Nov
2
Debit cards have their downside
November 2, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Credit cards are no longer the fashionable plastic to use. Debit cards are in now. As more Americans shun traditional credit cards, they're turning to debit cards. But there are downsides to debit cards as well.
Security: If your credit card is stolen, you're not responsible for unauthorized charges over $50. But if your debit-card number [...]
Oct
23
5 ways that credit card companies are evil
October 23, 2009 | 1 Comment
Credit card companies are sticking it to consumers left and right. They raise interest rates to as much as 36% and double minimum monthly payments on customers who are already struggling and low on cash.
In an effort to put them in their place, President Obama signed into law a credit card reform act in May [...]
Oct
16
Now even churches take credit cards
October 16, 2009 | Leave a Comment
So you're light on cash. No worries. These days, everything from Salvation Army kettles and churches to DVD rental machines and subway systems will take your plastic and more are coming on board every day.
It used to be that for some things you just had to use cash. Not anymore. Retailers and service providers are [...]
Sep
24
Bank of America, Chase reform overdraft fees
September 24, 2009 | Leave a Comment
On Monday Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase said they will reduce overdraft fees and overhaul checking account options. Overdraft fees mean billions of dollars for banks annually, but with financial system reform in the national spotlight, consumers and lawmakers want banks to ease up on the penalties.
On Oct. 19, Bank of America says it [...]
Aug
27
6 ways to fend off debt collectors
August 27, 2009 | Leave a Comment
If you are in debt and owe several companies money, then you no doubt have debt collectors calling you. Over at MSN they have a helpful article with six tips to get them off your back. And you want to get them off your back. They call night and day.
Its worth the read and will [...]
Aug
20
90 Percent Of U.S. Bills Carry Traces Of Cocaine
August 20, 2009 | 1 Comment
Here's something that you don't think about when you think wealth. Your money may have cocaine on it. Through its average 20 months in circulation, U.S. currency gets put into ATMs, held by us, crammed in vending machines, traded at coffee shops, convenience stores and newsstands. And every touch of every bill adds a little [...]
Aug
14
Bigger Paychecks Are Coming Back
August 14, 2009 | Leave a Comment
There have been a lot of pay cuts and employee cutbacks, but according to a new survey, more employers are planning to reverse these pay cuts and cutbacks. It's a good sign that employment is improving. Consulting firm Watson Wyatt says that the percentage of employers who will reverse pay cuts jumped to 44% in [...]
Jul
10
Do Not Charge Your Doctor Visits
July 10, 2009 | Leave a Comment
How do you know that the economy is messed up? Because more Americans are being forced to use their credit cards for doctor's visits because they have no cash. It's a dangerous trend for you and an untapped market for lenders. How does this suck? Let me count the ways.
Don't be too surprised if lenders [...]
Jun
18
Credit card Issuers: Lets Make A Deal
June 18, 2009 | Leave a Comment
When a customer gets sacked from his job, card issuers are going to have a hard time getting their money. That's why they are offering to settle, often for far less than they're owed. That's one of the upsides to these troubled times.
It seems like a no-brainer, but its worth going over. If times are tough [...]
May
28
Credit Card Reform Leaves Small Business Out
May 28, 2009 | Leave a Comment
When the Senate passed the credit-card reform bill on Tuesday, it was hailed as "a great day for consumers." That may be so, but what about small business owners who've been struggling with credit cards? The short answer: It depends on how your small business is incorporated, and what card you have.
The Credit Card Accountability [...]