Monday, March 26, 2007

A Gimpse Into Life In An NFL Locker Room

As a former NFL player, I spent a lot of my time in the locker room. As many people wonder what goes on inside an NFL locker room, here is a quick look.

As an NFL player, the locker room is our home away from home. This is where the team members become a family. This is where we bond and learn about each other's different cultures, personalities, and view on life.

On an NFL team, there are people from many different walks of life. People are from different races, different parts of the country, they grew up with different values, different religions, and different cultures. Being able to get to know these people and learn about their life is one of the things I enjoyed most about the NFL. It was such a great learning experience to interact with so many different people.

So what do NFL players talk about in the locker room? We talk about the same thing everybody else does. We talk a lot about our wives, girlfriends, families, children, movies, music, our problems, and of course, a lot of joking around and talking smack. On every team there are a couple of guys who love to play pranks and keep everyone guessing as to what is coming next. It is a lot of fun.

Another fun thing to do is haze the rookies. Giving rookies a hard time is always fun and it helps build camaraderie. How do we haze rookies? Well, we like to get several team members together and go out for dinner with a rookie and then make him pay the bill. We also like to make rookies carry our equipment. To really embarrass rookies, we'll make them get up in front of everybody and sing or dance. Sometimes we will give them a horrible haircut by shaving parts of their head. Sometimes we'll shave off their eyebrows too. Embarrassing rookies is always good fun.

What is inside the locker room? The locker room is setup just like home to help players relax. There are couches, big screen TV's, video games, and an attached cafeteria.

The locker room is also a place where we come together as a team to support each other, like when we lose a game or a player gets hurt or in trouble. The locker room is where a team's chemistry is created and it is that chemistry that makes a team great when they walk out onto the field.

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Saturday, March 24, 2007

Eli Manning - 2004 Draft Day Picks

Eli Manning was born on January 3, 1981 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is the brother of Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, and the son of former NFL player Archie Manning. With bloodlines like this it is no wonder that Manning is one of the best quarterbacks in the game today. Since an early age he has been around the game of football, and this is evident by the way that he plays the game on the field.

After a successful high school career Manning took his game to the University of Mississippi. During his college career Manning put up impressive numbers, to say the least. He finished his career with 10,119 passing yards, 81 touchdown passes, and a quarterback rating of over 137. While at Mississippi Manning tied or broke 47 season, single game, and career records. It is safe to say that Manning is probably the best quarterback that has ever come out of the University of Mississippi.

Going into the 2004 NFL Draft Manning was thought to be the number one prospect. But before Manning was ever drafted he was surrounded by controversy. The San Diego Chargers held the first pick in the draft, but Manning made it perfectly clear that he did not want to play for them. Despite this, the Chargers drafted Manning anyway. With the fourth pick the New York Giants selected Philip Rivers, and the two teams eventually swapped quarterbacks.

During his rookie season Manning started about half of the team's games and despite performing poorly received some much needed on field experience.
In 2005, Manning led the Giants to the NFC East Championship, and a spot in the playoffs. Despite a solid regular season he struggled in a loss to the Carolina Panthers to cap off his second season.

During the 2006 Manning once again started off strong, but sputtered down the stretch. He ended the season with 3,244 yards and 24 touchdowns. But again he struggled with his accuracy only completing 57 percent of his passes, and throwing 18 interceptions.

There is no doubt in anybody's mind that Manning's game is going to continue to progress.

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Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Walter Payton - 1975 Draft Day Picks

Walter Payton was born on July 25, 1954 and passed away on November 1, 1999. But even though Payton is no longer living, one thing is for sure. Football fans from all over the world will always remember him as one of the greatest running backs of all time. Not only did he have all of the right moves on the field, but off the field Payton was also a joy to be around. It was this reputation that captivated fans and other players for many years.

Payton attended Columbia High School, and immediately established himself as one of the top running backs in the state. During his senior season he led his team to an 8-2 record while also earning a spot on the Mississippi all state team.

After high school Payton decided to take his game to Jackson State University. Although he was one of the best players in the state of Mississippi during high school, all of the big name colleges passed him by because of his race as well as his lack of experience. But with that being said, Payton would go on to prove everybody wrong during his days at Jackson State. While in college Payton racked up 3,500 yards, and also scored 65 touchdowns.

