Virgo Kitten

Scared of Rejection? Why You Should Try to Get Rejected More Often

2007-04-12T06:43:00.001-07:00

Do you have a fear of being rejected? Some people get over rejection very quickly, but for others, the fear of rejection causes major problems. People who fear rejection often end up living very lonely lives because they never take the initiative in forming new relationships.

If you have a fear of getting rejected socially, one way to overcome your fear of rejection is to deliberately go out and try to collect a lot of rejections on purpose. Make it into a game! When you're trying to get rejected on purpose, it's just practice, so it doesn't really count. This strategy is used by some therapists who specialize in the treatment of shyness.

For example, if you have a fear of being rejected by women, set out to get rejected by many, many women on purpose. Make it into a game, and give yourself points for every rejection you receive. Once you have collected say, a hundred points, give yourself a meaningful reward.

If you're really nervous about approaching women, start out with just a very tiny change in your behavior. Just say hello to every woman you meet. Count up all the rejections. Decide how many rejections you want to get in a day, and work hard each day to make that quota!

Once you are used to saying hello to women you don't know, add on a new behavior, such as making a comment about the weather, or asking a simple question. Keep counting your rejections, and set a quota of rejections to meet each day.

Then gradually add more complicated behaviors to this list. Start asking women out for coffee. Then start asking them out on dates. If they reject you it doesn't matter. Remember, you want to get rejected so that you can make more points.

You want to get rejected so that you can learn not to take it personally.

You want to get rejected so you become comfortable with the process of meeting new people and talking to them without having to worry whether or not it leads to anything.

If you actually do this exercise instead of just reading about it, you can learn to experience rejection in a whole new way. Getting rejected will no longer feel like a terrible attack on your innermost being. It will simply be a light hearted exercise that you can learn to enjoy as you develop a new skill.

Getting over a fear of rejection can require a lot of determination and courage. It also takes practice, practice, practice!

You have to keep practicing new ways of thinking and new ways of behaving until they become second nature for you. A fear of being rejected doesn't need to keep you in a prison of loneliness. If you keep trying new social behaviors, your shyness and your loneliness can become a thing of the past!

Are You Dating A Narcissist? Seven Surefire Clues to Tell if Your Boyfriend is A Narcissist

2007-04-09T07:19:00.001-07:00

Do you find yourself in a relationship that gives you a little bit of concern that maybe this one has some "issues" that might cause a lot of trouble? Listen to your intuition. Intuition has the ability to pick up on a subconscious level hints that this may not be the right person for you. Do some fact checking and answer these questions:

1. Does he rage and then apologize and promise it will never happen again? How many times do you need to see this before you recognize this as a tactic of an abuser? Once is enough. Two times is too much. Go.

2. Is he 'too good to be true'? Is he your soulmate? knight in shining armor? And you know this on the second or third date? Better step back and give this one some time. No one is perfect and often abusers are charming and manipulative but not as they reel you in.

3. Does he ask you for money? Does he never take you someplace nice for dinner? Being thrifty is fine, but being pathological about money is not. Watch out for clues such as a someone with a good job that never spends money. Narcissists do not have a normal relationship with money.

4. Does he spend money unwisely? The other pathology surrounding money is that of the show - off. The man with huge roll of bills who is always buying drinks for the bar, but doesn't know how to save for the house.

Ukraine Brides - Reveal Your Culture

2007-04-08T06:14:00.001-07:00

Many young couples in international marriages are facing one and the same problem and it is called cultural adaptation. Below are a few ideas how to survive this period.

Men sometimes find it impossible to understand women. They say that their brides have changed after the marriage but the truth is that they are the same, only their position is different and this changes their point of view.

Marriage is a dream for every girl. It makes her feel that she has accomplished a life mission. After the marriage women still feel a little insecure. She enters a brand new world with different rules and this scares her a bit. The role of the groom is very important in this period of life because he is the closest person to her and she has no one else to trust.

Brides from Ukraine are not an exception to the rule. After the marriage they are introduced to a new society which they barely know. They leave their families and friends. They leave their favorite places and naturally they do not know how to act. Sometimes they are afraid even to ask how to deal with some daily life problems because they think that they will look stupid and unintelligent to the others.

If you have just came back from honeymoon, you will have to return to your job and daily routine. Your bride will be left home alone for long hours and between the tv series and the housework she will often ask herself now when you are already married, do you find her as attractive as you did the first time when you saw her.

The culture of the Ukrainians is very family oriented. Basically it is society in which woman is equal to the man. Wives work as much as their husbands and contribute to the household not only with domestic work but with money too.

You can help your bride feel more confident if you support her in the first month and encourage her to go to courses for language learning for example. These courses are good because they are visited by many foreigners in the same situation. Between the courses and lessons, for the right pronunciation and accent, people share what they feel and this is often the same what your bride has in mind. Speaking about it with others who can understand her will definitely help her. These courses often function as groups for discussion where language is only the skeleton of the course itself. And the course is called adaptation to the new society.

When you get back home always find time to discuss with her what she has learnt and who she has met. Little by little she will start telling you other people's stories which will repeat your case. Do not interrupt her telling her that you are different. You are not.

Intercultural marriages are very fragile exactly because of the culture shock. Remember the time when you have been to Ukraine and you wondered why people do this or that? Have you suffered the enigmatic Cyrillic letters they use? Have you felt lost most of the time?

Now you know what your bride means. Unlike you who has been in her native country for a limited time, your bride will stay with you forever - (hopefully) - so as soon as you help her adapt to everything unfamiliar and new, the better.

Make a Woman Fall In Love With You

2007-04-05T13:16:00.001-07:00

You've been out with a woman a couple of times, and you're crazy about her. You want her to be crazy about you, too. Here's the plan:

Invite her to your place for dinner. Casually explain to her, though, that you have to get up early the next morning. (It works best if you actually do have to get up early. If you don't, arrange to go to the gym before work. It's best not to lie.)

Cook for her. You've heard it said that the quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Well, I've got news. It works for women, too, and I mean big time. If she likes you, or even if she's teetering on the fence about it, you very may well seal the deal by feeding her. It makes her feel cared for, and the contrast of watching a manly man like you perform such a nurturing act is devastatingly sexy. Roll up your sleeves just a bit. Let her admire your forearms as you wield a heavy skillet.

If you're not accustomed to preparing more than Hot Pockets, head over to foodnetwork.com beforehand for a couple of easy recipes that are sure to please her. Try the dish ahead of time, so that you know you can bring it off. Don't worry, though, if you mess up on the big night. She'll be delighted that you tried.

Whatever you do, do not allow her to take over. Put a drink in her hand and tell her that her job is to relax. A great girl will appreciate that. You will utterly and completely impress her. A potential pain in the neck will tell you everything you're doing wrong and will tell you to sit down, so she can do things properly. This may seem like a good idea at the time, but trust me, this type of woman will tell you what you're doing wrong for the rest of your life.

If worse comes to worst, and you render dinner inedible, laugh it off and order take-out. A great girl will laugh with along you.

