Articles Category: Finance - Cliochang


Investments (1)	Mortgages (2)
Mutual Funds

Title\|Newest\|Oldest
Is Credit Counseling Appropriate For You? By : Nicholas Hunt Credit counseling and debt management is widely touted as a solution for debt and money problems, but it's not always appropriate. Find out whether it's suitable for you, and what to watch out for when choosing a counselor. Bad Credit: County Court Judgements Explained By : Martin Sumner County Court Judgements or CCJs will have a serious impact on your credit rating, making it more difficult to obtain finance. What are CCJs, and can you do anything about them? Credit Repair For Yourself By : Martin Sumner There are thousands of websites offering their services in repairing a bad credit rating. Unfortunately however, there's no magic bullet solution, but that doesn't mean there's nothing you can do to improve the situation. How A Recession May Affect First Time Property Buyers By : Nicholas Hunt While the looming recession is definitely worrying for most of us, there are some for whom it could actually bring good news. First time property buyers may soon find it easier to get on the property ladder. Pet Insurance : What To Look For By : Nicholas Hunt Keeping a pet can work out to be expensive, not least if you need to see a vetinary surgeon. Pet insurance can cushion the cost of injury or illness, but what do you need to know before you choose a policy? The Bare Minimum You Should Expect From A Credit Card By : Michael D. Strauss The credit card has over the years evolved into a complex beast, with many often conflicting features to consider before applying. Before comparing the extras tacked on to a card, you need to make sure the basics are right if you're going to get a good deal. An Introduction to Loan Repayment Holidays By : Michael D. Strauss Loans offering a repayment holiday facility are becoming increasingly popular. What exactly does this feature offer, and who can benefit? Pet Insurance For Pampered Pets By : Nicholas Hunt As our pampered pets live longer and longer lives, the veterinary costs of keeping them healthy can grow rapidly. Find out why pet insurance might be an idea worth considering. Why Is Your Car Insurance So Expensive? By : Nicholas Hunt Car insurance is an unavoidable expense, and seems to get ever more costly. By examining what insurers are looking for in a customer, you should be able to cut your premiums. Strategies For Coping With Your Debts By : Martin Sumner Being in debt can seem overwhelming, but there ARE ways of coping. This article gives brief details of some of the most popular debt strategies, helping you to decide which way forward is right for you. 8 Easy Routes to Cheaper Car Insurance By : Nicholas Hunt Car insurance is an expense that no driver can avoid, but there are some simple ways to reduce the cost as much as possible. Try these 8 ideas to see how much you could save. Keeping Track Of Your Credit Card APR By : Michael D. Strauss Your credit card's APR determines how expensive it is to use your card, and is one of the most important things to consider when comparing new cards. However, existing cardholders need to keep an eye on their APRs too. Debt Consolidation or Debt Management? By : Martin Sumner Both debt consolidation and debt management are widely advertised as solutions to debt problems. What's the difference between them, and which one is right for you? About Basic Bank Accounts By : Nicholas Hunt There are still around 3 million adults in the UK today who are completely outside the banking system, and don't have access to a bank account. Basic bank accounts are a simple type of account introduced to help remedy the situation. Face Up to Your Debts, They Won't Go Away By : Martin Sumner Having debt problems is a stressful and sometimes scary experience, and it's tempting to ignore the situation. Facing up to your debts is the first step to getting back on an even keel. Is Credit Card APR All That Counts? By : Michael D. Strauss Choosing a credit card isn't simply a matter of going for the one with the lowest APR interest rate, you need to match the card to the way you spend. Getting it wrong can be costly, so how do you decide which type of card to apply for? Get in Control of Your Credit Card Debt By : Michael D. Strauss Using credit cards can make day to day life more simple, reducing the need to carry cash and making it easy to shop online and by telephone. However, spending with plastic can sometimes be a little too easy, and many people find their balances get out of control. Credit Card Balance Transfer Fees By : Michael D. Strauss Credit card balance transfer offers were so popular that they ended up costing the credit card industry serious