Posted on July - 17 - 2011

How To Build Credit As A New U.S. Resident

You’re new to the United States. And you’ve discovered that life here can be challenging if you don’t have enough credit to generate a good credit score.

Today’s lenders, whether they’re passing out mortgage, auto or personal loans, rely on consumers’ three-digit credit scores when determining who deserves loans and who doesn’t. Lenders view those consumers with high credit scores — 740 or above on the popular FICO credit-scoring system — as being the least likely to default on their loans. Because of this, these consumers earn the lowest interest rates and qualify for the best loan products.

Those consumers with lower credit scores Borrowing money, or even qualifying for credit cards, is far from an easy task. Lenders don’t trust borrowers with scores that are in the low 600s on the FICO system. To protect themselves, these lenders will tag such low-credit borrowers with the highest interest rates. And that’s if they

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Posted on July - 17 - 2011

Parents want to teach kids about money – but don’t know the basics themselves

More than eight in ten parents believe they should be the ones to teach their kids about money, yet half of them do not know what simple financial terms mean.

Research which highlights the alarming gap between people and the banks and financial providers that sell them products, shows 43% of parents do not hold basic financial knowledge. 

The study, commissioned to raise awareness of credit card firm Capital Ones Credit Made Clearer initiative, revealed that many parents dont know what terms such as APR or PPI stand for. 

That points to a cloudy outlook for the younger generation, as 81 per cent of parents believe that their children should learn about finance from them.

However, an encouraging 65 per cent of UK parents say that they intend to, or have already, had a financial education chat with their children. 

Brian Cole, managing director of Capital One, says: Its encouraging to see that during difficult financial times, financial education is high on parents agenda. Ho

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Posted on July - 16 - 2011

Borrowers lean on credit cards 21 days after payday

A quarter of Britons use credit cards to tide them over until payday – and it’s usually about ten days before they next get paid.

On average, people resort to using credit cards as a fall back when cash in their current account runs low – 21 days after theyve been paid.

Research by comparison site moneysupermarket.com, suggested that 11million people turn to their flexible friend for help.

One in ten (nearly 9 per cent) lean on credit cards 15 days after theyve been paid, meaning that they are funding half the month on their cards.

One in three people admitted to using their card for everyday purchases, such as food and petrol, but were confident at repaying the amount in full.

A further third say they use their credit card for big ticket items, such as holidays, which they say they may not be able to repay immediately.

The research also showed that people in Wales are most likely to turn to credit, bringing out their cards, on average, just ten days after pay day, whilst those in the East of England last the longest, holding out until 27 days after theyve been paid.

Kevin Mountford, head of banking at moneysupermarket.com said: With most of the population feeling the pinch at the moment, it’s no surprise to see so many people reliant on credit so early in the month.

However, unless you plan this properly and know you’re able to pay off your balance, this can be a dangerous trap to fall into.

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Posted on July - 11 - 2011

Holiday money: The best prepaid cards to help reduce spending

There are so many ways to get cash for those all-important holidays abroad, but it can be a minefield trying to choose the cheapest method.

Whether relying on withdrawing money from cash points, paying by card or sticking with travellers’ cheques, there seem to be pitfalls at every turn.

Prepaid cards, which you load with funds before you travel, claim to solve the holiday cash conundrum, but are they as easy to use as they promise? And which are the best ones around? 

We take a look at what exactly they entail, the best brands around and the charges you should avoid…

What are they?

Prepaid cards work like a credit card, except you dont need a credit check to get one and you cant spend more than you load on to them.

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Posted on July - 10 - 2011

New Southwest Airlines Offer Gives 50,000 Bonus Miles

The credit card offers this summer just keep getting better! Chase has just started offering a limited time 50,000 sign up bonus with their Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase. As a new member, you will your 50,000 miles after your first purchase! This is an amazing deal and its here just in time for your summer vacation. The 50,000 miles is worth over $800 in wanna-get-away fares and can be redeemed for 2 round trip flights. That means just for making a purchase you can earn 2 round trip flights! There is one small catch and that is you have to pay a $10 9/11 fee on your free tickets.

As with all other good airline card offers, you earn double miles on SouthWest Airlines ticket purchases as well as their car rental partners. One special perk that some of you might not know about is that SouthWest does not charge change fees or baggage fees.

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Posted on July - 09 - 2011

What You Need To Know About Custodial Savings Accounts

Whether you’re starting your first job or your first day of elementary school, it’s never too early to learn about personal finance. In fact, teaching your kids (or your nieces and nephews, for that matter) about the value of money will help them for years to come.

And there’s no better way to help them prepare for a financially secure future than to set up their first savings account.

What’s A Custodial Savings Account?

A custodial savings account is a savings account that you open in a child’s name. Although they are usually opened by parents saving for their children’s education, custodial savings accounts can be opened for any minor under a custodian’s name. Anyone, inclu

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