Credit and debit card transactions have been cut off throughout the Vatican City since Jan. 1 over Italy's concerns about money laundering at the Vatican's bank. Recently the Vatican's chief bank regulator responded to the move with surprise, calling it unwarranted, although a European oversight report was critical of the bank's practices. The takeaway for visitors: When visiting the Vatican, bring cash.
After a lengthy court battle, merchants recently gained the ability to slap surcharges on Visa and MasterCard transactions, to recover interchange fees.
But most retailers say they have no plans to charge extra for card purchases. Instead, they view the surcharge as a deterrent against the growth of transaction costs, which are linked to rewards cards.
Do you long to own an expensive watch? Or perhaps harbor a secret childhood fascination with Dick Tracy's two-way wrist radio?
The time is nigh, my friends. Prepare to strap on the arm-candy of your dreams. Well, close to your dreams anyway.
This April, U.S. banks that use the TransCard prepaid system will unveil the Watch2Pay, a wristwatch with a removable SIM card that tells time old-school (analog) but pulls off contactless MasterCard PayPass prepaid purchases with a flick of the wrist.
You know the usual ways to break free from debt--cutting cable, canceling the gym membership, cooking at home and focusing on spending less than you earn so you can use what's left to make payments. What if you didn't have to do any of that? Some people have found alternative ways to retire their debt. While I have some ethical issues with these methods, in the end, they worked.
These stories are fun to read, but if you are interested in the more typical ways to pay off your debt or create a budget, turn to these 10 trusty blog posts from the past week.
Jacob "Jack" Lew, nominated to head the Treasury Department, already has his first controversy. There's concern about his fitness -- or specifically, the fitness of his signature to adorn U.S. currency.
Chase and PNC are trying out a new "Self-Service Teller", which applies a Transformer makeover to the garden-variety ATM by enabling human customers to receive cash in $5, $1 and even coin denominations. At other ATMs, the smallest change you'll receive is a 10-dollar bill, with most dispensing only $20 bills.
So yes, it's true: You can now withdraw $1 from an ATM -- and potentially pay a $4 ATM fee for the privilege. 
: Living with credit 517 New , interesting products 111 Research , regulation , industry reports 246 Rewards 47 Protecting yourself 191 The fine print 82 Credit card miscellany 394 Celebrity Money Watch 6 Print Email Emily's list : Presidential inauguration edition Emily Starbuck Crone January 25, 2013 Living with credit The 2013 inauguration Monday was a treat to watch . It was full of gawkworthy moments , from Michelle Obama's flowing red dress at the ball to Beyonce's lip-synching . I thought the awkward essay I mean , poem was a bust , but I really loved President Obama's inauguration speech not because of his party or political leaning , but because it really spoke to everyone in the nation . It was a call for us to work together and harness our . potential My favorite part of the
It's no secret that I'm terrified of my husband's law school loans and what will happen when he graduates in May. But after the story of Brian McBride, I feel a little better. This young man took very extreme measures, but he managed to pay off $26,500 in less than two years. Check out my roundup of my 10 favorite personal finance blog posts from the past week, many of which address this very topic!
Over the holidays, I turned down an invitation to visit a family member who lives in a rural area a few hours from town because I was afraid my aging Toyota would break down along the way.
That -- along with my semi-monthly trips to the auto mechanic this fall -- should have been my cue to stop the procrastination and finally buy a more reliable car. But, like many recession-scarred Americans, I probably won't -- at least, not any time soon. 