Kiss her goodnight. But do not sleep with her. As tempting as this might be for both of you, you will score big points if you don't. Instead, take the woman gently into your arms. Kiss her meaningfully and soulfully. Remind her of your early appointment the next day and say you're sorry you can't spend more time together. Tell her you'll call her but do not say when. Walk her to her car.

Here's what will happen: She'll spend most of the next day wondering why you didn't leap on her as other men would have in your position. She'll know, however, that you're not gay because of the way you kissed her (a scene she's likely to replay in her mind all day long, incidentally). She will wonder if you'll call—and when.

Because you're a guy who's good to his word, you will call, just not right away (even if it kills you). The goal here is not to play games but to give her time to mentally savor the events of the previous evening. Give her time to build you up in her own mind. Whatever you do, do not send flowers. Don't email her. Let things lie.

Call her a day or two later. It's more than likely that she'll be absolutely over the moon to hear from you.

I'm sure you can take it from there.

Work and Home Do Not Mingle

2007-04-02T11:13:00.001-07:00

Today life is over stressed, both men and women are career oriented, they give 100% to their work. However it is not only the job where you have to give your 100% a relationship too needs that cent percent.

Usually it happens that you are very busy with your individual work. You are so busy that you get your work home. As such you are unable to take out time for your loved ones. There is nothing wrong in a professional attitude give your complete time and energy bur yes mingling work and home cannot be called professionalism. It is actually shrieking your personnel duties and responsibilities. If you share your experience about the day spend at work is perfectly alright as your partner should be aware of what all you go through during the day. But getting work home after spending more than half the day at work is incorrect on your part. You need to spend time with your mate when you are in a relationship otherwise your relationship looses its meaning. Then you become merely room partners and nothing else. If you are overloaded with work and it is unavoidable to ignore then you can get it home. But it is important to set some particular time for completion of your work and rest of the time you spend with your mate.

Moreover it is necessary that you make aware to your spouse that since you are so busy to need to give some extra time to your work so that your partner understands. Mostly what happens is that couples do not give any explanation when they get their work home and are totally engrossed in their individual work. This upsets the ones who are waiting home for their partners to return and get upset when their partners get engrossed in their work giving no heed to the one waiting for them. If you are among such couples then change your attitude and style for a happy relationship. If you are into the habit of getting work home regularly and not spending enough time with your mate then make sure that it will affect your relationship in the negative. Often you do not realize but such behavior causes the opposite partner a feeling of being neglected and rejected.

Your partner feels that you are not interested in spending time with him or her. If you feel that your relationship is really not working, then this could be the reason. It is very important not to mingle work and home for a peaceful, relaxed and happy life. You should plan out your work in such a way so that you can get time for your partner.

Everyone wants fun and excitement in a relationship and if you spend the whole day as well as the night working then you become a big bore and your relationship gets boring. Try to finish work on time and make it a point to never mingle work and home together as it does not let you enjoy neither work nor family life.

Beliefs That Harm Your Relationship (1)

2007-03-29T13:40:00.001-07:00

We tend to have a rosy vision of love coupled with unrealistic expectations of the relationship which it creates. Some of us believe that love is enough to see us through the bad times and that, if people love us, they'll do anything to make us happy. Others subscribe to the notion that as long as they do their 'little bit' in the partnership, everything will be fine. Finally, everyone likes to believe that their partners will change to suit them. But, boy, are we all in for a surprise?

Taking each of these beliefs in turn, love is certainly not enough on any level. It isn't enough to hold two people together, because they need to be able to communicate with, and understand, each other and also solve problems together. The very next day after their honeymoon, they will have to find out how to share the same house, the same room, the same bed, the same money and the same ideals. In addition, they now have new friends and relatives to contend with. It's no longer the carefree dating scene the two parties enjoyed before their wedding. They don't go to their respective homes at the end of the day, or at the weekends. They are at home together, for keeps. There is no escaping that fact if they are truly committed to the relationship. Those charming characteristics they like about their partners, and the irritating ones they loathe, are now with them all the time. There will even be times when they forget that they love their partner! But, that's the situation any new relationship creates and its success depends on how it is dealt with.

The Need to Adapt and Change

Closeness with someone else might bring intimacy, but it also brings the need to adapt and change. However, we can tolerate only so much change without being affected or feeling resentful, especially when we are happy with ourselves and enjoy doing our own thing. Getting married or going into a relationship is thus a major change in our life. The rules of behaviour are different and, unlike being

Be Courteous For A Happy Marriage – And To Save A Troubled One

2007-03-23T13:10:00.001-07:00

The wedding celebration is summed up with the exchange of the "I do's." This is just the beginning. There are more exchanges of words expected. However, to have a lasting relationship, respect is the key.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T, respect is such a big word. It is a big factor in any relationship. It is the foundation of love and trust. Any married couple encountering difficulties in their relationships can simply go back to this fundamental.

To maintain harmony, each of the spouses must manifest respect to the other. Simply be courteous, both in words and in actions.

Most people associate courtesy with etiquette. That is why most people think it is very burdensome. Some people even claim that they want to be laidback in a serious relationship, that there is no need for pretenses or formalities.

However, courtesy is not all about table manners or social formalities. It is simply an active choice of doing the proper things at the proper time, like displaying gratitude when there is something to be thankful for or expressing sweet words of love.

Say the Magic Word

Do not let politeness be forgotten in the relationship. To be courteous to each other is not difficult. One only has to remember the magic words taught back in the kindergarten days. Here are some phrases that would definitely count.

1. "Please."
Requesting for something to be done will sound better if coupled with this simple word.

2. "Thank You."
These two words express gratitude for someone who went out of the way to do something special.

3. "You're welcome."

Even in married life, each of the spouses still deserves such sweet and comforting phrases. Their lasting effects are not to be underestimated. These words never go out of style.

Be Courteous in Your Actions

Courtesy can also be extended on many other occasions.

It would be a good thought to return phone calls. Leaving a note behind to simply inform the itinerary or destination for the day will also assure the husband or the wife. Remembering and celebrating anniversaries and birthdays are definitely plus points.

Do not fall out of these habits. Common courtesy is deserved by others. Coupled with the thought of doing such things will definitely make the spouse worthy of respect.

The simplest and most ordinary things done everyday are actually the best things to take note of when trying to improve the marriage. If one aims for more intimacy and openness in the marriage, such simple and intimate ways of communication must be encouraged.

Communication in a Relationship

2007-03-20T14:24:00.001-07:00

Communication in a relationship is so important. In fact, it is the vital key to success. So many couples fail to see the value of communication and just as many don't know how to communicate effectively. Learning this skill can make all the difference to your happiness.

Many couples are mutually abusive, which means they respond to verbal or emotional abuse with like abuse. It is little wonder then that so many marriages are dysfunctional. It is hard to create an environment of positive, loving communication when you've never experienced that kind of environment yourself. People who grew up in dysfunctional families with negative communication patterns often find themselves falling into those same behaviors themselves when they get married.

