Wednesday, February 25, 2009

What is the Process to Apply For Vendor Financing?



The application may be done at home and dropped off with a representative all depend on who you are working with. You may be filling it out and then submitting it online. If you are attending a seminar then you may be filling it out after the program is offer for someone to review. Regardless, make sure that all of the information is filled out correctly. You don’t want to omit information to look better as most of what you submit can be verified and will be. You also don’t want to leave areas blank as that can delay processing. If you aren’t sure what to fill out then make sure you ask before you take a guess.

Various types of documentations are required along with your application. It is important to provide all of it. Always offer copies though rather than your original documents. You may have to sign a release too for a credit check to be done on yourself. If a spouse is applying as well then both of you will have to sign the application as well as any required release forms.

Attach a typed note with your application if there is additional information you would like them to consider. It could be about your business goals, your credit situation, or anything else that you feel should make an impact on their decision to approve you for a vendor financing program. While they are more lenient than banks and other lending institutions, they still have some guidelines to follow.

You will need to supply photo ID’s, proof of residence, bank statements for a set period for time, possibly tax returns for the past two years, and financial statements for your business if it isn’t brand new. Gather this information in advance so that the process isn’t held up while you look for it.

Allow the company some time to examine your application as well. They should get into contact with you right away if they need additional clarification or documentation. Make sure you provide that information right away so they can continue the evaluation process. When you are considering the program, make sure you ask how much time it will take from the date you provide everything to when it is completed. That way you will have a decent time frame to work with.

There are some vendor finance programs will get a decision for you within 24 hours. Most of them require at least three or five working days. In some instances it can be as much as 14 days. It seems that the more funding you are requesting the longer it can take to get the application processed. Keep in mind that the company has to do all they can to carefully weigh helping you out with the risk of not getting their money. You can’t expect them to take such a decision lightly.

Now that you have a basic idea of what to expect from the application process for vendor financing, you won’t feel like you are clueless. Remember that you need to do a great deal of looking around and comparing offers before you get to the point where you are ready to commit to submitting an application though.

Dealing With the Unexpected Without a Credit Card

Unfortunately, things like this occur to all of us, and at completely unpredictable moments. The only thing we can say with any certainty is that "unexpected things will happen," things that will change your plans or possibly even your life.

Dealing with unexpected changes would be much easier if we only had plenty of cash on hand. To someone with a million dollars sitting in the bank, a busted radiator is a mere inconvenience. To a poor working person with $20 to last until payday, a busted radiator can be a devastating experience.

Of course, there are also good unexpected events as well. Suppose you are looking at a new $250 CD player for your car and a friend tells you that a store in town is having a "one-day sale" with that exact CD player for just $125. Again, to a poor working person with $20 to last until payday, that could be a devastating experience.

Can you prepare for emergencies so you don't find yourself in a bind when they occur? Sure you can, to an extent. It is always a good idea to put away some money in savings for emergencies, but the fact remains that you cannot prepare for everything. One never knows how much money might be needed at any point in the future, and one never knows how hard and how fast the emergencies will hit.

Without savings, many persons in need of quick cash turns to credit cards. This source can give them the cash they need, but if they make only the minimum monthly payment on the credit card it places them in a state of permanent debt to the credit card company. This is what's called a debt spiral. Banks and big lending institutions use this spiral tactic as a money making scheme. Have you ever wondered why they are so eager to upgrade your credit amount all the time? It's certainly not for your benefit.

There is an alternative solution for fast money without the long term backlash. Loan companies specializing in payday loans can process a loan application quickly and easily online, depositing your money directly into your bank account. Provided you do your research and choose a company that doesn't part-take in rollover loans (where they keep upgrading your credit limit) it can be a responsible way of lending. Despite the interest fee seeming quite high, if you relate it back to the ongoing charges you wil incur form a credit card it can end up being substantially cheaper. A new product launched by some payday loan companies is a card to instantly access cash advances. It works just like a credit card minus the long term debt and ongoing fees. When unexpected things happen in your life, put away those credit cards and leave your hard-earned savings accounts untouched.

How to Use Credit Card Financing and Business Cash Advances

The use of credit card financing often refers to business cash advances in which working capital is obtained by business owners based upon future credit card processing activity. Alternatively the use of personal credit cards to obtain a cash advance is also referred to as a credit card loan. With business finance funding shortages, small business owners are increasingly using both approaches to obtain operating cash for their business. The two financing approaches are not equal in terms of how they are viewed by commercial financing experts although the strategies might be called by the same name occasionally.

Many commercial lenders have suddenly reduced or cancelled business lines of credit and other forms of working capital loans. In response, many business owners have been forced to rely on cash obtained via their personal credit cards to sustain their businesses. In order to prepare for several of the most undesirable actions being taken by many credit card loan lenders, we urge all commercial borrowers to review the predatory lending discussion in The Working Capital Journal.

For business owners using or about to use personal credit cards to secure operating capital, we want to make two important comments: (1) We consider this to be a last resort method of business financing and whenever possible it should be avoided. Before assuming that this is the only source of capital available, commercial borrowers should consult with a working capital finance expert. The possibility of business cash advances and working capital loans should be thoroughly explored. (2) This questionable method of obtaining commercial finance funding will prove to be increasingly more difficult because credit card issuers are already cutting back on their unsecured lending programs.

Most banks are doing with credit cards what they have already done with business line of credit programs. They are reducing or cancelling credit lines even when borrowers have a superb payment record. The current basis for bank reductions of both commercial lines of credit and credit card cash is based on similar rationale. With unsecured commercial loans or personal loans, banks fear that massive defaults are almost inevitable due to a very shaky economy and business lending climate. Unlike residential real estate financing in which real property is pledged as collateral, banks know that they have no collateral to fall back on with working capital loans and credit card loans because they are unsecured. Many small business owners use home equity lines of credit to obtain operating cash, and these funding sources are also diminishing in most areas of the United States. Although these lending programs are backed by collateral, the value of homes in many areas has decreased to the point that many outstanding loans exceed the current property value.

One of the most disturbing and frustrating occurrences in the current difficult commercial financing environment is the lack of clear information for many business owners about which funding options are realistic and possible. Thousands of borrowers might have obtained operating cash from personal credit cards when there were better options for this one factor alone (confusion and misinformation).

Due to the growing tendency of several major credit card issuers to exhibit predatory lending practices, the use of personal credit card loans should be avoided. At a minimum, each business owner should contact a business finance funding expert to determine if a business cash advance program or a working capital loan program can be used to obtain needed cash.

Get Reliable Financial Aid With Payday Loans UK



When you are in need of instant cash between paychecks or just want some extra money, payday loans UK can solve your problem by providing you with sufficient money. In the present scenario, most of the people are preferring investment over saving. Though this is a good way to plan for long-term financial benefits but since these are not easily accessible such funds can be futile for emergencies. It is quite true that neither saving nor investment can help us in dealing with these uncertain situations; therefore, it is always better to settle them with pay day loans in UK. Applying for such loans is very easy and it just takes two minutes for processing; moreover, with it you will never have to wait too long for approval as the lender will send an instant approval mail to inform you about the approval status of your loan.

Such loan processing is incredibly fast and the lender deposits the loan amount in your account within 24 hours. Payday loans in UK are just what you require in a situation of financial crisis; in fact, these loans can prove to be your best companion when your near and dear ones deny you any kind of help. Since other loans include complex approval and lengthy verification procedures, therefore, you can rely on these payday loans for fast and sure money for any purpose. Just imagine, you get a golden chance to go on your dream vacation but your saving is insufficient to buy that vacation package then what will you do?

Of course, you would never like miss that chance and would try your best to arrange money for it at any cost. However, this arrangement can be made less troublesome with the help of payday loans in UK as it provides smart credit options like never before. Be it a dream holiday or any other urgent financial requirement, now one can arrange credit instantly thanks to these wonderful loan schemes. All that you need to get such loans is to contact a reliable lender and fill some necessary details and you will get the amount transferred in your account within a short while.

