Save Money With A Balance Transfer Credit Card

It is estimated that about a third of people fail to pay off their credit or store card balances in full every month, and therefore pay interest on the balance. If that applies to you, the chances are you could save money by applying for a new credit card which offers zero (or low) interest balance transfers.

The way this works is that you take out a new credit card offering such a deal and immediately ask them to pay off the debt on your old card. The balance on your old card then becomes zero, and the entire balance goes on to your new card instead, with its zero or low interest rate.

A number of card issuers offer these deals. Zero rate offers typically last from five to twelve months. If you are confident that you can pay off the entire balance during this time, they are a good choice for saving money.

If you think it may take longer to pay off the outstanding balance, a better option may be to apply for a card which offers a low rate for the entire life of the balance (i.e. until it is repaid). American Express™ offers a fixed, low APR for the life of the balance with its Platinum card.

If you are currently paying interest on a balance with your current card, it makes sense to transfer your existing store or credit card balance to another provider. There are a few points to watch out for, however.

1. Check if there is a charge for balance transfers

Balance transfer fees are becoming more common as credit card issuers try to recover some of the money they lose by offering interest-free periods. Fees range up to 2% of the total balance. However, there are still several card providers offering free balance transfers.

2. Remember to pay off your balance every month

Even though the card issuer offers an interest-free period, you will still have to make the minimum monthly payments by the monthly due date, or you will be charged interest.

3. Avoid spending extra on the card used for the transfer

Most credit cards pay off balance transfers preferentially, so if you incur any other debts on the card, they will not be discharged until the entire transferred balance is paid off. That means any new spending will be “trapped” on the card, accruing full interest charges. If you are using your new card to service a balance transfer, therefore, do NOT use it for additional spending as well – use another card instead.

4. Switch again when the introductory period expires

If you have failed to pay off the balance completely once the 0% introductory rate for balance transfers expires, you could apply for another card and transfer your balance again. However, if you plan to do this you should always remember, in the month the 0% deal ends, to move the debt again to another 0% offer. This means you will need to apply for another card about six weeks before the introductory period ends. You will need to be well organized and remind yourself to do this.

5. Note that your credit rating may suffer

If you apply for a number of credit cards, especially at the same time, your applications will be noted by the credit reference agencies, and your credit score may suffer. The most important preventative measure is to spread card applications out. Do this and most people with reasonable income and no bad debts will be fine, though be aware that there will be a small risk to your ability to get competitive credit in future.

Having decided on the type of balance transfer deal you are looking for, do take the time to study the market and see what is available. Do not simply fill in and return the next credit card application form that arrives in the mail. Credit card comparison sites such as www.finest-credit-cards.com can make this easier for you by listing all current card offers for you to choose from, and also have a range of articles offering unbiased advice and information.

About The Author Nick Davis is the owner of http://www.finest-credit-cards.com, which aims to match you up with the ideal credit card to suit your situation. With details of all the leading card offers updated daily, plus informative articles to guide you in your choice, you will never pick the wrong credit card again.

The Art of Business Cards

So you have decided to run or you already run your own home based business. You have a website up and maybe you’ve even submitted some articles to get some one way links.

Don’t overlook a great source of inexpensive advertising. Consider buying or even designing your own business cards. Your cards don’t have to be elaborate. If your business is strictly web based then make sure your name, email, and website address are listed. Perhaps include a small blurb about the site. If you are a Virtual Assistant, make sure and list some kind of mailing address (even if it means getting a PO Box). Let’s face it, people are leary if they don’t know where we are actually located.

The web is full of great graphics you can use. My advice: KISS. Keep It Simple Silly. A busy card is an overlooked card. Keep your card clean and professional. You can get a package of business card paper at Wal-Mart for about four dollars. There are also some places on the web that you can buy them from at great rates.

Now, go and give them out. Most Wal-Marts and local supermarkets have free bulletin boards. Put one there. A lot of restaurants have a little bowl you can drop your card into to try and win a free lunch.

Remember, your business card should reflect your personality and your professionalism

About The Author Robin Christian is the owner-operator of Sooner Services, Virtual Assistance and Consulting. Visit her website located at http://www.soonerservices.com to see her areas of speciality and affordable rates. robin@soonerservices.co

Can Money Buy You Happiness?

Who needs money in his everyday life? We encounter the need for money almost everywhere, from shopping to eating at stalls and even to the basic needs. We feel contented if these needs are satisfiably met, however, if not, this can cause worry which leads to unhappy lifestyle. It is somehow true what our parents used to teach us that money can't buy happiness because it cannot be literally bought. Of course it cannot. Nevertheless, everyday we are being bought with money from the time you wake up to the time you go to sleep. If you don't have such resources, how then can you survive and will you be happy with it?

Morally speaking, money can't buy happiness because of the implications towards us that our happiness should not depend on material things. But reality check, it is true that money can buy happiness and psychological studies has proven the theory.

A poll survey conducted by Adweek tackled affirmations from different age brackets in the society that tells us that money is equated to happiness. The older one gets the greater is his linkage of happiness with money due to the burden of mortgages, college funds and midlife responsibilities.

Although it depends on your own the definition of money and happiness. Imagine that you wake up to go to school and ask your Mom to give you allowance, then she says "No!". Does it make you happy to hear that from her? On a larger scale, why do people go to lottery stalls to take their chances of winning? The hope to alleviate their lives, if they are happy with their present situation then why should they go to the lottery to take their chances? All of us are working to provide for our needs and it is frustrating to think that you wake up in the morning with no food in the table.

There is no need for a study to know that wealthy people can afford more merry-makings because their money allows them to afford such activities.

Rich people are happier according to study than that of low income family. It is the satisfaction on life that makes the difference. If you were to compare their outlook in life. Rich people tend to be ambitious, optimistic and goal oriented while poor people are struggling to inconsistent depression and self pity. This are indications which happiness requires positive behaviour and rich people seem to posses some of it, according toUniversity of Michigan's health and retirement study.

A study conducted by David G. Blanchflow and Andrew Oswald analyzde the impact of social flow and economic status of American today showing a decline from 34% to 30% of unhappy individuals who took the survey. The study is to prove the thoery if in anyhow the happines weighed in with money. Significantly understood thatmoeny is not about the cash but the assets and liabilities one has. Who cannot be happier if you have a large house to live in, a full stomach and once in a while to enjoy outdoor recreation. You cannot possibly obtain these simple pleasures if your money earned is just consumed by your food and for paying your utilities..

We are living in a day to day basis for survival and we are affected materially so as to say that money indeed has that influence in this material world. Almost what you have from your head to toe requires a minimum amount of money, from toddler to college years and considering a degree takes most of your investment. If you graduate in college, you are much more equipped in life. You began to have confidence way beyond than those who were not able to finish any degree. For this, we must take account of the importance of money in fulfilling that dream that somehow has brought your life changes and makes it a lot happier.

Medically speaking, doctors have observations that rich people tend to have better health than low income families, this means that rich people live healthier lifestyles. What money can offer is convenience. The fact is, there is a relative influence with regards to how we react when monetary flow in our lives tend to increase or decrease.

With regards to marriage break ups and statistics, the inability to compensate the need to raise a family is one of primary reasons that might influences the smooth flow of relationships. Broken marriages leads to unhappy life and for what reason? Simple, money does matter.

About The Author Daegan Smith is the leader of the fastest growing team of successful home business enterpernuers on the net. Find out how we're creating financial freedom all across the globe and how to get in on the action FREE at http://www.comlev.net. article.domain@gmail.co