credit cards
Are More Americans Starting to Use Credit Cards Again?
by April Lewis-Parks People have had a tumultuous relationship with credit cards since the recession. A sizable percentage of Americans struggling with unemployment and financial shortfalls were forced to rely on plastic and racked up significant credit card debt to meet their daily needs. Others shunned credit cards in favor of cash and debit cards, […]
Economic growth improves, but don’t rush to the mall yet
As the U.S. economy shows signs of recovery, you might feel it’s time to swipe your credit cards again in all your favorite stores, but not so fast… Even though the economy has grown, permanent hiring remains stagnate and the housing market has not improved. The Federal Reserve reports that consumer borrowing in the U.S. […]
Experts Warn College Kids Against Excessive Credit Card Use
Economic Recovery Doesn’t Mean You Can Throw Budgeting Out the Window
by April Lewis-Parks The economy may finally be starting to turn itself around. Recent figures show better times may indeed be just around the corner. But that doesn’t mean you should stop doing what you’re doing to lower your debt, and it definitely doesn’t mean you can start freely spending again. Sticking with your “hard […]
How To Cheat On Your Credit Card Homework
Is a Summer Vacation Still Ahead for You and Your Family? If So, We Have Some Travel Planning Tips for You!
Almost every family likes to take a trip during the summer. The kids are off from school, the weather is sunny and warm and everyone is happy. But you should be prepared before you take that trip to ensure personal and financial safety and well-being. Go over you itinerary with your children and set a […]
New Swipe Fees Could Cost You
Will new swipe fees put plastic on ice? Debit cards: Take out a little piece of plastic, swipe, approve, done. Cash: Dig through your wallet to see what bills you have, take out the correct number of bills, wait for your change, put money back into wallet, careful not to drop any coins, wallet becomes […]
Don’t Let Debt Get You Down – Run It Down…
Debt has been a curse to many Americans, especially since the economy bottomed out, the cost of living went through the roof and good paying jobs met the same fate as the dinosaurs, even for those who have working experience and a decent education. Aggravation and frustration greet people each morning and there seems to […]
How to Measure Your Debt Load – Healthy vs. Unhealthy
Credit-card debt doesn’t have to be bad – but it must be managed properly. Using credit cards is one of the primary ways Americans establish a healthy credit score. Credit cards also act as great emergency fund resources when a big unexpected cost comes up – but using credit cards must be done with caution […]
What’s Holding You Back from Negotiating with Your Creditors?
When you’re struggling to put food on the table and a roof over your head, your credit card payments can get behind. If you’re delinquent more than 60 days, you could suddenly find your interest rate has sky rocketed and your minimum payments are more than what was previously expected. If you’re in financial crisis, […]
Cool, Scary, or Scary Cool? Warning Impulse Shoppers – Do Not Get This App!
People who want to go shopping at local retailers without the hassle of waiting in long checkout lines now have the option of taking on more credit card debt directly through their Smartphones. Here’s how it works: You take a picture of your credit card using an app by Aisle Buyer, and it will use […]
As gas prices rise, more people using credit cards to pay at the pump
While many people may be wary of taking on more credit card debt, some are being forced to do so by the high cost of gas these days. The country has seen the price of gas rise considerably in recent weeks as oil has continued to climb, and some experts predict it could cost as […]
Yes, You Can Get Out of Debt
l The average American household carries somewhere around nine thousand dollars in credit card debt. So even though the majority of Americans spend more than they earn, it is possible to get yourself out of debt if you’re willing to adjust your spending habits. You first need to assess your debt load. If more than […]
Spring Clean Your Credit Card Debt
Why not use spring as a springboard to clean up your credit card debt. With food and gas prices rising it’s time to wipe out any unnecessary spending and pay down your credit cards so you’ll have money for more important things. Credit card debt acts like an anchor for many people who are trying […]
10 Easy Ways to Start an Emergency Fund
The car breaks down, the furnace in your house blows, your child needs braces and you don’t have the disposable money to cover the financial consequences. It happens every day and many people are stuck paying by credit card or financing for months into the future at alarming interest rates, putting themselves further into debt. […]
7 Expenses You Should Never Put On A Credit Card
Personal Stories of Debt; How to Overcome and Thrive
Each year Consolidated Credit holds a short story contest for their clients. The Miss Money Bee writers would like to congratulate the winners and share their inspirational stories with you! Melissa Cupp and Chris Korb are a married couple from Berryton, KS. who’s story begins: Two summers ago, we hit financial rock bottom. Both my husband […]
How Much are You Saving?
Believe it or not, by saving just a little bit more and choosing the right savings vehicle, you can end up saving big over a period of time. Right now the average personal savings rate is 5.3%. If you’re the average American that makes $49,777 after taxes, then you’re looking approximately $2,638 in yearly savings. […]
Warning on Prepaid Debit Cards
In an effort to reduce their credit card usage and avoid high interest rates, many Americans are turning towards prepaid debit cards. Partially, because they think it will help control their spending, but also because credit card companies are actively pushing consumers with low-income and/or bad credit towards this new, emerging product. On the surface, […]
Hey Big Spenders, Holiday Bills Will Fill the Mailbox Very Soon
The combination of rising credit card minimum payments and reduced credit limits coupled with record levels of unemployment are challenges for many Americans as we enter 2011 and even with all this, holiday spending was up 3.3% over last year. Christmas 2010 could go down as the holiday season that Americans spent, spent, spent, […]