Archive for March, 2006

Credit Card Issuers Can Check Your Credit

Friday, March 31st, 2006

Many credit card holders are unaware of the fact that credit card issuers have the right to check their credit scores in midstream, not just when they issue a new card or raise a credit line. The information in your credit report can affect your interest rate and payment terms and any time, so it is important to keep on top of your credit score and know what is in your credit report.

Minimizing Taxes on Funds

Thursday, March 30th, 2006

How to select tax-friendly mutual funds when investing outside of retirement accounts.

3 Rules that Debt Collection Agencies Must Follow

Wednesday, March 29th, 2006

As a consumer, you have the right to verify, validate or dispute any debt you are told about, within a given time frame.

Your 1st Step to Financial Freedom: Putting All of Your Debts in Writing

Tuesday, March 28th, 2006

Today you’re going to write down everything you owe your creditors.

Understanding Credit Card Terms and Conditions

Monday, March 27th, 2006

Credit card terms and conditions can be quite vague, and sometimes one gets the feeling that is the way credit card issuers like it. Regardless of the reason for this vagueness, however, it is important for every consumer to read and understand the fine print on those credit card applications.

Savings and Money Market Accounts

Sunday, March 26th, 2006

Savings and money market accounts can be found at banks.

3 Drawbacks of Having a Company Monitor Your Credit

Saturday, March 25th, 2006

Should you spring for one of those credit monitoring services that promise to do the work for you?

Money Market Funds

Friday, March 24th, 2006

Does the lack of FDIC insurance make money market runds a bad choice?

Deciding Whether to Buy or Lease a Car

Thursday, March 23rd, 2006

The decision of whether to buy or lease a new car is one of the most significant of all financial decisions, and it is important to make that decision wisely. A car is an important purchase, and it is important to weigh the choices very carefully.

Be Careful When Pulling Cash Out of Your Home

Wednesday, March 22nd, 2006

At first blush, those great refinancing offers that allow you to pull cash out of your home to pay credit card bills and other expenses seem like a no brainer. On further examination, however, there are some drawbacks as well as the touted benefits. It is important to know how cashing out equity can affect your overall credit picture.

Planning for Retirement

Tuesday, March 21st, 2006

Three critical decisions about your retirement planning is not all numbers. There is a huge emotional component to it, reflecting the fact that retiring involves one of life’s most profound periods of change.

A Guideline for Paying Off Debt

Monday, March 20th, 2006

Paying off debt is one of the most important things any person can do to secure their financial future. Being debt free gives us the ability to take charge of our finances and our lives. This article provides a guideline for getting out of debt, and remaining debt free.

How to Become a Smart Borrower: Part 2

Sunday, March 19th, 2006

How to use loans wisely, part 2.

How to Become a Smart Borrower: Part 1

Saturday, March 18th, 2006

How to use loans wisely.

Why No Equity Mortgage Loans Can Be Dangerous

Friday, March 17th, 2006

It seems that no money down loans, and even 125% loan to value (LTV) loans are all the rage these days in the world of mortgages and home refinancing. These loans can be dangerous, however, and it is important to look at both the potential benefits and the potential pitfalls of this unique form of financing.

Dividend Reinvestment Plans

Thursday, March 16th, 2006

Increasing numbers of corporations allow existing holders of shares of stock to reinvest their dividends (known as DRIPs) in more shares of stock without paying brokerage commissions.

Online Debt Consolidation

Wednesday, March 15th, 2006

The world of online debt consolidation has certainly exploded in recent years, and more and more consumers are turning to the power and vast resources of the internet to work their way out of debt. This article focuses on what to look for in an online debt consolidation firm.

Into Mutual Funds? Be Sure to Diversify

Tuesday, March 14th, 2006

Diversification is a big attraction for many investors who choose mutual funds.

Credit Monitoring Service

Tuesday, March 14th, 2006

One of the worst things that can happen to our finances is having our credit wiped out by identity theft.

What to Know About Student Loans

Monday, March 13th, 2006

The world of student loans and college financing can be a daunting and a confusing one. It is important, therefore, to understand how this world works, and what it can do for you. This article focuses on the importance of consolidating student loans into one easy to handle payment.

What Is Estate Tax?

Sunday, March 12th, 2006

Estate tax differs from income tax in that income tax is owed every year on any incoming revenue.

What to Do If You’re Already a Victim of Financial Fraud

Saturday, March 11th, 2006

The only good news about the rise in identity theft is that there are now more resources than ever before to help victims.

What Is a Mutual Fund?

Friday, March 10th, 2006

A mutual fund is a collection of investment money pooled from lots of people to be invested for a specific objective.

4 Reasons Why Real Estate Is a Good Investment

Thursday, March 9th, 2006

Individual investors should consider sinking some cash into real estate once they’ve built a solid portfolio of stocks and bonds.

Interest Only Loans

Saturday, March 4th, 2006

You’ve heard the old saying, “If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is?” Is that true for interest only loans?