you apply. Then fill out an application and get ready to get approved right away. Making the most of the card is then up to you.

Wednesday, 2 September 2009

Reduce Your Monthly Debt Payments


Reduce Your Monthly Debt Payments

A known term commonly used in these customer addict-spending status quo is debt consolidation. Where in everything that is accessible in the market is most frequently offered with the option of a hire purchase agreement.

Although the products that we would like are all simply accessible to be bought through this, we need to take into consideration the economic circumstance we could be in if taken to excessive advantage.

Upon buying of a certain product through the aid of a loan or hire purchase agreement, you should be more cautious to evaluate his/her present financial status, income and expenditures included, to foresee how one purchase would affect your present financial situation.

You can put side by side the APR (annual percentage rate) presented by shop against other accessible types of credit like credit cards or bank loans. Lots of credit cards are presently giving very reasonable rates for every new item bought; others are even offering no interest rate of interest which could significantly give great reserves and in effect decrease the amount of monthly dues.

But if you are currently in a circumstance wherein you are having concerns regarding how to pay your monthly dues or general expenditures then it is most imperative that you take necessary measures to solve the circumstance right away.

Spend time recapitulating total monthly expenditures and put most important in the number one spot. And if feasible, strive to settle high percentage rated loans rather than those with low percentage rated loans.

If you do not have the capability to produce the arranged sum to the loan or credit companies call them and give details of your current situation and attempt to settle an agreement that you will be paying a minimum amount every month, you will discover that numerous companies are open to such appeal if feasible.

When you still find yourself not capable of fulfilling your responsibilities after doing the essentials then it may be significant to consider the likelihood of consolidating your loans and debts. Fundamentally consolidating your debts just means that you will just find a credit or loan provider who is prepared to lend you a certain amount that is adequate enough to pay all your debts and loans and just pay a certain amount in one month at a span of time agreed upon. You can arrange a generally low monthly expenditure amount during the span of time for your new consolidated loan.

Credit Check


Credit Check

There are three credit reference agencies in the UK, Callcredit, Equifax and Experian. When you apply for credit potential lenders can conduct a credit search with these companies to determine if you are credit-worthy or not.

These credit reporting companies keep detailed information relating to your credit history which is supplied on a monthly basis by all those you have credit accounts with. For example, what loans and credit accounts you have, whether you have kept up to date with payments or defaulted on accounts and if you have any county court judgments or bankruptcies against you.

They also record your date of birth, name and address, any previous names and addresses and any joint applications for credit that you may have. All the information on your credit file is kept for a period of six years.

When lenders conduct a credit search they will use the information in your credit report to determine whether to accept your application for credit, in other words they will assess how much of a risk you are.

Different lenders have different criteria for offering credit so you could be rejected by one lender but accepted by another. However, don't be tempted to apply to too many lenders in a short space of time as all credit searchers are recorded and too many credit searches will worsen your credit score.

What is a credit score?

A credit score is a mathematical calculation based on the information contained in your credit report and is an indication of how much of a risk you are to potential lenders. Even if your credit score isn't particularly good, a lender may still decide to offer you credit but at a higher interest rate.

How can you improve your credit rating?

If you are not on the electoral roll then it is unlikely you will be able to get any credit at all so make sure that you are and that you complete the forms each and every time they are sent out.

By obtaining a copy of your credit file you will be able to check to make sure it is accurate and if it is not, to have any errors corrected and you will also have a good idea as to what you need to deal with to improve your rating.

At the very least:

- Make sure that all your payments are made on time every time as each time you are late with a payment or miss a payment your credit rating will be affected.

- If you have several credit cards with payments to make at different times of the month it might be a good idea to consider setting up a direct debit for the minimum amount each month so that you don't forget and then try to pay more by other means each month.

- If you have savings then consider using your savings to pay off any debts you have, particularly those with high interest rates as the overall amount of debt you have influences your credit rating.