amounts of money. Something had to be done, so the balance transfer 'handling fee' was born. Flat Rate Credit Cards By : Michael D. Strauss Most credit cards feature different interest rates depending on how they're used. Purchases, balance transfers, cash withdrawals, introductory offers... the number of different rates can be confusing. Flat rate cards charge the same APR for everything, making it easier to keep track of how much your card is costing. Credit Card Cheques - An Expensive Convenience By : Michael D. Strauss Credit card cheques are touted by card issuers as a convenient way to use your account when cards aren't accepted, but it's not always made clear how much they cost. Is Cashback The Future For Credit Cards? By : Michael D. Strauss Cashback is a feature of credit cards that is rapidly growing in popularity. Why is this and how could you benefit? How Important Is Credit Card APR? By : Michael D. Strauss Many credit card advertisements feature a low APR as the most prominent feature, but is that the most important thing with a card? There are many other benefits to consider, which might be more valuable than a low rate. Simple Steps to Prevent Credit Card Fraud By : Michael D. Strauss Credit card fraud costs hundreds of millions every year, and is a distressing and damaging experience for the victims. Fortunately, there are some simple ways of vastly reducing the chances of it happening to you. Spreading Christmas Costs With A Personal Loan By : Michael D. Strauss As the nights are drawing in our thoughts should be turning with anticipation to the festive season. For many of us though, financial worries cast a shadow over the celebrations - could a personal loan be the answer? Which Kind Of Credit Card Should I Choose? By : Michael D. Strauss There are so many credit cards available with different features, it can be hard to decide which one to apply for. A simple way of narrowing the field is to base your decision on your spending habits, rather than being swayed by eyecatching advertisements promoting features you may not need. When Not To Use A Credit Card By : Michael D. Strauss Credit cards are a convenient part of modern life, but unfortunately it can be all too easy to run up problem levels of debt. Knowing when card use is inappropriate will help prevent your card getting you into trouble. The Downsides to Debt Consolidation By : Michael D. Strauss Debt consolidation is often portrayed as a simple way out of your debt troubles and money worries, but when is life ever that simple? There are drawbacks to consolidation that you need to bear in mind before making your decision to continue. Choosing Cashback Or Rewards Credit Cards By : Michael D. Strauss With the demise of balance transfers as an attractive credit card offer, cashback and rewards schemes are growing in popularity. Find out what they are and how you could profit from using them. Getting a Loan When You're a Tenant By : Michael D. Strauss It's been easier than ever in recent years for people who own their own home to be accepted for loans and other credit. What's the situation for tenants and others who aren't homeowners? For And Against Debt Management By : Martin Sumner With millions of people facing serious debt problems, debt management is widely offered as a solution. But what are the pros and cons of management, and is it right for you? About Dormant Bank Accounts By : Nicholas Hunt It's estimated that up to �5bn may be sitting unclaimed in UK dormant bank accounts. Could you be entitled to a share? Do You Have Financial Phobia? By : Martin Sumner More and more people are suffering from a fear of personal finance, which can have a devastating effect on their lives. What is financial phobia, and what causes it? Comparing Secured and Unsecured Loans By : Michael D. Strauss The internet is awash with advertisements urging you to solve your financial worries with a personal loan, but taking out the wrong kind can be disastrous for your financial future. In this article we compare the benefits and drawbacks of secured and unsecured loans. Credit Cards: Why You Should Pay More Than The Minimum By : Michael D. Strauss Credit cards are a great convenience, but it can be all to easy to let your debt slide out of control. Making only the minimum repayments will make the situation worse, and this article explains why. Are Online Credit Card Applications Too Easy? By : Michael D. Strauss Applying online for a credit card is easier than ever, but there is a danger to be aware of. Find out the harm it can do to your credit rating, and how to avoid it. Why We're So Deeply In Debt By : Martin Sumner Financial experts have long warned that personal debt is a timebomb waiting to go off. How did we