Finance Globe

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

What to Do If You Trigger Your Credit Card's Penalty Rate

credit-card-rate-increase1
A credit card’s interest rate is one of the most important features, particularly for cardholders who carry a balance on their credit cards. Having a low interest rate means minimizes the cost of paying off a credit card balance over time. But, don’t take your interest rate for granted. If you’re not careful to make your payments on time each month, you could trigger your credit card’s penalty rate. What is the Penalty Rate? The penalty...
Continue reading
  2938 Hits
  1 Comment
Recent comment in this post
Frank
I would also add: Call the credit card company and explain them your situation. Sometimes they can work with you and offer you an ... Read More
Monday, 25 September 2017 17:43
2938 Hits
1 Comment

5 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Premium

man-driving-car-143
Is your car insurance premium dragging down your monthly budget? Are you searching for ways to save on the cost of coverage? The only way to eliminate this expense altogether is to get rid of your vehicle. Since this isn’t an option for most people, you need to consider the many ways to save. Here are five ways to lower your car insurance premium: Shop around. It’s been said before and it’s worth saying again: the...
Continue reading
  3283 Hits
  1 Comment
Recent comment in this post
Frank
I took a safety driving course and lowered my premium 5%.
Monday, 25 September 2017 17:42
3283 Hits
1 Comment

4 Credit Card Features to Research Before You Apply

credit-card5346
Several of the latest credit cards boast a cutting-edge, sleek design that's far more attractive than plain old plastic. Cardholders would feel a rush of prestige to hand a metallic card to a waitress or whip it out in front of a line of customers. But, no matter how impressive a credit card is designed, you should never pick a credit card based on looks alone. Researching the most important features of whatever credit card you're considering is essential to making sure...
Continue reading
  3402 Hits
  1 Comment
Recent comment in this post
Frank
When I pick out CCs, I usually focus on the rewards and don't care too much about the APRs given I am going to pay off my bill eve... Read More
Monday, 25 September 2017 17:41
3402 Hits
1 Comment

What are the Top Benefits of a Student Credit Card?

college-students-gathering1
As a college student, you will soon (if you haven’t already) realize that your financial life is changing. For this reason, there may come a point when you consider the benefits of applying for a student credit card. Before taking this leap, it’s important to assess your situation. For example, are you confident in your ability to spend within reason? If you’re on the fence, here are several of the top benefits of a student credit...
Continue reading
  3086 Hits
  1 Comment
Recent comment in this post
Frank
I don't have kids in school right now, but when I do, I plan to get them this card. I think the benefits are great. It can teach t... Read More
Monday, 25 September 2017 17:40
3086 Hits
1 Comment

Top Reasons to Use a Credit Card When Traveling

travel-credit-card1
How do you make purchases when you are on the road? Are you comfortable with the system that you have in place. Just the same as when you are at home, your options include: Credit cardsDebit cardsCash While all of these options have a variety of benefits, there are several reasons why you should consider making purchases with your credit card when traveling. Here are some of the primary benefits: Easy to Track Everything If you...
Continue reading
  3669 Hits
  2 Comments
Recent Comments
Wanderer
This Blog brings to light many important concepts for traveling. As a highlight, using a Debit Card exposes your banking accounts ... Read More
Monday, 22 May 2017 13:42
Frank
When I am on the road, I 100% pay for everything with a credit card. I usually bring 1 mastercard, 1 Visa, and 1 Amex to make sure... Read More
Monday, 25 September 2017 17:39
3669 Hits
2 Comments

Don’t Do These Things After Receiving a Mortgage Pre-approval

qa-mortgage-broker1
Are you shopping for a new home? Are you ready to get serious about the process? If so, it won’t be long before you find yourself seeking a pre-approval from a bank. Once you have this in hand, it’s much easier to understand what you can afford, how much a particular home will cost each month, and much more. Unfortunately, many buyers make mistakes after receiving a pre-approval for a mortgage. As a result, it can...
Continue reading
  3573 Hits
  1 Comment
Recent comment in this post
Frank
When I received my pre-approval, they specifically told me to not go out and incur any additional debt or lines of credit. They sa... Read More
Monday, 25 September 2017 17:38
3573 Hits
1 Comment

Frugal Flips for the Not-So-Extreme Cheapskate, Part 3

garden-frugal-grow-own-food
As of this past March I’ve been posting monthly tips for saving money, which I’m calling “frugal flips.” So far, the flips I’ve shared in this series have the potential to save around $1973 a year. Frugal Flip #6: Re-think your coffee brewing method This one will be especially useful for those of you who regularly make your own coffee at home with a single cup brewing machine, such as a Keurig. If you’ve been thinking...
Continue reading
  3365 Hits
  2 Comments
Recent Comments
Frank
Great post! Do you have any recommendations on the brand of the reusable cup?
Monday, 25 September 2017 17:37
Alison
Hi Frank! Thanks for the positive feedback. I try to avoid mentioning brand names in my articles so I don't sound like a walking a... Read More
Saturday, 30 September 2017 12:58
3365 Hits
2 Comments

How to Avoid Dipping Into Your Emergency Fund

emergency-fund1
It takes a lot of time, effort, and sacrifice to build a healthy emergency fund. Seeing so much money in your bank account can be tempting, especially when you’re constantly bombarded with advertisements for electronics, events, and trips. If you want to your money to be in your account when there’s actually an emergency, you have to avoid dipping into your emergency fund.  Reduce your spending to within your income.  Living within your means prevents the...
Continue reading
  2644 Hits
  1 Comment
Recent comment in this post
Frank
latoyairby, how many months do you recommend to have for an emergency fund. I usually recommended at least 2 months, but in an ide... Read More
Wednesday, 26 July 2017 13:34
2644 Hits
1 Comment

6 Sneaky Ways Coupons Lead to Overspending

sad-shopper-overspending-24
When it comes to saving money there’s no denying the popularity of coupons. In their 2017 Coupon and Promo Code Use Study, public opinion research firm PRRI found that 92% of consumers have used coupons in the past year. But do they really help us save money? Unfortunately, too many of us end up spending more money when we use coupons than we would have without them. And that is exactly why coupons exist. Budget conscious...
Continue reading
  3509 Hits
  2 Comments
Recent Comments
Frank
I always get caught on #3. My wife too!
Sunday, 30 April 2017 20:46
Alison
Me too! I'm sure we're not the only ones. Coupon psychology is powerful stuff, and that one is especially insidious!
Monday, 01 May 2017 10:51
3509 Hits
2 Comments

8 Signs You're Doing Well Financially

savings-account1
Do you ever think about your money and doubt that you’re doing well because you’re not where you want to be? Your finances might be in a better place than you think. Here are eight signs you’re doing well financially. You could survive a few months on your savings if you had to. If you lost your job today and couldn’t get another right away, do you have enough money in savings to last you two...
Continue reading
  3814 Hits
  1 Comment
Recent comment in this post
Frank
These are definitely good signs! I can't say I do all of these, but alteast a few!
Sunday, 30 April 2017 20:46
3814 Hits
1 Comment

By accepting you will be accessing a service provided by a third-party external to https://www.financeglobe.com/