What Happens When You Can’t Pay Your Credit Card Debts?

February 8, 2012 by  
Filed under Credit Basics

The following is a guest post by Stewart Smith

If you’ve been hit by the credit card bug, the one that breeds off your inability to practice wise money management, it means soon you will be left with a heap of unpaid credit card bills and warning letters from the creditors. Outstanding credit card balance is quite common nowadays. In this age of economic meltdown and post recession hangover, millions of Americans are struggling with their unpaid credit card debts. Do you have any idea what exactly happens to you when you become ensnared in the quagmire of credit card debts? Read on to know the consequences of unpaid credit card bills in detail.

Note-Debtors who are struggling with excessive credit card debts can opt for credit card debt settlement and can help you to get out of debt to some extent.

The age of your debt does matter

Actually the outcome of unpaid credit card bills depends on several factors. First and foremost, the most crucial factor that determines what happens to unpaid credit card debt is how old your debt has become. With the passage of time, the unpaid bills get charged off or creditors sell them off to a collection agency. If you are presently receiving collection calls for some long lost unpaid dues, your first duty should be checking whether the accounts are in delinquent status or not. In order to avoid any damage to your credit score, make sure you credit report remains updated and all the delinquent accounts are removed from your credit report. In terms of your credit score, paying your charged off accounts wont help you much as the damage has already been done, but in the long run it will help you as it will improve your chances of getting new credit.

Credit report

The next question that immediately comes to mind is how long these missed payments will be there in your credit report. Actually after 7 long years from the date it is being recorded as charged-off to the credit bureau, it reaches its delinquent status. Remember once this period of inactivity ends, this delinquency would drift off your credit report. Nevertheless, a number of things can take place within these 7 long years.

Can the creditors sue you for unpaid credit card bills?

If your creditors or collection agency fails to recover the owed amount, they can sue you for that. However, if you can keep a track of when the statute of limitations runs out in your state, you can be saved from this impending danger. The statute of limitations refers to the time-frame within which your creditor, or the collection agency, can file a lawsuit against you to retrieve the debt amount. If you find out that you are still receiving collection calls after the statue of limitation passes out, you can immediately stop it by sending a written request to them.

In case you get sued by the creditors, make sure you reply to the court summons, attend the hearing in person and most importantly hire an experienced attorney to represent yourself. This is because if you miss the hearing date, the lenders will win the case by default judgment. In worst situations, if the creditor wins the case, as per the court order, you might have to face wage garnishment or lien placement on your assets or property. The creditors won’t be able to compel you to sell off your primary residence, but they can adversely affect your ability to sell the home off and once you manage to sell the home off the creditors will always have the first right to take their share, from the earnings.

Keep the aforementioned points in mind and next time going forward, try to pay the credit card bills right on time.

 

 

Budget Basics-Why Is Budgeting So Important

November 17, 2011 by  
Filed under Credit Basics

Budget basics is the first thing that comes to mind when people are trying to get the most out of the resources they currently have. Unfortunately most consumers only think of budgets when they are short on cash. Students may think of budgeting as a necessity since most will have expenses combined with limited income. Couples may think of budgeting when they are thinking about marriage, a first home and even starting a family. Seniors and retirees will literally live on a budget since their income is pretty much set. The point I am trying to make here is rather simple. When we think of budgeting, we generally associate it with people who are struggling or just getting bye. This should never be the case.

Understanding budget basics is essential for achieving both short-term and long-term goals. Whether we are talking about fortune 500 companies, the average Joe or a wealthy individual, any financial success would have started with a sound budget. I’m sure most of you already know and understand all this but we decided to do this article just as a refresher for everyone.

Budget Basics-Making Short-Term And Long-Term Projections And Goals

By utilizing budget basics in your everyday life, you can effectively plan for short-term expenses such as rent, gas, electric, phone etc. Next will come your mid-term or intermediate expenses such as vacations, Christmas or any other yearly occurrence that is important to you and your family. And finally there are your long-term expenses, such as buying a home, sending a child to college, and of course retirement. The trick is to easily see what is coming in and what is going out so you will know what needs to be cut back on, what you can loosen up on a bit, and how long it will take for you to achieve your long-term goals.

