If you are currently in the habit of replenishing your cash funds from ATM machines other than at the bank where you keep your money, you might want to check up on the fee you’re being charged.
Don’t just grab the cash an run, leaving the receipt at the machine or in the trash. And check your bank statement (who bothers to read all those fine-print brochures they keep sending, anyway?)
According to research done at Bankrate, the average fee to use another bank’s ATM is now up to $1.35. Overall in the US, ATM use fees have risen $1.40 just this year alone!
The rates charged by ATM machines are rising faster in urban areas and within the larger ATM networks. This was confirmed by research performed by Dartmouth professor Victor Stango and UC Davis professor Christopher Knittel.
What’s more, ATM machines that have no fees are becoming very scarce. Blame inter-bank charges for the change. It will pay you (in a lack of a surcharge) to look for ATM machines that participate in a network within your bank’s system.
Some of the larger ones include the STAR, MoneyPass, FastbankFree, CO-OP (nonprofit credit unions), and Allpoint. Also, Washington Mutual is the only banking system currently free of ATM charges, but this could change at any time. In New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, look for “Wawa” ATM’s in gas stations and convenience stores for fee-free service. more...
Start a Home Business
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Bad Credit Loans:Retiring Right
There are several smart moves we can make to get our retirement right. It's one of those things in life we get only one chance at, so we'd better succeed! One of the best steps to take starts well in advance of reaching retirement age and that is to start early with a plan.
We need to understand how economic cycles operate and take them into consideration. Boom and bust. Interest rates rise and fall. Inflation and devaluation. These are some of the trends that will affect whether or not we have enough resources to carry us comfortably through our "Golden Years".
So, as soon as you can, open all versions of IRA's, 401K's, and any other opportunities to save funds that come your way. If you can, max them out every year.Some other important factors are to be aware of your longevity and not overestimating the amount of your savings that you will use to live on during retirement. The odds are 50-50 that one member of a 65-year-old couple will live to age 92.
Too many don’t take advantage of insurance for long term care, something Medicare definitely does not cover.
You may have thought of your retirement financing in terms of the proverbial "three-legged-stool" with a pension, Social Security, and your own savings comprising the stability. You might want to consider the added strength that a continuing earned income would add, even if it’s from part-time employment. Another benefit might be better health care coverage, too. more...
Start a Home Business
We need to understand how economic cycles operate and take them into consideration. Boom and bust. Interest rates rise and fall. Inflation and devaluation. These are some of the trends that will affect whether or not we have enough resources to carry us comfortably through our "Golden Years".
So, as soon as you can, open all versions of IRA's, 401K's, and any other opportunities to save funds that come your way. If you can, max them out every year.Some other important factors are to be aware of your longevity and not overestimating the amount of your savings that you will use to live on during retirement. The odds are 50-50 that one member of a 65-year-old couple will live to age 92.
Too many don’t take advantage of insurance for long term care, something Medicare definitely does not cover.
You may have thought of your retirement financing in terms of the proverbial "three-legged-stool" with a pension, Social Security, and your own savings comprising the stability. You might want to consider the added strength that a continuing earned income would add, even if it’s from part-time employment. Another benefit might be better health care coverage, too. more...
Start a Home Business
Bad Credit Loans:Free for All Credit Reports
Beginning September 1, 2005, free credit reports will be accessible to all Americans, regardless of where they live. That’s when the last phase of the government’s Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) starts for residents of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia �?" the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and all U.S. territories. By then all states and U.S. territory residents will be able to send for their reports.You can order your free annual credit report online at www.annualcreditreport.com, by calling 877-322-8228, or by completing the Annual Credit Report Request Form (that’s a .PDF file) and mailing it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.Learn more about the free reports and how to get them at the Federal Trade Commission’s special website. It explains that:A credit report contains information on where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you�?Tve been sued, arrested, or filed for bankruptcy. Nationwide consumer reporting companies sell the information in your report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use it to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or renting a home. There are three nationwide consumer reporting companies �?" Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union.You may want to review your credit report: * because the information it contains affects whether you can get a loan �?" and how much you will have to pay to borrow money. * to make sure the information is accurate, complete, and up-to-date before you apply for a loan for a major purchase like a house or car, buy insurance, or apply for a job. * to help guard against identity theft.That�?Ts when someone uses your personal information �?" like your name, your Social Security number, or your credit card number �?" to commit fraud. Identity thieves may use your information to open a new credit card account in your name. Then, when they don�?Tt pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report. Inaccurate information like that could affect your ability to get credit, insurance, or even a job. more...