Is GoBank the First Genuinely Good Bank by Jessica Morriston on January 30, 2013 Imagine a world without overdraft fees A world in which minimum balance requirements are a thing of the past . A world where you decide how much your bank fees will be every month . No , this isn’t the trailer for some kind of financial fantasy movie it’s actually real . Two weeks ago , prepaid card company Green Dot test-launched GoBank , a bank account that can be opened and managed entirely via smartphone , and about which all of the aforementioned things are . true Instead of partnering with an existing bank , GoBank actually is the bank they’re FDIC-insured and everything . There aren’t any brick-and-mortar locations , but customers can make cash deposits at one of GoBank’s 40,000 ATMs or at Green Dot
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans What is a 1099-C Your Top 11 Questions Answered by Gerri Detweiler on 01 30 2013 What is a 1099-C That’s the question millions of taxpayers will be asking as these forms land in their mailboxes this year . An estimated 5.5 million 1099-C forms will be filed for the 2012 tax . year If you received one of these forms , your first reaction may have been one of panic . Why did I get this What does it mean Then you probably starting searching online to learn more and that’s what brought you .
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans 7 Ways to Avoid A Debt Relapse by Deanna Templeton on 01 30 2013 Getting out of debt isn’t easy , but when you make that last payment and become completely debt free , the overwhelming relief and freedom you gain from accomplishing such a huge feat can make it all . worthwhile Anyone who has paid off significant debt will tell you that the journey to becoming debt free was a long and difficult road , paved with a lot of hard work , determination and sacrifice . As a result , it’s
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans 4 Ways Credit is Like the Super Bowl and 1 Way it’s Not by Jeanne Kelly on 01 30 2013 The NFL Super Bowl XLVII is happening this weekend . Will you watch it Even if you’re not a football fan , some people just watch for the commercials , the half time show , the new shows afterward , or the big bowl of nachos in the middle of the room The Super Bowl is the ultimate game in the NFL , representing an entire season of effort of two championship-level teams , deciding on the field who is the
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Are Young People Moving Away From Credit Card Use by Credit.com on 01 30 2013 The financial meltdown and recession led many Americans to experience significant financial problems , and while some have returned to their former credit card habits , one demographic seems particularly averse to doing . so Consumers under the age of 35 have been relying on their credit cards in their everyday lives far less than those in older demographics in the last few years , according to new data from
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Credit Card Borrowers Paying Less in Penalty Fees by Credit.com on 01 30 2013 When consumers make a misstep in dealing with their credit card debt , they generally face penalty fees from their lender as a consequence , but the amount being collected by lenders as a result of these problems has been declining for a few years . now The amount of money collected as a result of late , over-limit and insufficient funds fees slipped to 17.8 billion last year across the entire credit cardHello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Credit Card Borrowers Paying Less in Penalty Fees by Credit.com on 01 30 2013 When consumers make a misstep in dealing with their credit card debt , they generally face penalty fees from their lender as a consequence , but the amount being collected by lenders as a result of these problems has been declining for a few years . now The amount of money collected as a result of late , over-limit and insufficient funds fees slipped to 17.8 billion last year across the entire credit card
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans CFPB Issues New Rules for Risky Mortgages by Credit.com on 01 29 2013 In an effort to help prevent mortgage issuers from directing potential homeowners toward taking mortgages they may not be able to afford , the federal consumer financial watchdog agency recently announced new rules for the lending . industry The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s new rules for mortgage originators which includes both loan officers and brokers , are designed to give professionals more options for
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans The Danger of Not Checking Your Credit Report by Jill Krasny on 01 29 2013 For so many of us , checking our credit reports is probably not at the top of the to-do list unless there’s a pressing need However , failing to take the time to regularly do so can be a costly . mistake I’ve had the experience of routinely getting my credit report , only to find a couple credit cards opened under my name without my knowledge says Phoebe Stein , a librarian based in Yonkers , N.Y . My credit score
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Do You Really Have Enough Money to Buy a Home by Shannon McNay on 01 29 2013 One of the things many of us think about as children is growing up and buying a house . It seems like the crux of reaching adulthood . But if you take the leap into homeownership before you’re ready , you could quickly fall into a financial disaster that may take years from which to recover . So before you make any decisions , let’s take a look at some things that can determine whether or not you really have