In the 1975 NFL Draft the Chicago Bears drafted Payton with the fourth overall pick in the first round. After a slow NFL start, he began to pick up the pace quite a bit during his second season. It was this year that he rushed for more than 1,000 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. During his time in the NFL Payton was selection to nine Pro Bowls, and also collected many other awards along the way.

Walter Payton will always be remembered as one of the greatest running backs to ever play the game of football. This holds true both at the college and NFL level!

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Sunday, March 18, 2007

Avoid Credit Card Debt Next Christmas

Why is this article about avoiding credit card debt next Christmastide and not this Christmas? Well, the opportunities are it is too late this twelvemonth and the small plastic devil have already made an appearance, or it soon will…

Why make we make it? Every twelvemonth billions of us over-shop, over-eat, and over-spend. We simply must fill up our closets with adequate nutrient for calendar months when in world the gala time period endures only a couple of days, and it have go the norm to botch our household and friends with an copiousness of overpriced gifts.

Naturally, the financial load of providing for all of this overindulgence have to be relieved somehow, and inevitably the credit card is all too willing to take the strain. But it doesn’t have got to be like this, there are ways of coping at Christmastide without getting into credit card debt.

The first and most obvious strategy is simply to cut down on your spending. Loved 1s shouldn’t have got got to travel without, and indeed it would be quite incorrect if they did, but make you really have to purchase them so much? And if you are in the wont of throwing out of day of the month and unwanted nutrient away in the first hebdomad of the New Year, then perhaps you are buying a small too much? Cutting down just a small tin do a large difference.

Secondly, retrieve that Christmastide come ups around every twelvemonth at the same time. It should not be a surprise that you suddenly need more than money at this clip of year, so begin planning for adjacent twelvemonth now. Join a Christmastide nest egg baseball club and start paying into it during the first hebdomad after the gala holiday. It’s surprising how much of a difference economy just a few lbs each hebdomad can do to your Christmastide finances. But the more than than you salvage the more you can spend, so salvage as much as you can afford. Once you get into the wont you won’t even lose it each week, and you will harvest the rewards when the clip comes.

On the topic of planning ahead; have got you noticed that supplies sell off Christmastide cards, decorations, and other gear at giveaway terms just after the holiday period? This is the clip to purchase and set things away for the adjacent season!

In conclusion, you don’t have got got to go Ebeneezer Scrooge and have a suffering holiday, but you can avoid credit card debt next twelvemonth simply by cutting down a small on disbursement and taking some clip to program ahead. Rich Person a merry Christmastide and a Happy New Year!


Friday, March 16, 2007

How To Profit From 0% Interest Credit Cards

Credit cards equal debt, it's almost a universal truth. Almost. It is possible, and is being done right now, to turn
a net income from 0% credit cards.

Before we get started here are some things you need
to realise before you even attempt to net income from
these 0% interest credit cards.

1. It's no usage making small percentage net income when
you are already paying out large interest on debts
elsewhere. Clear your debts first if you have got any
apart from a mortgage.

2. You volition need to be vigilant on the 0% periods
expiry, most will be 6 months, and you need to make
certain you pay the money back then.

3.You need to be able to forget you have got the money
you borrowed on the credit card, and not dunk into it
for any reason.

4. You will need a good credit score from the start
of this venture or it won't go on at all.

Now with those small cautions out of the way, we
can get to the meat of the idea, and net income from
those credit card companies.

Firstly you will need to happen a credit card with
a 0% interest rate for at least six months, some
even offer up to nine calendar calendar months 0% interest. Then
you need to apply for it, and wait.

You will also need either a loan or another credit
card you can pull up to the bounds of your 0% card
on. Now here come ups the scientific discipline bit.

Pay the bounds of the 0% credit card into a bank account
by drawing it as cash or direct transfer, and immediately
utilize the 0% card to transfer the balance to the other card
to do it paid up.

The money you just got out tin be placed into a high
interest nest egg account. Leave it there until you
have got to pay up the 0% card at which point you will
still only owe the original amount you transferred
onto it. You will have got got made interest on the money
while you had it and owe 0% interest.

If you have a existent clean credit history you could even
transfer the balance from another o% interest credit card
to the first one, and go forth the money earning interest
in the nest egg account.

This is only meant as an informational overview, and you
will need to research the credit cards and relevant
laws in your ain country or state. Here in the UK
a few understanding people are using 0% interest credit cards
to do them a nice sum, and as long as you remember
the few simple regulations at the beginning of this article
you could too.


Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Easing Your Financial Burdens With Credit Counseling

It is a well-publicized fact that more than of us are getting ourselves into greater debt, and this may be true for you. The embarrassment of your financial state of affairs can intend you are improbable to seek credit counselling or other credit management solutions. Increased house terms and greater cost of life can coerce you to turn to heavy borrowing. While this plant in the short term, it undoubtedly leads to greater financial load in the future. Are there anything you can make to halt this tendency in your life?

Credit Guidance Helps People with Bad Credit.

It is much easier to borrow money now than it ever have been. This tin turn out helpful when seeking a first-time mortgage or wanting to borrow some money to purchase that indispensable purchase. In the long run, borrowing money at the increased rate you are charged can lead to financial ruin.

Secured credit cards can be obtained with a few simple chinks of a mouse, and you rarely believe about the effects of your actions until it is too late. Credit guidance can help. A credit counselling service looks at your finances and plant out exactly how much income and outgoing you have got and then makes a repayment program to assist you pay off your debts. They contact your major lenders to hold a reduced repayment rate, in order that you can pay off all of your debts, and, above all, they can assist put your head at ease.

Structured Repayments.

Having many different debts with many different companies causes a batch of debt problems. With payments going out at different modern times and to different people it is very hard to maintain track; once you lose one payment these things be given to mount up very quickly.

Don’t be embarrassed.

One of the hardest things about contacting a consumer credit counselling service is that you may be too abashed about the state of affairs you happen yourself in, yet you really don’t need to be. Credit counselors deal with cases like yours on a day-to-day basis, and there is always person in a worse state of affairs than your own. The worst error to do when considering credit guidance is not considering it soon enough.

Credit counselling makes not assist consolidate your debts but they can halt debt aggregators knocking at the door. They can assist with credit repair and they can do people with bad credit evaluation feel like they are world again.


Monday, March 12, 2007

Avoiding Credit Card Secret Traps

Credit card secret traps are the concealed side of plastic that maintains you in debt that is hard to pay off. The chief aim of credit card companies is for you to carry the largest balance you can possibly repay.

Trying to avoid these credit card secret traps is slippery because credit card companies constantly raise your credit limit, and offer you fringe benefits to get you to charge even more.

Credit card companies can get very originative with fees and interest rates and that's where you can get into financial trouble. To avoid this from happening here are some common credit card secret traps to be aware of when you compare credit card company terms.

Two Cycle Billing

The two rhythm balance method is where the interest on your average day-to-day balance is computed using both your purchases from that charge rhythm and charges from the calendar calendar calendar month before.

Even if you paid off your full balance from the month before, that figure is still used along with your current month purchases to cipher your average day-to-day balance. This credit card secret trap can maintain you in deep debt for decades.

Credit Card Grace Period

A credit card saving grace time period is the number of years before the credit card company starts charging you interest on new purchases. Most cards have got got a saving saving saving grace time time time period but mind of the cards that don't.

If you have a card with no grace period, you always pay interest on new purchases from the twenty-four hours you do the purchase, even if you pay your measure in full.

Cash Advances

You almost never get a grace period for cash advances, which intends you get paying interest on that advance right away. Also, the interest rates on cash advances are typically higher than the ordinary rate on card purchases. A cash advance is costly and one of the most common credit card secret traps.

Credit Card Late Fees

Credit card companies can enforce brawny punishments on any balance that you pay late or balances that transcend your limit. But the punishments of credit card late fees don't stop there.

If you go against even one of your credit cards terms, other credit card companies may also penalize you with punishment rates even if you have got never missed payments on them.

Interest Rate Changes

Credit card companies are allowed to change your interest rate anytime, provided they give you 15 years notice. So read what your credit card company mails you because some companies will mouse this by hoping you won't catch it.

The underside line is read the small black and white in the credit card terms provided by the card issuer regarding the credit card company regulations concerning the charge method, saving grace time period as well as the interest rates and fees.

Also, believe about how you will utilize the card, especially if you anticipate to carry a balance. Then, compare credit card company terms and seek to take the card that maintains you from falling into these credit card secret traps.

Copyright © 2005 Credit Repair Facts.com All Rights Reserved.


Sunday, March 11, 2007

A Credit Card Glossary of Terms

The Credit card industry comes with a lot of jargon. You can’t be expected to recognise all the technical phrases employed and some of them could be very important. Listed below you will find a quick description of the most common credit card industry related terms and phrases.