get into so much debt? Charity Credit Cards - A Good Deal? By : Michael D. Strauss Charity credit cards are often presented as an easy way to donate to charity without any cost to yourself, but is it really that simple? This article shows how there might be more cost effective options available. About Sports Affinity Credit Cards By : Michael D. Strauss Sports affinity cards let you donate funds to your team at no direct cost to yourself, and also offer other benefits of interest to sports fans. Find out if one is right for you. The Most Popular Uses For A Personal Loan By : Michael D. Strauss We're constantly being enticed to take out a personal loan or other kind of finance through advertisements and marketing, and the number of people applying for finance keeps on rising. What are we spending the money on? Why Choose A Gas Credit Card? By : Michael D. Strauss Gas credit cards are now available from almost every gas station it seems. Why would you choose one over an ordinary card? Some Common Loans Jargon Explained By : Martin Sumner The financial services industry is very keen on jargon, and it can sometimes be difficult to be sure of what you're applying for. Here we'll explain some common loans terms and what they mean for your application. Deciding Whether A Payday Loan Is Right For You By : Martin Sumner Payday loans have both advantages and disadvantages, and it pays to consider them carefully before applying. Find out what you need to know to make the best use out of them. Don't Let Your Debts Spiral Out Of Control By : Martin Sumner Debt problems can seem overwhelming and impossible to confront, but it's only by acting positively that we can start to solve them. Find out how you can fight back against your debts. 5 Reasons To Stop And Think Before Taking Out A Secured Loan By : Michael D. Strauss Taking out a secured loan can have far reaching consequences for your finances, and so it pays to take your time over the decision. This article discusses some of the potential drawbacks that you should be aware of before committing to a loan. A Brief History Of Credit Cards By : Michael D. Strauss Despite being so commonplace in modern life, credit cards have a relatively short history. Read when the first cards appeared, and how they developed into the products we know today. The Different Types Of Online Loan Sites By : Michael D. Strauss With all the thousands of loan sites on the web, how do you know which one to choose? Read about the different kinds of site you'll come across during your loan research. Alternatives To Consider Before Taking Out A Payday Loan By : Martin Sumner Payday loans can be useful in an emergency, but are not a good choice for long term borrowing. What other alternatives might be available to you? Using The Snowball Effect To Eliminate Your Debt By : Martin Sumner There are many methods you can use to legitimately reduce your debt, but one of the most effective is the so-called snowball effect. Find out what it is and why it's so powerful. Using Debt Consolidation Wisely By : Martin Sumner Debt consolidation can make a bad situation worse if it's not done correctly. Find out what you should be considering before committing yourself to taking out a loan. Could Your Debt Cost You Your Home? By : Martin Sumner The repossession of your home is the ultimate nightmare for people struggling with debts, but the good news is it's not an easy process to force through and is rarer than you may think. Find out the stages involved and how you can stop it happening to you. Comparing Payday Loans To Personal Loans By : Martin Sumner There's no denying that payday loans are an expensive form of credit compared to personal loans. Why might you choose to take one out, if they're so costly? What's All The Fuss Over Bank Charges? By : Nicholas Hunt The media has recently been filled with coverage of the battle over bank charges, and whether they're fair or excessive. How will the outcome affect banking customers? What Does The Credit Crunch Mean For Personal Loans? By : Michael D. Strauss You've doubtless seen the media coverage of the so-called credit crunch that has had the economists and bankers growing increasingly worried recently. However, it's not just an issue affecting the arcane world of high finance, it will have consequences for those wishing to take out a personal loan, too. A Debt Management Primer By : Martin Sumner Debt management is an effective strategy for people with serious financial problems. Find out what it is, and what the benefits and drawbacks are. The Basics Behind Personal Loans By : Michael D. Strauss Are you properly prepared to make a loan application? There are certain basics you need to know about before plumping for the perfect