Once a marriage has broken down, neither partner feels inclined toward communication in a relationship nor do they wish to open up to the other person. Prevention is better than cure, so it is important to learn constructive arguing techniques before a couple marries. But even when things have deteriorated, it is never too late to set things right.

Getting Your Spouse to Open Up Again

Often, both partners in a marriage want to be perceived as "tough." They don't want to give in first. They want to show their partner that they don't need him or her. As a result, the communication gap grows wider. Neither person will confess what it is that is worrying them. Mistrust fills the gaps created by silence. Soon, differences feel irreconcilable and most communication in the relationship is either empty or dead.

If you want to get your spouse to open up and break the silence barrier, there are a few things you need to do.

Often, the reason that your spouse isn't talking is because he or she doesn't want to create conflict by confessing their feelings. We all have negative feelings about our spouse or our relationships from time to time. In many marriages, partners zip their lip and say nothing, repressing their feelings until resentment seeps through. In other marriages, partners react angrily towards their spouse and express their feelings through criticism and verbal abuse. Neither option makes for a healthy marriage.

Even if your spouse isn't saying anything to you, chances are that he or she has a lot to say. It's just that your spouse doesn't know how to bring it up, is afraid of your reaction, or doesn't think it is worth the effort to share with you.

You can get your spouse to open up to you again by creating an environment in which he or she feels safe and comfortable talking. But avoid these tactics like the plague:

- Demanding that your spouse tell you what's wrong or why they won't talk. - Accusing your partner of giving you the silent treatment. - Getting angry at them for not contributing their part to the conversation. - Feeling resentful that they're making life difficult for you.

Instead, this is what you need to do:

1. Practice your own listening skills. Instead of filling in the silences with chatter, allow those silences to remain. Often, one spouse compensates for another's lack of speech by talking too much. Your partner may feel that you never give him or her a chance to speak because you're always talking.

2. Cultivate an attitude of non-judgmental acceptance. This means that you unconditionally love and accept your partner, no matter what he or she says. If you often respond defensively or critically when your partner shares his or her thoughts and feelings, you are actually punishing your partner for opening up to you. If your partner tries to open up, acknowledge his or her comments to show that you are listening, but refrain from adding your own opinion until you've heard everything that he or she has to say. Sometimes, we just need to be heard, and it feels better knowing that our partner has listened to us all the way through without criticizing or condemning us.

3. Learn how to apologize and mean it. One apology, meant sincerely, goes a long way. When your partner shares a concern or problem that he or she is having with your marriage, don't resort to an angry retort. Listen carefully, without criticism or a knee-jerk self-defense. If you are too upset to think clearly, tell your partner that you appreciate hearing about his or her concern, but that you need time to think it over. If you come tothe conclusion that what your partner has told you has some truth in it, apologize clearly and directly.

Instead of muttering, "I'm sorry," look at your partner in the eyes and tell him or her, "I am sorry for.... I am sorry for having made you feel like you did." By telling him or her in your own words what you're sorry for - in other words, what you did or said that made your partner feel hurt - you show your partner that you really do understand.

4. Making opening up to one another a positive experience. It may sound wishy-washy or fuzzy, but verbally thanking one another for sharing thoughts and feelings is valuable positive reinforcement. A hug after a difficult conversation can make all the difference. It doesn't matter if you agree or disagree with your partner; what matters is that you show your partner that you really do care about his or her feelings and opinions.

Every time your partner shares something, no matter how little, express your gratitude. Tell your partner, "I'm glad I know that you like that/feel that way/believe that. I like knowing more about you. It makes me feel closer to you."

How to Argue

Most couples are exceedingly poor at resolving conflicts. But there are a number of techniques designed to help with healthier conflict resolution. Here are some of the most basic ground-rules for arguments. Discuss these with your spouse and agree on them together.

1. Abuse and physical violence will not be tolerated. If things get too hot, take a break or take a walk.

2. Avoid assigning blame. Instead, talk about how your partner's actions made you feel.

3. Be honest. Don't argue about one thing if something else is bothering you.

4. Don't take things personally. When someone is upset, they can say or do things that make it worse.

5. Focus on resolving the issue, not winning the argument. Think negotiation, not competition.

6. If your spouse hasn't understood your motives or misunderstood what you said, don't get angry. Explain yourself.

7. No bringing up hurtful events from the past. Stay in the present.

8. No going to sleep on an argument.

9. No name-calling. 10. Once an argument is resolved, forgive and forget.

There is no disputing the fact that effective communication in a relationship is the vital ingredient to its success or failure. Open up healthy channels of communication and your perceptions of each other will change for the better. These new perceptions will in turn affect your general behaviour toward each other and love will inevitably rekindle.

Credit Card Company Tricks

2007-03-17T20:58:00.001-07:00

Dont allow them gull you. All those solicitations you have in the mail for credit card applications are meant to reel you in and hook you. Big time. In addition, new bankruptcy laws in the United States and higher monthly minimum payment demands are in topographic point to assist root defaults on loans and to coerce consumers to pay down debt quicker. All of this sounds great, but credit card companies desire to maintain you in debt as long as possible. Please read on for all the stimulating details.

If you have got got had problems in the past paying down debt, make not believe for a minute that you will have it any easier in the future. Thanks to statute law introduced by United States Congress and signed by the president earlier in 2005, filing for bankruptcy to get away debt have go more than difficult. Much more than so. In addition, credit card companies have got raised your monthly minimum payment levels, in some cases doubling the minimum amount you must pay. See this last measure a side issue related to the new bankruptcy legislation; the credit card companies are not legally obligated to raise minimums but they were pressured into doing so in exchange for passage of the new bankruptcy law.

Do not even believe for a minute that credit card companies desire you to get out of debt.

For starters, credit card rates have got been rising steadily for over two years. As the premier rate travels up, your credit card interest rate travels up. Unless, of course, you have got got a fixed rate and you have been paying your measures on time. However, 1 late payment and, uh oh, you are in large trouble.

If you are late making a payment, even just once, you will likely be hit with a one clip late fee charge of $29 or $39. In addition, that "sweet rate" you negotiated last twelvemonth may automatically disappear. Zero percent funding can quickly turn into an 18.9% interest rate in no clip and enforced retroactively too. Even lower rate cards with annual percentage rates of 10%, 12%, Oregon more, can suddenly reflect rates of 24.9%, 29%, 35%, Oregon even higher!

This is all perfectly legal too!

Read your credit card revelation understanding as if anyone even fusses to make so for all the deadening details. Exceptions and regulations are the name of the game; there is a trap laying broad unfastened for you to step on.

The adjacent country of socking it to you is an old one: annual fees. Yes, they are back; for years, credit card companies -- in order to stay competitory -- waived annual fees. Originally, it was one small manner for them to extract some cash from you: you paid them something every twelvemonth even if you paid off your card monthly.