Start a Home Business
Bad Credit Loans - Understanding good credit and credit ratings
Rebuild & Keep Good Credit Ratings by Understanding Your Credit Cards/Good Credit/Credit Ratings/Secured Credit Cards
SECURED CREDIT CARDS
Secured Credit Card is similar to a prepaid credit card since the funds you are using are actually yours and not the issuer of the credit card. Generally people who apply for secured credit card or prepaid credit card are people with poor credit or unemployed. Prepaid Credit Card spending limit is the amount of money you loaded to the card. There are no interest or finance charges on a prepaid card. With secured credit card, your credit line could be from 50% to 100% of your deposit depending on the institution giving you the secured credit. Therefore the company giving you the secured credit card has zero risk.
Secured credit card can be very beneficial because it gives you an opportunity to rebuild your credit history and you are able to make purchases just as if you had an unsecured credit card. Many companies require that you have a credit card to make purchases, such as car rental, airline tickets, etc. Ensure that the company issuing the secured credit, routinely reports customers' payment history to any of the three main credit bureaus namely Experience, Equifax and Trans Union. This reporting to the credit bureaus will rebuild your credit history over time.
Closing unnecessary accounts and consolidating your bills to make payments more manageable could be an advantage financially. By not applying for too much credit within a short period of time is another factor that will help in rebuilding your credit rating. Additionally, even though secured credit is like prepaid cards, they do have certain fees attached. Benefits are similar to that of an unsecured credit card, such as usually being paid interest on your balance in the bank, using Automated Teller Machines (ATM) to make deposits, withdrawals, and making purchases at participating merchants. Following the above steps will strengthen your credit rating.
UNSECURED CREDIT CARDS
Unsecured cards are issued to individuals with good to excellent credit rating. Credit ratings depend on certain criteria, such as one's ability to repay loans. These criteria include payment history, employment history, and financial stability. Individuals with excellent credit will most likely receive a lower interest rate. A major factor in maintaining excellent credit is making your loan payments on time thus avoiding late fee penalties.
Customers should read the credit agreement to ensure that they understand their obligation to the creditor. Making payments on time will strengthen your credit rating. Unsecured credit cards has numerous advantages such as low interest rates, high credit limit, business name options, no annual fees, and low APRs on balance transfers up to 12 months. Closing unnecessary accounts and consolidating your bills to make payments more manageable could be an advantage financially. By not applying for too much credit within a short period of time is another factor that will help in maintaining a good credit rating.
REBUILDING YOUR CREDIT
It takes time, patience, and consistency. If you consistently pay your bills on time, you will see an improvement in your credit ratings over time. There are no quick fixes for improving your credit report except for mistakes or inaccuracies that can be corrected, hopefully in your favor. Your credit information is maintained by the credit bureaus namely Experience, Equifax, and Trans Union for seven years. Therefore poor credit information will remain on your report for seven years. The good thing is that as negative information disappears with positive information, this will definitely rebuild your credit rating. Closing unnecessary accounts and consolidating your bills to make payments more manageable could be an advantage financially. By not applying for too much credit within a short period of time is another factor that will help in rebuilding your credit rating.