Saving Money In Your Portfolio And Trading Account Using Equity Curves



Anyone that has traded futures, options, stocks, forex and commodities in a short term time frame can tell you from experience that losses are guaranteed part of trading. There is no way around it. Even if you are trading a system, or a plan, that has a 60% win rate, you can still expect that 4 out of 10 of your trades are simply not going to work. These are probabilities that we must acknowledge. And what if these 4 losing trades occur in a row? What if 8 of these losing trades occur in a row? This can deliver a sizable blow to your portfolio even though the long term probabilities of your trading plan demonstrate a 60% win rate. Even if your entrances to your trades are perfectly executed according to your trading plan, the follow through due to market mechanics may not provide the desired result due to no fault of your own. However, nobody executes their trading plan 100% flawlessly because as humans we are prone to make mistakes, enter trades late, enter too early because of emotions, etc. So factoring these in to the equation, this brings our win rate down even still.

So how can we, as traders, help to stack the odds in our favor even more that our accounts will be protected when losing streaks occur? One of the best techniques in place for mitigating losses affecting your equity is called Equity Curve Trading. Equity curve trading is a system that simply plots your ever-changing account equity against its own moving average, and then trading decisions are based upon the interaction of your equity line with the moving average.

How can this help? Professional system traders have used this concept for a long time, and many auto-trading computers utilize this simple technique to recognize when the trading program has experienced too many losses. With equity curve trading, once a threshold of losses is recognized, all live trading (trading with real money) is ceased and all future trades are taken in a simulation mode. Results of the simulated trades are still recorded in the equity curve as if they were live trades, but no real money is being risked until the equity curve shows that you are back on a winning cycle of follow through.

Let’s explore a simple example of how this would work. I won’t get into the details of explaining what a moving average is because I assume if you are reading this you already have an understanding of that. To begin with, we start by logging the profit and loss amounts of each of our closed trades in relation to our account’s total equity. If our account is worth $20,000 and our next trade is a $200 winner, then we plot a point at $20,200 on a graph and connect the two points with a line. Our next trade may be a $100 loser so we plot a point at $20,100 and draw a line connecting the last two points. This begins to develop jagged line representing our changing account equity.

Next we plot a moving average of the points on our equity curve. It can be a simple moving average, or an exponential moving average or even some other, more complicated version, but for simplicity we’ll speak in terms of a “simple” moving average. If we use a 10-period SMA, we wait until we have at least 10 points on our equity curve and then plot a point which is the average of them all. As our equity curve changes while we trade, we continue to update the SMA with each trade we take and this will begin to form another line moving along with our equity.

Observing where our equity line is in relation to its moving average, we can make some trading decisions about how to deal with upcoming trades. For example, if our equity curve has dropped below the moving average, we would consider taking the next trade in a simulated mode. Many trading platforms offer the ability to switch between trading money from your live account, to simply paper trading in a simulated mode. We record the results of that simulated trade as if it were live and then recalculate our equity’s moving average. If the equity curve is still below its moving average, we continue to trade in simulation mode until the equity curve crosses back over the SMA and heads north.

There are many, much more complicated techniques that can be employed using this method, such as scaling the size of your positions in relation to your equity curve’s SMA. But in its simplest form, this technique has the uncanny ability to stop you from trading live as you enter losing streaks and then recognize when the winning streaks happening. Will you miss a few winning trades using this technique? Certainly, but the pros far, far outweigh the cons here because equity curve trading will keep you out of many, many more losing trades than winning ones. Employ this technique in your trading and you will be pleasantly surprised to look back and review the money you saved by staying out of losing streaks.

Get Smarter With The Help Of Web Based Accounting

The advancement of internet technology has actually made difference in the world of any business; in fact, it has changed the definition of doing business. Web based accounting enables organizations to execute tasks without any problem and hassle. With the help of the internet technology, the accounting ledgers can be calculated and updated within a short span of time. In fact, various business enterprises are opting for web based accounting services, as it reduces work force and other resources simultaneously and additionally consumes lots of time of the organization that can be used for various strategies. It helps the accounting or the finance department in keeping a track of the transactions that takes place on regular basis. Such accounting services are a key to more profitable business, as they help in rectifying those huge losses that have been witnessed during the closing period of the financial year. 

The benefit of hiring web based accounting services is that many people can access the server and manage the accounting records at the same time. So, if one is looking for the perfect accounting services, then taking services of such accounting firms is a smart move. Moreover, web-based accounting solutions do not even hurt the finances, as they are quite pocket-friendly. Hence, to get started with these firms, all that an enterprise has to do is to get registered with any of the service providers and get benefited for life. However, web based accounting is an ideal way to invest money rather than paying huge amount of money to some other accounting service provider because it lessens the burden of mistakes. These accounting firms are a way to get rid of lethargic process of keeping account books; it is indeed the best possible way to know the financial standing of the organization. 

The services provided by it, are an effective way to manage and keep the financial records intact and also fetches more deals for the business. In fact, these firms are beneficial for the organizations that spend major time on internet. However, acquiring accounting services is quite easy for firms or even for an individual who has an internet connection. After getting services of these firms, the organization does not have to hire an accountant anymore as it reduces the time and money both. Moreover, these services are available throughout 24-hrs and seven days a week. In addition, the business enterprise is able to monitor transaction records through certified staff. Therefore, with the help of this service any one who wants to do wonders in ledger books, can log onto the computer and get started!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Choosing Mortgage Loans with Care

In recent history, the majority of Americans saved up down payments totaling 20 percent of the purchase price and paid off the remainder with fixed rate mortgage loans when buying a home. Many continue to do this, but as of late it has been trendy to have mortgage loans with smaller down payments and terms that vary. The National Association of Realtors claims that 42 percent of new home buyers do not even put money down, these days. Even though buyers may be able to get a house beyond their means this way, we should proceed with caution in obtaining no down payment loans. It is common for these new mortgage loans to offer lower payments, temporarily. However, they can end up costing quite a bit more than typical mortgage loans over time. This is due to the fact that in nearly all instances, the monthly payments increase drastically after a trial period. Option adjustable rate mortgage loans (ARMs) feature up to four options monthly, from a full amortized amount (such as traditional fixed rate mortgage loans) to low payment minimums, and their mass approval has shocked even veterans of the field. President of LendingTree.com, Anthony Hsieh, recently told CNN: "Traditional banker that I am, I didn't think there would be much interest in this product, but consumers have loved it." Nevertheless, Hsieh does not believe that options ARMs are one size fits all: "If you have seasonal income or are self employed with monthly income that is inconsistent, this loan may be great for you. You can pay the minimum a few times per year and catch up in the months when your income is higher." In the case that you have trouble doing that, though, you could end up in serious debt. Interest only and negative amortization mortgage loans are rising in popularity, too. These mortgage loans are dissimilar to traditional loans in that they are not amortized. Rather than paying interest and principal together every month, this means that you need only pay interest. Also, if you have a negative amortization mortgage, you do not even have to pay all of the interest that is due. Such mortgage loans are sensible for homeowners who have a temporary decrease in income, for instance being laid off, or having a spouse return to school for a little while, as long as income will once again rise to previous levels in the short term, when the homeowners should refinance to an amortized mortgage. If an investor is considering only holding onto a property temporarily before selling, interest only loans could be the ideal option. However, some borrowers choose interest only or negative amortization loans without comprehending that they could be losing precious equity with every month that goes by. Also, after a little while, interest only options change and mortgages have to be repaid on an accelerated time schedule. If it is impossible for mortgage holders to repay the higher payments that are incurred, they might have to sell the home. Fortunately, piggyback loans are another option that help homeowners avoid extra fees incurred by private mortgage insurance (PMI) which lenders often charge if a loan is worth over 80 percent of the value of the home. If a buyers is able to pay a down payment as small as 5 to 10 percent of the down payment, often they can get a piggyback loan to finance the remainder. Essentially, piggy back mortgage loans are a second mortgage, often structured to be a home equity credit line, that in effect could be cheaper than PMI, partially because it is tax deductible. Piggy back loans, however, entail another monthly payment in addition to the cost of the first mortgage loan. As you would involving other financial choices, it is wise to understand the risks in atypical mortgage loans before deciding which is the best for you. The chart that follows explains the pros and cons of each possibility.

Should debt consolidation be regarded as an appealing notion?

