How often, each month, do you get in the mail, read on line, or see on TV about “pre-approved” credit card offers?  Don’t they all push on accepting the offer before it expires? If you are looking for a credit card, take some time to review the offers to get the best credit card available to you.

Here are some tips when looking for the best credit card for you:

1. Look into the credit card terms and conditions.  These are the fees associated with making purchases on the card, transferring balances to the card, taking cash withdrawals, and late fees.  You can easily compare the annual percentage rate between credit card offers.  The annual percentage rate is a way to measure what the credit actually costs you.  Beware of variable annual percentage rates! If you are considering credit card offers with variable APR’s, find out how often the rate can be changed, how it effects the finance charges you are billed each month, and how the rate is determined.

2. Find out whether or not the credit cards you are considering charge an annual membership fee.  Annual fees can range from $25 to $100 a year. There are some platinum credit cards charging several hundred dollars.  This is an annual fee regardless if you ever make a purchase with the credit card.  If you’re going to pay an annual fee on a credit card, there should be rewards or low rates that make the fee worth paying. Otherwise our recommendation is not to apply for a credit card that requires an annual fee.

3. Does the credit card have a grace period?  Many credit cards offer up to 60 days to make payments interest free, without finance charges, just by paying your entire balance on time.  Credit cards that do not have this free period can charge you a finance charge from the date you make a credit card purchase, or from the date each charge is posted to the account.  Also consider transaction fees, and other fees associated with having the credit card.  Beware almost every credit card has a fee if you take a cash advance or make your payment past the due date.

4. Find out whether or not there is a monthly fee charged to the account when you don’t make any purchases. There are some credit cards that will charge you monthly even if you haven’t made a purchase with the credit card. Avoid selecting a credit card that includes these additional fees.

5. You’ll also want to consider the reward programs offered from each credit card you are considering.  If you are a frequent business traveler, it makes sense to look at reward programs which earn you discounted flights, hotels, and car rentals on your credit card purchases. Over time, your purchases will result in free travel, making the credit card with the travel rewards program a great choice for the frequent traveler.  A very popular form of credit card rewards program is the cash back offer.  These credit cards will reward spenders with 1% to 5% cash back for all of their purchases- either credited back to the credit card or sent as a check to the card holder.  This may be a good card for you if you pay your balances off each month in full, because typically a cash back card will have a higher percentage rate than cards without cash back programs.

6. Many credit card web sites will provide instant approval when you apply online. These can be very good sources in securing a credit card quickly. You will often get your credit card within 3-5 days after approval verse several weeks if you apply through the mail. Also, you will know instantly if your credit rating is good when you apply on line as you get immediate feedback. However, do not apply online until you have done your research in all the other areas described above.

In summary, when selecting a credit card do not jump on any offer until you have done your research. Spend a little time doing your homework and learning about the different credit cards available to you in order to get the best rates and best deals for your credit purchases. Then when you get those offers in the mail or look on line, you will know which credit card is best for you!

Do you have a child in college or heading off to college? Trying to figure out how to pay for their education? Having children myself in college, we have done extensive research on ways to assist in funding their education. Student loans can be a solid option if you do your research. Student loans for college are usually classified as “good” debt. Like a mortgage or a business loan, borrowing for education can be a smart investment in a student’s future. There are some basic areas which must be considered as you research a student loan. A couple of these are discussed for your consideration below:
What is a parent’s role?
So many of us intended to save for our child’s education but with the fast rising cost of living, real life doesn’t always play out the way we intend. The assumption that college costs are unaffordable has become so widespread many families don’t even attempt the student loan channel. Many families find themselves in a predicament when it comes to paying for college. The government assumes that many families earn too much to qualify for loans. However, many of those families are struggling to pay steep mortgages and keep up with the sharply rising cost of living. Private loans can be a smart way for parents to help their children through college without leaving their child with debts that can be astronomical in proportion to starting wages in a new career. There are many private programs available which can assist in your research and decision. One of those private programs is recommended below.
What is the student’s role?
Students in college, or entering college, congratulations you’ve embarked on a journey. You have taken the first step out of your parent’s “nest” and are beginning the direction for your future life and career. One of the steps many student’s don’t consider while in college is establishing their credit. Using student loans (responsibly) to fund your college education is an excellent way to begin building your credit. Like mentioned above, private student loans are a solid option in funding your college education. Many reputable programs will provide you the direction and funds to supplement your education. More importantly, by taking on a student loan you are investing in your future and have a “stake” in your future.

Do keep in mind, regardless of who is applying for a loan, make sure that any loan you consider has the following:
-NO application deadlines
-NO fees to apply
-NO payments until you finish school
If any of the lenders you consider charge for any of the above areas, our recommendation is to politely thank them for their time and move on to another lending institution.

We believe some combination of the educational cost burden is best if shared between parents and student. By sharing in the loan process, the student begins to learn responsibility and help in establishing their credit for their future without placing the entire burden on the parents.

We found Simple Tuition’s design easy to use in applying for a college loan. They bring an objective, sortable, online comparison solution that will make your college borrowing choices a whole lot clearer. They have more than 20 lenders for comparison to make the best college funding choice for you and your family. They have a simple, straightforward navigation with a complex engine which provides real numbers in your decision process. They stand behind the accuracy of their results and are dedicated to the importance of this decision for students and families.

Here are testimonials from a few of satisfied college students. Click here to apply today!

The AccountNow™ Debit MasterCard® is also a favorite with us.  Like most debit cards, there is no credit check or security deposit with your application, guaranteed instant approval. Also if you load your AccountNow™ Debit MasterCard® via direct deposit they do not charge an activation fee. The Debit MasterCard® does not require any minimum balances and will not charge for any overdraft.
Click here to apply