It's important to remember that if you have a substantial amount of debt it is never too late to take steps to sort it out. If you are worried seek advice. No matter how poor your credit rating is, it can always be improved.

Tuesday, 1 September 2009

Take Charge of Your Credit Debt Consolidation Loans


Take Charge of Your Credit Debt Consolidation Loans

Currently looking for ways to merge credit card and other financial liabilities? Have a dreadful credit history? With the Internet, you can go online and find various options to aid you in consolidating your debts. Whether it’s resolution from credit card debts or any other debts, it’s rather hard to choose the best consolidation plan with so many options popping up online. Below is just an overview of the different debt management offers you can find.

Getting a loan is one way to consolidate debts. But, before applying for a loan, you need to meet all required criteria same to those with other loaning companies. If you own a house, there is a possibility that your equity can be used in attaining an equity loan. Or, your house is evaluated for its value to in order to get your financial needs.

There are also unsecured loans that merge your debts into one low monthly payment with no attachments with your assets.

In addition, other companies give you the option of managing your own debt without having to get a loan. Usually, these companies will charge for their services and aid you in negotiating with your creditors in lowering the interest rates as well as managing monthly expenditures. Different companies utilize different methods. Most of the time, these methods will help you save and pay on the principle of your credit card balances.

Numerous companies offer good services and worth the monthly charges that enables you to save as much than the charges they impose. However, some companies are not legitimate. They will get monthly expenses and hoard them for a month or so before making the payments (accumulating the money interest). This will lead to an accumulation of late charges and collections. This causes you to lose quite a bit of money and even worsen your situation.

Be cautious in availing services from these debt management companies. Always check for its legibility and it should be a long standing company before you sign in on those agreement forms. Check our list of suggested debt consolidation lenders posted below by just clicking on the link.

Managing debts is a great way to give you relief from those surmounting bills especially when it’s time for payment. Occasionally, when all your debts are too overwhelming, it’s just to distressing by just keeping up that it halts you from finding methods to start paying all your debts down.

Saturday, 29 August 2009

The Underlying Problem In Credit Cards


The Underlying Problem In Credit Cards


There's no arguing about it, credit cards provide ease and convenience for its holders. But today, debt problems resulting from credit card use seem to grow by the minute. Surveys prove that compared to the past years, credit card companies today have been imposing interest rates and other costs that are sometimes way too much than what they should be charging. As a credit card holder, how should these changes affect you?

Whether you already own a credit card or is still planning on getting one, being aware of the true costs associated with your card is definitely your best defense against unreasonable charges. Are you really aware of what exact fess your card charges you every month? What are the factors that you should check on in choosing the right card for you? Let's discuss some of the possible problems that you should know about your credit card.

Choosing the Right Credit Card

Multiple APR. Some credit cards have more than one APR that may apply to varying credit card transactions. Don't immediately assume that the low APR offered for your balance transfers will be the same as the rate that applies to the purchases you will charge to your card.

Take note that if you use a low APR or a zero APR balance transfer credit card on your shopping, you could be charged with an expensive APR on these purchases. Thus, examine carefully how much APR will apply to your balance transfers, purchases, and cash advances.

The introductory period. Introductory offers usually last about 3 to six months while some credit cards may extend their promo rates for up to a year or more. The important thing is that you know exactly how long the low interest rate will last and how you can make the most of that given period.

For instance, if you're getting a balance transfer credit card with a 6-month introductory offer, make sure that you'll be able to pay off all the balances you transferred within that period to avoid incurring the regular interest rates of the card. Consequently, find a credit card that will maintain reasonable rates even after the introductory period expires.

Know the consequences of the rewards. You may easily get enticed by the ads promising to give you freebies, rebates and other bonuses from your credit card purchases. But watch out about the consequences that may come with rewards credit cards.

For example, how much is the APR you'll pay if you carry over your balance from month to month? How much is the annual fee on that card? How much are the penalty charges if you delay your payment? Will the interest rate, annual fee, and penalty costs offset the value of rewards you can get? What happens if you make even just one late payment? Will your chance to earn rewards be forfeited? Don't just take a look at the rewards being offered, understand carefully how the reward program works and the fees that come with it.

