Personal Finance Blog

End Of The Year Tax Savings

irs

With just a month left in the year now is the time to think about your 2009 tax returns. Here are some inique end of the year tax tips.
– If you feel you’ve earned too much this year ask whoever pays you to defer payments until January 1st. That way you won’t pay taxes on those earnings until April 2011.
– If your wife gives birth bu the end of the month you can claim another dependant this year.
– Business expenses are a great way to lower your tax liability. Stock up now for the next year. Spend a little extra on advertising now and reap the rewards come April. Put the charges on your credit card in Dec and pay it off in Jan with your delayed wages.

- Edwin, CashTheChecks.com


Considering Store Credit?

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If I had a penny for everytime I’ve been at a department store counter ready to pay when you hear those tempting words, “would you like save 15% on your purchase by applying for our store credit?” Sounds like a tempting idea, however the savings may not be as big as they sound. When applying for store credit you need to keep in mind wether you will be able to pay for your charges quickly before the interest rates get in the way and wipe away your savings.  Always be careful with applying for too much department store credit it will show up on your credit report.  Aslo keep in mind that store credit cards do not carry the same dispute regulations and if your not satisfied  with a purchase you may not be able to stop payment or enlist the lender to dispute thecharges on your behalf. So buyers beware.

- Edwin, CashTheChecks.com


Eliminate Credit Cards With Fees

There’s so many credit card options out there to use that if you are paying a monthly or yearly fee for a credit card you’re throwing money down the drain. Now it’s not really recommended to simply cancel a card you’ve had for many years and open up a new one without a fee. However what you can do is call the credit card company and request that they remove the monthly/yearly fees from your account.  You can negotiate with them and have them raise your interest rate if they have to. It’s likely that at the time they gave you the card you had a lower credit score than you do now, hence the reason for the monthly fees. The last thing a credit card company wants you to do is to leave them for another company, so they’re willing to negotiate if they think they’re going to lose you.

If you have a low credit score and cannot negotiate or even obtain a credit card, another option is to get a prepaid credit card. Prepaid debit cards allow you to do the same things as a credit card but without extending credit to you. Some companies even offer payday loans, in case you need some last minute cash. Prepaid credit cards do have fees involved, but are intended for people with bad credit or no access to a regular credit card.

When dealing with loans and credit cards , proper personal finance management should always be the key.

- Edwin, CashTheChecks.com


Credit Cards – Minimum Payments

If you place a charge of $5,000 on your credit card and only make the minimum payment each month, the chart above shows you how long it will take you to finally pay it off and how much interest you’ll end up paying.

- Edwin, CashTheChecks.com


“Request Credit” Site Review

GOOD CREDIT CARD DEALS ONLINE There are benefits when you make purchases with a credit card, like added warranties on certain products, that you do not get when you use cash. Keeping accurate records of your purchases is also easier when using a credit card, for the monthly statement lists all your purchases in one neat bill. A credit card can be a valuable financial tool.

When selecting a credit card you need to do a little comparison shopping. Start by visiting Request Credit to apply for a credit card and for basic information. Here you are able to compare credit offers by different categories and get a clear idea of the best online offers available. You can also compare bad credit cards there as well.

There are many types of credit cards to choose from. Some cards offer low interest rates, while others offer only a very low introductory rate, and some cards offer rewards directly back to the consumer. Always do comparison shopping and take careful notes on the offers that best suit your own situation. Easily compare the rates and fees at this site. Remember that those who know more about credit end up paying less.

- Edwin, CashTheChecks.com


Apply Fast Review

apply credit cards

Apply Fast is your one stop shop for credit cards, credit reports, payday loans and identity theft protection companies. Their site focuses on credit cards the most, compiling an impressive list of credit card offers. The credit cards offered are sorted by all sorts of categories so you can easily find the card that’s best for you. The credit card offers at Apply Fast can be sorted by how good your credit is. For example there are credit cards for those with a good history, credit cards for those with average credit, or even those with limited credit history in their credit report.

There are many types of credit cards to choose from. Some cards offer low interest rates, while others offer only a very low introductory rate, while others offer rewards directly back to the consumer. Always do comparison shopping and take careful notes on the offers that best suit your own situation. When selecting a credit card you need to do a little comparison shopping to find the best credit cards.