Applying for secured credit card can be very beneficial because it gives you an opportunity to rebuild your credit history, and you are able to make purchases just as if you had an unsecured credit card. Many companies require that you have a credit card to make purchases, such as car rental, airline tickets, etc. Ensure that the company issuing the secured credit, routinely reports customers' payment history to any of the three main credit bureaus namely Experience, Equifax and Trans Union. This reporting to the credit bureaus will rebuild your credit history over time.
BUSINESS CREDIT CARDS
Business credit cards are very popular for small business owners because of the many benefits they offer. Benefits includes 0% Intro APR on balance transfers, no annual fees, high credit limit, low interest rates, cash rewards, bonus miles, free online account management to choosing card design etc., At iCreditOnline.com we have some of the best business credit cards from American Express, Advanta, Chase, Bank One, Bank of America, Discover, Citibank, Household Bank and more, with online credit card approval. Why waste time going to a bank when you can get a decision in less than 60 seconds with secure online credit card application. Online Credit Card Approval with Online Credit Card Application is fast and easy!
STUDENT CREDIT CARDS
Having a student credit card while still living at home or attending school away from home can be an advantage. It gives the student the opportunity to establish credit at an early age and to start asserting their independence. It comes in handy in case of emergency, it is less trouble and safer to carry a student credit card than to carry cash. Parents find student credit cards to be very convenient. They are able to make deposits to their children's account while they are away from home. Students should be careful with their credit card receipts to avoid identity thief.
If you consistently pay your bills on time, obtaining students credit cards is a good way to established credit rating and start building a good credit history while in school. Establishing and maintaining a good credit rating will make it easy to purchase a car, a home or obtaining a personal loan in the future. For students who are not committed to their financial obligation, getting a student credit card is not a good idea. Running up balances, finding yourself in debt, unable to make monthly payments will destroy your credit rating.
Student's credit cards generally have high interest rates. At iCreditOnline.com we offer some of the best student credit cards from Chase and Discover with 0% APR introductory rate for 6 months, no annual fees and online account access. Online credit card approval with online credit card application is fast and easy!
EXPLANATIONS OF SOME OF THE CREDIT CARD TERMINOLOGY
0% Intro APR Credit Card or Balance Transfer Credit Card - gives you the benefit of using this credit card without making any interest payment on the principal for a stated period of time. This credit card is marketed to individuals with good credit rating who want to transfer balance from a high interest credit card to a 0% intro APR credit card.
Cash Rewards or Cash Back Credit Card - earns a percentage on purchases made. This reward or cash back is credited to your account.
Debit Card - takes the place of carrying a checkbook or cash. This card is used like a credit card with certain limitations, such as not being able to rent a car. Purchase transactions are contingent upon having enough funds in your checking or savings account to cover the purchase. Verification of funds requires entering your Personal Identification Number (PIN) at a point-of-sale terminal.
Low Interest Credit Card - saves you money. Having a good credit rating qualifies you for some of the best low APR credit card offers.
Prepaid Credit Card - spending limit is the amount of money you loaded to the card. There are no interest or finance charges on a prepaid card. Therefore the company giving you the prepaid credit card has zero risk. Generally people who apply for prepaid credit card are people with poor credit or unemployed.
Secured Credit Card - is secured by the amount of funds you have in your account. Your credit line could be from 50% to 100% of your deposit depending on the institution giving you the secured credit.
Unsecured Credit Card - is issued to individuals with good to excellent credit rating. Credit ratings depend on certain criteria, such as one's ability to repay loans. These criteria include payment history, employment history, and financial stability. Individuals with excellent credit will most likely receive a lower interest rate and can receive instant online credit card approval. A major factor in maintaining excellent credit is making your loan payments on time thus avoiding late fee penalties.
Travel Rewards Credit Card - benefits may include travel accident insurance, free rental car collision/loss damage insurance, rebate on gasoline purchases, frequent flyer points or bonus miles towards airline flights, free quarterly and annual account summaries.
