Apr 27, Dissapoingting in trying to rebuild when banks shoot you down

February 12th, 2012

About 5 years I became ill and was not able to work for 6 months. At that time I had 5 or more credit cards doing well. Unfortunately, I was forced to pay more and more for my medicine which instead affected my credit negatively because I was not able to pay the money Ive spent.I became depressed quickly over past due acct and stopped trying to pay them. Four months later I was sued by Capital One (twice) and HSBC sued me on once I paid a few bills and since then Im back on my feet.I started with applying for big bank accts. I applied for 4 different credit card issuers and I was approved for all four! However, I also applied for a Capitol one credit card and completely amazingly they approved me before they realized that I owed them money!I tried few times later and was denied for months! However, things have changed and now I am approved and I was also awarded as a valued customer and they will also raise my credit limit! I am now very careful with the bills and always pay off the balance in less than 14 days.Oh, I also tried for months to apply for an Orchard credit card but they were only able to give me a secured credit card.

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Dangerous Insects

February 8th, 2012

Just when you thought you were safe in your own home, safe from maniacs on the street, safe from lost and roaming wild animals in your local town, a small unassuming insect bites you, and for the next few days, you are fighting for your life. A mosquito, right in the comfort of your own home has brought this on you.

Mosquitoes are often overlooked as a danger to the human race, but these little creatures are responsible for one to two million deaths a year. Malaria, one of the deadly diseases this insect carries, affects 10% of the world’s population, making it the leading mosquito-born disease.

Another overlooked insect is the fly. Houseflies carry thousands and thousands of pathogens and parasites that can be fatal to humans. The Tsetse fly is responsible for 250,000 to 300,000 deaths a year in Central Africa. This fly carries a certain parasite that causes “sleeping sickness.” The parasite enters into the body of a host, affecting the nervous system where it can cause a deep coma and possibly even death.

Yet another dangerous insect did not come from nature but rather was born out of a man’s effort to produce a better version of the bee. African

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Avoid Wasting Money On Overdraft Charges

January 24th, 2012

Overdraft charges are one of the most expensive bank charges that can be levied against a checking account and cost consumers billions of dollars every year.  It has been estimated that nearly 25% of checking accounts experience an overdraft at some point over the course of a year and the fees average around $35 per occurrence.  Avoiding overdraft charges is not impossible and by following a few simple tips, you can ensure that no overdraft charges will be charged to your account.

Keep An Accurate Checking Ledger

Keeping track of the amount of money available in your account is the best way to avoid being charged an overdraft fee because you will always know how much money is in the account.  All deposits and withdrawals should be noted in the checking ledger, including any purchases made using a debit card, and the ledger should be balanced regularly.  Many people choose to balance their checking ledger at the end of every day because it only takes a few minutes of time and it is always up to date.

Add Some Additional Padding To Your Account

Another good way to avoid overdrafts on your checking account is to add two or three hundred dollars to the account that is not reflected in the checking ledger to pad the account.  Adding this additional money will come in handy if a paycheck is delayed and automatic payments are withdrawn from the account or if a transaction is missed in your checking ledger.  Act as if this additional money does not exist and do not plan to spend it for purchases.

Sign Up For Low Balance Alerts

Many banks have added low balance alerts to the services available on their websites.  This service sends you a text or email when the balance of your checking account falls below a certain threshold, alerting you that you need to make a deposit and restrict your spending until there is more money in your account.  The amount of the threshold is chosen by the account holder when they sign up for the alerts and can be set for amounts ranging from $50 to $500.

Tags: Charges, Overdraft Charges

Mortgage Rates After the EU Downgrade

January 17th, 2012

Nine European countries saw their S&P credit ratings chopped yesterday. Among them, France and Austria lost their coveted “AAA” and Italy and Spain’s ratings sank two notches to BBB+ and A respectively.

While somewhat expected, this move undermines EU confidence and raises borrowing costs for some countries that barely make ends meet now.

By comparison, Canada’s AAA bonds (which impact our mortgage rates) look more appealing to investors. Barring offsetting news, downgrades in Europe should push our yields lower next week, some traders think.

Lower yields normally mean lower fixed mortgage rates. Unfortunately, that linkage is now less reliable due to widening credit spreads on riskier borrowing. (Mortgages are deemed riskier than government bonds, even if insured.)

We spoke with a capital markets expert at a major bank on Friday. He advises mortgage shoppers not to get their hopes up if yields fall in response to European turmoil.

“I suspect that you are not likely to see any real pass-through (to mortgage rates),” he said. “(Every len

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Americans are Drowning in Debt: How Playing Lifeguard Could Make You a Success

January 4th, 2012

Its all over the news these days: America is swimmingor rather drowningin debt. The average adult holds several open credit accounts, many paying only the minimum payment due every month.

The problem of debt in America cannot be overstated. In fact, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, consumer debt last year equaled almost two trillion dollars. This debt translates to some $ 18,700 per US household. This number only includes things like credit cards and car loans not home mortgages.

As Americans realize the severity of this problem, credit counselors and debt consolidation providers are busier than ever. But those who feel they cannot stay afloat amid an ocean of debt too often declare bankruptcy: a move that can devastate a family for years to come.

So if bankruptcy is not the answer, what is What America needs is someone to provide comprehensive financial solutions and services. Someone to bring them a level of financial security they thought theyd never see again. And you can help.

Organizations in this field understand the importance of innovative financial solutions, but also education.

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Tags: Debt, Debt Playing

Jun 15, Best Student Credit Cards – Useful Tips For Finding Them

December 16th, 2011

One discussion between parents and high school graduates may focus on how to find the best student credit cards. A discussion of how credit works is essential. Children are often raised today watching as a parent pulls out a piece of plastic to pay for every purchase.

It’s critical for young adults to understand what follows after a credit card is used. They may not fully accept that using credit obligates you to pay real money on a regular basis.

One way to approach teaching a young person how to use credit wisely is to give them useful tips for finding the best student credit cards when they are heading for college. Opening a discussion of how to choose a student credit provides an opportunity to discuss responsible use of credit.

Most student credit cards have low lines of credit. A parent as a co-signer might enable you to qualify for a card with a higher credit limit but it’s not a good idea for someone new to using credit accounts. Student credit cards are meant to cover necessities, books, emergencies, cost of supplies and low daily expenses.

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Tags: Cards, Credit Cards, Student Credit, Student Credit Cards