Budget Basics-Preventing A Crisis

By understanding budget basics, you can avoid getting into a financial crisis. I’m sure most every one of you knows by now what this is all about. Whenever you can least afford something, that is when it happens. For instance you go food shopping on a Friday night only to wake up on Saturday morning only to realize that your refrigerator is no longer working. How sweet is that. With a well-rounded budget you will have the funds to take care of this. What happens though if you have already gone through your emergency funds on a prior emergency that happened not that long ago? Well by having a good budget in place it will show you what expenses you may possibly postpone or even shift around just a little bit in order to take care of this new emergency.

Budget Basics-Getting The Most Out Of Your Money

Understanding the budget basics will definitely help you get the most out of your money. Most consumers fully understand budgeting for large expenditures. However it could be the little ones that are ruining your finances. Let me give you a quick example of what I am talking about. How many times a week do you buy your lunch as opposed to brown bagging it. Here is an interesting stat for you. On average, a consumer could pay their gas and electric bill every month just by the money they would save if they simply decided to brown bag their lunch as opposed to buying it, not to mention the health benefits this would be supplying as well. Budget basics such as this will show you all aspects of your spending habits that if changed, could possibly pay you big dividends down the road.

Budget Basics-Planning For Changes In The Future.

Finally, by fully understanding budget basics, you will be putting yourself in a good position if there comes a time for change in your future. For example, maybe you are married and have decided to start your family. Can one of you be a stay at home parent or do you both need to continue to work. Or maybe it’s time to move into a larger home or add an edition on to your existing one. Whatever the case may be, by planning well and budgeting you can achieve all of your financial goals.

Credit Cards-What Every Consumer Should Know

November 14, 2011 by  
Filed under Credit Basics

According to recent studies, consumers stay with their original company and continue to use these credit cards an average of 15 to 17 years after first signing up with them. Therefore it is by no coincidence that credit card companies will target young people as potential customers. It’s also probably safe to say that the sooner they can get these young people (before they are properly educated on credit cards) the longer they will have them. Rather then discussing some of the tactics credit card companies will use to get new young customers, let’s just dive right in and talk about what every consumer should understand right from the beginning in order for them to avoid the need for credit consolidation services.

The Pro’s And Cons Of Using Credit Cards.

Lets jump right in and start this discussion with the pros and cons of using credit cards.  A few of the advantages would be in case of an emergency you would have the ability to get what you need, and there is no doubt that this is huge. It is definitely safer then carrying cash. If lost or stolen your cards are protected and you will get them back. Unfortunately, we cannot say the same with cash. This also will give every consumer their proof of purchase. I cannot tell you how many receipts I have lost over the years especially when Christmas shopping. I think everyone will also agree that they are more convenient then writing out checks all the time. Another great option for consumers with using credit cards is the ability to consolidate some of their debts. By combining all of their higher interest rate cards onto a lower one is a huge advantage for consumers who are in good standings with their credit card companies. I’m sure everyone can think of more pros but we just wanted to list some of the most common ones.

Now lets discuss some of the cons with using credit cards. The first one of course would be the interest rates that are applied. If you purchased a $600.00 dollar item on a card charging you 15% and only paid the monthly minimum that could take you roughly 7 years to pay off. That is definitely not a turn on. Add that to the next disadvantage of increase impulse buys and that could lead to financial trouble. Most people will more easily buy on impulse when carrying a card then when they are using cash. Another disadvantage of using credit cards is the additional fees that can arise from them. Whether it’s a monthly surcharge fee, late fees or over charge fees, these can really add up upon the life of the card. Now if you put these cons on multiple cards you can see how easily it can cause financial ruin for any consumer when they do not use them wisely. Thankfully, there are very good credit card debt relief companies available for people who run into these types of problems.