David Hall owns iCreditOnline.com. He offers free downloadable, high quality guides on credit repair, credit ratings, credit scoring, debt consolidation and more. He has tools for finding a wide range of financial services including secured and unsecure cards, student and business cards, auto loans, and more from the most reputable companies in the industry. You can also compare multiple credit card offers, securely complete an online credit card application, and receive a credit decision in less than 60 seconds. Visit David's site today: http://www.iCreditOnline.com
SECURED CREDIT CARDS
Secured Credit Card is similar to a prepaid credit card since the funds you are using are actually yours and not the issuer of the credit card. Generally people who apply for secured credit card or prepaid credit card are people with poor credit or unemployed. Prepaid Credit Card spending limit is the amount of money you loaded to the card. There are no interest or finance charges on a prepaid card. With secured credit card, your credit line could be from 50% to 100% of your deposit depending on the institution giving you the secured credit. Therefore the company giving you the secured credit card has zero risk.
Secured credit card can be very beneficial because it gives you an opportunity to rebuild your credit history and you are able to make purchases just as if you had an unsecured credit card. Many companies require that you have a credit card to make purchases, such as car rental, airline tickets, etc. Ensure that the company issuing the secured credit, routinely reports customers' payment history to any of the three main credit bureaus namely Experience, Equifax and Trans Union. This reporting to the credit bureaus will rebuild your credit history over time.
Closing unnecessary accounts and consolidating your bills to make payments more manageable could be an advantage financially. By not applying for too much credit within a short period of time is another factor that will help in rebuilding your credit rating. Additionally, even though secured credit is like prepaid cards, they do have certain fees attached. Benefits are similar to that of an unsecured credit card, such as usually being paid interest on your balance in the bank, using Automated Teller Machines (ATM) to make deposits, withdrawals, and making purchases at participating merchants. Following the above steps will strengthen your credit rating.
UNSECURED CREDIT CARDS
Unsecured cards are issued to individuals with good to excellent credit rating. Credit ratings depend on certain criteria, such as one's ability to repay loans. These criteria include payment history, employment history, and financial stability. Individuals with excellent credit will most likely receive a lower interest rate. A major factor in maintaining excellent credit is making your loan payments on time thus avoiding late fee penalties.
Customers should read the credit agreement to ensure that they understand their obligation to the creditor. Making payments on time will strengthen your credit rating. Unsecured credit cards has numerous advantages such as low interest rates, high credit limit, business name options, no annual fees, and low APRs on balance transfers up to 12 months. Closing unnecessary accounts and consolidating your bills to make payments more manageable could be an advantage financially. By not applying for too much credit within a short period of time is another factor that will help in maintaining a good credit rating.
REBUILDING YOUR CREDIT
It takes time, patience, and consistency. If you consistently pay your bills on time, you will see an improvement in your credit ratings over time. There are no quick fixes for improving your credit report except for mistakes or inaccuracies that can be corrected, hopefully in your favor. Your credit information is maintained by the credit bureaus namely Experience, Equifax, and Trans Union for seven years. Therefore poor credit information will remain on your report for seven years. The good thing is that as negative information disappears with positive information, this will definitely rebuild your credit rating. Closing unnecessary accounts and consolidating your bills to make payments more manageable could be an advantage financially. By not applying for too much credit within a short period of time is another factor that will help in rebuilding your credit rating.
Applying for secured credit card can be very beneficial because it gives you an opportunity to rebuild your credit history, and you are able to make purchases just as if you had an unsecured credit card. Many companies require that you have a credit card to make purchases, such as car rental, airline tickets, etc. Ensure that the company issuing the secured credit, routinely reports customers' payment history to any of the three main credit bureaus namely Experience, Equifax and Trans Union. This reporting to the credit bureaus will rebuild your credit history over time.
