Top 10 Credit Card Tips (Page 1 of 2)
The credit card has been one of the most popular inventions of this time, helping consumers acquire convenience and boosting consumer spending for the economy. However, credit cards have been exploited for the wrong reasons, and thus have become the main source of debt for many consumers. Thus, in order for credit cards to be beneficial, consumers would need to be well-informed on the proper usage of credit cards.
1. Pay off your outstanding balances each month
Rolling over outstanding balances will only result in snowballing debt. Credit card interest rates are amongst the highest as compared to other types of debt. With this, your cost of expenses is increased without any apparent benefit to you.
2. Transfer your high interest credit card balances to 0% APR credit cards
If your outstanding credit card balances are high, you should work out a balance transfer to other credit cards that offer introductory 0% APRs. This way, you can stagger monthly payments and pay off your credit card debt gradually without incurring additional interests.
3. Cut up high interest credit cards
Its time you evaluate your credit card interests, and cut up those that charge high interest rates, no matter how wonderful their reward programs at. At the end of the day, the rewards attained will not equate the additional interests incurred.
4. Be careful with your credit limit
As your credit limit may be 2 or 3 times greater than your monthly income, it can be fairly easy for you to overspend. Thus, when using your credit card, be sure that you dont charge more than what you can truly afford.
5. Check your credit card statements
Contrary to what you may believe, banks and credit card companies may make errors in their billing statements to you. Thus, it is best to have a habit of cross checking your credit card charges before making payment.
6. Automatic transfer payments
If your credit card is being used for grocery shopping, you can always arrange for an auto-payment with your bank to ensure that you always pay on time. However, you would still need to cross-check your credit card statements and make a complaint if you find any discrepancies.
7. No credit cards when window shopping
Do you have bad control over your shopping habits? If you are on a window shopping spree, it may be advisable not be bring your credit card. How else would you buy anything if you are out of cash with no credit cards? This is a good way to stop yourself from impulse purchases.
8. Be aware of your rights
Consumers are entitled to rights when it comes to making purchases. The government has set forth many guidelines for retailers in order to protect consumers. Thus, if you have paid for something which did not get sent to you, or if you purchase something that turns out to be faulty, you have every right to demand for a refund or make a report to the Federal Trade Commission.
Knowledge on FHA Home Loan Requirements
The Federal Housing Administration, FHA house loans program is a great American success story that has helped millions of people own homes thanks to friendly financial mortgage plans. This program has also catered for mortgage lenders by seeing to it that they are sufficiently protected against loan defaults by borrowers.
There are several FHA home loan requirements that must be met before one can qualify for these mortgage loans. These preconditions vary for each state in the US hence borrowers should be well informed prior to applying for these loans. On a broad perspective, FHA mortgage loans are very friendly compared to the conventional mortgages and hence they are worth considering.
To begin with, FHA house loans are only accessible from FHA-approved mortgage lenders. Borrowers should know that these loans are available for different housing types and with that comes a limit of the amount that can be borrowed.
Types of FHA Loans and Guidelines Typically, there are three payment methods i.e. the ten, fifteen and thirty-year fixed rate plans. In an effort to reduce situations where people want to buy homes but which they cannot afford, the FHA home loan requirements check the borrowers debt to income ratio. These ratios apply to all FHA Mortgages.
FHA loan guidelines center largely on a borrowers credit history. Good and timely repayment performance can automatically qualify you for FHA house loans. FHA credit scores requirements are very good compared to conventional mortgages in that one can still qualify even with a considerably bad credit history.
FHA home loan requirements also require property appraisals aside from credit reports. The same regulations also define which closing costs are applicable as fees and which amounts are reasonable to the borrower. The guidelines also regulate the borrowers history on bankruptcy and foreclosures. For example, one must show two and three years of good credit history after any bankruptcy and foreclosures histories respectively.
Important FHA Requirements Firms offering FHA house loans also need to see a stable three consecutive years of income proof along with proof that your bills are paid on time. There are limits on the type of property eligible for FHA loans. Typically condominiums and family houses qualify for most states but there can be other restrictions on modular or manufactured homes.
There can also be a restriction concerning the duration of time the seller has owned a house. Once the buyer meets the FHA home loan requirements, it is time to research the market for the best and most competitive current FHA mortgage rates.