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Here’s what you need to know when applying for a student credit card

Here’s what you need to know when applying for a student credit card

Building a credit history is important for a number of things. These are things like getting good housing or getting a loan. But you can’t get a good credit card without having good history. But for good history, you need a credit card. So, where does this circle start and where does it end? Getting a Student Credit Card To get a credit card, you have to provide proof of employment and income. You should be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for a student credit card. First Steps If you don’t have an independent source of income as of yet, you can become an authorized user on another do not as yet have an independent source of income, you can become an authorized user on another adult’s credit card. This can be your parent’s or older sibling’s card. Make sure that your usage is being reported to credit bureaus. Also clear any and all dues on time. You can also get a Secured Card. Here, you make a security deposit with the issuer and this serves as your credit line. However, it’s reported as a normal credit card to credit bureaus. This lets you start building a credit history that you can use later on.
Here’s how you can manage your credit card usage

Here’s how you can manage your credit card usage

A credit card is a convenience that can be a godsend for most of us. It enables cashless transactions, purchases on credit, helps manage cash flows, and get reward points and cashbacks. However, if you’re not careful, they can lead to debt and penalties that can be tough to get out of. Here’s how you can plan your credit card usage. Plan your monthly budget and don’t spend beyond this limit Pay off your dues in full and on time Frequent missed or late payment leads to an increase in interest rate or to lowered credit limit If you have to carry a balance on your card, clear this off as soon as possible. Credit card interest charges can accumulate fast and get you into a lot of debt. Cash advances carry higher interest rates. The interest rate is charged from day one, without grace period. The minimum payment option can lead you into a debt trap The more balance you carry over, the more interest you incur. Even your new purchases will be charged an interest within the grace period. Don’t miss payments and avoid making late payments Enable text and email alerts for your credit card dues and due dates Set up auto debit to clear your dues on time every month Enable email alerts that send you a message when your card has been used in a transaction, when you’re nearing the credit limit and so on These enable you to keep track of and manage your card usage.
Here’s what you need to know about cashback credit cards

Here’s what you need to know about cashback credit cards

A credit card is a card issued by a bank that allows the cardholder to purchase services and goods on credit. The card issuer, which in most cases is a bank, will provide a ‘revolving account’ ( the type of credit account) through which the cardholder may make payment on part of the balance. Interest is charged on the unpaid balance. That’s then added to the total that the user owes. The card issuer grants a ‘credit line’ to the holder, from which money can be borrowed for payment to a merchant. The term ‘credit line’ is also used to refer to the credit limit of a customer, that is, the maximum amount of credit a customer is allowed. Cashback Reward Program Cashback is one of the many perks that card issuers offer to cardholders as incentives. This program is operated by the card issuer, where a percentage rate(around 0.5 to 2%) of select purchases is paid back to the cardholders. For example, if your card gives you 1% cashback, then you’ll earn $1 for every $100 you pay. Sometimes cashback is paid annually, monthly, or at the end of the year. Some card issuers need cardholders to call to get cash back.
Here’s how to get the best business credit cards

Here’s how to get the best business credit cards

A business credit card provides a way to access funds for your business. This is particularly useful for small businesses. It might not always be easy to get loans. A credit card provides a way to make purchases on credit. Business credit cards come with higher limits when compared to personal cards. Many business credit cards offer reward programs. Choose the card carefully, see if you can the rewards that are offered. A small business can benefit from getting a good business credit card. It provides access to ready credit. You a need to have an excellent credit score to get the best cards. Business cards also let you issue cards to your employees. Business cards offer points for purchases in different categories like office supplies, mobile phones, phone plans, travel etc. Some cards offer rewards exclusively in one category. When you’re looking for cards, see if you can the rewards that are offered. If you intend to carry a balance on your credit card, look for cards with a low APR. Also look for cards with no annual fee.These types of cards may not offer many perks but they help you keep costs down by offering low interest rates.
How to choose the best travel rewards credit card for you

How to choose the best travel rewards credit card for you

Travel rewards cards are a great option if you’re a frequent traveler and accumulate points quickly. That depends on whether you frequently use one airline for travel and stay at one hotel chain. Travel Cards – Low Interest or Rewards Program? ● You can get travel cards that offer no perks. These are mainly low APR or no annual fee cards. They help keep interest rate and costs down, but there is no way to convert your card usage into rewards. ● If you have a good credit score and can manage your credit card balance, choose travel rewards credit cards ● If a card comes with no annual fee for the first year, check what the fee would be the next year. If the fee cancels the benefits provided by the rewards program, choose another card. ● If a card offers low or 0% APR for an initial period, check the regular APR to see if it would suit your habits Travel Rewards Cards – Types Travel rewards cards can be co-branded cards. That is, they’re tied to a particular airline or hotel chain. These can help you get rewards and other benefits from loyalty programs. However, if you don’t stick to a single airline or a particular hotel chain, don’t get these cards.
These are the most popular credit cards of 2017