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Can’t Pay Your Doctor Here Are 4 Options by Charisse Conanan on 01 29 2013 I pride myself on being young and healthy . This is exactly the attitude I had just before the crown on my tooth cracked after I bit into an apple . I didn’t immediately go to the dentist to get it fixed because I didn’t have dental insurance or cash on hand to cover the cost . As the pain in my mouth got greater , however , I found myself exploring various options . I also wanted to prevent any long-term damage to
Learn why you should pay off your credit cards before retirement. Hint: cash flow is only part of the equation.Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Can’t Pay Your Doctor Here Are 4 Options by Charisse Conanan on 01 29 2013 I pride myself on being young and healthy . This is exactly the attitude I had just before the crown on my tooth cracked after I bit into an apple . I didn’t immediately go to the dentist to get it fixed because I didn’t have dental insurance or cash on hand to cover the cost . As the pain in my mouth got greater , however , I found myself exploring various options . I also wanted to prevent any long-term damage toHello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Do You Really Have Enough Money to Buy a Home by Shannon McNay on 01 29 2013 One of the things many of us think about as children is growing up and buying a house . It seems like the crux of reaching adulthood . But if you take the leap into homeownership before you’re ready , you could quickly fall into a financial disaster that may take years from which to recover . So before you make any decisions , let’s take a look at some things that can determine whether or not you really haveHello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans The Danger of Not Checking Your Credit Report by Jill Krasny on 01 29 2013 For so many of us , checking our credit reports is probably not at the top of the to-do list unless there’s a pressing need However , failing to take the time to regularly do so can be a costly . mistake I’ve had the experience of routinely getting my credit report , only to find a couple credit cards opened under my name without my knowledge says Phoebe Stein , a librarian based in Yonkers , N.Y . My credit scoreHello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans CFPB Issues New Rules for Risky Mortgages by Credit.com on 01 29 2013 In an effort to help prevent mortgage issuers from directing potential homeowners toward taking mortgages they may not be able to afford , the federal consumer financial watchdog agency recently announced new rules for the lending . industry The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s new rules for mortgage originators which includes both loan officers and brokers , are designed to give professionals more options for
: Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Credit Card Users : Beware of New Checkout Fee by Gerri Detweiler on 01 28 2013 Are you about to be charged an extra fee if you pay for a purchase with a credit card Perhaps . Under the terms of a settlement between retailers and card issuers Visa and MasterCard , retailers are now allowed to tack a surcharge” also referred to as a checkout fee’ onto credit card purchases . But what they are allowed to do , and what they actually do , remains to be . seen As of Sunday , Jan . 27, 
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans The Holiday Expenses That We’re Still Paying For by Aaron Crowe on 01 28 2013 The holidays are a distant memory by now , with new toys already neglected and that bright new sweater stashed in a . closet The bills for those items , however , have been showing up in mailboxes since mid-January giving only a three-week respite after Christmas Day ends . Every visit from the mailman brings the potential for a reminder that the holiday gifts , parties , decorations , Christmas cards and plane
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans 10 Cities at Highest Risk for Mortgage Fraud by Credit.com on 01 28 2013 The housing market has been improving significantly for nearly a year at this point , but with those upticks in activity across the board in the last several months , it seems that instances of potential fraud also . increased The total amount of possible mortgage fraud nationwide rose 1.1 percent from July to September 2012 from the previous quarter , according to new statistics from Kroll Factual Data . And while
: Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Credit Cards With Annual Fees : When They’re Worth It by Deanna Templeton on 01 28 2013 For money-conscious and credit-savvy consumers , the idea of paying an annual fee for the privilege of carrying a credit card may sound absurd . Annual fees can range anywhere from 39 to 450 and higher , and when you consider the number of credit cards that don’t charge an annual fee , it just doesn’t make sense to pay an annual fee if you don’t have to . So why , then , would anyone opt for a credit
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Posts The magic balance by Emily Peters on 10 06 2005 Attention all credit card users : Did you know that your credit card balance could be harming your credit score When 0 comments by Emily Peters on 10 06 2005 Big Changes in CA Law by Emily Peters on 10 05 2005 A new California law today has made the identity theft tactic commonly known as phishing illegal : The state of California 0 comments by Emily Peters on 10 05 2005 Credit counseling by Emily Peters on 10 03 2005 The Washington: Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Credit Card Users : Beware of New Checkout Fee by Gerri Detweiler on 01 28 2013 Are you about to be charged an extra fee if you pay for a purchase with a credit card Perhaps . Under the terms of a settlement between retailers and card issuers Visa and MasterCard , retailers are now allowed to tack a surcharge” also referred to as a checkout fee’ onto credit card purchases . But what they are allowed to do , and what they actually do , remains to be . seen As of Sunday , Jan . 27, 
When should you use a balance transfer and when should you avoid them? We explain the ins and outs of balance transfer offers.