Affinity card
A credit card that makes a donation to a charity of your choice based up on how much you spend. In most cases it's best to avoid a charity that encourages you to sign up for such a card. Chances are such a credit card has a higher interest rate than the standard. Don't let guilt cloud your judgement.

APR (Annual Percentage Rate)
calculated yearly this is your overall interest rate presented as a percentage of your credit card balance.

ATM (Automated Teller Machine)
A cash machine. Utilized to withdraw money direct from your credit card, although in general a fee will also be charged.

Balance transfer
When you transfer your debt ‘balance’ from one credit card to another. The usual reason for this is to try and keep as much debt as possible on a lower-interest card.

Credit limit
Your credit limit is the maximum amount you can spend or withdraw on your credit card. Spending beyond your credit limit will result in your card no longer being accepted, and you being charged an over-limit fee.

Fixed rate
A fixed rate credit card is one which indicates that you are given a fixed rate on sign up which should stay the same for the period you have the credit card. In practice though interest rates can be changed for almost any reason.

Grace period
The grace period is the amount of time between your spending with the credit card and the time when you start paying interest on that spending. The best credit cards can have a grace period of up to two months, poorer cards may not have one at all.

Minimum payment
The minimum payment is the lowest amount you can pay back to the credit card company each month. You always try to pay more although this is not necessary. Paying only the minimum amount you are not paying back the money borrowed but only the interest. Minimum payments are usually around 2% of your balance.

Sub-prime
A phrase used in the finance industry to describe customers who are a bad credit risk, but are considered worth lending to as the bad credit risk allows the finance company to charge higher fees.

Teaser rate
A ‘special offer’ low rate. You will see many offers with “LOW 4.9% APR” in the headline followed by “for first six months, 21.9% thereafter” in the small print. Teaser offers can sometimes be worth taking, but not if they tie you in for longer than the period of the offer.

Variable rate
An interest rate that is calculated by adding a figure to the current base rate. Taking this option will allow your credit card to be affected by changes in national interest rates – a good idea if you think they might go down, and a bad one if they’re on the way up.


Friday, March 09, 2007

5 Killer Steps to avoid Credit Card SCAMS!

In August, 2004, the Federal Trade Commission issued their findings of a recent study, which showed that nearly 25 million adults were victims of fraud.

Now, most importantly, If you are a victim of fraud, please do not feel like you did anything wrong. It happens to all of us at one point or another, as the FTC’s study clearly shows. Everyone likes a magic trick, and none of us are fully capable of noticing the con-artists’ slight of hand. So, if you’re a victim, take a deep breath. You’re normal.

But, there’s an old saying that goes something like this: Fool me once, shame on you…Fool me twice, shame on me!”

Here are 5 KILLER STEPS to protect yourself from Credit Card SCAMS!

NATIONAL NO-CALL REGISTRY.

TELEPHONE SOLICITATION

1-900 NUMBERS.

ANNUAL FEES, INTEREST RATES, ETC.

THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

1. NATIONAL NO-CALL REGISTRY:

There’s nothing more annoying then those credit card offers that you get over the phone. I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want to be doing, while having dinner with my 1 year old daughter and my beautiful wife, is to be annoyed by phone calls from solicitors that just want to make money off me. Legitimate or not, these calls are a nuisance. If you’re like me, and you would rather live without dealing with these calls, then go do this:

The FTC has created the National Do-NOT-CALL registry. Go find out more information about it. The website is: http://www.donotcall.gov

If it makes sense, complete the online form.

Take a deep breath, and relax. Within 30 days, the list will start working for you. I can personally attest that, while the solicitations have not stopped completely, they have significantly, significantly decreased.

Join the FTC No-CALL-Registry, and enjoy a reduction in telephone solicitation phone calls.

2. TELEPHONE SOLICITATION:

Believe it or not, the vast majority of lenders out there are legitimate. Also, believe it or not, a lot of these lenders utilize telemarketing as a method of reaching out to potential customers.

But beware of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Legitimate Lenders never ask for a processing fee in order to complete your application (this does not include appraisals during a real estate transaction in Escrow…We are discussing credit cards here).

Keep your personal information to yourself! Don’t give out bank information, credit card numbers, social security numbers, etc., to someone you don’t know, on a telephone call. Use your common sense.

If you don’t have the offer in hand, or confirmed in writing, then don’t pay. This is fraud. Who is this person on the phone anyway? Get their phone number, their address, their federal tax ID number, and then tell them you’ll call back. If they’re legitimate, they’ll give it to you. If you question them, then I say trust your instincts. You’re probably right on target.