This post has been brought to you by Apply Fast.

- Edwin, CashTheChecks.com


Credit Room Site Review


Credit Room is a personal finance resource made for women – by women. The right credit card could save you money, thus, savvy customers should use Credit Room to find the best credit card for themselves. When looking for a credit card consider all the options. It makes a difference in how much you pay.

The annual percentage rate (APR) states the interest rate as a yearly rate. A singe credit card can have several APRs. When choosing a credit card think about how you will use it. Compare the rates on cards used for everyday purchases, balance transfers, bad credit, or other uses.

Some credit cards charge fees under certain circumstances Annual membership fees, transaction charges, and points, are not included in the APR. Keep the fees in mind when comparing card offers, not just the stated APR.

Take advantage of the credit card comparison tools at Credit Room by looking at their instant approval cards today.

This post has been brought to you by CreditRoom.com

- Edwin, CashTheChecks.com


Credit Card Flyers Review

balance transfer cardsWhen selecting a credit card you need to do a little comparison shopping. Get some basic information on credit cards first before making your choice. You should be able to compare credit offers by different categories and get a clear idea of the best online offers available.

There are many types of credit cards to choose from. Some cards offer low interest rates, while others offer only a very low introductory rate, and some cards offer rewards directly back to the consumer. Always do comparison shopping and take careful notes on the offers that best suit your own situation. Easily compare the rates and fees at this site. Remember that those who know more about credit end up paying less.

Some are interested in balance transfer credit cards. These are the types of cards where you can transfer a balance from your existing card to this new card and get a really low interest rate for usually 12 months. This is advantageous because you save money, you buy more time to pay off your debt, and you can consolidate your debt into one new credit card this way.

- Edwin, CashTheChecks.com


Credit Room Review

no annual fee cards
Credit Room is a personal finance resource made for women – by women. The right credit card could save you money, thus, savvy customers should use Credit Room to find the best credit card for themselves. When looking for a credit card consider all the options. It makes a difference in how much you pay.

The annual percentage rate (APR) states the interest rate as a yearly rate. A singe credit card can have several APRs. When choosing a credit card think about how you will use it. Compare the rates on cards used for everyday purchases, balance transfers, bad credit, or other uses.

Some credit cards charge fees under certain circumstances Annual membership fees, transaction charges, and points, are not included in the APR. Keep the fees in mind when comparing card offers, not just the stated APR.

Take advantage of the credit card comparison tools at Credit Room to apply for credit from the leading banks and credit card companies.

This post has been brought to you by CreditRoom.com

- Edwin, CashTheChecks.com


Tricks For Raising Credit

credit cards

In these tough economy times a good credit score is the key in being able to open the doors of the purchasing world. The following are some tips on how one can increase their credit score.

- Make sure you are paying your credit card bills on time and ofcourse more than the minimum.

- Remember you must use your credit in order to build it. You can’t just sit on a credit card and expect to increase your FICO score on it’s own.

- Aim in getting a major credit card, gas card and store credit isn’t as effective on building credit. Instead try Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.

- Don’t let any billing disputes go to collections. Handle all past due payments promptly

- Spread your credit, don’t use just one card for all your expenses. Your fico score will benefit if you maintain the use of your card below 30% of your total available balance.

College students are often able to open a student checking account while at school that offers tremendous value and specialized features and benefits custom tailored to their needs.

- Edwin, CashTheChecks.com


Store Credit Cards, Final Comments

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Now that we’re done with part I and part II of our store credit card reviews, here are some final comments about store credit cards.

Sure there’s pros and cons, but overall if you have decent-to-good credit, it’s best to avoid store credit cards like the plague. The little discount you get from these cards isn’t worth it, because it’s a one-time discount for a life-time card. Why use a store credit card when you can use your regular credit card (which builds your credit also). Your real credit card can also earn airline miles or rewards points, which your store credit card doesn’t have.

Store credit cards should only be used if you feel that you can take advantage of the store. Either by using the card to raise your credit score, keep more of your own money longer, or to get yourself a discount, without ever paying them a dime of interest.

Finally, remember, store credit cards aren’t offered for your benefit, but for the store’s benefit.