loan deal. Online Banking Security: What You Can Do To Help By : Nicholas Hunt Online banking is generally a very safe activity given the efforts put into security by the banks. However, some of the responsibility for keeping the account safe falls onto the customer, and there are several basic things that should be done to help prevent fraud. Personal Loans And Payment Protection Insurance By : Martin Sumner Payment protection insurance (PPI) can be a useful option when you're taking out a loan, but isn't always appropriate or necessary. Find out what you need to know before making the decision. Do You Really Need A Credit Card? By : Michael D. Strauss What can you do if you want the convenience of a credit card without the risk of running up debts? There are three main alternatives you should consider. Enjoying the Benefits of a Prepaid Credit Card By : Michael D. Strauss Prepaid cards are an increasingly popular kind of payment method. But why might you choose one over a normal credit card? Online Banking With Safety In Mind By : Nicholas Hunt Conducting your banking affairs online can be a great convenience and time saver, but can also be a potential risk. Find out how to enjoy the benefits without leaving the door open for fraudsters. Are Balance Transfers Still Worthwhile? By : Michael D. Strauss The introduction of credit card balance transfer fees has taken a lot of the steam out of the activity known as card surfing, as it is no longer possible to move debt around for free. But does this mean that transfers are no longer worthwhile? How Credit Scoring and Loans Interact By : Michael D. Strauss Your credit score is one of the most important factors in getting approved for a loan. How is it calculated, and how does it affect your application? Signs That A Loan Site Is Trustworthy By : Martin Sumner A loan is an important financial commitment, and so you should only deal with reputable web sites when applying. How can you tell which ones are trustworthy and which ones to avoid? Is The Time Right To Switch Your Current Account? By : Nicholas Hunt The range of facilities offered by current or checking accounts has improved dramatically over recent years, including such benefits as higher interest earnings and cheaper overdrafts. Isn't it time to see if you could improve on your existing account? A Debt Consolidation Primer By : Martin Sumner Debt consolidation is a common reason for taking out a loan, and can be very effective in relieving debt problems and stress. However, you should only take the plunge after weighing up the risks as well as the benefits. Three Reasons To Check Your Credit Card Statement By : Michael D. Strauss Opening and reading your credit card statements every month can easily be neglected in favour of other more interesting activities, but this could be a mistake. Read the three reasons you should stay on top of your statements. Credit Card Basics By : Michael D. Strauss Applying for a credit card is a common online activity, but how can you decide which one to go for? Understanding the basics will go a long way in helping you to reach your decision. Balance Transfers Plus A Savings Account Equals Easy Cash By : Michael D. Strauss The practice of shifting debt from one credit card to another to take advantage of 0% balance transfer deals isn't as popular as it once was, but a related activity is still alive and well. Find out how balance transfers could actually make you money for nothing. A Positive Approach To Debt Problems By : Martin Sumner As the economy takes a turn for the worse, more and more people are going to be struggling with debt problems. It's vital to take a positive approach and meet them head on, or the situation will just get more and more dangerous. Are Payday Loans Worth The Cost? By : Martin Sumner No kind of finance is going to be particularly cheap, but payday loans are among the most costly kinds of credit you could come across. Are they worth the expense? Is It Time To Upgrade Your Credit Card? By : Michael D. Strauss If you've been using the same credit card for several years, you could well be missing out. Competition in the credit card industry over the years has delivered more and more benefits for cardholders. Is it time you upgraded to a better deal? Clearing Up Credit Card Jargon By : Michael D. Strauss Credit card companies are almost gleeful in the amount of jargon they use, rarely using a simple word when a few obscure ones will do. Find out what some of the most common terms mean, and how they affect your choices when applying for a new card. Do You Really Need A Secured Loan? By : Michael D. Strauss You might not always know it from the bright and breezy TV adverts, but a secured loan is a very serious financial