If you are like me, the whole conception of charging person to access credit is absurd. Companies do a mint off of high interest rates as it is; throwing another fee on top of things is both apparent and transparent! Now, annual fees are back. Oh, sure, credit card companies must advise you in authorship of these changes before they are set in place, but they certainly trust you wont call off your account in response to the "new" fee or that you will forget the notice completely and simply pay the fee. Bash they believe that we are stupid? I believe so!

There are two other countries where credit card companies attempt to draw a fast 1 on consumers: your payment owed day of the month and payment mailing address.

Your payment owed date, which may have got got been "static" for years, could suddenly have been moved up. This agency that if you are used to paying off your Visa card on the 24th of the month, it may suddenly have got been moved to the 16th the following month. Without notifying you of the change either!

The computer address where you direct your money may have got changed too. Are this a large deal? It certainly is if you get off your payments in. Lets state that you dwell in New Jersey and your XYZ Bank card payment travels to a South Hackensack station office. If you get off your payment in five years before the owed date, you probably allowed enough clip for your payment to get to the bank. Warning: Watch out that their payment computer address hasnt suddenly been moved to Ohio. Your adjacent payment will likely stop up being late.

Oh, so you pay online? Dont believe that the bank credits your money immediately either. I have got seen it take five years for money to electronically go forth my checking account and be wired to another banks account. The station office moves a live check faster than that!

A moved payment owed day of the month and a changed payment computer address are designed to do your payments late so that the credit card company can charge you a late fee and raise your rates.

This is perfectly legal as well. Are it ethical? Hey, were talking about the financial services industry. What else do you expect?

Financial establishments make money off of consumers through interest rates and fee services. Please make not believe for a minute that any credit card company have your best interests at heart. They dont; they are in business to delight their shareholders. Get informed and take action when one of these "perfectly legal" patterns is pulled on you. You can get fees canceled and have got your credit card rate lowered if you complain; back it all up in writing in order to continue your rights.

A savvy consumer is an informed consumer; learn what fast ones credit card companies utilize and fighting back. Annually order free credit reports from Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax to do certain that unfavourable reports from creditors have got not been unfairly tagged to your record. Visit the Federal Soldier Trade Commissions land site at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/freereports.htm for the best manner to obtain credit reports.

Why Do We Need Credit Cards?

2007-03-15T00:01:00.001-07:00

In the world today a credit card has become very valuable, and for many different reasons. More buying power, isnt that what we all want? With a credit card that is exactly what you get. How often is it that your finances just wont allow for a big purchase or you experience financial hardship? Credit Cards provide you with an alternative method of payment.

It can also be used as a way for secure traveling. For instance say you are traveling or on vacation and your wallet is stolen, if you were to be carrying a large amount of cash it would be gone forever. With a credit card in your wallet all you need to do is notify the issuer of the credit card and they can instantly cancel the credit cards and issue you a new one.

Would you like an interest free loan? Here is how to get one. Simply charge your credit card the amount needed. Then pay off the entire balance before the due date, or before the interest is applied.

Security of credit cards have become state of the art with todays encryption technology companies are going to great lengths to protect and ensure your privacy. So that someone cannot simply steal your personal identity and credit card information. This is allowing us to use the internet for one of its main purposes, shopping and making our lives just a little more convenient. Also, if you have a credit card it gives you the choice to carry less cash on hand but still have the ability to afford those little or sometimes not so little unexpected expenditures.

However the largest benefit of having a credit card is all building your credit score, repairing your credit, or getting your credit in the best state possible. This is another way to prepare yourself and your credit score for future purchases such as a home, car etc.

Cash Back vs. Rewards Credit Cards

2007-03-14T00:02:00.001-07:00

Ah, the sweet rewards of using credit!

Not only do you get contiguous satisfaction with the bargain now-pay later plastic, but now, many credit cards offer rewards and inducements for using their card to make purchases. You can get cash back, or gift cards, or reward points that you can pass on wares or services from assorted merchants. There are also cards that allow you to denominate your cash back points to a charity sometimes called chemical attraction cards and those that put option your cash back into a particular nest egg account for college.

Great deal, right? You pass your money and get something in return. The catch is, of course, that youre paying interest and card fees to get your cash back rewards. But if youre going to be using the credit card anyway, you might as well get something back out of it, right?

Most cash-back cards give you 1-2% cash back on most of your purchases. Youll get a check at specified time periods for the amount of your rewards cash. You can cash the check and pass the money on anything you want.

Reward cards give you 1-5 reward points for every dollar that you pass at different merchants and types of merchants. Most wage you 5 reward points for purchases made at their Merchant Thank You network, and for purchases made at gas stations, drug supplies and supermarkets. Youll get 1 reward point for every dollar that you pass at other merchants. You can then deliver your reward points for peculiar points from the merchants that belong to the credit cards merchant network.

Which is the better choice?

Each sort of credit card reward have its ain professionals and cons, and the better pick depends on whats most of import to you.

Cash-back Rewards Pros

Cash can be used anywhere, for any sort of purchase. Gives 1% - 2% cash back on all purchases.

Cash-back Rewards Cons

Rewards points cards may give rewards of higher value, particularly for purchases at merchant webs stores, gas stations and supermarkets. Cash-back can only be used when a check is issued.

Rewards Points Pros

Rewards points are often higher value than cash-back. If you utilize the credit card for purchases made within the merchant member network, you can get as much as 5% value back when you pass your reward points.

Reward points are available to utilize on a peal basis. Some card companies may necessitate you to collect a certain number of rewards points before redemptive them, but reward point rewards are often more than easily available than cash-back rewards. Reward points can be used for cash rewards in some circumstances.

Reward Points Cons

Reward points can only be redeemed from peculiar merchants and/or on peculiar merchandise.

Whichever your choice, it do good sense to get something back when you take to utilize credit. If youre A frequent credit card user, the rewards can certainly add up. Among the merchants that belong to assorted Merchant Member webs are such as well-known companies as airlines, Saks Fifth Avenue, Evelyn & Crabtree and Smarter Edge.

Advantages of Switching Credit Cards

2007-03-12T00:04:00.001-07:00

Switching credit cards is an mundane portion of life now whether it is taking advantage of the introductory offers or simply deciding that your existent credit card account is old and you are looking for a newer better credit card deal than you have got already. If you take your new credit card wisely the advantages could turn out good to you.

Here we are going to look at some of the advantages of switching your credit card and how it may profit you.

Lower APR

Finding a credit card with a lower APR could be good to you if you make not pay your credit card balance in full every month. Having a lower APR would intend paying less interest on your outstanding balance. (Do be aware of the minimum payment warning; always seek to pay more than than the minimum payment.) If you had bad debt in the past and could only get a high interest credit card then you may now be able to get a credit card with a lower APR.

Reward Schemes

Does your current credit card have got a rewards or cash back strategy included? Are you benefiting from the reward strategy you currently have got in place? It is better to happen a new credit card that you would profit from rather than have got points totting up for verifiers that you cognize you are not going to use. I.e. shop verifiers could assist you with your grocery store shopping or if you are a frequent circular air miles could salvage you some money on your flights. Think about the reward strategy and inquire yourself if you would utilize the verifiers etc.

