September 2008

First time credit card applicants are at risk of falling into the most common pitfalls of the credit card world if someone doesn't take the time to warn them. Fortunately, I'm here to do just that. Before you put your name to that first credit card application, there are some things you need to know...

With the recent stock market drops, many are wondering if now is the time to buy low, and if they should borrow against their credit cards to do so. If you're one of those considering borrowing from credit cards to invest in stocks, there are some things you need to know before you make a huge mistake.

Assuming that you'd prefer not to actually write a check and stick it in the mail, you have other easy, online options to pay your credit card bill. You can approach this task from two directions -- either you have your credit card company deduct the payment from your bank account, or you use your bank's bill pay feature to send payment to your credit card company. Which method should you use?

Credit card companies are always looking for new ways to make their products more convenient for their customers, and keychain credit cards are one of them. These new little cards can be attached to your keychain and quickly waved in front of a card reader for fast purchases. Seems like a novel idea, but are they really the next generation in credit cards?

Credit cards can be both a blessing and a curse - and those who have been the victims of credit card fraud understand that sentiment all too well. Used cautiously, they can make purchases both in-person and online much easier to conduct. Used irresponsibly, or without the necessary oversight, however, credit cards can make you more vulnerable to fraud and wreak havoc on your finances. Here's some tips for avoiding the darker side of the credit card world.