commitment, potentially putting your home at risk. Before applying, it's a good idea to ask yourself whether an alternative is a better option. Does Your Credit Card Pay Its Way? By : Michael D. Strauss Most people by now aware of the potential dangers of credit cards in that it's all to easy to run up excessive debts. However, not as many people realise that using a credit card can actually be a profitable activity. Credit Cards And Your Credit Score By : Michael D. Strauss Your credit rating is the major factor in deciding what kind of credit card is worth applying for. Find out what you can expect at different levels of credit scoring. The Mechanics Of Debt Consolidation By : Martin Sumner The years of cheap and easy credit are over, and many of us are now having to face up to unsustainable levels of personal debt. Paradoxically, taking out a new loan for debt consolidation can in many cases ease the pressure. Can A Payday Loan Work For You? By : Martin Sumner A payday loan can be a very useful service for those times when you run out of cash before your next paycheck, but there are downsides too. Find out how they're best used and when they're best avoided. Staying Out Of Trouble With Your Credit Card By : Michael D. Strauss While credit cards can certainly be convenient and useful, they can also pose dangers to your financial wellbeing. Following a few simple rules, however, will keep you out of trouble. The True Cost Of Late Credit Card Repayments By : Michael D. Strauss Despite the recent reductions in the amount you're charged for making a late payment on your credit card, it's still best to avoid it when you can. Find out why there's more than a simple fee involved. Benefits Of A Business Credit Card By : Michael D. Strauss Running a business means that there are dozens of things competing for your time, and so anything you can do to streamline your operation is to be welcomed. Find out how taking out a business credit card can improve the financial side of your enterprise. Getting The Most Benefit From Your Rewards Credit Card By : Michael D. Strauss Credit cards with a rewards program can be a very valuable way of profiting from your everyday spending, but to get the best out of them you need to use them wisely. Find out how to maximize the benefits you'll get. Why Take Out Pet Insurance? By : Nicholas Hunt Insurance is something that few of us like paying, no matter what it is we're covering. A policy for your pets, however, can literally be a lifesaver if circumstances take an unhappy turn. How The Credit Crunch Could Be Good News For Savers By : Nicholas Hunt Most financial analysts are predicting tough times ahead, as the uncertainty over bank debt exposure causes a tightening up of credit. However, one group of banking customers could stand to benefit from the whole mess. Can You Really Improve Your Credit Rating? By : Martin Sumner Your credit rating is an essential part of deciding whether you can get a loan or other finance on decent terms. If yours is damaged, is there anything you can do to improve the situation? Avoiding The Payday Loan Trap By : Martin Sumner Payday loans can be a valuable financial lifeline, but if used unwisely they can be a very difficult trap to escape from. Find out why you should think carefully about alternatives before taking out a loan. Choosing Between Cash Back Or Rewards Credit Cards By : Michael D. Strauss These days, more and more credit cards are offering enticements to spend more in the shape of cash back and rewards programs. Which version is right for you? How Debt Consolidation Can Go Wrong By : Michael D. Strauss Consolidation can be a powerful tool for getting in control of your debts, but can also be dangerous if done badly. Find out the pitfalls to avoid when consolidating your debts. How The Credit Crunch Will Affect People With Debt Problems By : Martin Sumner Although the crisis is rooted in high finance, the global credit crunch has implications for us all. How will it impact on people already struggling with debt problems? Payday Loans : For and Against By : Martin Sumner Payday loans are a relatively new service for UK residents, and with all the controversy surrounding them it's a good idea to know what you're getting into before you apply. This article sheds some light on the subject. Getting a Credit Card with a Bad Credit Rating By : Michael D. Strauss Paying by plastic is becoming ever more common, not least because of the rise of online shopping. How can people with poor credit ratings get approved for a credit card?

Submit Articles
Member Login
Top Authors
Most Popular Articles
Ezine Notifications
Article RSS Feeds

About Us
Link to Us
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service