BUSINESS CREDIT CARDS
Business credit cards are very popular for small business owners because of the many benefits they offer. Benefits includes 0% Intro APR on balance transfers, no annual fees, high credit limit, low interest rates, cash rewards, bonus miles, free online account management to choosing card design etc., At iCreditOnline.com we have some of the best business credit cards from American Express, Advanta, Chase, Bank One, Bank of America, Discover, Citibank, Household Bank and more, with online credit card approval. Why waste time going to a bank when you can get a decision in less than 60 seconds with secure online credit card application. Online Credit Card Approval with Online Credit Card Application is fast and easy!
STUDENT CREDIT CARDS
Having a student credit card while still living at home or attending school away from home can be an advantage. It gives the student the opportunity to establish credit at an early age and to start asserting their independence. It comes in handy in case of emergency, it is less trouble and safer to carry a student credit card than to carry cash. Parents find student credit cards to be very convenient. They are able to make deposits to their children's account while they are away from home. Students should be careful with their credit card receipts to avoid identity thief.
If you consistently pay your bills on time, obtaining students credit cards is a good way to established credit rating and start building a good credit history while in school. Establishing and maintaining a good credit rating will make it easy to purchase a car, a home or obtaining a personal loan in the future. For students who are not committed to their financial obligation, getting a student credit card is not a good idea. Running up balances, finding yourself in debt, unable to make monthly payments will destroy your credit rating.
Student's credit cards generally have high interest rates. At iCreditOnline.com we offer some of the best student credit cards from Chase and Discover with 0% APR introductory rate for 6 months, no annual fees and online account access. Online credit card approval with online credit card application is fast and easy!
EXPLANATIONS OF SOME OF THE CREDIT CARD TERMINOLOGY
0% Intro APR Credit Card or Balance Transfer Credit Card - gives you the benefit of using this credit card without making any interest payment on the principal for a stated period of time. This credit card is marketed to individuals with good credit rating who want to transfer balance from a high interest credit card to a 0% intro APR credit card.
Cash Rewards or Cash Back Credit Card - earns a percentage on purchases made. This reward or cash back is credited to your account.
Debit Card - takes the place of carrying a checkbook or cash. This card is used like a credit card with certain limitations, such as not being able to rent a car. Purchase transactions are contingent upon having enough funds in your checking or savings account to cover the purchase. Verification of funds requires entering your Personal Identification Number (PIN) at a point-of-sale terminal.
Low Interest Credit Card - saves you money. Having a good credit rating qualifies you for some of the best low APR credit card offers.
Prepaid Credit Card - spending limit is the amount of money you loaded to the card. There are no interest or finance charges on a prepaid card. Therefore the company giving you the prepaid credit card has zero risk. Generally people who apply for prepaid credit card are people with poor credit or unemployed.
Secured Credit Card - is secured by the amount of funds you have in your account. Your credit line could be from 50% to 100% of your deposit depending on the institution giving you the secured credit.
Unsecured Credit Card - is issued to individuals with good to excellent credit rating. Credit ratings depend on certain criteria, such as one's ability to repay loans. These criteria include payment history, employment history, and financial stability. Individuals with excellent credit will most likely receive a lower interest rate and can receive instant online credit card approval. A major factor in maintaining excellent credit is making your loan payments on time thus avoiding late fee penalties.
Travel Rewards Credit Card - benefits may include travel accident insurance, free rental car collision/loss damage insurance, rebate on gasoline purchases, frequent flyer points or bonus miles towards airline flights, free quarterly and annual account summaries.
David Hall owns iCreditOnline.com. He offers free downloadable, high quality guides on credit repair, credit ratings, credit scoring, debt consolidation and more. He has tools for finding a wide range of financial services including secured and unsecure cards, student and business cards, auto loans, and more from the most reputable companies in the industry. You can also compare multiple credit card offers, securely complete an online credit card application, and receive a credit decision in less than 60 seconds. Visit David's site today: http://www.iCreditOnline.com
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