Is your credit score costing you a fortune?
by Scott Bilker
While some surveys show that 9 out of 10 consumers are unaware what their credit score is, I'd like to quickly share with you how your credit score could be costing you a fortune…in more ways than you can imagine. We all know a low credit score will make everything in the world of finance more expensive because of higher interest rates from lenders due to being considered a greater credit risk.
Where did that fee come from?
by Scott Bilker
Howdy Scott, I am writing to you about a unique situation that occurred to me about two weeks and I was wondering if anyone else you know of and/or subscribes to your newsletter might have had this happen to them...there was an added $1.00 fee for processing the payment. I told the rep I was ready to close the account, since I considered this a money grab. Any thoughts? John, The Twin Cities of Minnesota
What should I do with my money now?
by Scott Bilker
Dear Scott, Through the sale of my previous house, I will soon have just enough money left over ($100,000) to pay off ALL of my loans and credit card debt. Question: is it a good idea to pay off ALL of my debt? Or should I perhaps keep some on the accounts? Or what? Your advice has always helped me in the past, so I really wanted to ask you what you think. Thank you, Rodney
8 Ways to Consolidate Debt
by Gerri Detweiler
Next to winning the lottery, a debt consolidation loan is a debtor's dream. With one monthly payment and a fixed monthly payment schedule, you can actually see an end to those monthly payments. In reality, consolidating bills isn't always easy. If you have a lot of debt, it can be hard to find a consolidation loan at a lower interest rate. And if you're not careful, you can end up deeper in debt than when you started.
Beat the banks by threatening to call the Better Business Bureau
by Scott Bilker
Heidi wrote to me about her problems with a bank that was charging her a ridiculous interest rate of 33%. She had called the bank and was not able to do anything. I suggested that she transfer her balance and she called back and threatened them with calling the Better Business Bureau.
Credit Card Fee Increases
by Gary Foreman
Gary, This month on our two credit card statements are notices informing us that as of Oct. 1st we may be charged "more than two" late fees or over the limit fees" per month. What's going on? Gwen
MBNA reduced my limit for no reason!
by Scott Bilker
A manager got on the line and proceeded to ask me if some questions to verify the credit limit. He then told me that he was reducing my credit limit based on the amount of outstanding credit my husband had. I told him that I was not interested in the balance transfer after all because he decided to reduce my credit limit just like that.
Credit Cards Come to Vending Machines: Students and All Consumers Beware
by Nancy Castleman
According to industry experts, cashless vending machines are coming our way, quickly. In fact, folks in Philadelphia will soon be able to use a credit card at 1,000 Coke machines. And it's expected that by 2009, over half the vending machines in the U.S. will take credit cards.
Deciphering Credit Card Fine Print--A Lesson in Futility?
by Rebecca Lindsey
Credit cards and fine print—the two terms seem synonymous. Credit cards are notorious for having fine print that even lawyers can't comprehend. The fact of the matter is this: if you sign on the dotted line for a credit card offer, then you assume an understanding of what is entailed in the terms and conditions—whether or not you actually understand them.
Get motivated to get out of debt
by Barry W. Wainwright
So there you sit most likely all stressed out and worried because you have a lot of debt. Well, you don't have to be if only you would get busy and motivate yourself to rid yourself of some debt. Believe me, its easier than you think and not all that hard. And, I can now speak from experience and I would like to share some of my financial trade secrets and ideas to you.
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