Credit Cards-Consumers Responsibilities

Credit cards come with responsibilities that every consumer should adhere to. Buying on impulse should be put at the top of everyone’s list and is definitely a no-no. Never buy more then you can afford to pay back also belongs at the top of the list. For example, do you really need that 52’ flat screen as opposed to the 36” or 42”.  You should always pay you bill on time, and if something should come up always notify your creditors right away. Every consumer should strongly understand his or her credit agreement and contract. Remember this, you can never use “I did not know” as an excuse, as it will not work.  Finally, do not delay contacting your creditors if your credit cards are lost or stolen. You must report this as soon as it happens or once you realize it.

Credit Consolidation-Explained

October 21, 2011 by  
Filed under Credit Basics

Credit consolidation is simply combining all your unsecured debt into a single monthly payment that generally can be paid off in about 1 to 3 years (shouldn’t be more then 5 for extreme cases). It is also referred to as debt consolidation, debt settlement, debt negotiation, debt counseling, and debt relief. Contrary to belief, it does not automatically mean you must take out a loan in order to consolidate your credit. That is just one method (thus the term, credit consolidation loan). As you can see by its various names listed above, there are many ways to achieve consolidation.

Credit Consolidation-What Does It Cover

Credit consolidation or any of the above listed terms does not only cover unsecured credit card debt, as most consumers would believe. It can cover personal loans, medical bills, small business debt, gas cards, department store cards, accounts in collection, as well as private student loans. It generally won’t cover federal student loans and mortgages.

Credit Consolidation-Is It time For Me To Get started

You should begin to consider credit consolidation or debt settlement when you first begin to have serious doubts about your ability to meet all your financial obligations.  Perhaps your credit cards compounded interest is beginning to take on freighting proportions and it seems impossible for you to even put a dent in your credit balances. Or maybe your beginning to get those calls every night while your trying to enjoy a simple quiet dinner at home with your family.  Wherever you’re at personally, you deserve to have the peace of mind so you can once again sleep well at nights knowing everything is going to be Okay.

Credit Consolidation-Who Are The Top Companies

Top credit consolidation services will have certain attributes in common. They will have good track records not only with their clients but within the industry as well. They should be current with all the laws, rules and regulations that govern the industry. Years of experience are a definite plus as I’m sure everyone can agree on, and obviously, they should be in good standing with the better business bureau. And of course,  it only helps their credentials if their members of such companies as Dun & Bradsheet, and Tasc,  just to name a few.  All this is covered further in our help centers so please be patient as you will soon understand the importance of this all.

Credit Consolidation-Now What

If your thinking about any type of credit consolidation (Loan, settlement, counseling, management etc) you have found the absolute best resource on the internet. The credit-debt-help-site does not promote nor endorse any one service, product or company. We are not one of those cheesy review websites either.  Here at the credit-debt-help-site we simply gather up and report all relevant information and services in the industry so you the consumer can make an educated decision as to what program is best suited for you. We understand that everyone has their own unique and personal situation that needs to be addressed and no two are the exact same.  All the companies and services we have listed for your consideration are BBB A+ rated that do guarantee results and with absolutely no obligations needed on your behalf.

Simply go to our credit consolidation & settlement center (at top of every page & to the right. Also there is a direct link located at bottom of  this page) and read over the trusted and reputable companies and descriptions we have for each. Then click on the link of company or companies that may interest you according to your needs, fill out the simple  non-intrusive form (takes about 20 seconds) and then speak with them. (Remember, never any cost or obligations to do this).  Keep in mind our  credit consolidation and settlement center is second to none on the web as we have listed only the best of the best for you. We have done all the research and completed all the legwork as well. These companies have literally helped millions of people over the years.

It has never been made any easier for you to once again get control of your finances so you may enjoy a brighter tomorrow.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER INTO OUR CREDIT CONSOLIDATION & SETTLEMENT CENTER

Yours Truly,

Michael

Credit Consolidation Services-Choosing The Right One

October 20, 2011 by  
Filed under Credit Basics

Using credit consolidation services is a great way for anyone to get out of debt while still enjoying a good quality of life. Once the average consumer reaches a certain threshold of credit debt, even with a decent interest rate, it would still take them a minimum of 18 years just to get out from under this. Just so we all understand the significance of this, I am not talking about a large sum of credit debt here. This is referring to just $5,000.00 on your favorite card. Not a very comforting thought is it.