- Edwin, CashTheChecks.com


Store Credit Cards, Part II

credit cards

This is part two of our review of store credit cards.. Now let’s look at several reasons that you should get store credit cards..

  • If you have such an amazing control over yourself that you won’t buy more things at the store than you would usually do, then sure, take the initial discount, pay it off, then rip the card into pieces and never use it again.
  • You’re more likely to qualify for a store credit card than a regular credit card. So if you have bad credit, get a card or two, use it whenever you are at the store, make your payments on time and build your credit.
  • 15% off just for getting the card? If you’re buying something big that costs a lot of money, 15% off of a $2,000 HDTV is $300 off! So take the card, get the discount, and pay it off before accruing any interest.
  • No payments for one year? Great, you get to keep more of your own money for longer, all while enjoying the new refrigerator or furniture you just bought. But who knows whether you’re going to have that kind of money available a year down the line? What you could do is deposit the cost of the furniture into an interest-earning savings account, then remember to withdraw it to make your payment when the due date nears. $2,000 @ 5% APY earns you $100 in 1 year. So take it as a $100 “rebate”.

- Edwin, CashTheChecks.com


Store Credit Cards, Part I

credit cards

When you get to a store, such as Sears, Macy’s, Best Buy, etc., and you make a purchase, they always ask you if you want to place it on your store credit card. If you don’t have one, they’ll offer one to you. They usually come with a discount, such as: 20% off on your first purchase or No payments til 2009. Should you do it? No!

Here’s a few reasons why NOT to get these store credit cards..

  • The terms are not favorable with these cards. Store credit cards usually come with a higher interest rate than your usual credit card. There could also be a yearly fee.
  • You’ll always know you have the card with you, making it much easier for you to buy things at that store.
  • You’re more likely to make that store your “main” store, bypassing good sales and products available at other stores.
  • When you’re offered a deal like: No payment until 2009, often times if you don’t pay your bill off in time, you’ll be retroactively charged all of the interest accrued throughout the years.

In the next couple of days, there will be a post with reasons why you should get a store credit card.

- Edwin, CashTheChecks.com


Advantage Processors

The following is a review of a credit card processing company, Advantage Processors. You simply can’t compete if you don’t accept credit cards. You will lose out on potential customers if you are not set up to accept credit cards. If you offer credit card payment, not only will you receive more orders, but also those orders will be substantially larger.

A big benefit of credit card acceptance for your business is that they improve cash flow. A credit card transaction is often faster and more secure than other forms of payment, such as checks, because the issuing bank commits to pay the merchant the moment the transaction is verified, whether the consumer pays their bill on time or not.

To be successful any business must therefore have a Merchant Account Provider, a reliable institution that processes credit card transactions. One that will verify the credit card, process the transaction, and deposit the results into your account, usually within days. When looking for the best Merchant Account Provider/Credit Card Processor find the one that best fits with your business.

They also have a tutorial on accepting credit card payments here.

Look for a Merchant Account Provider that is a good fit with your business. Many Merchant Account Providers refuse accounts from start-up firms or firms and individuals with bad credit histories, or even internet-based firms. Some Merchant Account Providers will not accept pharmaceutical sites, adult sites, online casinos, sites operated outside the country, and many others.

With a good credit card processing service, you can increase your sales and flexibility and give your customers many payment options. Consider Advantage Processors so you can accept credit card payments on your site.

- Edwin, CashTheChecks.com


0% Credit Cards

This is a review of the site, 0 APR Credit Cards. The site outlines various card options available to consumers. Its purpose is to help individuals better manage their personal finances. It does so by providing information about credit and debt and other personal finance issues. The main focus being a comprehensive and updated resource of information on various credit card offers.

There are many different types of credit cards each with unique offers ranging from 0% introductory rate, point and reward programs, cash back offers and much more. You can search and compare credit card offers with quality and non-bias reviews about the which is best for you.

The major credit card issuers include MasterCard, Visa Discover, Citibank, Chase, and American Express.

The site offers plenty of information on basic credit card terms, as well as a useful checklist on how to select a credit card. Thus, it is much easier to select the best credit card according to your requirements.

This was a sponsored post, to sponsor a post send your inquiries here.

- Edwin, CashTheChecks.com