credit card

Consolidated Credit’s 12 Days of FinLit Infographic

How Althea Paid Off 20K In Credit Card Debt

Consolidated Helped Mark C. avert 2nd Bankruptcy
10 worst credit card mistakes
By Kay Bell and Karen Haywood Queen Whether you’re in a financial crunch, dream of an island vacation or want to earn more rewards, credit card offers may appear to be the solution. Not so fast, says Joanne Kerstetter, spokeswoman for Money Management International. “Just because you’re getting credit card offers doesn’t mean the credit […]
Secure, or not? Assess the risk before sending credit card info
By Cynthia Drake Before you send your credit card information online, over the phone or by mail, it helps to think like a hacker. The next time you’re about to share your credit card number, put on a robber’s raccoon mask and think about it: Where are the potential breach spots along the path your […]
Too late for a refund? Return assistance programs may help
By Lisa Bertagnoli An extra blanket at the foot of the bed or a second application of sunscreen — that’s how credit card companies want consumers to think of return assistance programs. Not the first line of defense, but extra protection should a cardholder want to get a refund on a purchase after the retailer’s […]
How Bad Are Credit Card Cash Advances
Did you know that when you withdraw money from an ATM using your credit card or use one of those checks that come in your monthly credit card statement, you can add an average of 24 percent to your annual interest? Unlike using a credit card to make multiple purchases with an interest-free payback grace […]
Moves To Make As You Near Retirement
As you approach the time when you will leave the workforce for good, budgeting will be extremely important. Before officially retiring, there are certain moves you should make to ensure you will be successful. No. 1 – Determine where you will live When figuring out how much money you are able to withdraw from retirement […]
Four Biggest Mistakes Consumers Make when Back-to-School Shopping
When budgeting, consumers need to be sure to account for months where expenses are expected to increase. One of these times of the year is during August for people with kids, as back-to-school shopping season gets under way. Buying school supplies and new outfits for children doesn’t have to lead to financial trouble, and avoiding […]
7 Things You Should Have in Your Wallet, 10 You Shouldn’t
By Angela Colley reposted from MoneyTalksNews.com You get up from a crowded restaurant and realize your purse or back pocket feels a bit lighter. Like a brick, it hits you: Someone’s lifted your wallet. You know you’ve lost your cash. Are they already using your credit cards? Have they figured out your PIN number yet? […]
Americans Still Splurging on Purchases: Are You One of Them?
Completely overhauling poor financial habits and going cold turkey on your favorite purchases is no easy feat, but in your infinite wisdom you may likely realize that making significant financial changes is important to your future. Despite this recognition, studies show that many people are not only falling into a worsening financial situation, but also […]
How Do You Handle Your First Credit Card?
Whether you are going away to college and opening a credit card for emergencies, or getting your first card for another reason, it will be a new experience. With a credit card comes financial responsibility, and you need to know how to appropriately handle your first card. Make sure you understand the terms: One of […]
How to Pay Off Excessive Credit Card Debt
Relying too much on credit to get by has left many people in a position where they are now struggling to catch up. Credit card debts pile up and minimum payments increase. This can cause problems when your payments start to exceed what you can afford to pay in any given month. In order to […]
5 Tips to Improve Your Finances in 2013
This year was difficult for many adults of all ages and demographics. Foreclosures were elevated, the unemployment rate remained high and a large number of people reported significant student loan and credit card debt. This does not mean that people are willing to let these scenarios hold them back from improving their finances in 2013, […]
How To Get a Passing Grade When You’re Unschooled in Student Credit Cards
Student Credit Card Tips – How Students Can Prevent Credit Card Debt. If you sauntered through the middle of a college campus a decade ago, you might have been inundated by the art of tabling—clever marketing ploys where credit card issuers would set up booths and lure students with free swag in exchange for filling […]
10 Last-Minute Tips for Black Friday
Black Friday is closer than ever, with many big-name stores opening their doors on Thanksgiving Day. Whether you’re braving the crowds for the first time or consider yourself a Black Friday shopping veteran, consider these 10 last-minute tasks to prep you for the biggest shopping day(s) of the year. 1. Research circulars and map out […]
The Barclaycard MasterCard: Equality in Your Plastic Relationship
By Credit Card Select Successful relationships hinge on the interplay of give and take. A partner who is too headstrong, controlling, and demanding can plant toxic seeds into unions, and given time, will fester into disaster. The same goes for the relationship you have with your plastic. All too often, consumers can find themselves feeling […]
How Do Credit Card Penalties Work?
by April Lewis-Parks Credit card penalties can be scary and confusing. Asking your bank to explain the different penalties to you doesn’t help much, as they will tell you to read your statements and contracts. But with all the fine print and legal terminology, how are you supposed to know what you will end up […]
Do You Have a Healthy Relationship With Money?
by April Lewis-Parks How many times have you heard the phrase “Life is all about relationships”? Relationships with parents, spouses, friends, food and your own body all fall under this umbrella. So why does no one talk about relationships with money? The way you feel about and treat money has a direct impact on your […]
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Swiping Your Credit Card
Millions of Americans are managing credit card debt that was incurred due to circumstances beyond their control. This may include job losses, medical bills, divorce and rising living costs, but some people may be battling the same scenario due to overspending or mismanaging their income. I read today that retail credit cards have reached 175 […]