Who is this on the phone? Don’t trust people you haven’t had a chance to get to know. Don’t let one enticing offer on a phone call, be your guide...

3. 1-900 NUMBERS:

A 1-900 number is, of course, a phone number that charges the caller per minute for making the call. Whether it’s a 1-900 number, or a future manifestation of the same type of telephone service, be wary of doing business this way.

The most common Credit Card SCAM, in all of its different forms, is called an “ADVANCE FEE LOAD SCAM”. Typically, you will find these in the classified section of your local newspapers and trade magazines, and unfortunately, you’ll also see them floating around the internet.

In a nutshell, the perpetrator will guarantee you a loan, but you have to pay them an upfront fee first. The fee can range from $100 to several hundred dollars. The charges can be extracted using telephone services like 1-900 numbers. Beware of courier services, and transactions that avoid the US Postal service, often conducted so as to avoid detection. The scam is that once the fake company has your money, they disappear from the planet, leaving you a victim of their con. You are out money, and no credit card.

Now lets’ not confuse Advance Fee Load Scam artists with legitimate lenders and institutions. I can attest that there are real companies out there, trying to help you to get the credit, loans, and consumer debt services that you need. I believe in many of these services, and I believe in the convenience and power of the internet. However, use your common sense in all your business transactions in life, and that includes credit. Never give someone money without getting anything back in return. Never trust someone that you don’t know. Never get enticed into a deal that’s too good to be true.

Use your common sense, and don’t fall prey to the con artists slight of hand, such as the Advance Fee Load Scam...

4. ANNUAL FEES, INTEREST RATES, ETC.:

Credit Card Scams come in all different shapes and sizes. Many of them are, arguably, not scams at all, but let’s just call them credit card offers involving consumer unfriendly terms.

Read the fine-line. Every Credit Card Offer must provide the Consumer with written documentation on the terms of the offer.

Check the Annual Fee, the Interest Rates, the Cash Advance Fees, the Late Fees, and all other terms of the offer.

c) Make sure you know what you are getting. Some offers are for secured cards, some are for unsecured cards, and some offers are for shopping portals online and offline (Like a department store card). So, while none of these are scams, by definition, it is important that you fully understand the terms of the credit card offer that you are agreeing to.

Be a responsible consumer, and read the terms and conditions of your credit card offer...

5. THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION::

The best place to go for direct consumer information, protection, and remedy, is the United States Federal Trade Commission...

The FTC website is: http://www.ftc.gov

The FTC can provide you with TONS of free information about Credit Cards, and other consumer related concerns. They can help you learn more about what to avoid, how to be a smarter consumer, and what to do if you believe that you are a victim of fraud, and what your remedies may be.

The FTC is there to help...

SUMMARY:

Use the No-Call Registry to cut down telephone solicitations in your home and places of business. While many legitimate lenders utilize telemarketing, be careful. Don’t give out personal information to people you don’t know, don’t pay up-front processing fees over the phone, and get everything in writing. Consider yourself an advised consumer on “Advanced Fee Load” Scams, and look out for the signs, when these scams regrettably make their way to you. Read the terms of the offers that you are considering, and utilize the FTC website for trusted information, resources, and all related materials on consumer credit card issues.

We’ve enjoyed providing this information to you, and we wish you the best of luck in your pursuits. Remember to always seek out good advice from those you trust, and never turn your back on your own common sense.

Publisher’s Directions: This article may be freely distributed so long as the copyright, author’s information, disclaimer, and an active link (where possible) are included.

Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in the articles, reviews and other materials herein are those of the authors. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. The author will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through this site.


Wednesday, March 07, 2007

How to Establish Your Credit

It's been a Catch-22 dilemma, especially for young people, since the dawn of the Credit Age. You want credit, but you can't get credit because you've never had credit before. It's a situation everyone faces as they begin to try to become creditworthy.

In order to qualify for a credit card, you must me at least 18 years old (or 21, if you're a permanent resident of Puerto Rico). From then on, the rules get more complex and are subject to interpretation by credit card issuers. In general, however, you'll need a regular source of income or savings, so the credit card issuer can be assured you have the ability to repay the money. They'll also look at your credit history, which is where most young people will begin to have difficulty, because they don't HAVE any credit history.