Debt! This is probably one word you don’t want to hear. Unfortunately, leaving your financial obligations to pile up is not a wise solution. Each year, an increasing number of people become interested in debt consolidation. They realize that financial problems can lead them into more debt, especially as the interest rates keep getting higher.   Another reason why people seek out debt solutions is the credit rating. Debt equals a bad score on the credit history, which can have a negative impact on one’s financial situation.   Fortunately, the Internet is the number one source for finding specialized information on debt consolidation. Countless debt solutions can be discovered with the aid of this advanced technology, allowing one to benefit from debt relief. Why should one suffer from high interest rates on multiple cards and struggle with paying several personal loans? Consolidate debt programs are widely available, no matter whether the debt problem is short or long term. One piece of advice: for debts extending to a limited period, one should take into consideration the possibility of re-negotiating the original terms of the loan. If you succeed in discussing these terms with your creditors, then you’re taking the right step to pay off debt.   Many people prefer to consolidate debt by choosing a different credit card, one having a lower interest rate. Financial analysts and other experts recommend that in order to be debt free one should choose a card with a fixed interest rate, obviously lower than the previous existing one. Credit counseling is essential for those who suffer from such problems, with experts in the field offering essential advice on debt loans and other solutions. One should know how to take advantage of the low original rate, using that period in order to eliminate debt. This is why it is really important that one reads all information and pays close attention to all the terms and conditions. You could end up with a higher interest rate.   Debt management can be a dream come true with home equity loans. There are two main conditions for this type of debt consolidation: one, that you own a property and two, that you have equity built up on the house. What are the advantages of home equity loans? First of all, they do not require complicated terms and they are a quick way to get rid of debt. The interest rate is satisfactory and there is an added benefit, meaning that the interest is often tax-deductible. However, there is a downside to this particular debt consolidation loan. The property is used as a guarantee for the loan and you stand the chance of losing your home. There are consequences to be paid if you default on the loan and you might want to be careful with such matters. Reducing your current expenses might also help, allowing you to get out of debt much faster.   If credit card debt is impending your finances, there is a quick and rather appealing solution. However, this should be considered as a last option. We are talking about debt loans based on retirement funds. The interest rate is more than suitable, the monthly payments perfect for debt consolidation and the repayment plan advantageous in general. You will still have to consider the disadvantages, meaning no tax deductions on the interest rate, fixed period to pay the loan (five years) and loan paid in full if you switch jobs. Debt consolidation is indeed a serious issue and you have to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of any type of debt settlement.     Welcome to DebtPoints.com! Debt is probably the most common financial problem affecting today's people. Not only does it mean you'll pay unnecessary amounts of interest, you risk damaging your credit rating. But there is a lot you can do to reverse the situation: credit counseling, consumer credit, debt consolidation, credit card debt, debt relief, debt management.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Student loan consolidation rates

Student loan consolidation rates are competitive and can be lend through government or private lender. There are many options available for a student to select the best provider of student loan consolidation, you can search for a lender online and can check their interest rates. In student loan consolidation interest rates plays a great role. Today in the market, thousands of lenders are lending loans to student but when it comes to their interest rates, they are charging very high which is unaffordable by a student. 

Consolidating loans and getting good student loan consolidation rates can help a student shift into responsible bill paying consumer. A student can take a leave from paying monthly on student loans. In student loans, a student has to pay interest every month and for their monthly bills, he has to pay separately but in student loan consolidation, a student has to pay only one payment. 
It is uncommon for a borrower to get a fixed interest rate that is up to 0.6% lower than their current rates. According to federal regulations, calculating the interest rate on a consolidated loan disbursed on or after July 1, 1994 involves the weighted average of the interest rates of the old school loans you are consolidating under the new one, rounded up to the nearest one-eight of one percent. Fixed interest rates on a consolidated loan cannot exceed 8.25 percent. 

It is researched that Americans are the first one in the row of taking the advantages of student loan consolidation rates. Now a days thousands of student getting advantage of applying for student loan consolidation as it not only allows you to study well but give you the options of shopping also. Consolidations are one way of getting control over spending and effectively planning a budget. For a best student loan consolidation rates you can surf on net and can be able to find lenders who are proposing affordable payment plans. They give best advices to the students to choose the best student loan consolidation in low rates. 

Thinking about the student loan consolidation is very easy, when it comes on the student loan consolidation rates, you have to browse different company's brochures, need to enquire about the company's creditability, the most important thing you need to ask yourself about your requirements which is very important for the application of student loan consolidation. When a student applies for student loans, it is advisory to check the terms that are offered by the student loan provider. But in the student loan consolidation you don't have to apply for different types of loan, only one will solve all your problems. You have to make one monthly loan payment every month, instead of several loan payments every month over time. This not only saves the student's time, but keeps them relax from the tensions of paying differently on their loans.

Unsecured debt consolidation loans

Bankruptcy is an ugly word, but a very real possibility to many people struggling to pay a laundry list of bills that never seem to end. At times, that pile of bills seems impossible to deal with, a mountain you'll never get out from under without taking drastic measures. But bankruptcy isn't the only alternative to a life chained to the never-ending cycle of bills, late fees and more bills. Think about consolidating your debt in a single loan, a form of refinancing that helps you put your finances back in your control and your life back in order. But refinancing is for people who own a home, right? What if you don't have a home, or you don't want to risk losing it by putting it up for collateral? That's where an unsecured debt consolidation loan comes into play. 

Unsecured debt consolidation loans do not require collateral. You can pay off all your other creditors and keep your house - or lack thereof - out of it. Lenders are able to stay in business by covering their risk with higher interest rates than they offer on secured loans. 

But this can still translate into lower monthly payments for you, especially if your credit cards carry high interest rates to begin with and you've fallen into the trap of paying late and accruing late payment fees. Those disappear when you pay off that debt with the moneys from your are competitive and you may be able to negotiate a better interest rate. It helps to have a good unsecured debt consolidation loan. And don't forget, shopping around always pays off; lenders credit score since lenders do look at your credit and employment history when they consider you for a loan. 

If you shop around, negotiate, and still find that the interest rate is not going to make enough of a difference in your monthly payment to make life comfortable again, consider choosing a long-term loan. While you will generally end up paying out a greater total amount by the end of the loan, lengthening the life of your unsecured debt consolidation loan will lower your average monthly payment. That right there could make all the difference in the world. 

Unpaid or slow-paid bills wreaking havoc on your credit score? Some lenders will consider you despite your credit history. A good employment history proves stability, and even if you don't have the best employment history there are, again, lenders who will offer unsecured debt consolidation loans to almost anyone. While the interest rates are higher and the limits to what they'll loan are lower, your credit score will improve when you get the loan, and having all those creditors paid off will do nothing but increase your credit score. 

If you bills are getting the best of you to the point that you're actually considering bankruptcy, stop. Gather up those credit card bills, utility bills, department store card bills, medical bills and any other bill that's costing you sleep at night. Look into an unsecured debt consolidation loan and see how easy it can be to save your credit and peace of mind. 










Best student loan consolidation

Best student loan consolidation, a way to slim down your monthly burden 

Going to college is very important. Thus, Americans, even married once still continue to go to college. This is because you have better future if you are able to finish college; this is true in American and even in the other parts of the world. 

To help you with this important factor in your life, student loans are available to help you go through college education. However, students end up with knee-deep in student loans. 

If you are one of these students, you need not despair; you may shop around to find the best student loan consolidation entities to help you in the process of getting out of debt. 

Best student loan consolidation will help reduce your monthly payment of up to 50%. 

You cannot find any better deal than that. Reducing your monthly payment will mean that you can have some spare money for other purposes. Best student loan consolidation will thus help you have some money to meet other expenses like car payments, household needs, and childcare. 

Additionally, because of the best student loan consolidation program, your credit rating will improve and you can even extend your paying period from the usual ten years to as long as thirty years. 

You may also find the best student loan consolidation company that will give an additional percentage of interest on top of the savings from the consolidation. This will be good to lessen your monthly burden. 

Additionally, if your student loan is under the federal direct student loans, you may qualify for the best federal direct loan consolidation program. 

In this program, in addition to the 50% or more reduction in your monthly payments, there is a lock in lower interest rate available for you. 

This lock in lower interest rate is best for your student loan consolidation program because it will shield you against inflation rates. 

This will mean that you will not have to worry about additional charges due to the inflation rate fluctuations. 

To top is all off, the best student loan consolidation deal under the federal direct program is easy to apply, and there are no fees, credit checks, application, or original charges. 

Thus, it is a clean way through paying your student loans and can even spare you some money for other purposes. Is this not the best student loan consolidation program you will ever find? 

If you are not sure if your student loans are under the federal direct student loans program, you may check out the Internet. Match your student loans if they will qualify for the best student loan consolidation program. 

You can also find in the Internet additional information that you can use to help you get out of that knee-deep debt.