How to Fight Abusive Debt Collectors and Win by Jessica Morriston on January 28, 2013 The recession is abating , and while that’s good news for consumers , for many it’s bringing even more trouble . Debt collectors are out to get you . They’re out to cash in on all that debt you racked up when times were hard , and while no debt collector is cool , some of them are especially awful so awful , in fact , that what they do is actually illegal . Because consumer advocacy groups say that abusive debt collection practices have been on the rise and since many consumers still aren’t aware of their rights , we thought it’d be a good idea to review the broad federal laws that protect consumers from abusive practices and to remind you of the most important thing you can do to get these guys off your Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans The Holiday Expenses That We’re Still Paying by Aaron Crowe on 01 28 2013 The holidays are a distant memory by now , with new toys already neglected and that bright new sweater stashed in a . closet The bills for those items , however , have been showing up in mailboxes since mid-January giving only a three-week respite after Christmas Day ends . Every visit from the mailman brings the potential for a reminder that the holiday gifts , parties , decorations , Christmas cards and plane
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Aaron Crowe The Holiday Expenses That We’re Still Paying by Aaron Crowe on 01 28 2013 The holidays are a distant memory by now , with new toys already neglected and that bright new sweater stashed in 0 comments by Aaron Crowe on 01 28 2013 Aaron Crowe is a contributor to . Credit.com Recent Posts About Us Credit.com News Advice provides readers with unique insight , helpful tips and straight answers about their financial world . Our leading experts explore credit , loans , debt , saving ,: Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Credit Cards With Annual Fees : When They’re Worth It by Deanna Templeton on 01 28 2013 For money-conscious and credit-savvy consumers , the idea of paying an annual fee for the privilege of carrying a credit card may sound absurd . Annual fees can range anywhere from 39 to 450 and higher , and when you consider the number of credit cards that don’t charge an annual fee , it just doesn’t make sense to pay an annual fee if you don’t have to . So why , then , would anyone opt for a creditHello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans 10 Cities at Highest Risk for Mortgage Fraud by Credit.com on 01 28 2013 The housing market has been improving significantly for nearly a year at this point , but with those upticks in activity across the board in the last several months , it seems that instances of potential fraud also . increased The total amount of possible mortgage fraud nationwide rose 1.1 percent from July to September 2012 from the previous quarter , according to new statistics from Kroll Factual Data . And while
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Many Feel Need for More Online Identity Protection by Credit.com on 01 28 2013 Consumers nationwide now have a wealth of information about themselves listed online in various places , some of which they know about , and others they don’t . As such , 160 many now want to do more to protect . themselves Because of the greater amount of attention now being paid to consumers’ online privacy and the ways in which they can protect themselves from potential issues that stem from sharing personalHello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Many Feel Need for More Online Identity Protection by Credit.com on 01 28 2013 Consumers nationwide now have a wealth of information about themselves listed online in various places , some of which they know about , and others they don’t . As such , 160 many now want to do more to protect . themselves Because of the greater amount of attention now being paid to consumers’ online privacy and the ways in which they can protect themselves from potential issues that stem from sharing personal
Your 100 Accurate Financial Horoscope for February by Jessica Morriston on January 25, 2013 February is just about here , and that means that everyone’s least favorite holiday , Valentine’s Day is just on the horizon . Will the universe be kind to your wallet this month or will you end up with both a broken heart and a broken bank account Let’s see what the stars have to . say Aries March 21 April 19 We know you’re a fire sign , Aries , and love leads the way for you . But it’s time to turn some of that feisty energy toward your financial situation . You’ve lost your focus , and you’ve lost thousands and thousands of dollars . You may not be aware of this , but it’s coming . If you’re diligent , you can look forward to a fine Valentine’s Day sometime this . November Taurus April 20 May 20
. : Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans FICO v . VantageScore : 5 Differences You Should Understand by Barry Paperno on 01 25 2013 It’s been seven years since VantageScore Vantage appeared on the credit scoring scene to challenge Fair Isaac Corporation FICO following years of FICO’s dominance that lead to its credit bureau risk scores becoming the industry standard for lenders making prescreened credit offers , approving or denying applications for new credit , and managing their existing credit accounts . Full disclosure :
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans The Best Credit Cards in America for Balance Transfers 2013 by Jason Steele on 01 24 2013 With the holidays now behind us , many credit card users are left with debt that they will be paying off for some time . Therefore , January seems like the perfect time to explore the best balance transfer credit cards as part of our Best Credit Cards in America . series The last two articles in our Best Credit Cards in America series focused on reward cards which are best used by those who don’t
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans The Crazy World of Engagement Ring Financing by Gerri Detweiler on 01 23 2013 Are you willing to go into debt for love If you are ready to pop the question , but haven’t saved for the ring you want to buy , you may be tempted to finance the purchase . But do that , and you may find that already pricey engagement ring costs a lot more than you . planned The average engagement ring cost 5,200 and about 12 of couples spent more than 8,000 for an engagement ring , according to the XO Group Inc
Will You Be In Debt Till The Day You Die by Jessica Morriston on January 23, 2013 Are you going to die in debt The process of paying off your debt can feel like an endless nightmare , and for many people it could actually end up becoming reality . If you’re currently under the age of 40, there’s a good chance you will literally go to your grave still owing . money A recently released Ohio State University study came to the dismal conclusion that younger generations are both taking on more debt and and paying it off much more slowly than any generation before them . The study , which lasted 13 years , surveyed 32,542 people between the ages of 18 and 85. The participants were categorized by age into groups called grandparents born in the 20s parents born in the 50s and children born in the
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans Can Your Ex Spy on Your Credit by Gerri Detweiler on 01 22 2013 You may think or wish that your ex is out your life . But what happens when your ex decides to check your credit It may not be difficult after all , they probably know your Social Security number , as well as lots of personal details that would make it easy for them to pretend to be you , or to make it look like they have your permission . But is it legal One of our readers : asks After a divorce , I am planning on refinancing
Hello . Sign in to get personalized recommendations . New visitor Start here Follow Us Frontpage Topics Forum Editorial Staff Subscribe Credit.com Free Credit Score Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Credit Cards for Good Credit Credit Cards for Bad Credit Secured Credit Cards Prepaid Cards Personal Loans The 6 Biggest Ways Bad Credit Can Mess Up Your Life by Alysha Beers on 01 21 2013 Bad credit is something you don’t want associated with your finances . Unfortunately , you may have less than stellar credit at some point in your life . Credit scores represent a person’s credit worthiness designed to show a lending institution who is a good investment , and who is not so much . Banks believe that credit scores i.e . past financial behavior are a good indication of an individual’s future
A Tax on Money You Don’t Owe And Never Had by Jessica Morriston on January 21, 2013 Imagine this you receive a letter in the mail from an organization called Strike Debt about some beneficent program called The Rolling Jubilee You open it and learn that the group has paid off your debt for you all of it . You check your accounts , and it’s true . These modern-day Robin Hoods expect nothing back . They only want you to look at their good deed as a gift and an opportunity to start fresh . It’s time to celebrate , right Don’t be so sure . Thanks to a little thing called cancellation of indebtedness income , the IRS is absolutely ready to wipe that smile off your face . How By treating the canceled debt as taxable income . You see , the ability to add a totally illusory 20,000 to a person’s