If you happen to be a fulltime student when you fill out a credit application, make sure to notate that on your form. In many cases, credit card companies will be more lenient with fulltime students, and will issue cards with lower credit limits, in order to help them begin to establish a credit history. As time goes by and you prove yourself to be a good credit risk by paying your bills on time, you'll be able to ask your cardholders to increase your limits.

Another good way to help credit card companies see you as a good credit risk is to open a checking account or savings account, especially ones with debit cards. Debit cards are similar to credit cards, but they aren't loans. When you use the card in a store, they swipe it through their register the same as a charge card, but the money is automatically deducted from your checking or savings account. Using a debit card wisely can help convince credit card companies that you're a good credit risk.

There are some department stores that are very liberal about issuing cards to customers. You may be able to get a card with very little credit history--or none at all. However, you must be careful with many store cards, because the interest rates are often very high, sometimes 20 percent or more!

To establish a credit history using such cards, buy something relatively inexpensive and then pay it off in several installments. Don't pay it off completely when you get the bill (although that's a great plan for later, because you normally don't pay interest on charge cards if you pay them off in full every month). Instead, pay off the item over several months, to show that you can repay the bill on time and in full. Once you've done that a few times, your credit history will begin to show creditworthiness, and you can apply for lower rate cards that can be used in a wider variety of situations.

Having a major credit card is vital in many situations, such as renting a car, since they'll almost always ask to see a major credit card, even if you're paying cash for the rental. Remember, there are ways to obtain that major credit card, even if you have no credit history. Start small and continue to be responsible in building up your creditworthiness.

Copyright © Jeanette J. Fisher


Monday, March 05, 2007

Credit Card Insurance

A word of warning about Credit card repayment protection schemes

The people who sell you the policy and who take out your monthly payment for ‘card protection’ are not always (in fact, often aren’t) the people who you will be dealing with in the event of a claim.

So be careful.

I took out my credit card protection screen last November (2004). I merrily watched the monthly payments being taken up to date. I recently made a claim. ) I had a bosom attack and had to be off work for 8 weeks) I sent off for the claim forms, I sent them back, together with doctor’s certificate; and waited. I eventually got a petition from the insurance company request me to turn out that I was in work for the 6 calendar months prior to taking out the insurance. What??? You may ask! Why? Well Iodine called them and asked them – Why? The reply was that it was a ‘condition of the policy’ that I had to have got been in employment for the six calendar months up to the clip I took out the policy. ‘Why was ~I not asked for this information when Iodine took out the policy? I asked. The answer: ‘You volition have got to inquire your credit card company that, we just manage the claims. No amount of indignance of questioning got me a reasonable response. I set the phone down in disgust. After all, My monthly payments were accepted with no quiddity at all. Cipher asked me if Iodine was in employment for the preceding six calendar months when Iodine signed on the dotted line for ‘payment protection’.

I decided to name the credit card company and all I got was an automated machine request me for my sixteen-digit account number … holmium hum. Been here before when I was trying to get them to direct me out the claim form. I set the phone down.

Be warned. All is not what it looks to be. These cats will fall over themselves to sell you the payment protection. But you wait until you need to claim on it. It’s A different narrative then.

Don’t state I didn’t state you …


Sunday, March 04, 2007

Types of Credit Cards

There are a whole assortment of different types of credit cards available which can do choosing the right 1 a very confusing experience. In order to assist you decide, listed below is a utile dislocation of the assorted types of credit cards available.

Standard Credit Cards

Standard credit cards work as you might anticipate - with the cardholder using the card in order to pay for commodity and services up to their agreed credit limit. Repayments are made once every calendar month which must at least screen the agreed minimum repayment. These repayments will cover not only the capital borrowed but also the interest and extraneous charges collectible upon the amount borrowed, usually referred to as annual percentage rate. Standard credit cards should not be confused with debit entry cards where transactions are charged directly to your current account.

Charge Cards

Charge cards work in the same manner as normal credit cards with one difference, the balance of the charge card must be paid off in full every month. Charge cards are most regularly issued to either businesses or to consumers who may have got had a bad credit history in the past. If you have got a poor credit history then a charge card might be offered to you because the full monthly repayments would prevent spiralling debt. Charge cards are also popular with the affluent consumer as this kind of card can offer credit practically without boundaries. It should be noted that if the cardholder makes not pay off their balance once a calendar month as required then they could incur very brawny fines.