Unsecured consolidation loans

Bills are piling up, and paying them all takes just about all the money you make - or worse, it takes every penny. Not only are there credit card bills screaming for attention, but utility, medical and store card are all due now. Oh, and don't forget the money you owe your brother-in-law and the fact that you're going to need to replace your windshield now. It adds up, and will it ever go away?

A loan would help you get back on your feet, help you get ahead, and help you begin to build a stronger financial future. But it takes collateral to secure a loan, right? And you don't own a home so you have no equity to borrow against. In fact, looking around, you have nothing to offer as collateral.
There's good news. There is such a thing as an unsecured debt consolidation loan, and it may be worth it for you to pursue this option for managing your debt. Lenders who offer unsecured debt consolidation loans do not require any collateral against the loan; they look at you and what your credit and employment history say about you. If you have been making regular payments to all your creditors and if you have a stable employment history those factors can work in your favor, showing that you as an individual are a good risk.

There are also lenders out there who will give you an unsecured consolidation loan in spite of your credit and employment history, if you need a clean slate in more ways than one.

Unsecured consolidation loans are intended to please your creditors by paying them all off, and to please you by putting some quality back in your life in the form of greater peace of mind. Instead of a long line of creditors calling and sending letters and constant reminders that you owe money, you have one obligation, one monthly payment. Gone is the uphill battle with late and over the limit fees. Imagine the long-term savings just by eliminating those fees from your life! Be aware, though, that lenders attach higher interest rates to unsecured consolidation loans. They take a larger risk when they lend money without security, and to compensate their interest rates will be higher than on loans with collateral. Keeping in mind the greater risk lenders take with unsecured consolidation loans, loan amounts by necessity are limited to lower amounts. Depending on the company, the limit on the amount they will loan unsecured may be as low as $1,000 or as high as $20,000.

Living with debt is just part of living nowadays, but when your debt outgrows your budget the quality of your life can become anything good. There is a difference between managing your debt and drowning it. Managing debt translates directly into quality of life, and the first step to making sense of all your outstanding bills and loans may be consolidating them all under one loan. The interest rate may be higher, but an unsecured consolidation loan is far better than bankruptcy.

Private Student Loan: Introduction

The student loans just like the other forms of financial aid are a service that is subject for repayment. However, although aware of such fact, many borrowers still fall to the trap of walking away from student loan debt which then results to series of consequences. They tend to ignore their being summoned to enter repayment usually either 90 or 120 days after separating from school or after dropping below half-time enrollment. With this, the loans remain delinquent for 270 days or become 270 days past due at any time, leading the loans to “default” status.

Govt: Student loans boards` regulations, criteria up for review

The government yesterday declared that it will soon give its stand on the appeal of University of Dar es Salaam students who were suspended for allegedly organizing last years` student strikes. 

Education and Vocational Training deputy minister Gaudentia Kabaka told the National Assembly in Dodoma that the government had started to review some of the Loans Board`s regulations which sparked off the student strikes. 

Kabaka, who was responding to a question by legislator Mariam Kasembe (CCM- Special Seats), urged students to consult their university administration and discuss their problems instead of opting for demonstrations and strikes. 

She added that by so doing they wasted valuable time outside classes, which would ultimately cause them to fail. 

``This year students who were discontinued were 0.9 per cent, which is an improvement over the year 2006/07 when discontinued students were 2.5 per cent,`` Kabaka explained. 

She said the government urged students to study hard and make use of their academic advisors. 

Recently the government directed suspended students who failed to meet the readmission conditions to appeal for assistance to the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training. 

Kabaka said the government had formed a committee to review the loans allocation system for students in institutions of higher learning, adding that the process would include evaluating the criteria which caused confusion to the students. 

Kabaka said that strike could be among the causes that led to poor performance but the government was working hard to solve students’ problems. 

In her basic question, Kasembe had wanted to know the reasons leading to mass failures by students and the number of discontinued students.

Citibank Student Loans - Why So Popular?

Students who find themselves in a less than ideal financial situation are able to use student loans to help them be able to afford the increasingly higher costs involved in getting a college education. These loans are designed to be easy to get and pay off.

The wide variety of student loans now available are each set up with special features that are supposed to make the loans more desirable to students than other competing loans. Amongst all student loans, two of the most popular are the Citibank student loan and the Sallie Mae Signature loan.

Citibank Student Loan - The Advantages

The grand majority of student loans that can be obtained in order to offset the costs that are associated with college studies are secure loans. A secure loan is a loan that is guaranteed by means of a mortgage and/or your parents' personal guarantee. Secure loans require a liability that is valued at at least three times the amount of the loan that is being applied for.

Citibank student loans have become extremely popular amongst college students because they are not secure loans. Citibank loans do not have to be guaranteed by means of a mortgage or personal guarantee.

This special feature of Citibank and Sallie Mae Signature loans is quite attractive but it comes at a price; these loans come with extremely high interest rates. Since the companies that are willing to offer an unsecured loan to students are taking a big risk, they require that you pay an exceptionally high interest rate.

The Federal Student Aid Program, which is controlled by the US Department of Education, also offers unsecure student loans. These loans are easier to get and are charged less interest than unsecure loans offered by other financial institutions.

If you want to get an unsecure student loan, doing so through the US government is probably the best choice so that you do not have to pay an exorbitant interest rate. Make sure that you can successfully pay off any loan that you apply for.

Methods to Gain Astrive Student Loans

For students in need of supplemental finances to assist in paying for higher education, Astrive student loans may be what you need in order to get the funding you require. Astrive student loans are non federal loans that are established to assist in paying the price of schooling that are not covered by the standard federally funded financial aid packages.

There are a few methods in which you can gain this type of student loans. First, you can apply on your own. In order to do so, you must have an extremely good credit score that has existed for at least 26 months. This is typically difficult for high school graduates to meet, so many individuals making use of this kind of student loans sign with a co-signer. A co-signer is a person with good credit score that is willing to speak for you and take charge of your student loan. A co-signer must meet a certain list of requisites in order to be permitted to co-sign.

Before you can be permitted to apply for Astrive student loans, there are a few requisites that you will need to meet. First, you must know which school you are going to attend. This is important, as Astrive must reach the university and get info on the loan process for that exact school. In addition to that, they will confirm that you will be attending that school, and set up the process of money payments from Astrive to the school.

This kind of student loans function very closely to how federally granted finances do. There is the usual six month grace time linked with federal finances, and a very similar apply process. However, unlike federal funding, Astrive student loans are not bound to the same styles of limits that federal funds are. Federal finances will only permit a certain amount per student, while Astrive student loans are usually more flexible. If your credit score, as well as that of your co-signer, support a higher limit, you can receive the funding that you need. This is extremely useful for those who are going to go to certain universities, as these institutions are usually a good deal more expensive.

Like other financial institutions, and unlike federal funding, Astrive student loans forms can be rejected for whatever reason. These can relate to slowing in the general markets, as well as determined by odds that you might default on the loan. The higher the risk you are, the higher the odds your application will be rejected.

Skip the Bank - Student Loans You Don't Have to Repay

When it comes to paying for college, your first stop should not be the bank. Student loans are available to college students that don't need to be repaid. These federal programs offer tuition funding and reimbursement to help you finance your college expenses.

Government grants for college students can literally slash your tuition and other educational expenses in half, if not more. While most of these grants will simply send a check to your school's bursar to pay down your tuition, some of these offers will send you a check directly in the mail. That gives you the flexibility to manage the money yourself and spend it exactly on the things you need.

This money can be used to pay for textbooks, student housing, and all the other costs that are associated with going to college.

With over $30 billion in government grant money being offered to students, this is without a doubt the best option for students. Bank student loans, for example, will accumulate interest and will need to be repaid just weeks after you graduate or as soon as you are no longer a full-time student. That's a big burden for someone that needs to take a semester off.

College grant money, on the other hand, never has to be paid back - regardless if you graduate or not. Once the money is awarded to you, it is yours to help pay for college.

Receiving this money is as simple as applying for it. Your college's financial aid office will have information on the big, national grant programs. But there are thousands of smaller, lesser known grants available to students at the state and local level. Chances are your financial aid office does not know about these programs.

Private Student Loans With No Credit Check

Private Student Loans with No Credit Check has brought an expectation of gleam for private students, who have no source of begetting cash to pay the education disbursements such as tuition, college and examination fee, hostel charges, books, laboratory expenditures and travel expenses, etc. Now such students can achieve their education without any obstruction. Most loans are endowed to students upon the systematic checking of their credit rating. Credit history includes the credit rating, which exhibits the worthiness of the prospective borrower. And so, bad credit holder means his creditworthiness is below the acceptable score. Private Student Loans with No Credit Check is potential for them.