Charity Credit Cards

If you have got got been thought for a long clip about helping out or donating money to your favourite charity opportunities are they will have a credit card that you can purchase. If you purchase a charity credit card every clip you utilize your card your lender will donate to your chosen charity. People can experience very strongly about certain charities whether it be through losing a loved one or working in a charity environment so having a charity credit card could set your head at remainder knowing that you are helping in some way. You will generally happen that charity credit card have got got all the other inducements that other credit cards have. The same uses to football game game credit cards, your favourite football baseball baseball club would have a payment for every transaction you do which would in bend be reinvested back into your squad club.

Thinking about switching credit cards?

There are many different options to believe about so dont just lodge to your current credit card out of wont do your credit card determinations work for you whatever your circumstances.

Credit Card Incentives

2007-03-09T23:02:00.001-08:00

Credit card companies desire your business. After all, lending money to people is profitable. Besides the interest fees that you'll be charged, the credit card company also accumulates a fee from merchants who accept their credit cards. In order to get your business, most credit card companies are willing to offer you some great inducements - not only to apply for one of their cards, but to utilize it for everything from car rentals to weekly groceries.

Among the inducements that you might be offered for using a peculiar credit card are frequent circular miles, phone phone call minutes, discounts and cash-back on purchases, insurance on your purchases and more. Here's a listing of some of the most popular incentives. Check around to happen a card that offers inducements that do sense for the manner you utilize your card.

Rebates

One of the most common inducements for using your credit card is a cash-back or discount offer. Generally, you'll get 1-5% dorsum on assorted purchases. Depending on the credit card, you may get 1% dorsum on most purchases, and 5% dorsum on purchases made at convenience stores, gas stations, grocery store supplies and 'member merchants'. The discount may be in the word form of a credit on your bill, a gift card for $10, $20 or more than dollars when you attain that amount in cash rebates, or a check sent from the credit card company.

Frequent flyer miles

Another common credit card inducement is frequent flyer miles that tin be used on a number of airlines for personal and/or business travel. Check the individual cards' terms and statuses to happen out exactly how to deliver your frequent flyer miles.

Phone Minutes

A new inducement being offered by respective credit card companies is phone proceedings to utilize with your cell phone account. Redemption is generally via a phone card sent when the amount of the reward proceedings attains a certain denomination, but your credit card company may have got different regulations and policies.

Additional guarantee coverage for the points you purchase

A few credit card companies offer extra guarantee clip or coverage on points that you purchase using their card. The further coverage is only available on peculiar cards, generally the Premium cards. If any point that you purchase using cards that are lost, stolen or interruptions within the declared guarantee period, the credit card company will replace it at their cost.

Car rental insurance, Travel accident insurance or travel-related discounts

If you travel often and usage rental cars, then it may do sense for you to have got a card that offers insurance on you when you're driving a rental car - at no extra charge. Likewise travel insurance and travel price reductions that may be available lone to holders of that peculiar credit card, or is available at reduced rates to them.

Credit card registration

Some credit card companies offer to register all of your credit cards so that if your bag or wallet is lost or stolen, you only need to do one phone call to alarm all of your credit card companies. It's a convenient perk to have, especially since it's easy to forget a card you don't utilize often in the heat energy of the moment. Taking advantage of a credit card register is one manner to be certain that all of your creditors are notified that your cards are lost.

Maximizing Your Credit Card Rewards

2007-03-07T23:06:00.001-08:00

In their quest to get you to sign up for their credit card, banks and financial institutions are coming up with more and higher incentives to entice you. Frequent flyer miles gave way to gas miles which opened the door for cash rebates and reward points to be used at 'our fine member merchants'. When most other things are equal (APR, annual fees, fees for transfers et al), the style of reward points and how you can make use of them can be the deciding factor in which card you choose to put in your wallet.

One of your best options for a credit card these days is one of the current crops that offer higher rewards/rebates for purchases made in gas stations, convenience stores and supermarkets. These so-called 'everyday purchases' are the market that credit card companies want to capture. That's why the big push to highlight the convenience of using a credit card for things like grocery shopping - a great way to keep track of your purchases, they point out - gasoline purchases and other everyday incidentals. In order to get you to do that, they're offering rewards and cash back on those purchases that are higher than those for other purchases.

Take a look at American Express' credit card offering, Blue Cash. The card offers a 0% introductory APR for the first six months. After that, the APR is from 11.2% to 16.2% depending on your credit report. There is no annual fee, no fee for balance transfers, and the APR for balance transfers is 4.99% for the life of the balance. Already, it's looking like a very nice deal.

Add in, however, the cash back rewards program, and you have a credit card that can actually SAVE you money. If you pay off your balance in full every month on time, there is NO INTEREST for 20 days on any of your purchases. The Rewards program offers you 1% back on all your 'everyday purchases' up to the first $6,500 you pay for with your card. In addition, you'll get .5% on all other purchases that you charge on your card. If you charge more than $6,500 on your American Express Blue Cash card, your cash rebate goes up to 5% on everyday purchases and 1% on all others.

How does that stack up? If you've budgeted $125 per week for groceries, that's $6,500 for the year. Pay for that on your Blue Cash card AND PAY THE BILL WITHIN THE GRACE PERIOD, and you'll save $65 on groceries for the year. If you stick to that, and also pay for your gasoline with your Blue Cash card, you'll get 5% back of those purchases - since your grocery purchases alone put you into the 5% bracket. If you gas up to the tune of $40 a week, that's another $104 in savings over the year.

Granted, taking full advantage of that sort of Cash back rewards program requires discipline and forethought - but it's not as hard as it sounds. It just means thinking of your credit card as just another bill that you pay in full each month. And that, after all, is the best and most common advice that financial experts give.

Credit Card Rewards to Suit Your Personality

2007-03-05T23:01:00.001-08:00

Before you hotfoot out to happen a card that tantrums your personality, you first need to determine which types of credit cards you may measure up for.

To assist you understand what cards you may measure up for, here's a guideline:

You may only measure up for secured cards or guaranteed approval shopping cards if any of the following apply to you:

- You have got got got got got got got got got got got got got got got got bankruptcy on your credit report
- You have been rejected repeatedly for credit in the past 12 months
- You are in a low income bracket
- You have high debt that absorbs most of your income
- You don't have any good credit references
- In the past 12 calendar calendar calendar calendar months you were late paying major bills, such as as mortgage/rent,
utilities, or were late making payments on existing credit
- You have a low credit score

You may measure up for a low unsecured credit bounds credit card if:

- You've only been late once or twice paying major measures in the past 12 months
- You have at least one good credit reference
- You have at least average income
- You make not have debt that absorbs most of your income
- You make not have bankruptcy on your credit report
- You have a just credit score

You may measure up for a high unsecured credit bounds credit card if:

- You have never been late paying major measures in the past 12 months
- You have at least three good credit references
- You have above average income
- Your debt makes not absorb most of your income
- You make not have bankruptcy on your credit report
- You have an above average credit score

If you aren't certain of your credit score, you should tell a credit report or you can utilize the estimated prequalification usher at
www.creditfederal.com/credit-loan-prequalification.html

Now that you have an thought of what types of credit cards you may measure up for, you can get your search to happen your personality card. Listed below are illustrations of these types of credit cards:

Airline Miles Credit Card - this card is perfect for anyone who travels frequently. In improver to awarding frequent circular miles to the user, this card can also offer price reductions on airfare at participating airlines, such as as Southwest.