Platinum and Gold Credit Cards

Platinum and Gold credit cards are only available to appliers who earn a certain degree of annual income and, accordingly, offer a number of benefits to the cardholder which will change from supplier to provider. Higher credit bounds are usually associated with these types of credit card. If you fall into a higher income bracket and have got a good credit history then you will be able to profit from the advantages that such as a credit card offers.

Store Card

A fluctuation on the credit card, a shop card will allow the cardholder to do purchases with a peculiar retail merchant on a credit account. The cardholder can then effectively purchase merchandises without paying for them until a future date, when it is most convenient for them. You will often be offered price reductions on the commodity that you purchase with a shop credit card but it should be noted that the interest charged on such as cards are usually extremely high. This is an country that you must be certain to look into with prudence if you are considering obtaining; you might happen that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.

Reward Credit Cards

Reward credit cards, or loyalty cards, operate in a similar manner to charity cards except that the chief receiver of any benefits is the credit cardholder. Incentives may include cash bonuses, points, price reductions and Air Miles. With this type of credit card it is of import that you believe logically about the rewards being offered, and work out exactly how much you will need to pass on your credit card in order to harvest the benefits.

Charity Credit Cards

Charity credit cards offer all the usual benefits of a regular credit card but also donates a peculiar percentage of what you pass to the charity to which it is affiliated. These charity contributions are made at no extra cost to the cardholder and the card allows consumers to assist a good cause simply by disbursement money in the manner they always would. You can obtain credit cards for a whole range of diverse charities as well as arrangements such as as football game baseball clubs or universities.

You may freely reissue this article provided the author's life stays intact:


Saturday, March 03, 2007

How To Choose A Credit Card

Your credit score may just be a little number, but it packs a big punch. A poor credit score can keep you from getting a mortgage or a car loan. In addition, your credit score may haunt you for a long time if it suddenly drops. Of course, if you have a good credit score it opens a lot of doors for you. This is just one reason why it is important to think about which credit card you apply for before you do.

Every time you apply for a credit card, the company has to check your credit score. This is a bad thing. Numerous inquiries from credit card companies look bad on your credit report because it looks as though you are scrambling to open lines of credit, which can be a sign that you are struggling financially. Of course, this may not be the case. However, credit scoring companies all look at it the same way.

You can avoid scarring your credit score with credit card applications by choosing your card wisely. Choose a card that matches your lifestyle and works for you instead of against you. If you plan to pay off your balance each month, you might want a charge card instead of a credit card. American Express offers a number of charge cards with flexible spending programs that are perfect for people who plan to pay off their balance each month. They also offer some flexibility so that if you have an emergency you can use the card and pay off large charges over time. In addition most of their cards offer you reward points for using the card. On the downside, American Express charges an annual membership fee for having the card.

If you do not plan to use the card often, but plan to make large purchases on the card, which you will pay off over time you should get a revolving credit card, which allows you to carry a large balance over time. Of course there cards require you to pay interest on everything you buy. Interest expenses can get very high.

Other kinds of cards include:

1) A check guarantee card, issued by your bank, that you can use to ensure that your cheque will be honoured up to a certain limit.

2) A debit card, issued by your bank, where whatever you spend is immediately deducted from your bank account

Do you need a credit card?

a) A credit card means you don't need to carry huge amounts of cash around and risk losing it.

b) A credit card means you can buy items over the internet.

c) A credit card means you can make purchases abroad without having to worry about local currency.

d) A credit card gives the opportunity to spread the cost of a large payment over several months.

e) A credit card is useful in an emergency. For example, an unexpected repair to your house or car.

What You Need To Consider:

1) APR (Annual Percentage Rate)
This is the rate of interest that you will pay on any outstanding balance.

2) Special Introductory Rates
You may be offered a low or 0% rate of interest for a limited time (Up to 6 months) when you sign up for a new card. A higher rate of interest may be charged for cash withdrawals.

3) Balance Transfer Rate
Card issuers may offer you a lower rate of interest if your swap your balance from another credit card to theirs.

4) Interest Free period
Remember to check when interest payments will begin. Will you pay interest from the day of the purchase? Or will you have a number of days interest free before you begin to pay? There is usually no interest free period for cash withdrawals.

5) Cashback and Rewards
Some cards over points or rewards for every pound spent on the credit card. Make sure that these are appropriate for you. For example, there&'s no use collecting airmiles if you never fly.

6) Minimum Repayment
Remember to check what the minimum monthly repayment will be. If you borrow £1000 on your credit card the monthly minimum repayment will probably be in the region of £25. But if you only pay this amount each month it will take a long time to pay off the balance and cost a lot in total when you include the interest payments.