While endeavoring to look for the best private student loan programs, you are recommended to perform your own quality investigate. As a rule a good research can be done with the assistance of the internet. As you go online, this patronizes in discovering the best private student loan program for you. How? By comparing one program with another and vigilantly checking each one's benefits as well as disadvantages.

It is positively that, despite of the bad credit history for instance, defaults, arrears, CCJs, IVA, bankruptcy, etc can get the amount through Private Student Loans with No Credit Check. There are lots of lenders and lending firms who endow Private Student Loans with No Credit Check to the students with bad credit history, they can still get pleasure from a source of this loan for studying in graduate, under graduate and post graduate.

Even as it is probable for students to scrounge money notwithstanding their bad credit, they have limited resorts, at what time it comes to acquiring the loan of their preference. They are slightly required to accept whatever offer that their lenders bestow them. This is one of the major negative belongings of having a bad credit. In fact, with the Private Student Loans with No Credit Check, few loan resorts are accessible to borrowers. The most important thing of this loan is that private students can also reimbursement within 6 months to 3 years or after completion their education. Hence, private students don't need to lose their heart for the matter of earning cash.

Are You Counting on Home Equity to Pay Student Loans?

What to do when the equity runs out?

It seems like just about everyone is having to adjust their financial plans these days. For some of you out there, the idea has always been to use the equity in your home in order to pay for your child's college education.

What happens when that equity runs dry because of tough economic times? That is what many of you are facing right now and as you can attest, this can be a very difficult situation to manage.

Don't fret, though, as there are some solutions to help you through a difficult time. You can go with a mortgage acceleration plan or you could even take advantage of low-cost government student loans.

Student Loans

• The government has made it very easy for individuals to get the financing they need for college. If you aren't comfortable using a mortgage acceleration plan to build equity more quickly, then you can certainly go with these loans to help bridge the gap.

• Subsidized Stafford Loans - These loans get help from the government, and you end up paying around 5.6 % interest over the long haul. The nice thing about this loan is that you won't be building up interest while your child is still in school and you will have some options in terms of differing interest payments when your child gets out. This basically gives you a nice four or five year window in which to help rectify your financial situation.

• Non-subsidized Stafford Loans - Similar to the subsidized version, this will have a slightly higher interest rate, but many of the same rules apply. The good thing about these loans is that individuals can qualify for them no matter what their credit looks like. Many parents are receiving financial aid packages that combine subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans to take the pressure off.

Mortgage Acceleration Program

One way to improve your financial standing and get back into a position where you can pay for your child's college education is to grow the equity in your home at a faster rate.

You can do this through what is known as a mortgage acceleration program. 

This program is basically one that enables you to pay off your mortgage much more quickly without ever having to spend more money.

You basically knock out the extra interest that you would have otherwise had to pay, which makes it both cheaper and faster.

All in all, this difficult situation can be fixed if you have the ability to plan ahead.

It is difficult losing equity in your home because of the awful financial times, but you shouldn't fret. Using a mortgage acceleration program or government provided student loans, you can pay for your child (or children) to go to college without a whole lot of trouble. You should look into these options, because they are suited specifically for people in difficult situations and they act as as an alternative means to get your kids into college.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

The Credit Report Card

If you think that the report cards will stop coming after high school and college, it’s time to think again. If you have ever bought a cell phone or a cell phone plan, if you have purchased a car on credit, if you have a credit card, or if you have any bills that you pay (or don’t pay) on a consistent basis, you have a credit report card. 

There are three companies in the United States that supply credit reporting for various banks or lending agencies. These are Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union. When you apply for a credit card, the credit card company will check your credit report through one or the other of these agencies. If you apply for any loan or try to rent a place to live, you will also have your credit checked to make sure that you are a good credit risk. Credit scores can range from 300 – 900 points and to be a good credit risk, it is necessary to stay in the upper range of this scoring system. 

Therefore, as you think about the loans, credit cards, and bills you will encounter during your college years, you will need to think long and hard about how to pay those loans and bills for which you are responsible. If you take on more than you can pay or if you pay your bills late, your credit record will reflect this and you will become an increased credit risk. 

Living frugally is not something we have been taught to do on a consistent basis. Advertisements entice us to spend more and more money, sometimes causing us to put things on credit cards even when we are not sure where the money will come from to actually pay the bill. 

Students in a college or university setting expect to learn and stretch their minds in an assortment of subjects – biology, math, humanities, etc. You might want to allow the learning to also take place in the world of finances, bill paying, and handling credit responsibly. Credit cards are a great invention for those who use them wisely. Be one of those who fit into this category, coming out of the college and university setting with your credit rating in tact and ready to take on larger responsibilities as you explore the career you have chosen to pursue.

Secured student credit cards – 5 things you should know about these before you apply

Most students go for secured student credit cards because they find this is the easiest way to get one. There are many, many advantages attached to this type of cards, as well as pitfalls and you need to know about both before making up your mind about which one and which type you should apply for:

1. The fees – when it is the matter of secured student credit cards, this means you have made a deposit, which would be one hundred per cent of the sum you want to load the cards with or two hundred per cent. This depends upon the student credit cards providers. The fees they charge is very important because unless you are sure about the sum and frequency, you would all of a sudden discover that these fees totally consumed your deposit.

2. Rewards they offer – most providers offer a number of reward points when you use the student credit cards. Take some time to research what are the best offers in the market. These rewards could be changed into cash-back, gifts, payment of fees, and the like. You need to choose the providers, which offer the best possible reward system.

3. Rate of interest – you need to keep in mind here that you have made a deposit when using secured student credit cards. In other words, you are using your own money. Therefore, logically speaking the rates of interest should be extremely low. Whether it is the processing fee, rate of interest or any other fee, these should be reasonable since they are not actually offering you credit; rather they are enjoying the deposit you make so you could use student credit cards from their bank/financial institution.

4. Acceptance – though this is not a real big issue, since most secured student credit cards are accepted not only nationally but also internationally, you need to look into this matter and get such an assurance. In many cases when you assume something and take it for granted, it turns out to be wrong. Therefore when you apply for any type of secured student credit cards do not forget to ask about their acceptability.

5. Introductory offers – as a student you should understand that you are a very valuable customer to the secured student credit cards. Just imagine if 100 or 1,000 or 10,000 students deposit US $5-10,000 in a bank towards the deposit for secured cards; understand that numbers count. Allow yourself to be wooed by gifts, discounts, fee waivers, and so on.

Protecting your assets with student credit cards

There are always going to be several things to remember as you start to work with your credit card debt. First of all, think about all of the various things that you can do to make sure that you protect your credit, even as you start with some credit cards as a student. 

First of all, it is important to remember that when you are a student you are probably going to be offered several types of credit cards, and you will probably think that they sound like good deals. You must be sure that you are reading the fine print on all of those credit cards, and that you are able to get as much out of them that you can. Take them to your parents and be sure that you are reading all of the fine print. Remember that what seems like a good deal now might end up not being a very good deal in the end. It is important to remember that you should be focusing on what will happen in the future with your credit cards. Always be sure that you are doing all that you can do this. 

Next, you want to look at what the interest rate is going to be on your card, and what it will be in the future. These are all things that you must think about, because if you aren’t able to think about them you might find that you are paying much too much when it comes down to it. Therefore, think carefully about what you are going to be paying for your credit cards with the interest rate and remember that this means that the things you buy with your cards will be more expensive in the long run. Remember this when you are getting ready to have your credit cards and to make the most out of them. 

Also, you want to be absolutely sure that you are always going to be paying your bills on time and making payments in the best way for you. Always remember that these payments will be very important to you, and you should be sure that you will make them. Be sure you make your payments on time, be sure that you are paying more than you are supposed to pay each time you do. This will be the best way to save your credit and to make it into what you want it to be.

Information About College Students and Credit Cards

In 2001, The General Accounting Office of the United States (GAO) released a major study of the habits of credit card use by college students. This study was released in response to a request from Congress asking for more information on this subject in order to discern whether new legislation would be necessary. 