Cash Back Credit Card - this type of card is ideal for people who rarely utilize cash when making purchases. By making purchases with the card, users can earn cash back based upon a percentage of their charges. Some issuers seamster the card to the user's personality, by allowing a higher cash back percentage on charges
they most frequently make. For example; if the user mostly do charges at a grocery shop store, the issuer credits a higher cash back percentage for those purchases. Other issuers may offer higher cash back percentages for purchases made at participating retailers, such as as Home Terminal or Sears.

Business Credit Card - these are not only for large businesses, now even small businesses can get this type of credit card, and can get separate cards for employees who do purchases on behalf of the company. Again, some business credit card issuers will dulcify the offer by awarding price reductions for purchases
made at participating retailers, such as as Office Depot, or will present cash back percentages.

Retail Credit Card - if a individual utilizes a credit card only at one peculiar store, a retail credit card can offer price reductions on purchases. Examples of this type of card are: Sears Card, JC Penney Card, Wal Mart etc. Regarding the Wal Mart Card, users can get price reductions on Wal Mart gasoline purchases, which is
quite good during current high gas prices.

Shopping Credit Card - typically known as Catalog or Merchant credit cards, these allow even bad credit people to obtain an unsecured line of credit. Purchases are restricted to a certain merchant or a specified catalog, but nonetheless offer the ability to do purchases on credit. For people with very
bad credit, this is an first-class manner to obtain credit. Just be certain to utilize a card that reports your timely payments to a major credit agency so you can construct your credit.

Other Rewards Credit Cards - you can happen cards that offer a assortment of price reductions and free services, such as as free music downloads, free wayside assistance, as well as protection against identity theft.

For nearly every individual personality and credit rating, their is a credit card issuer who desires you to go their customer. Be certain to read all the Terms and Conditions, so you cognize exactly what you will get before you apply.

Common Credit Card Terms

2007-03-03T23:06:00.001-08:00

Whether you have a credit card or you are thinking of getting one, what ever is the type of credit card, there is a simple credit card jargon that you must be aware of.

Credit Cards: This is a card issued by a financial institution that allows the cardholder to use credit to purchase goods and services up to a predetermined limit. The cardholder gets a monthly statement and then he/she has to pay back. There is an interest on the amount credited.

Credit Limit: This is the maximum amount you are allowed to spend on the credit card. How much credit limit you get depends on you credit history and the type of credit card you own (gold or Platinum Cards).

Credit History or Credit Scoring: This is your track record of how you have paid accounts in the past. It is important from the creditors point of view since it determines whether you are likely to pay accounts on time in the future or not.

Gold and Platinum Cards: These are credit cards issued to high-end earners. These have high or no credit limit. They come bundled with a number of services and benefits not available to a standard cardholder.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR): It is the annual interest rate or percentage you pay on the outstanding balance of credit as an interest or fee. It is also called annual interest rate.

Annual Fees: Annual fees is basically a maintenance fee that the credit card issuers charge from the cardholders annually against the costs incurred in maintaining accounts and providing services.

Introductory Period: Credit card market is highly competitive in UK so a number of credit card companies offer a low rate of interest on outstanding balances on your account for an initial period. This initial period is called introductory period, which can last for 6 to 12 months depending on the offer.

Balance Transfers: This is another term that has emerged out of the credit card market competition in UK. Say if you have an outstanding balance in your account on which you are paying interest but you find another market offer that makes your pocket breath easy then you can transfer your outstanding balance to a new account by paying certain percentage of balance transfer. Some credit card companies offer balance transfer as low as 0% in introductory period.

Reward Program: It is a point-accumulating program based on purchases or transactions made on your card. You can redeem your reward point against cash back, discounts or free air miles according to the program you enroll for.

PIN (Personal Identification Number): It is the secret code chosen by you for your card. You can access your money and perform banking transactions through the ATM or make purchases without signing a sales receipt at merchants that have PIN pads, using this code. Don't share your PIN with anyone.

How to Make the Most of Your Credit Card Rewards

2007-02-28T23:07:00.001-08:00

Many great credit card companies are now offering their loyal cardholders credit card rewards. This supplies the cardholder an chance to derive awards just because they utilize their card. It is a great inducement for those that may not utilize their card much. The more than than credit card rewards they will receive, the more likely they are to utilize their card more frequently. Credit card companies recognize that they net income more when ardholders utilize their cards more, and so the procedure is profitable to all involved.

Programs

Each card that offers credit card rewards will have got slightly different programs than the rest. Some volition offer a cash back reward, which is essentially giving the cardholder a certain percentage of their disbursement amount back. This is usually done annually or may be done monthly. These cards are great for those who utilize their cards frequently but dont have got clip to deal with points and other credit card rewards other cards may offer. Some credit cards rewards will be offered in the word form of sky miles or other flying incentives. These credit card rewards are perfect for the cardholder who travels frequently. If the cardholder is saving up their points for a free flight, they will be much more than likely to utilize their card rather than cash. Other credit card rewards include other miscellaneous prizes. Some cards will allow their cardholders to take from a choice of prizes.

Making The Most Of Rewards

The best manner to do the most of your credit card rewards is by simply taking advantage of them. Credit card companies are amazed at the amount of cardholders who never deliver their rewards. They utilize their cards frequently and collect prizes, however they never take the clip to get the prizes. The thing about credit card rewards is that unless you have got got a cash back program, you have to reach the company to get your prizes. Many cardholders forget about the programs or simply dont have got got clip to deal with them.

If you do have your eyes on a prize, then you can make the most of the credit card rewards programs by using your card frequently. Use your card instead of cash and simply pay off the balance before any interest collects. This manner you can get near to your award without being out any extra cash.

Credit card rewards are a fantastic manner to get excited about using your credit card. Those who usually carry cards filled to their upper limit and who only pay the minimum each calendar month may not be as excited about the credit card rewards. Unless you are able to utilize the card, you will not benefit. So, if your card have reached its upper limit balance, work on paying it down to begin benefiting from the credit cards rewards programs.

Gas Rewards Credit Cards Save You Money At The Pumps

2007-02-26T23:02:00.001-08:00

Gas terms breaking your budget? Switch to a cash back credit card rewards program and salvage 2% to 5% on all your purchases at your favourite gas station. For credit understanding consumers that tin do a difference in existent dollars and cents.