Wednesday, 26 August 2009

2009/10 student finance


If you want to study after the age of 18 years,Knowledge is becoming decidedly more expensive.

Debts

Barclays predicts students graduating in 2010 will face £30,000 debt, and the Universities UK report published in
March found that by 2016, the average graduate debt would be £26,400 if the fees are increased to £5,000. Many Universities are
advocates for more money to meet the rising costs of higher education.

Although the figures show that graduates can expect higher than average income, well-paid jobs may not occur at
number of years after high school. And for many the premium in earnings may not be enough to clear their
personal debt pile for decades.

So unless you have rich parents, it is wise to learn about and prepare for the different areas of student finance, each with associated costs.



Tuition

As the name suggests, these are the fees payable for the actual course you want to take. Were introduced in 1998/1999.
Previously the costs were paid by the government. This change was made to help fund a growing appetite for more
education and that during their working life can graduates can gain £400,000 more than non-graduates.

Not everyone has to pay tuition fees. If your parents' combined earnings are under a certain threshold they will not have
to pay a penny. From the threshold upward, the contributions operate on a sliding scale.

University in 2010/11 to increase fees 2.04% on £ 3,290. Fees are currently £ 3,145 a year, but increased to £ 3,225 in 2009/10,
and £ 3,290 per year.

Once you are accepted on the course - even conditionally - you should apply to your Local Education
Authority (LEA) to determine what financial support you can expect. Even if you think that there is little chance
that you will need to pays less than the maximum fee, it's worth asking.

The family income threshold for a full maintenance grant will remain at £25,000 and at £50,020 for a partial grant.
Around two-thirds of students receive a full or partial grant, although partial grants are often minimal at less than £500
per year.


Student Loans

Most students will need to finance their day-to-day lives by one or more student loans. These loans are unsecured
with extremely low interest rate, which reflects the rate of inflation. This means in real terms, you only pay back
The exact amount you borrowed.

You should contact your LEA for a loan at the same time you apply for aid for tuition. Your LEA will assess
amount of credit you are entitled, and prompts you to say how much you want to use. (If you
Studiy in London, you will be entitled to more.) Then you need to tell, Student Loans Company (SLC) of this amount, and
It will pay money to your account on the first day of term.

You can apply for a loan for each year of your courses and you do not start making repayments until April
After graduating and then only if you earn above a certain threshold, although this amount is quite low. The amount you repay each
month will depend on how much you earn. In the unlikely event that you never earn over the threshold, the credit will be
wiped when you turn 65.

Maintenance grants for students at university in 2010/11 will be frozen at £2,906, while fees increase
Loans to cover the fees will increase, but because there is no increase in loans to meet living expenses.


Student overdrafts

Most large banks offer interest-free overdraft on their student accounts in the hope that you
remain loyal to them, when you start earning big money in the future.

The amount you get will depend on the overdraft at the bank and will apply to all applicants of their students. Good benchmark
is about £ 2,000 interest-free.

Although the current account does not cost anything if you stay within its borders, if you go over your overdraft, you will be charged a hefty fee
interest rates on the difference - and usually one-off unauthorized overdraft fee as well.

As regards repayment of an overdraft, there is no specific time limit. But after leaving university, interest-free overdrafts
simply evaporate and you will be charged at the same high prices that apply to overdrafts on standard current accounts. It
It is worth noting that some banks provide a grace period after graduation to the higher rate kicks in.

Credit Cards

Banks rarely make favorable conditions for student credit cards. If you have a credit card from a bank, you will pay exactly the same
high interest rates as everyone else. The only difference is that the student credit card has a lower borrowing limit.

If there is any way you can get through university without a credit card, do it. The typical £500 that you will be able to
access on a credit card will hardly determine whether or not you can stay at college – more likely you will end up sitting
on the balance while paying high interest rates for three years having forgotten what you spent it on.