Some of the findings of the GAO include:

• 64% of college students have at least one credit card.
• 37% of these credit cards were acquired by mail, either through direct marketing campaigns or through fliers used by campus book stores or other solicitors.
• 24% acquired their cards through an on campus display or through some kind of personal solicitation. These vendors are often present on orientation or enrollment days, and they often pursue students aggressively to get them to apply for cards.
• 25% acquired their cards before they ever went to college, either as working adults, as high school seniors, or because they were provided by parents.
• 55% acquired their credit cards in their freshman year of college, leaving only 20% who may have acquired their card or cards later in their college career.
• 59% report that they pay their balance in full every month.
• About 15% admit to carrying a balance greater than $1000 from month to month.
• Students who were responsible for paying their own credit card balances, who then obtained such cards from campus tables, had nearly three times more cards than those whose parents shared responsibility for the cards (2.6:1).
• More students in the above category–responsible for their own cards—carried balances of over $1000 than those who weren’t.
• 15% of students held full-time jobs when they applied for their cards.

Of course, these studies used by the GAO have some caveats and limitations. For example, they rely on self-reporting by students, and do not attempt to verify that reported information. It is possible that students exaggerated the frequency with which they paid their monthly balance in order to make themselves look more responsible. It’s also possible that students simply did not remember accurately what their balance was or when they last paid it. However, the GAO relies on the reported data since it comes from the students themselves, who are considered to be the best judges of their own experience.

Other Ways to Get Credit

Usually when you think of getting credit, you think this means getting a credit card. But there are other ways to build a good credit history other than the Plastic Road. Here are some suggestions that, as you grow older and more experienced, you’ll want to consider.

1) Open a bank account. A checking account is good; a checking plus savings account2) is even better. While future lenders might not decide to extend to you a loan based solely on a checking account, the lack of one might tip them in the other direction.

2) “Borrow” someone else’s credit history. No, we’re not talking identity theft here. Rather, you can ask someone (a parent, for instance) to add you to their card as an authorized user. Or for a more extensive loan, to co-sign it for you. Thousands of people have found that a co-signer is the fastest way to get a loan that you might not get any other way. Plus the loan payments will show up on your reports with Experian, Equifax and TransUnion–which will be a boost to you in the future. Keep in mind, though, that defaulting on the loan will hurt you, but even worse, will hurt your co-signers chances at securing future loans. 

The fastest way to establish a credit history can be to “borrow” another’s record, either by being added to a credit card as an “authorized” or joint user or by getting someone to co-sign a loan for you. 

Having a co-signer can allow you to qualify for loans you might not otherwise get. The loan will show up on your credit report and, if you pay it off responsibly, will help boost your credit score.

If you default, however, you won’t be the only one who suffers. The co-signer has basically promised to make good on this account, so any delinquencies will show up on her credit report as well. 

3) Apply for an installment loan. Financial experts agree that the path to the best possible credit score includes getting different types of credit. this means credit cards, lines of credit, and installment loans (i.e., car loans, personal loans, college loans, mortgages, etc.). get the best credit score, you need a mix of different credit types including revolving accounts (credit cards, lines of credit) and installment accounts (auto loans, personal loans, mortgages). So while it’s certainly a good thing to receive grants and scholarships to pay for school, a school loan will be beneficial to your future.

Student Credit Card Reviews

As you go about considering what student credit card to obtain, you may have run across advertisements for a low APR student credit card that is offering a 0% APR. In this regard, you may be wondering what 0% APR is all about and whether a student credit card with a 0% APR is right for you. Through this article, you will be presented with some basic information to help you understand what a 0% APR is all about. In addition, you will be presented with the pros and cons of a student credit card that is offering 0% APR to determine if such a card is right for you.

You may have heard the term 0% APR but not fully understand what 0% APR is all about. In simple and direct terms, 0% APR stands for 0% annual percentage rate. This refers to the interest rate that is (or, in theory is not) being charges on a particularly credit card for a particular period of time. In other words, a credit card company many offer a 0% APR to a customer for a set period of time. During that period of time, the customer can use the credit card and carry over balances from month to month without incurring an interest charge.

Of course, on the surface, anyone would like the prospect of saving money on the use of a credit card by not having to pay interest over the course of at least some period of time. However, when all is said and done, there tends to be a number of “strings” attached to a typical offer of 0% APR. It is important for you to understand the requirements associated with such a deal before you in fact end up signing up for such a student credit card. 

As mentioned a moment ago, in most instances a credit card company will offer a 0% APR for a set period of time. What sometimes is the case is that the interest rate that ends up being in place after the initial period of 0% APR is higher than what you will find on comparable student credit cards available on the market today. In other words, while you may end up saving a bit of money on a 0% in the beginning, during the initial months you have a certain credit card, you will end up paying more on interest over time due to the higher APR charged by the credit card company after the initial period comes to an end.

There may also be some other hoops that you do have to jump through in order to realize the benefits of an annual interest percentage rate that is set at zero. In other words, you need to digest all of the finer points associated with a 0% APR offering before you make a decision about that particular credit card. You must consider whether or not you will realize a true savings to yourself by taking up a student credit card that is promoting a 0% APR.

Student Credit Cards - Similarities and Differences

Student credit cards are also known as college credit cards. Student credit cards are a more popular descriptive term to use referring to young men and women attending college. Students get to learn about student credit cards in the real world credit card usage prior to graduation and taking on a full time career or job. Typically, for most college students this is their first time in using a student credit card. However, there are older students that might all ready know about student credit cards or have other type of credit cards that they use for other things. The younger students might also have a credit card account that is linked to their mom or dad’s credit card but this will be truly their first time in acquiring about a student credit card.

Student credit cards are used as regular credit cards but the main difference is that they are used for school. The other difference is that college students do not know how to really use a student credit card and go on a spending spree. They do not realize that they have to pay back the money they use. Therefore, college students are at risk and their credit rating is poor because they have trouble with their credit cards. They also do not realize that they are in trouble when they apply for other credit cards later on after college life. For this reason, usually a parent or guardian will co-sign for their student credit cards so they do not get into trouble. The good thing about student credit cards is that the credit assigned to college students is lower than that of issuing credit cards to working adults. 

Actually, credit cards for college students are still undergoing training so to speak on how to manage credit cards and not overspend. They should be taught on how to use a credit card and that having a good credit history now is better for later on after graduation when they apply for other credit cards. 

It is a fact that college students are dangerous with credit cards. They are not aware of the trouble they can get themselves into when using credit cards. Students can be responsible and they know how to use a college credit card and learn about what it means later on in life if they overspend their credit. They should know that a good credit history is better to start with now while they are in college then learn that they cannot apply for other credit cards because of their overspending.

Student credit card downside

A student credit card can be a very useful tool for a responsible and diligent college or university student. However, and unfortunately, there are many cases in which a student credit card and the use of such a credit card has not turned out well for students. In fact, many experts maintain that there actually is a crisis when it comes to student credit cards if students are not educated and informed about proper credit card usage. 

If you are considering getting a student credit card, it is important for you to closely consider how other young people have run into problems with their student credit cards. The fact is that by learning from the mistakes that other people have made in regard to the use of their student credit cards, you will be in a better position to utilize that credit device in a more appropriate and responsible manner. You will be in a better position to ensure that the student credit card becomes a useful tool for you … today and into the future.

Nearly 80% of all undergraduate college students today have at least one credit card. The typical student carries on average a credit card balance somewhere in the neighborhood o $3,000. The average balance amount that these students are carrying is on the rise all of the time.

A good deal of research has been undertaken in regard to when a student can start running into problems with student credit card debt. This research has demonstrated that if a student ends up carrying a credit card balance at the $5,000 level, he or she likely is to end up in financial trouble. In such a situation, a student will end up likely having a problem paying on the credit card account in a timely manner. As a result, the student will end up having to pay late fees and other charges. Moreover, it is likely that the interest rate on the credit card will increase significantly because payments are not being made on time.
In addition to the immediate problems just discussed, the student will also be faced with the fact that his or her credit history and credit reports and score will be seriously damaged because of the problems he or she is experiencing with the student credit card. 

With all of this in mind, if you are intent on getting a student credit card, it is incumbent upon you to deal with that card in a reasonable and responsible manner. For example, in the best of all possible worlds, you should make certain that you pay off your balance each and every month. While this not always be a possibility, you should then strive to make payments as much above the minimum payment as possible.
Of course, you need to make certain that you do not miss payments or make late payments. Missed and late payments can cause you very serious problems, as have been discussed in this article a moment ago.