7) Annual Fees
This is the fee that the issuer will charge you every year for using their credit card. Not all credit cards have an annual fee, so remember to consider this when you are choosing which one is right for you.

8) Late Payments
There will be an extra charge, as well as the interest owed, if your payment is late. This charge may even be more than the amount you owe so be very careful to check what the charge is, and to ensure that all your payments are made on time. A good way of doing this is to set up a direct debit from your current account.

9) Exceeding Your Limit
You may also be charged a fee if you exceed your credit limit.

Choosing the right credit card is a complex decision, but it can be made easier by using the free online credit card finders at http://www.creditcardbuzz.com.


Thursday, March 01, 2007

Credit Card Vs. Debit Card - What Are The Main Differences

What is a Debit Card?
The card you utilize at the standard atmosphere is known as a debit entry card. When debit entry cards first appeared it was easy to state them apart from credit cards. Debit cards didn’t have got a credit card company logotype on them; instead, they usually just had your bank name, your account number and your name.

Today debit entry cards look exactly like credit cards even carrying the same logos. Both types of cards can be swiped at the checkout counter , used to do purchases on the internet, or to pay for the fill-up at the gas pump.

When you utilize your debit entry card to do a purchase, it’s just like using cash. The account that is attached to your debit entry entry card, in most cases your checking account, is automatically debited when you utilize your debit card. The cost of your purchase is deducted from the finances you have got in that account.

In the lawsuit of a credit card, you can pay just 5% of your measure amount and carry forward the balance to be paid the adjacent time. You make not have got to settle down all in one go. This is referred to as rotating credit.

What is a Credit Card?
On the other hand, when you utilize your credit card to do a purchase you are using someone’s else’s money, specifically the issuer of the credit card, usually a banking institution.

In effect, you hold to pay them back the money you borrowed to do your purchase. In improver you will also pay interest on the money “loaned” to you at the rate which you agreed to when you applied for their credit card. This is known as the annual percentage rate (APR).

While the two cards might move and expression alike, the degrees of consumer protection that each type of card supplies can be different.

Credit Cards offer Better Protection!
Under federal law, if person steals your credit card you're only responsible to pay the first $50 of unauthorised charges. However, if you advise the credit card issuer before a stealer is able to do any charges you may be free from all liability. If the credit card is not physically present when an unauthorised or fraudulent purchase is made, such as as over the internet, you’re also free from liability for those charges.

MasterCard and Visa offer zero-liability protection where you won’t wage any charges if person utilizes your credit card to do an unauthorised purchase.

The protection offered to debit entry card fraud is similar but with a few exceptions. For example, your liability under federal law is limited to $50, the same as for a credit card, but only if you advise the issuer within two business years of discovering the card's loss or theft. Your liability for debit entry entry entry entry card fraud can leap up to $500 if you don’t report the loss Oregon theft within two business days.

And if you are the type of individual that gives a passing play glimpse to your monthly bank statement, you could be totally apt for any fraudulent debit card charges if you wait 60 years or more than from the clip your statement is mailed.

Visa and MasterCard zero-liability protection uses to your debit card but only for transactions that make not affect the usage of your pin (personal designation number).

Additional protection against fraudulent usage of your credit or debit cards may be available through your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Check your policy or with your agent for more than information about your coverage.

Also be aware that you should reach your card issuer by certified letter, tax return reception requested, after you’ve contacted them by phone to protect your consumer rights.

As for which card to utilize for what type of purchase, most experts hold that you should utilize your debit entry card for the same type of purchases you’d do as if you were using cash. Therefore, it do more than sense to utilize your debit entry entry card than your credit card at the grocery shop store or gas station (provided you have got sufficient finances to cover these purchases of course).

Credit Card Purchase Disputes
You should avoid using your debit card for any online purchase or for something which is expensive. Why? The chief ground is that it is much easier to difference a charge when you utilize your credit card. Your credit card company will take the charge until the problem is resolved.

With your debit entry card you are stuck dealing with the merchant directly to decide any problems with a purchase. The merchant constitution will have got a debit entry terminal. When you give your card to do the payment, the card will be swiped. The minute it is done, an electronic message is sent to the bank which checks to see if the client have that much money in his/her account. A credit card necessitates the bank to do a payment to the merchant constitution (online shop, hotel or wherever you pass money using your card). The cardholder have to settle down the measure later.


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