Branded gas company cards can cost you

By using a major credit card offered by Visa, Mastercard or American Express for your gasoline purchases you can salvage a batch of money over a branded gas company card, such as as Shell, Amoco, Citgo or Exxon. Usually these gasoline branded cards have got a much higher interest rate, usually about 21% Oregon more.

Transfer your balance and you could salvage even more

Another plus - by transferring your credit card to a cash rewards credit card, you can often take advantage of a 0% APR credit card balance transfer, and salvage even more. As gasoline terms edge ever higher, this tin be a welcome breathing place to a labored household budget.

How cash back credit card rewards or discounts work

Typically, cash rewards cards offer you discounts on all purchases, including groceries, retail items, film tickets as well as gas. Cash back credit card rewards are sent to you either as a check or as a credit to your account. These amounts can add up significantly if you travel or set in many miles commuting.

Not all cash rewards are alike

Some gas companies will brand their company particular card with a Visa, or Mastercard logo, for example, and can be used anywherebut you will only have a cash reward if you purchase gas from that specific station. These types of cards are limiting as to how and where you can utilize them, and you wont always get the lowest terms on gas.

If you really desire to save

For consumers who pay off their credit card balances every month, this type of cash back credit card can really be beneficial, by providing a cash rewards with lone a nominal finance charge. Look for a credit card offer with no annual fee, or transfer your balance to a 0% APR credit card that also offers cash back rebates.

So, if gas terms are breaking you budget, see switching to a gas rewards credit card offering cash back. Used wisely, cash back credit cards can be a utile tool in reconciliation your budget.

The Perils of the Property Ladder: Has Anyone Noticed the Silence?

2007-02-23T23:03:00.001-08:00

There was a clip when every conversation was focussed on property and every other television programme was about property makeovers. Everybody wanted to get into property and those already on the ladder seemed fixated on becoming affluent overnight. Remember those media-nominated millionaires who bought property for thousands and sold it for a million? How excited we all were, rich - with hardly any effort.

But recently its been rather quiet. Those who have got got got got got yet to purchase their first home have go sceptical, if not bored by chasing impossibly low-cost homes and those who have bought property have go nervous, if not by the commentary that house terms are falling, but by the fact that they have bought property on top of other debts and the realization that repayments are becoming more than difficult.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry, bankruptcies are still on the increase, up almost a 3rd on the former year. In the up-to-the-minute debt statistics by Credit Action, United Kingdom economic expert Vicky Redwood from Capital Economics states that the degree of personal debt is at breakage point:

It is improbable that the numbers have got peaked but we gauge that households must be feeling the hurting of borrowing too much. People are paying the equivalent of about 20 per cent of their disposable income on interest and debt repayments the highest since 1990.

In a study by the Citizens Advice Agency (CAB), the three most common grounds for debt problems were quoted as:

* Sudden change inch personal fortune consequent typically from occupation loss, human relationship dislocation or illness;

* Low income the effects of life for a long clip on a low degree of income; and

* Over-commitment in some cases related to money mismanagement.

It is the 3rd ground that is often highlighted in the linguistic context of mortgage borrowing. In a fourth estate release regarding the Chancellors proposals to present cheaper mortgages, Keith Tondeur, Director of Credit Action warned that:

At first glimpse the offer of aid to first clip buyers sounds useful. However this strategy come ups at a clip when after respective old age of steep rises the market is cooling. One inquiry that we should be asking is whether this is being done to maintain the lodging market floaty so that people experience confident and therefore maintain on spending.

"House terms are undoubtedly too high for many people to afford which explicates why numbers of first clip buyers have got been falling, with the average age of a first clip buyer rising sharply. This strategy could therefore, if care is not taken, make a false market and lead to first clip buyers taking on a large amount of long term debt that they could well fight to repay."

The seduction of the property market may cause a barbarous circle of debt: if people borrow more than than they can afford, they may damage their credit record if repayments cannot be met. An adverse credit record will trade name the borrower sub-prime, and is likely to motivate less favourable credit options later in life. It is true that merchandises such as non-standard mortgages, adverse loans and adverse credit cards function a purpose, but their rates will always be less favourable than standard products.

In improver to self-inflicted debt, it is also possible for your credit record to be manipulated by other parties. In June earlier this year, Callcredit issued a warning to guard against identity fraud when moving house.

Homeowners World Health Organization neglect to check their credit data file before they travel and register themselves on the Electoral Axial Rotation once they have got moved are at hazard from:

* Identity fraud a fraudster could obtain adequate financial information about you from your trash to run up debts at your old computer address without your knowledge. People who just cut up cards and don't state their lender are particularly at hazard from this type of fraud.

* Credit refusal a person's credit history have to add up to the lender when you apply for credit, if you don't look on the Electoral Axial Rotation at your current computer address it will do it more than hard to get credit.

If youre thought about purchasing a house, seek the following land sites for starting your ain investigator work in determination a good mortgage:

* Brand certain your credit record is in good shape: ( http://www.checkmyfile.com/ )

* Dont be lazy, store around for the best mortgage: ( http://www.moneynet.co.uk/ )

Make certain you maintain your finances flexible; guarantee you cognize what you can afford and for how long you can afford it. What was the best mortgage, current account, ISA account five old age ago, may not be performing as effectively now.

Important Things to Know About Divorce and Credit

2007-02-21T23:07:00.001-08:00

Joint debts stay joint debts.

Both partners signed a legally binding contract with the creditor, and a divorcement edict neither damages this contract nor relieves the creditor's investing in you. Amendment of any contract necessitates understanding by all parties, including the creditor, and cogent evidence of the amendment necessitates the signature of all parties. During a divorce, the creditors are not portion of the divorcement courts, and therefore the original agreements/contracts stand.

If you have got a joint financial duty with your ex-spouse, and your divorcement edict states that your ex-spouse is responsible, and your ex-spouse is delinquent on paying, your credit as well as his/hers is affected. As is stated above, your legal duty for a debt makes not travel away because a divorcement edict delegates duty for a debt to your ex-spouse. Along with a legal duty to pay come ups the right of the creditor to report a debt delinquent on your credit report if it's not paid as agreed in the original contract.

Especially tragical are states of affairs where one ex-spouse files bankruptcy and includes many joint debts in the bankruptcy. The partner not filing bankruptcy is left holding the bag for these joint debts, and many modern times they're not notified of the ex-spouse's filing until calendar months or old age down the route when it's too late to rectify the situation. So not only is the partner who didn't register responsible for the unpaid debts and can be legally sued for them, but the non-filing bankruptcy spouse's credit is also ruined, something that cannot be corrected, as the credit bureaus have got the right to report them delinquent.

The intent of divorcement is to divide off emotionally and financially from your ex-spouse. If you aren't careful, your spouse's handling of your once-joint accounts can stalk for years. If you had joint debts which existed before your divorce, and these accounts are not both paid off and closed, you're just asking for trouble. Also, although some divorcing couples are definitely out to get each other, most problems with joint accounts prior to divorcement are caused by ignorance, not malicious intent. Don't believe that just because your split is amicable that problems can't occur. Taking safeguards can protect BOTH of you. Order a credit report and reappraisal all outstanding debts.

