Perhaps you’ve heard this advice before: Store credit cards are evil! When the clerk at The Gap asks you “Do you want to save 10% today by opening up a credit card with us?” say, “no way, that’s stupid! Saving 10% to pay 30% … [Read more...]
Q&A: I’m Financing A Car; Should I Make A Down Payment Or Pay Off Debt?
March 23, 2012 by
Occasionally I publish answers to selected readers’ money questions. I welcome your opinion in the comments. Send questions to [email protected] Q: I am in the process of purchasing my first car. I make a little over $30,000 and have … [Read more...]
Should You Ever Pay a Credit Card Annual Fee?
March 15, 2012 by
A lot of other personal finance nerds call people who pay an annual fee on a credit card "stupid". I don't agree. Credit cards with annual fees are not necessarily evil---they can, in fact, be a great deal...for the right person. If … [Read more...]
Q&A: Should I Take Out Another Student Loan For My PhD?
March 2, 2012 by
Occasionally I publish answers to select readers’ money questions. I welcome your opinion in the comments. Send questions to [email protected] Q: I am 27, married, and my husband and I have a combined student loan debt of about $100,000. … [Read more...]
Balance Transfers on Credit Cards: What You Need to Know
March 1, 2012 by
If you've spent one too many months staring at your swelling credit card balance---and all that interest you're paying---that piece of junk mail promising a 0% balance transfer credit card probably looks pretty enticing. Sure, balance transfers … [Read more...]
Charge Cards: A Smart Alternative to Credit (And Debit) Cards
February 25, 2012 by
Charge cards like the American Express Premier Rewards Gold Card provide a smart alternative to debit cards and traditional credit cards. What Is a Charge Card? A charge card is a like a credit card without the option to pay your balance off … [Read more...]
Auto Financing for Smart People: Tips for Saving on Your Car Loan
February 17, 2012 by
Earlier this week I wrote about mistakes we make when buying a car. One of those mistakes is overlooking the importance of the auto financing in the overall cost of your new car. The example I gave is if you are buying a new Honda Civic, the … [Read more...]
Avoid Credit Card Foreign Currency Transaction Fees
January 28, 2012 by
American credit cards---Visa and MasterCard in particular---are increasingly accepted all over the world. Although these credit cards can be a convenient way to pay while traveling aboard, be prepared to pay foreign currency transaction fees of up to … [Read more...]
First Time Home Buyer’s Mortgage Checklist
January 1, 2012 by
Considering buying your first home? Prepare yourself for one of life’s most demanding experiences. This first time home buyer’s mortgage checklist will get you organized to attack financing your home purchase as an informed shopper and avoid … [Read more...]
Credit Card Sign-On Bonuses: Get $100 or More
January 1, 2012 by
Here’s some unorthodox financial advice: Go apply for a new credit card. Why? Several major credit cards are offering up cash bonuses up to $100 and points bonuses up to $500 if you apply for a new card and spend a minimum amount. While I DO … [Read more...]
