Finance Globe

U.S. financial and economic topics from several finance writers.

Chris Bibey is a freelance writer and internet marketing professional located in Pittsburgh, PA.

What to Look for in a Gas Credit Card

What to Look for in a Gas Credit Card
With so many gas credit cards to choose from, there’s a good chance that you’ll find one that suits your every requirement. Of course, you don’t want to apply for the first offer you find. Instead, you want to compare your options to ensure that you’re making the right decision. Above all else, your gas credit card should save you money at the pump. For example, you could receive 5 cents back on every gallon of...
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Frank
For a gas credit card, you should at least get a 3% cash back reward. Some are higher, but I would not get a gas credit card unles... Read More
Thursday, 29 September 2016 11:21
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Top Tips for Negotiating a Lower Credit Card Rate

Top Tips for Negotiating a Lower Credit Card Rate
Have you come to the conclusion that your credit card interest rate is entirely too high? If so, you have a few options. First and foremost, you can close the credit card and move on. If this doesn’t work for you, think about paying off your balance and not using the card. Of course, there is one last idea to consider: negotiate a lower credit card rate. This is easier said than done, but it’s definitely...
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Frank
I have actually never had any luck with this. Has anyone else? every time I have tried to ask I really get a straight up no. I wou... Read More
Thursday, 29 September 2016 11:20
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Don’t do these 5 Things when Applying for a Credit Card

Don’t do these 5 Things when Applying for a Credit Card
Are you in the process of applying for a credit card? Are you ready to make your big move in the near future? If you find yourself in this position, there are things you should and should not be doing. Here are five things to avoid at all costs if you’ll be applying for a credit card soon. 1. Let your credit score drop. All in all, this is the one thing that credit card companies...
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Frank
I would also add to never lie on the application, sign anything without reading it fully, and get into something you do not unders... Read More
Thursday, 29 September 2016 11:19
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What if you can’t Afford to Pay Your Credit Card Bill?

What if you can’t Afford to Pay Your Credit Card Bill?
There are many risks associated with using a credit card. At the top of the list is the inability to pay your bill when the time comes. If you find yourself in this position, it’s not time to panic just yet. Instead, there are a few key steps you should take: 1. Try to collect enough money for the minimum payment. You don’t have to pay your balance in full. As long as you can scrape...
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Frank
This will likely happen to you at some point in your life. I have never been able to negotiate less of an amount, but I have had s... Read More
Thursday, 29 September 2016 11:18
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7 Things to Know Before Applying for Your First Credit Card

7 Things to Know Before Applying for Your First Credit Card
Are you thinking about applying for your first credit card? Before you begin your search and fill out an application, there are a few things you need to know. 1. The benefits of a credit card. In short, you want to know why this is a good idea from a financial perspective. 2. The potential risks of carrying a credit card. Despite the many benefits, you may soon realize that there are some drawbacks as well....
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Frank
As I always say, NEVER get a credit card unless you fully know you can pay it off each and every month. If you can't do that, then... Read More
Thursday, 29 September 2016 11:16
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Credit Card Rewards: Questions to Answer

Credit Card Rewards: Questions to Answer
Are you in the process of comparing reward credit cards? If so, you know there are hundreds of options to choose from. While each offer is worth your consideration, there will come a point when you need to make a final decision. If you’re on the fence and unsure of how to move forward, here are several questions to answer: •    How do you earn points with the credit card?•    What can the points be redeemed...
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Frank
Any time I am researching a new credit card, I always like to call the credit card company and talk to a person. To me this helps ... Read More
Thursday, 29 September 2016 11:14
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How to Close a Credit Card Account

How to Close a Credit Card Account
There are many good reasons to close a credit card account, such as if you are worried about excessive spending in the future. And while this could have a negative impact on your credit score, you may still decide to move forward. If you find that closing an account is the best option, there are some basic steps you should take: 1. Contact the appropriate party. You can find the customer service number on the back...
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Frank
Unless you really need to, I usually advice against canceling a credit card, especially if you have had the card for some time. As... Read More
Thursday, 29 September 2016 11:13
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The Three Biggest Risks of a Student Credit Card

The Three Biggest Risks of a Student Credit Card
College students are notorious for being low on cash. For this reason, many turn to a student credit card. While there are advantages of using a credit card in college, such as building good financial habits, there are some definite risks involved. Here are three of the biggest: •    Overspending. Hands down, this is the top risk associated with a student credit card. If you aren’t confident in your ability to spend in a responsible manner,...
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Frank
Additional risks: -No recourse as they may think their parents will pay it off -lack of proper education on what a credit card is... Read More
Friday, 26 August 2016 13:22
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What’s the Real Cost of Using a Credit Card?

What’s the Real Cost of Using a Credit Card?
There are many benefits of using a credit card, such as the ability to conveniently make large purchases and the opportunity to collect reward points for every dollar you spend. However, you shouldn’t get into the habit of using a credit card until you fully understand the real cost of doing so. First things first, paying off your balance in full each month is the best thing you can do. With this strategy, you never have...
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Frank
I have used a credit card for almost 10 years. I started in college and have used it almost exclusively ever since. I keep a dilig... Read More
Friday, 26 August 2016 13:19
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Credit Card Approval Factors

Credit Card Approval Factors
Do you ever wonder what a credit card company looks at when deciding to approve or deny an application? With this knowledge in mind, you may be able to better your situation as to improve your chance of an approval. Here are several of the most important credit card approval factors: 1. Utilization. Just the same as your credit score, the amount of available credit will impact your approval odds. In short, if your current credit...
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Frank
This a great summary, and the major factors lenders look at. I also wish the lenders were more forth right about their analysis an... Read More
Friday, 26 August 2016 13:16
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