The effective rate is the interest rate you actually pay or receive, as opposed to the stated rate. For example, an 8% stated rate paid annually on a $1,000 investment is $80 per year. However, if interest is paid quarterly, you will receive $82.40 a year. So, the effective annual rate is 8.24% per year. Read the fine print, where effective rates are generally disclosed. (more…)

Having debts and personal loans are some of the most challenging and expensive thing that you can have. The stakes are very high, and the charge are high fees for missed payment and nonpayment. A more aggravating are the “small” debts that they have with credit cards, (more…)

Ever seen something nice through the window of your favorite clothing store or dreamed of getting that new set of HDTV. This need and craving for luxury items often motivates individuals to work harder and harder in order to earn the necessary income and credit to buy these things. Now, everyone can further maximize this by availing low credit card interest rates. (more…)

Every day, millions and millions of mail are sent out by the multitude of credit card companies that are in existence. This amounts literally to tons of paper wasted for junk mail. Anyone would love for a way out of these weekly credit card application form trash. If there is a credit card application opts out, would you take it? (more…)

Some are calling the Credit Card Reform Act of 2009 THE most significant legislation since
1968, and it couldn’t be more timely as consumers struggle under the weight of 950 billion in revolving
credit card debt. Last quarter alone credit card delinquencies of 90 days + rose 11%. If you have
consumer credit cards or are thinking about being approved for credit cards, here ’s what it means to you: (more…)

Debt management is increasingly becoming a necessity in our lives. It refers to the proper planning and organization of finances in order to keep a minimum debt balance. Debt management aims at lowering our debt and helping us maintain our credit rating.

Up until recently, it was extremely easy to obtain credit, (more…)

You might say the increasing number of credit card defaults is a result of the housing crisis that led to the bank crisis, which led to thousands of people being laid off. That, of course, had to play a part.

It’s difficult to feel sympathy for the banks that took bail out money to keep operating, and then laid off thousands of workers, however. (more…)

Winter is almost over and it is officially springtime in a few days. I for one cant wait! I hope everyone has weathered the storm so to speak with the way the economy has been. I know we are staying closer to home this year as far as taking any vacations. We will make a few long weekenders instead of one big vacation. And we will be spending more time in our pool, because it is closer and more economical than driving to the shore. Whatever plans you are making this year, I hope that you have a great swimming pool season. (more…)