Student Credit Card Myths

You may be very confused about what is fact and what is fiction when it comes to student credit cards. Indeed, in this day and age there actually are a good deal of myths surrounding student credit cards. Through this article, you are presented with a discussion of the myths surrounding student credit cards in order to make you a better credit card user and financial consumer.

One common and disastrous myth associated with studentcredit cards is that having more credit cards is better for you — better for your credit history, credit score and credit report. Thus, many people obtain innumerable credit cards operating under this misperception.

Of course, there are some instances — very limited instances — for some people — a very limited number of people — where many student credit cards does prove helpful in creating a solid credit history. But, these are people who pay off each and every credit card balance each and every month without fail. These are people who have the financial wherewithal to manage and maintain multiple student credit cards without carrying over balances from month to month. If you are such a person, if you have the finances available to deal with credit cards and credit card balances in this manner, than you are a person who might benefit over time by having multiple credit cards. However, with that caveat noted and understood, it is vital to appreciate that the vast majority of people are not in this position and cannot manage their credit cards in this manner.

Another of the common myths is that it really is not a big deal to carry over balances from month to month. In fact, this can end up costing you a great deal of money. The truth of the matter is that the typical consumer is best served by paying off his or her credit card balance each and every month. In this way, you can avoid high interest fees along the way, which can add up to a great deal of money in not that much time.

Yet another widespread myth about student credit cards is that you can keep you financial house in order by only making minimum payments on your credit card balances. In fact, by paying only the minimum amount allowed each month on your credit card balances you will end up losing a great deal of money on interest payments over time. This can be one of the most costly decisions you could make when it comes to your credit card.

By understanding the myths that are associated with a student credit card, you will be in a better position to better decide not only what credit cards are best for you but to assist you in developing a plan to best use your credit cards in the most appropriate and responsible manner. You can turn your use of credit cards into a benefit rather than a liability. You will make credit card usage a positive aspect of you financial life.

How to Choose Your First Time Credit Card

It can be worse to have no credit than it is to have poor credit. Having no credit can really limit your ability to get a mortgage, buy a new car, or even get that job you want. While it doesn’t make sense, you can’t get credit when you have no established credit. Your first time credit card could be a bit difficult to get. 

There are a few things you can do to establish credit. You can maintain a checking account and show you can handle it, your utility bills are paid on time and show the receipts, or any other receipts from regular monthly payments you have made. 

Before you send in that first time credit card application, you need to check out your credit report. This can be obtained free once a year. Do not submit too many credit card applications in a short period of time or your credit rating will go down. It will also go down if you have too many credit inquiries in a short time. 

One thing that can boost your credit rating is to have a passbook savings account and ask the bank for a secured loan. They can keep the passbook until the loan is paid. You need to be sure the payments are kept current and made on time. It is also wise to make sure the bank reports to the credit bureau on the status of your loan. 

If you are a full time college student, apply for your first time credit card by making out an application for a student credit card. Card companies are more apt to issue first time credit cards to those who are interested in education because they feel these people are a bit more responsible. 

You can also get a first time credit card that is secured. This is where you deposit the amount you want as a balance into an account and this will be used when you use the card. You will still need to pay your payments on time to keep a good credit rating. 

You may also be added as an authorized card user to the account of another person who has a good credit history. This could be a parent or grandparent, this will help to show creditors that you are responsible and you can be removed once you are able to open your first time credit card account. 

Once you have opened your first time credit card account, use it wisely. It is important that you know your limitations or you will find your credit rating will be a mess. It is best to only use this first time credit card when it is absolutely necessary. It is also best if you are able to pay off the entire balance every month.

Student Credit Card Deals and Card Offers

If you have decided to obtain a student credit card there are a number of factors to keep in mind. This certainly is the case when you are considering special offers associated with a student credit card. Through this article you are provided with an overview of what you should look at and consider when it comes to a student credit card generally and a special offer on a student credit card more specifically.

Of course, when searching for student credit card offers you will want to find a card with the lowest interest rate — not only at the time you apply for the card but also for the long term. However, there are some other factors that you might want to consider in your search for the most appropriate credit card.

Because of the stiff competition between student credit card deals in the 21st century, most credit cards carry “special car offers” and “deals” for those people who use the card. Indeed, many student credit card companies will end up on campus at the beginning of the term to try and sign up students. 

When these companies are attempting to solicit new card holders they will offer gifts as inducements to get people to sign up for these cards. Of course, it is important that you not apply for student credit cards simply to obtain a free gift.

A very common type of special deal is airline mileage that accumulates every time you make a charge on a card. Indeed, this type of student credit card benefit can be very useful to many students.

There are also student credit cards that offer to you a cash back program. You get cash back each and every time that you make use of the student credit card.

The universe of what is available in the way of credit card special offers has expanded greatly in recent years. Through the use of certain types of credit cards you can obtain everything from cash back offers to discounts at various retail outlets to complimentary hotel rooms. In some ways, the list of credit card special offers is nearly endless. Thus, when you are on the hunt for a credit card, spend the time looking around to find the card with added benefits that most suit your needs.

In the end, you will want to spend at least some time checking out what is available when it comes to different college student credit cards and the special offers that they make available to their card holders. By taking the time, you will be in the best possible position to identify and find the student credit card that will best meet your needs, goals and objectives. You will be able to find the student credit card that will best meet your needs not only today but into the future as well.

Considering your options for school credit cards

Student credit cards are something that you have probably thought of as you embark on your school career. Getting a credit card can be great because it will mean that you are able to get those concert tickets that you want, or even buy groceries for yourself if you need food and don’t have any cash. There are a few things that you should remember when you are looking for a student credit card. 

First of all, credit card companies will probably give most students a credit card simply because they think that they’ll be good prey. This means that students often get credit cards with high interest rates and don’t really know any better to be able to avoid it. This means that when you are looking for student credit cards, you want to look carefully in order to make sure you aren’t getting ripped off. Remember that it might be very easy for a company to offer you a credit card, and it might seem like something that you would like to do. But be sure that you have looked into what the interest rate is and talked to your parents about if they think it is a good deal. Remember, any thing that you buy on a credit card, if you don’t pay it back right away, you’ll be charged interest on. So, while it might seem like a good idea at the time, you might end up actually spending more money on things than you thought that you would. So, be sure that you research your credit cards and know what type of interest you are going to be looking at. 

Also, when it comes to your interest rate, be extra sure that you are using your card responsibly. One of the biggest things that you want to be sure of is that you are actually going to be paying back you bill on time. Even missing one month or so of your credit card payments can lead to major problems because it will mean that you are going to have a very high interest rate that seems to come at you from nowhere. So, be sure that you have looked into what your payments will be, and always be sure that you are making them on time. This is the best way to build good credit and to avoid having bad credit, which will follow you for years.

Credit Cards for College Kids?

Looking for a credit card for your college student? Look beyond student credit card offers on campus, they may not be the best available for your student. There are important factors to consider when establishing a credit line. Be sure you know what you are signing them up for before you truly sign the dotted line.

Just about every college student establishes a credit line of some kind or another. Usually they use the cards to cover expenses that are left over after the loans and grants have been disbursed. In many cases this can be a welcome reprieve from needing to work more hours at a part-time or full-time job. 

There are other situations, though, where college students are establishing many different lines of credit through several student credit card offers from companies that come to their campus and running up their debts without really understanding the depth of what they are doing. Those cards give them a sense of freedom to go out and buy things without the feeling the reality of handing over cash for those luxuries. They wind up getting out of college with a mountain of student loans, and then personal credit card debts that they do not even remember building throughout school.

This can be avoided by the involvement of parents in their student’s finances. A single card for emergencies, car rentals, ticket purchases or books may be a necessary thing. Yet having the parents teach their student the concept of buying on credit is vital to avoiding disaster.
If it is put in those terms, students can begin to understand that the value they place on an item may not, in fact, be as high it will end up costing them. They may be charging the item on their card for the price they see on the shelf, but when it comes time to pay the credit card bill they will be paying up to 29% more for the item. This would mean that the meal they bought themselves and their girlfriend will cost them $20 in cash, or $25.80 on their credit card. The gas they fill their automobile with may cost them $2.99 at the pump if they pay in cash, but it will cost them $3.86 if they use their credit card. 

Compare several regular expenses with your student in a similar manner. Help them to see that there is a huge benefit to not accepting most student credit card offers. If they question needing to establish their credit rating, let them know there will be plenty of time to make that happen and plenty of needed items that will be put on a credit card to take care of that.

Don’t let your student drown in debt!

