Credit Cards

Could the last person to leave America please turn out the light.

I don’t know about you, but I’m more than a little worried by recent economic events. First Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, then Lehman Brothers, and now an $85 billion loan to AIG. So

Your Interest Rates Are About to Go Up

Have good credit? A low APR on your credit cards? Always pay your bills on time? That's not going to stop your credit card company from jacking up your rate whenever they feel like

Why Would Anyone Pay Mortgages With Credit Cards?

Today I received an email that advertised a program where you can earn rewards by paying your mortgage with a credit card. There are many reasons why this is a bad idea.

Making direct deposit safe for the garnished

The US Treasury pays more money to more people than just about anybody in the world. Last year it disbursed more than $1.6 trillion in 982 million individual payments. As you can

Possible protections for credit card holders

The Federal Reserve has proposed some new rules to protect people from a list of abusive lending practices. The changes aren't in effect yet, and may not actually go into effect.

Dealing with Nasty Debt Collectors

You may (or may not) be delinquent with a debt payment, but debt collectors don’t have carte blanche with regards to how they can hustle the money from you. Some can be rude, make

What's the Best Way to Get out of Debt?

Debt is the hottest topic on personal finance blogs around the world. Why? I would venture to guess it is because so many people are drowning in it

Credit Counseling: When you Need it and When you Don't

So you are up to your eyeballs. Drowning in debt, expenses, and struggling to keep your head above water. You have been reduced to the life of a monk and are still making no headwa

Tips for Increasing Your Financial Literacy

A recent CNN article titled "Americans are 'financially illiterate'"

Six Horrible Financial Products You Should Avoid

Dealing with financial products can be very confusing and stressful, but there are some products that you should absolutely stay away from for the sake of your financial health. [more]

Wisdom from My Favorite Frugal TV Character - Julius Rock

My favorite cheap TV character is Julius Rock from Everybody Hate Chris. Julius is a character based on Chris Rock's father and in almost every episode of the show his fruga

The Four C's of Applying for and Managing your Credit

What exactly is your credit score? What factors are weighed when you apply for a loan? How can you improve your credit and ability to get great loan rates? And how can you unwittin

I Got Duped! Dealing With Credit Card and Merchant Disputes

So you bought an awesome thing-a-ma-jiggy or service with your credit card. But when you got it home you discovered the item doesn't work, the service was a heist, or the

Credit Card Fees: Hidden and Otherwise

Annual fees, grace periods, balance transfer options…it's a wonderful world of credit card jargon out there, and depending on your needs and planned u

Credit Card Rewards Programs

A commenter on a recent article of mine on credit card usage, suggested a follow-up post with an eye to uncovering the mysteries of credit card rewards programs. And in my research, I discove [more]

Top 7 Reasons Why I Use My Credit Card for Everything

I charge absolutely everything to my credit card. Everything. Here are the reasons why I am a credit card junkie.

Can you talk to your friends about debt?

Can you talk to your friends about your debt? Can you talk to your friends about their debt?

Credit Card Insurance? No Thanks.

So your credit card company just called offering you balance protection insurance against job loss, disability, life, or critical illness. The cost will be just pennies, calculated

A Guaranteed Way To Avoid Impulse Credit Card Purchases

This tip is so easy and simple you'll wonder why you didn't think of it already. All you need is a plastic bag and some water, and your impulse credit card purchases will be a thin

6 Steps to Eliminating Your Debt Painlessly

Eliminating Debt Painlessly. Rarely do you see these words fit together in a neat little sentence. The very act of putting your hard earned money towards the stack of debts you've

Latest Articles in Credit Cards

How to Protect Yourself From Credit Card Theft

Don't let a scammer get a hold of your credit card number. Here's how to keep your account secure.

5 Reasons Not to Use Debit Cards When You Shop Online

Before you place an order through your favorite online retailer, consider these reasons to use credit instead of debit.

How to Maximize Rewards on Everyday Spending

If you're not using your travel or cash back card for certain expenses, you're leaving valuable rewards on the table.

How a Credit Card Can Actually Help You Get Out of Debt

Is paying off debt with a credit card ever a good idea? In some cases, yes.

How to Get Ahead With a 0% APR Credit Card

This is how you can use a 0% APR credit card to get ahead on your finances.

5 Smart Strategies to Rack Up More Credit Card Rewards

Can't earn a sign-up bonus? These strategies will help you earn more rewards.

The 6 Absolute Worst Ways to Cash In Your Travel Points

Before you cash in your travel points on a whim, make sure you're getting the best value for them.

6 Steps to Avoiding Credit Card Debt Over the Holidays

Follow these six steps and your holiday season will be credit card debt-free.

All the Ways You Can Score More Points and Miles This Holiday Season

While you're busy holiday shopping and preparing for trips to see the family, why not earn tons of points and miles in the process?

How Travel Rewards Cards Can Help You Score Luxury Travel Perks

Sure, travel rewards cards can help you see the world for free, but use your points right and you can do it in extreme comfort and luxury, too.

Why You Should Buy Travel Insurance — Even if Your Credit Card Offers It For Free

So your credit card offers free travel insurance? Here's why you should still pay for it anyway.

How to Stretch Your Airline Miles With Dynamic Award Pricing

Dynamic award pricing is here to stay, but there are still plenty of ways to get the most out of your airline miles.

How to Maximize Rewards Through Credit Card Shopping Portals

Credit card shopping portals help you earn more points and miles for every dollar you spend. And they're incredibly easy to use!

5 Ways Credit Card Rewards Can Cost You Money

Credit card rewards are great when you're rolling in cash back and other major discounts, but beware of the times when they can actually cost you.

Everything You Need to Know About Airline Dining Rewards Programs

Wait, you can rack up airline miles by eating out at your favorite restaurants? Yes, it's true!

How to Get Rid of Your Credit Card's Annual Fee

Paying an annual fee on your credit card is a pain. Luckily, there might be a way to avoid paying this fee altogether.

Should You Finance a Tiny Home With a Credit Card?

The relatively low price of tiny homes makes nearly any financing option a possibility, including credit cards. But should you go that route?

How I've Scored Free Travel for 5 Years Straight

I haven't paid for hotels or flights in over five years, and I've traveled all over the world. Here's my secret.

8 Things You Need to Know About Debt Management Plans

Debt management plans can help you work your way out of debt, but they aren't for everyone.

TRIO® Credit Card from Fifth Third Bank: Cash Back at Restaurants and More

The TRIO® Credit Card from Fifth Third Bank awards your everyday purchases and provides other valuable perks that you won’t find with other cards.