What Are Credit Consolidation Services

When using consolidation services, you’re basically taking out a loan from a company, or negotiating your interest rates to lower your monthly payments, or even eliminating a percentage of your debt from your lenders. By doing this you will not only get out of debt much quicker, you will also have saved a small fortune in interest rates.

Using credit consolidation services is also a far better option then filing for bankruptcy. Without going into all the details, it could take many years and a lot of hard work to get out from under the ugly stigma of you having filed for bankruptcy.

Choosing The Best Credit Consolidation Service

Deciding what are the best credit consolidation programs (or debt consolidation) are just right for you is not an easy decision and should not be taken lightly. Your future financial stability could very well depend on this.

When doing your initial research, first check to see what their qualifications may be. Most credit consolidation services will have some sort of minimum amount of debt you must have in order to qualify. It can range anywhere from $ 5,000.00 up to  $ 15,000.00, so make sure you have a pretty good idea of where you’re at with this.

It is also extremely important when choosing credit consolidation services, that you also have a good feel for them. You can only do this by talking openly and honestly with them, after all, there about to become your new best friend for a while.

Credit Consolidation Services-Where Do I Start And How Do I begin

Well, that’s an easy answer. You start right here, right now, and we will show you how to begin with absolutely no cost or obligations needed from you what-so-ever.  Some how or some way you have found yourself at the Credit-Debt-Help-Site where we take these responsibilities very seriously. We have done all the legwork for you and have listed only the top qualified credit consolidation services in the industry here.  Just enter our credit consolidation and settlement center (link located at bottom of page, also the  tab is located at top of page and to the right) and begin choosing the best one for you.  All of the services and companies we have listed are BBB A+ rated that guarantee results. You should talk to a few if possible, just to ensure you find the perfect fit for you. Everyone will qualify for the first company we have listed so you should automatically fill out their information page , which is just a simple contact form (they all only take about 20 seconds to complete and are non-intrusive).

It is that easy folks. If you’re serious about getting your finances and life back in order, I urge you to please just take action. There is no cost, and no obligations needed from you. So just talk to a few of these highly rated credit debt consolidation services and see what you think.

With all the great information and resources we have provided here for you ( at absolutely no cost or obligation what-so-ever), we strongly believe there is no reason for any consumer to feel the need to look any further in order to find the best credit consolidation services for their own particular unique situation.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER INTO OUR DEBT CONSOLIDATION AND SETTLEMENT CENTER

Yours Truly,

Michael

Credit Card Debt Relief-Looking for help

October 16, 2011 by  
Filed under Credit Basics

Credit card debt relief could be a necessary option if you find yourself over your head in debt with little possibility of solving the problem without some form of assistance. Even if you only owe $5,000.dollars, this is still a great option if your having difficulties meeting your required obligations.

How Exactly Do I Get Credit Card Debt Relief.

Credit card debt relief can be achieved through various methods. A person may opt for a credit consolidation loan, credit counseling, a debt settlement program, bankruptcy or the ever popular “do nothing” method.

We believe that bankruptcy should only be a viable option for you if it is proven to be absolutely necessary. The long-term credit consequences and the general stigma of this being on your credit history are in most cases,  just  not worth it.

Credit counseling is another way a person can achieve credit card debt relief. This will involve working directly with credit card companies so a consumer can lower the amount of interest their being charged. A person can be debt free from that particular debt in about 5 years while saving some money from the lower interest that was originally charged. A problem with this method is a lot of these companies are set up by the credit card companies themselves, with the goal being to collect as much as they can from the original amount.  They will call themselves non-profit, but after all of their operation expenses are paid, the rest of the money goes back into the credit card companies pockets. Truthfully now, how many of you saw that coming. Plus, any assistance that comes from these companies show up on your credit report as TPA (third party assistance). There is really not much difference between that and bankruptcy as far as your credit rating will go.