The world of credit cards is foreign to the beginning college student. There is a growing number of college graduates who are seeking help to avoid bankruptcy because of personal credit card debts. These student debts are unfortunately only minimally related to the actual expenses for college. For the most part, they are debts that were incurred for unnecessary items.

The rate of student debts has increased in part due to the intense marketing the credit card companies are focusing on college campuses around the country. Visit a college campus in the fall when all the freshmen are beginning their orientation. If you look around the common areas you will see a sea of folding tables, manned by credit card company representative that are grabbing students’ attention with giveaways and gift cards. 

These card that are being offered are usually ones with incredibly high interest rates, and usually grant the applicant large lines of credit that are not at all proportionate to the actual income of the student. This creates a situation where the student credit card debt rises along with their age. And the rise can be exponential when considering the loans already secured for the tuition.

Colleges need to take a proactive stance against student credit card debt. They are teaching the students what they need to know for a particular career, but they are not giving them the information they need to operate within that career’s prospective income. This is a sad fact, given the amount of money it takes to get the education in the first place.

Student credit card debt is draining our economy. It is a huge contributor to the recession we are facing. An entire generation was raised to think that instant gratification is only as far away as the next card swipe. There has been no concept of the action being linked to later stress and mounting bills.

Hopefully high schools, or even colleges will begin to add a life-skills type seminar for students getting ready to graduate that will inform them of these vulture-like credit card companies and the urge to express independence by running up the bills. If it became a commonplace idea that credit cards are a HUGE responsibility, perhaps student credit card debt will not continue to lessen the positive experience of gaining a degree.

A Lesson in Student Credit Cards

In today’s academic world, most students need a college student credit card and the offers for these are plentiful. Many creditors are very anxious to have the new college student apply for and get approved for a student credit card, because they realize that if they can strike up a good relationship with this customer at this young age, then it is highly likely that they will be there customer for life. 

But the ease of getting a college student credit card is also the bad news because many college students have not yet learned responsible financial management. The temptations when a student is away from home, living in the dorm or an apartment, are tremendous. You can easily spend a little and have a night out at the bar or dance club, chip in for a keg of beer, whipping out the plastic to get airline tickets for the spring break trip to Florida and the list goes on. What happens is that the student is tempted to view this as free money since there are not dollars bills floating out of his wallet at the time of the purchase, so it almost seems like they are getting something for free. But make no mistake about it, there is nothing fictional about the fact that this student has just racked up some charges on that college student credit card, and it will be a taste of stark reality when he starts to get calls from the credit card issuer asking for payments to be made on time.

Not all possible and available college student credit cards are right for everyone. You should avoid one that charges an excessively high interest rate, unless you know for a fact that you will be paying it off in full at the end of the month. Keep in mind that the credit card issuers are taking a bit of a chance on you, since you probably have little or no credit history established, and therefore the interest rate on virtually any credit card you are approved for is going to be higher than usual. Where the usual would be the rate that perhaps your parents would get approved for, since they already have a credit history established.

You need to be honest with yourself in that you can be financially responsible with your college student credit card and you are the only one that can answer that. If you were not sure, then perhaps a secured card would be the best place to start. This is where you make a deposit with the card issuer, say a bank or credit union, and then your credit limit is the amount of your deposit. This is actually a great place to start and to learn fiscal responsibility and to get used to getting into the religious habit of paying your credit card bill on time every month. You would learn about how the interest can add up, and unfortunately, how late fees can also add up. But it is a lesson that you will learn quickly, and the good news is that you will remember that for the rest of your life.

Avoid the Credit Card Late Fees

Because credit card companies are in business to make money, they find ways to make sure that they are able to pay their bills and make a profit. Sometimes this happens through the finance charges that you are charged when you don’t pay the bill in full each month. Sometimes it is through a fee that the credit card company will charge you for carrying their piece of plastic in your wallet. Sometimes it is through the late fees they will charge when you don’t pay the bill on time in any given month.

On top of the finance charges you will incur when the bill is not paid by the proper date, you may also have to pay up to $50.00 for the privilege of paying your bill a few hours or a few days late. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the student who has a credit card to find ways to avoid those charges that you may incur as a result of not paying when they have asked you to pay. 

The first way that you can learn to make your payments on time might be to call the credit card company and ask them to change the date your bill is due. If you get paid on the first of the month and the credit card bill is due on the 21st, you might have a case of running of out of money before you run out of month. If you can get the lender to change the due date to the 7th or the 10th, you can get paid on the first of the month and write your credit card payment immediately, making sure that you have it paid on time.

You can and should get into the habit of paying the bill in full each month. This assures that the credit card is for your convenience as opposed to the credit card company using you to build their business.

Another thought you might consider if they don’t want to change the due date is to pay the minimum balance immediately when you receive the credit card bill. That way the bill will be paid and marked as on time and you will be free to gather more money to apply to the bill as the month rolls on. 

If you pay your bill by telephone or on the internet, you can save yourself the cost of the stamp as well as giving yourself a few more days to pay the bill. If you decide to pay via either of these options, you might need to find out the cut off time for the payment to be made and be sure to make the phone call before that time. 

Late fees are no fun to pay. $50.00 can buy at least part of a schoolbook. Be sure to pay the credit card fees on time so that you will have the extra for what is really necessary for the collegian.

College Expenses USING Credit Cards

In this day and age, a growing number of college students are relying upon student credit cards for a wide variety of purposes. Indeed, there are noticeable number of college students that are using their credit cards to pay for some of their university related expenses. If you are considering doing the same, you do need to understand the pros and cons that are associated with using a student credit card to pay some education related expenses.

Obviously, you do not want to fund your college education using a student credit card. Indeed, odds are that you will have nothing near the credit limit available to undertake such an endeavor. However, there are people who stretch their credit cards to deal with college expenses. You do not want to misuse your student credit card in this manner.

There are some appropriate college expenses that you can take care of utilizing your student credit cards. For example, you might want to purchase your books and classroom supplies using a credit card. This particularly can be an appropriate course to take if you are awaiting a student loan payment. However, you must keep in mind that when your student loans repayment times arrive, you need to pay off the balance on your student credit. The interest rate on the student loan should be lower than what you are paying on your student credit card.

Along the same lines, you may also want to consider paying certain student fees with your student credit card. But, as has been mentioned, you are going to want to make sure that you deal with paying down the balance when you do have funds available, perhaps from a student loans payment. The key is to not let the balance carry forward at a high level into the future because you will end up forking over a great deal of money on interest – which will make the use of the student credit card in the first instance a less than financially favorable event.

From time to time throughout your college or university career you may end up facing some sort of unseen expenses associated with your learning experience. A credit card ideally is suited to dealing with such emergency or unexpected situations. Therefore, it is always wise to make sure that you do not overuse your credit card to the point that there is no “room” available in the balance to deal with some sort of unexpected expenses.

Used appropriately, a student credit card can be a very useful tool to assist you in dealing responsibly with some of the expenses associated with your school experience. As has been noted more than once it in this article, the key is to use your credit card in a responsible and appropriate manner, even when you are dealing with educational costs and expenses.

An Introduction to Credit Cards

On any given day most Americans receive at least one credit card offer in their mailbox. From the time a student nears high school graduation, and sometimes sooner than that, the credit card offers start rolling in. While receiving these student credit card offers can tempt just about anyone into applying for a card, it is important to first understand the responsibility of credit card ownership.

Having your own student credit card is first and foremost a privilege. In addition, it is also a convenience. A credit card provides its user with the ability to spend money with the swipe of a card and a flick of a wrist. It cuts down on the need for time-consuming check writing and the carrying money around town. Even better, it allows the user to pay for something even if he or she doesn’t have the money for it at the time.

But like all things that sound too good to be true, credit comes with a catch. This is not to say that credit is bad. That is not the case. Having a college student credit card and using it responsibly benefits the card owner in numerous ways. When a consumer uses credit, however, the money he or she spends has to be paid back. Because banks don’t lend money to people for free, interest is also charged on the balance of the credit card. This means that if you have a student credit card with a 20 percent APR and you buy a pair of shoes for $100, it will take seven months to pay off the purchase with a minimum payment of $15. 

Credit cards also have various fees associated with the use of the card. Some cards charge an annual fee of $30 to $50. Most cards will charge a $20 to $50 fee if you accidentally go over your spending limit. Your bill may also be subject to additional fees if you don’t bring your debt balance back to the credit limit within a timely manner. Credit is not something to play around with or take lightly.

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