: Famous American Bank Heists : Patty Hearst and the SLA by Jessica Morriston on January 18, 2013 This month’s installment of our Famous American Bank Heists series is an especially scandalous one , to say the least . It involves a beautiful heiress , radical politics , brainwashing , murder and , of course , a bank robbery . It spawned a Hollywood movie and several documentaries , and news coverage of the events captivated the nation for two whole years . If you’re ready to take a walk on the wild side with us , read . on Patty Hearst was the Paris Hilton of her day . The granddaughter of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst the classic flick Citizen Kane” was based on him she lived a cushy life full of private schools and parties . But she had a bit of a rebellious streak . too
Hey Credit Card Companies Arbitrate This by Jessica Morriston on January 16, 2013 We’re trying not to get our hopes too high since it’s only a couple weeks into the new year , but 2013 is looking like it could actually be a pretty good one for consumers . We know we’re as shocked as you are . But last week , a federal antitrust trial began against the alleged unfair practices three of the largest U.S . credit card companies Discover Financial , American Express and CitiGroup and the result could have big implications for your rights as a consumer and , most importantly , for your . money To get a credit card , you almost always have to sign an agreement , and in the fine print of that agreement there’s almost always a clause saying that you waive your right to dispute fees in court .
What to Do When You’re Broke and In Debt by Jessica Morriston on January 14, 2013 If you’re like pretty much every other American , you’re in debt You took out loans for school , bought a car and got a bunch of credit cards too . Problem is , maybe your post-graduation salary isn’t quite what you thought it’d be . Or worse , maybe you’re even unemployed . You probably feel like you’re going to end up homeless , destitute and imprisoned by debt . But you won’t . Because like Tupac , Credit Card Assist cares if don’t nobody else care , and we’ve come up with a helpful guide to get you through this rough time . Check out our What to Do When You’re Broke and In Debt” . checklist Cut it out . It’s time to cut your expenses down to only what’s truly necessary . Why keep paying for cable when you
Grandpa’s Four-Point Financial Fitness Plan by Jessica Morriston on January 11, 2013 If you’re reading this , chances are you’re either old , getting old or thinking about getting old . Octogenarians are the fastest-growing age group in the United States right now , and one day , with luck , you’ll be a part of that group . Since 2008, the number of U.S . citizens aged 80 and over has grown by nearly 6 and the Census Bureau estimates that by 2060 that number will triple While it certainly beats the alternative , getting old is very expensive . As divorce rates have gone up , more seniors are tackling financial problems like increased healthcare expenses on their . own If you’re gettin’ up there or if you know someone who is our brief guide to growing old without going broke may be just the
Have you received a new credit card in the mail? Here's what to do after receiving a replacement card. 
Wanna Be Rich as a Rapper Here Are 4 Money-Related Apps Instead by Jessica Morriston on January 9, 2013 Smartphones make it so easy to twiddle the day away . Nearly everyone is guilty of Facebooking at the office or battling coworkers in Words With Friends . Even worse , our phones also enable us to waste money more easily , as the temptation of online shopping is constantly at our fingertips . But it doesn’t have to be this way your phone can be a friend to your finances . We’ve come up with a list of four apps we think will , to quote modern day poet Mike Jones , Make your pockets stick out more than your belly . We can’t guarantee they’ll make you as rich as a rapper , but they’ll definitely help you keep a little extra cash in your . wallet Mint . This awesome online money management
Here's a list of what not to do before applying for a loan. Follow this guide to get a great car, home, boat, or RV loan today.
Not all rewards points are created equal. See why some points are worth more than others.