Getting a credit consolidation loan is another method many consumers use to get credit card debt relief. This basically is achieved by getting a loan using a secured asset and then using that money to pay off all of your credit card debt. This eliminates all of your high interest credit card debt while combining everything into one monthly payment. This is a pretty good option for some people who are in need of credit card debt relief, and generally works out real well for them.

Credit card debt relief can also be done with a good debt settlement plan. A negotiator working on your behalf would obtain a debt settlement for less then the amount owed. Let’s say you owe $ 5,000 dollars to a particular creditor. This could be settled for about $3,000.00 thus saving you the 2,000.00 plus all the interest you would have paid by taking longer to pay back that additional money. As you can see the savings will be significant. Keep in mind using this method will not hurt your FICO credit score. Initially your rating will be lowered, but once you’re in a program your score will go back up to where it was originally in a rather short period of time.

And finally there is the ever popular ’do nothing” method. I don’t believe we really need to get into all the problems this solution causes. Besides all the stress, embarrassment, lawsuits, repossessions, fear, and generally the miserable life it will cause you to have, it’s just not worth it considering all the great options we have right here at the credit debt help site.

Credit Card Debt Relief-Final Thoughts

Using a credit card debt relief program is an effective strategy for any family or individual who finds them selves over-extended. By using a reputable credit consolidation service, a consumer can repay their debts in a realistic and fair way  generally within a few years time frame.

Here, at the Credit-Debt-Help-Site we have done all the research and legwork for you. We have compiled only the absolute best of the best within the entire industry. We list only BBB A+ rated companies that have combined to help over 1.2 million individual’s and families to date.  To learn more about credit card debt relief, just enter our debt consolidation & settlement center (direct link at bottom of page, also you can find the tabs to enter at the top and to the right) and simply follow our instructions ( takes about 30 seconds to do so) and you will be on the road to financial recovery today.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER INTO OUR DEBT CONSOLIDATION & SETTLEMENT CENTER

Yours Truly,

Michael

Credit Report-Understanding Your Fico Credit Score

Credit reports and understanding your FICO credit score is essential whether you are trying to buy a home, a new car or applying for a credit card. Lenders will want to determine the risk their taking by lending you the money. Most lenders use your FICO credit score (you have 1 score for each of the 3 major credit agencies) to determine if they are willing to lend you money, how much money and at what terms you will receive.

FICO Credit Score-What exactly is it and how do they get it

Your FICO credit score, named after the company that developed it, Fair Isaac & Company is a number between 350 and 850 ( though some reports have it going as high as 900). Lenders believe the higher the number, the better chance you will make your loan payments and make them on time. They use a variety of information to come up with this score. It’s often been compared to a laundry list of all your credit accounts, all payment history, as well as some other personal information that when combined together will be the determining factor for most lenders as to your credit worthiness.

FICO Credit Score – Let’s Brake It Down.

Payment History – 35% of your score is based on your payment history of making payments on time and not missing any. This probably is the most important item lenders will look at when determining your credit worthiness.

Amount Owed – 30% of your score is based on this number. This is derived by taking amount you owe relative to amount of credit available. Your considered a higher risk if your close to maxing out your credit. Lenders believe your more apt to late payments therefore lowering your credit score.

Length Of Credit History – 15% of your FICO credit score will be based on this number. This is just how it sounds. The longer you have an account opened in good standing, the better your credit score. Simply put, your score considers your oldest account and average length of all accounts.

New Credit – 10% of your FICO credit score is determined by this factor. Opening up several new accounts in a short period of time is not a very good idea. This can lead to a lower score. Also, the amount of inquiries can affect your score as well. This does not include any inquires made by you, a potential employer, or if done so by a lender wanting to send you an unsolicited pre-approved credit offer.

Types Of credit In Use – 10% will be determined by the various mix of credit lines currently in use by you. Such as credit cards, retail accounts, finance company loans as well as mortgage loans are considered.

FICO Credit Score – How Do I Measure Up?

Roughly 60 percent of people have credit scores of 700 and above. A score of 720 is the number everyone should be shooting for. If your score is 720, there’s really no need to try and raise it because lenders lump you in the same category as folks with a score of say 800 or 820. With a score of 720 or above, lenders will consider you a safe risk and typically you should receive what you need at a good rate with no problems. If however, your score is below 700, then it is definitely worth your time and effort to pump up that number.

