The majority of financial advice on credit cards falls into one of two categories: Credit cards are evil and you should cancel them and never, ever use them again. Credit cards are fantastically convenient when used responsibly and can actually … [Read more...]
Seven Signs You’re At-Risk for Identity Theft
October 13, 2009 By
I know what you’re thinking: “I’m young, I’m Web-savvy, I don’t need to worry about identity theft.” Street smarts alone may not protect you from every identity theft trap; this stuff can happen to anybody! What follows are seven signs … [Read more...]
Eight Steps to Achieve Credit Nirvana
October 13, 2009 By
Tired of worrying about your credit, and being punished for having a low credit score? The eight steps listed below will lead you to financial freedom. Some are easier than others, but by following even some of them your credit score will rise. … [Read more...]
Under 21? The CARD Act Restricts Your Access to Credit
October 1, 2009 By
The CARD Act could go into effect as soon as December. Although legislators passed the CARD Act with Americans’ best interests in mind, the act also means credit card users may see higher interest rates and fewer rewards. And for anyone under 21, … [Read more...]
Mortgage Application Declined? Here’s What to Do
October 1, 2009 By
Today, only four out of ten mortgage applications close. That means 60 percent of prospective home buyers walk away disappointed. For first-time home buyers, that statistic may be even higher. But if your mortgage application is declined, don't … [Read more...]
No Credit History? Prepare for an Uphill Climb to Auto, Home Financing
September 17, 2009 By
Matt, 26, feels it’s time to stop renting and think about buying a home. He earns $48,000 a year at his IT job outside Washington, D.C, he has saved $20,000 he could use for a down payment (and more in his 401k), and he has no debt. And that’s … [Read more...]
Chase Blueprint Review: Chase Pledges More Control for Credit Card Users
September 16, 2009 By
Credit card issuer Chase rolled out a new feature today---called Blueprint---that will allow consumers to divide credit card charges they want to pay in-full or over time. Blueprint will enable Chase cardholders to pay everyday charges in-full each … [Read more...]
How to Check Your Own FICO Score
September 3, 2009 By
A reader working to qualify for a mortgage writes: "I have checked my credit with the three bureaus, and they seem to have all my info up to date and everything looks good. My problem is that on the free credit reports I received (via … [Read more...]
When To Finance Even If You Could Pay Cash
August 7, 2009 By
Should you ever go into debt even if you have the cash to make the purchase? Dave Ramsey would definitely say "NO!". But believe it or not, there are situations in which it may actually cost you more if you don't go into debt! … [Read more...]
Citi Private Pass: Get $5 Concert Tickets This Summer
August 5, 2009 By
Worried federal regulations will force card issuers to slash rewards and loyalty programs? Citi is bucking the trend with its Citi Private Pass program. Private Pass gives Citi cardmembers significantly discounted (and sometimes even free) tickets to … [Read more...]
I'm David Weliver. At 26, I had NO savings and NO financial plan. I was maxed out, stressed out, and fed up. Then, I changed. I repaid $80k of debt, tripled my income, and bought a home. I'll show you how to get similar results. 