These are the most popular credit cards of 2017

There are numerous credit cards that offer cash back, reward points, air miles, hotel points, low APRs, 0% balance transfer, and other benefits. Which one is right for you? No single credit card offers the best of all these features. Some are better in some aspects, while others appeal to a different kind of customer. But here’s what you need to know about the best credit cards of this year. The most popular credit cards of 2016-17 were: ● Chase Freedom Unlimited ● Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card ● Discover It – Cashback Match ● FlexPerks Reserve Visa Signature Card ● Spectrum Rewards Card ● Bank Americard Cash Rewards Credit Card ● Chase Slate ● Citi Diamond Preferred Card ● Bank Americard Credit Card These are just a few, from different categories like travel points, cash back, low APR and so on. But which one is the best for you? Travel cards Do you travel a lot? Look for a card that gives you a lot of travel benefits. The best cards let you collect 2x points on travel. They’re flexible about letting you transfer points to any hotel or airline loyalty program. Cash back credit cards Look for cards that give you good cash back offers on different purchases.
How to manage your cash rewards from credit cards

How to manage your cash rewards from credit cards

Many people all over the US have a soft corner for the cash rewards that credit cards have. One of the most significant reasons behind this is that cash rewards are simple to redeem and easy to understand. When compared to miles and points, the money can help you earn interest if they’re left unused. Plus, they’ve never been subject to the continuously altering terms and conditions of travel programs and card issuing authorities. Some people use cash rewards credit cards for day to day expenses. This can be around $2500 monthly on average. Numerous cards offer 2 percent cash returns with every purchase you make in selected stores. If you can manage to earn cash back of $50 every month, it adds up to $600 in a year. You can keep this significant amount as savings or indulge in some more shopping. Make Timely Payments Getting rewards with each purchase can be tempting. But before you select cash rewards credit cards, ensure that you’re ready to pay the whole balance at the end of each month. If you use your card frequently, you shouldn’t neglect your responsibility to pay it off. Otherwise, the interests would add up making it difficult to pay off in one go.
Reasons why financial management is important for business

Reasons why financial management is important for business

In an ideal world, any business with a novel idea and a solid value system should be successful, right? Yes, but those are not the only criteria that are mandatory. A thorough financial management policy is equally important. Irrespective of whether your business is part of the service, merchandising or manufacturing industry, and whether it is a sole proprietorship, partnership, a limited liability, a corporation or a cooperative, having control over the flow of money into and outside the business is crucial. Bookkeeping, financing, cash flow, budgeting, resource planning, tax returns, and debt monitoring are concepts linked closely to financial management. Maintaining clear, straightforward accounts for all the money that you handle in your business activities eliminates unnecessary confusion and in fact, helps increase profits. Budgeting is essential to ensure that you spend money in the right manner for the successful growth of your business and not indulge in extravagant expenses that do not reap any benefits whatsoever. Paying salary, fees, bills, and all such routine expenses on time will avoid fines and penalties. Another aspect of running a business deals with policies of marketing, distribution and pricing your products/services. These must be given attention and inward remittances must be demanded promptly.
Factors to determine the best balance transfer card

Factors to determine the best balance transfer card

Taking a stand on which best balance transfer card is the right choice for you can seem like a daunting task. Being up to date and knowledgeable about the best balance transfer process can help you sail through this issue hassle and problem free. Generally, choosing the best balance transfer card boils down to the various factors listed below: The balance transfer fee : A fee is charged by most cards to move your balance from another card. This is the typical cost that an individual incurs when transferring their balance to a new card. The transfer charge is normally anywhere between 3% to 5%. The fee can be tacked on to your balance by the bank, rather than making you pay the transfer fee upfront. But keep in mind that you will have to pay the transfer fee charged by the bank. This fee could add an additional amount to your already existing debt depending on the size of the balance that you are transferring and the interest rate that you are currently paying for it. This could actually prove to be enough to wipe out the interest savings from the 0% APR period. Majority of the cards available have a transfer fee attached to them, but there are a few of them who don’t.
All you need to know about liability insurance

All you need to know about liability insurance

Insurance is defined as, “a thing providing protection against a possible eventuality.” Liability insurance protects individuals and companies against the possible eventuality of having legal charges levied against them and held lawfully responsible for things such as malpractice, injury, negligence or mismanagement. Liability insurance will not provide cover for an intentional violation of agreements or contracts and deliberate damages caused by the insured party. This type of insurance policy usually includes legal costs, unless specifically mentioned otherwise, and settlements for the insured, that is, the person or organization covered by a liability insurance policy. However, in reality, it usually means that the affected party is given monetary compensation on behalf of the insured. Imperative for many professions, a liability insurance policy is especially beneficial for those who are purposely involved in activities that endanger others. Although there is no planned motivation to cause injury or loss, the relative probability of some harm happening because of their line of work is quite high. Medical practitioners, product manufacturers, and most types of business entrepreneurs are some of the people who need liability insurance policies. Any manufacturing industry or commercial business could cause physical harm to people or damage properties belonging to the public, owing to their wide range of business activities.
3 common types of brokerage accounts

3 common types of brokerage accounts

As tempting as the amenities provided by a brokerage firm may sound, have you ever wondered what’s in it for them? And why and how they are able to pull off these tempting offers to woo customers? The answer lies in the different types of accounts a brokerage firm has to offer. There are usually three kinds of brokerage accounts as listed below: Cash-management account This is the most basic kind in this category. In this account where the investor places his funds in order to trade. Depending upon the type of cash-management account, an investor may choose to have a full-service account, which provides expert financial advisors and helps develop investment plans, and at the discretion of the investor, the financial advisor can be chosen as his power of attorney. The broker helps manage the account for the client and charges a fee either as a commission or advisory fee. An advisory fee can be between 0.5 and 1.5% of the total account balance, while a commission can be a small percent of the money invested in that particular commodity. A margin account This type of account is of a slightly sophisticated kind. In this case, the investor buys his securities with the money borrowed from his broker.