If your looking to increase you FICO credit score, just check out our how to fix credit products and services and see what resources our site has to offer.

Credit Card Debt Program-The Right Way To Go

Of course I am just generalizing since there is no way for me to know everyone’s own unique situation. However, being that I am considered a pretty good resource in this industry as well as having high valued knowledge in this field I can make those kinds of statements. As you will soon learn, I am not a big fan of credit card companies or their practices. So yes, I will always advise everyone to find a good credit card debt program and then join to eliminate credit debt of this kind as quickly as possible.

Credit Card Debt Program-Saving Each Consumer Thousands Of Dollars

It’s estimated that it will take the average consumer about 18 years to pay off a credit card debt of just $5,000.00 if they pay the monthly minimum. Of course this figure is based upon them also having a descent interest rate as well. Since the average credit debt in America is much high then this, and with interest rates across the industry being high, well let’s just say it’s not a pretty picture. By finding a good credit card debt program you will be able to eliminate credit debt in just a few years. This will literally save you thousands of dollars just in interest.

Credit Card Debt Program-Why should I Join One

Many people often ask why should they even care about joining a credit card debt program when they can just file for bankruptcy if their situation doesn’t improve. Without going into all the details right here, this procedure should only be used as the last option if your situation warrants it and it provides you with the only way to eliminate credit debt so you can begin to live again. It could take you a long time, not including all the hard work you will have to do, to rid yourself of that stigma of having filed for bankruptcy. Remember, when you join a credit card debt program, not only will you eliminate credit debt much quicker then usual, but you will also be improving your credit worthiness as well.

Credit Card Debt Program-Where Do I Start

If your credit card debt is high, or even out of control and you feel the need to eliminate credit debt of this kind from your life then its time to look for a good credit card debt program that will help you achieve this. The Credit-Debt-Help-Site is probably one of the most, if not the most, leading resources for the average consumer wishing to find this type of help. We have done all the leg work for you already and have listed only the top companies in the industry for you to choose from. Just click on the debt consolidation and settlement tab at the top of page or to the right to begin.

Finding a good credit card debt program that’s right for you has never been easier. Look over our listings, fill in a few of the forms as requested,( a 1 minute or 2 minute procedure at most), and simply talk to  their  representative about your situation and how they can help you. Of course you will be under no obligation, and this is a free consultation so there should not be anything holding you back. So go ahead, fill out a few forms and see for yourself what they have to offer you.

Also, check out what Google has on this topic as well. Just click on their displays located at the bottom of page and middle right hand side of our pages. (off gray color boxes)

Your Truly,

Michael

Pay Credit Debt Down-A Forgotten Goal

September 6, 2011 by  
Filed under Credit Basics, Living Debt & Credit Free

Pay credit debt down, used to be four words of wisdom we would always hear from our grandparents or parents whenever offering us advice about our future. If we suddenly came into money, or even if we received a generous gift from someone, you could always count on that phone call telling you the importance of you to pay credit debt down if your going to have a secure future.

With little to no growth in our economy, and with jobs hard to come by, for most people paying down their credit debt is no longer an option, let alone a goal to even consider. Of course this is not the only reason we simply fail to pay credit debt down in order to increase our savings potential. With the average credit debt higher then ever, mostly because of over use and abuse of credit cards, most people can only afford to make the minimum payments that are due to their creditors, which will keep them in debt to them for a long, long time. With all this in mind, is there a way we can still change our habits and live again by this once treasured, but now forgotten rule of achieving financial security 101.

Before we get into that, we first must start to eliminate credit debt from just our basic everyday living expenses that is nothing short of flat out being wasteful. Do we really need to order out lunch everyday at work. Start brown bagging at least 3 times a week and you’ll be surprised how quickly that adds up. Do we really need all those extra cable channels we pay for, or 2 extra pairs of running shoes that hardly get any use at all. As you see, you can eliminate credit debt from just about anywhere you want. OK, that’s a great start, now what. How do we achieve the bigger goal.

Well, first we need to look at this in its simplest form, and understand what our grandparents and parents were trying to teach us. If we were to pay credit debt down, we should expect to at some point eliminate credit debt, which would then increase our savings power, thus creating a more secure future for ourselves and family. Sounds easy enough right, but in today’s society not probable with our must have it now attitude.

Actually folks, it is that simple if we just know where to start. Lets start at the beginning. We decided were going to pay credit debt down in order to eliminate credit debt so we can then increase our savings power. First, we need to live like they did. In other words start eliminating expenses that are just not necessary.  Stop using your credit cards unless its an emergency, live within your means, and finally sit down and create a budget for your family and stick with it.

These simple steps will allow you to pay credit debt down, eliminate credit debt, thus increasing your savings potential. See, I told you it was easy.

OK, enough already with some tips that you may or may not find amusing. What if you need help to pay credit debt down so you can once again enjoy your everyday life. I promise you are in fact at the right place. Just check out our different help centers located at the top of this page and also to your right. Everything you will need from credit repair to debt settlement is right here. We have done all the legwork for you and only list the best programs that are currently available to consumers.  If you should come across anything you think is better then what we are featuring  just contact us and we will either add it or explain to you why we don’t have it listed.

Yours Truly

Michael

The 6 Common Credit Card Mistakes That People Often Commit

June 16, 2011 by  
Filed under Credit Basics

The following is a guest post by Rebecca Lawrence Smith

In today’s world for many people, rampant usage of credit cards has become a way of life. Many of you now prefer to carry plastic money instead of liquid cash. Though some people use their credit cards wisely, it is also apparent that way to many use their credit cards foolishly. If you don’t pay enough attention when spending, you may find yourself falling into a grave debt situation. This will put a huge amount of financial, as well as mental stress on you. You may need to seek  professional credit card debt help in order to get out of this situation.  You may also opt for credit card consolidation or credit card debt settlement. It will be better if you don’t fall into credit card debt at all. Here are some common credit card mistakes that people commit way to often.

Keeping too many credit cards

One of the common financial blunders that people often commit is keeping too many credit cards. Holding too many cards is not a good sign. This may sometimes tempt you to use some of these cards for unnecessary purposes. If you fall deep into unsecured credit card debt, you may need to seek professional credit card debt help.

Don’t use credit cards for buying necessary items

You should have a realistic budget in place. It is foolish to purchase unnecessary items by using a credit card. If you are not able to pay off your credit card debt in time, then you will incur interest charges on that purchase. Ideally, credit cards should only be used for expenses of some foreseen emergencies

Ignoring your monthly statement

Take the credit card statement seriously. The statement shows you whether or not the charges on it are correct. This will not only help you pay keep accurate records, but will also help prevent you from paying more then you actually owe. Moreover, in this era of increasing identity theft, what you need to do is to check the statement thoroughly. And the sooner you do it, the better it is for you. Checking the credit card balance will also help you to know whether or not you have exceeded your credit limit.

Making late payments

Making late payments in your outstanding debts is indeed a very big financial mistake that you commit quite often. In this case, you not only have to make late payment charges, but it has serious negative implications too. It adversely affects your credit report and damages your FICO score badly. These in turn jeopardize your prospects of getting better terms for future loans.

Using credit cards for paying medical bills

Medical costs are huge in the country. If you indeed face difficulty in paying your medical bills, you can negotiate with the hospital whom you owe money. But it is recommended that you should not use credit cards to pay your medical bills. These types of charges can lead to credit card debt that you simply will not be able to get out from.

Taking out cash advances

This is a very costly thing that you frequently do with your credit cards. The fees associated with cash advances are very steep and the rate of interest is also very high. The cash advances should not be taken with your credit card, unless and until there is an absolute emergency.

If you want to know more about this topic, simply click on debtconsolidationcare.com/credit-card.html

Rebecca is considered an expert financial blogger and webmaster for several finance sites. If you would like to read more of her work or visit her site, simply click on the link above.

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