You may tell a free credit report transcript at www.creditfederal.com/credit-report.html

Advantages of Switching Credit Cards

2007-02-18T23:05:00.001-08:00

Switching credit cards is an everyday part of life now whether it is taking advantage of the introductory offers or simply deciding that your existing credit card account is old and you are looking for a newer better credit card deal than you have already. If you choose your new credit card wisely the advantages could prove beneficial to you.

Here we are going to look at some of the advantages of switching your credit card and how it may benefit you.

Lower APR

Finding a credit card with a lower APR could be beneficial to you if you do not pay your credit card balance in full every month. Having a lower APR would mean paying less interest on your outstanding balance. (Do be aware of the minimum payment warning; always try to pay more than the minimum payment.) If you had bad debt in the past and could only get a high interest credit card then you may now be able to get a credit card with a lower APR.

Reward Schemes

Does your current credit card have a rewards or cash back scheme included? Are you benefiting from the reward scheme you currently have in place? It is better to find a new credit card that you would benefit from rather than have points totting up for vouchers that you know you are not going to use. I.e. store vouchers could help you with your grocery shopping or if you are a frequent flyer air miles could save you some money on your flights. Think about the reward scheme and ask yourself if you would use the vouchers etc.

Charity Credit Cards

If you have been thinking for a long time about helping out or donating money to your favorite charity chances are they will have a credit card that you can purchase. If you purchase a charity credit card every time you use your card your lender will donate to your chosen charity. People can feel very strongly about certain charities whether it be through losing a loved one or working in a charity environment so having a charity credit card could put your mind at rest knowing that you are helping in some way. You will generally find that charity credit card have all the other incentives that other credit cards have. The same applies to football credit cards, your favorite football club would receive a payment for every transaction you make which would in turn be reinvested back into your team club.

Thinking about switching credit cards?

There are many different options to think about so dont just stick to your current credit card out of habit make your credit card decisions work for you whatever your circumstances.

Credit Card Incentives

2007-02-16T23:06:00.001-08:00

Rebates

Frequent flyer miles

Phone Minutes

Additional guarantee coverage for the points you purchase

Car rental insurance, Travel accident insurance or travel-related discounts

Credit card registration

Maximizing Your Credit Card Rewards

2007-02-15T23:05:00.001-08:00

In their pursuit to get you to subscribe up for their credit card, banks and financial establishments are coming up with more than and higher inducements to lure you. Frequent circular miles gave manner to gas miles which opened the door for cash discounts and reward points to be used at 'our mulct member merchants'. When most other things are equal (APR, annual fees, fees for transfers et al), the style of reward points and how you can do usage of them can be the crucial factor in which card you take to set in your wallet.

One of your best options for a credit card these years is one of the current harvests that offer higher rewards/rebates for purchases made in gas stations, convenience supplies and supermarkets. These so-called 'everyday purchases' are the market that credit card companies desire to capture. That's why the large pushing to highlight the convenience of using a credit card for things like grocery store shopping - a great manner to maintain path of your purchases, they point out - gasoline purchases and other mundane incidentals. In order to get you to make that, they're offering rewards and cash back on those purchases that are higher than those for other purchases.

Take a expression at American Express' credit card offering, Blue Cash. The card offers a 0% introductory APR for the first six months. After that, the APR is from 11.2% to 16.2% depending on your credit report. There is no annual fee, no fee for balance transfers, and the APR for balance transfers is 4.99% for the life of the balance. Already, it's looking like a very nice deal.

Add in, however, the cash back rewards program, and you have got a credit card that tin actually save you money. If you pay off your balance in full every calendar month on time, there is NO INTEREST for 20 years on any of your purchases. The Rewards programme offers you 1% dorsum on all your 'everyday purchases' up to the first $6,500 you pay for with your card. In addition, you'll get .5% on all other purchases that you charge on your card. If you charge more than than $6,500 on your American Express Blue Cash card, your cash discount travels up to 5% on mundane purchases and 1% on all others.

How makes that stack up? If you've budgeted $125 per hebdomad for groceries, that's $6,500 for the year. Wage for that on your Blue Cash card AND wage THE bill WITHIN THE grace PERIOD, and you'll salvage $65 on grocery stores for the year. If you lodge to that, and also pay for your gasoline with your Blue Cash card, you'll get 5% dorsum of those purchases - since your grocery store purchases alone set you into the 5% bracket. If you gas up to the melody of $40 a week, that's another $104 in nest egg over the year.

Granted, taking full advantage of that kind of Cash back rewards programme necessitates subject and premeditation - but it's not as hard as it sounds. It just intends thinking of your credit card as just another measure that you pay in full each month. And that, after all, is the best and most common advice that financial experts give.

Common Credit Card Terms

2007-02-13T23:06:00.001-08:00

Whether you have got a credit card or you are thinking of getting one, what ever is the type of credit card, there is a simple credit card cant that you must be aware of.

Credit Cards: This is a card issued by a financial establishment that allows the cardholder to utilize credit to purchase commodity and services up to a predetermined limit. The cardholder gets a monthly statement and then he/she have to pay back. There is an interest on the amount credited.

Credit Limit: This is the upper limit amount you are allowed to pass on the credit card. How much credit bounds you get depends on you credit history and the type of credit card you have got (gold or Platinum Cards).

Credit History or Credit Scoring: This is your path record of how you have paid accounts in the past. It is of import from the creditors point of position since it determines whether you are likely to pay accounts on clip in the hereafter or not.

Gold and Platinum Cards: These are credit cards issued to high-end earners. These have got high or no credit limit. They come up bundled with a number of services and benefits not available to a criterion cardholder.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR): It is the annual interest rate or percentage you pay on the outstanding balance of credit as an interest or fee. It is also called annual interest rate.

Annual Fees: Annual fees is basically a care fee that the credit card issuers charge from the cardholders annually against the costs incurred in maintaining accounts and providing services.

Introductory Period: Credit card market is highly competitory in United Kingdom so a number of credit card companies offer a low rate of interest on outstanding balances on your account for an initial period. This initial time time period is called introductory period, which can endure for 6 to 12 calendar months depending on the offer.

Balance Transfers: This is another term that have emerged out of the credit card market competition in UK. State if you have got an outstanding balance in your account on which you are paying interest but you happen another market offer that brands your pocket breath easy then you can transfer your outstanding balance to a new account by paying certain percentage of balance transfer. Some credit card companies offer balance transfer as low as 0% inch introductory period.

Reward Program: It is a point-accumulating programme based on purchases or transactions made on your card. You can deliver your reward point against cash back, price reductions or free air miles according to the programme you inscribe for.

PIN (Personal Designation Number): It is the secret codification chosen by you for your card. You can access your money and execute banking transactions through the standard atmosphere or do purchases without sign language a sales reception at merchants that have got pin pads, using this code. Don't share your pin with anyone.

How to Make the Most of Your Credit Card Rewards

2007-02-11T23:07:00.001-08:00

Programs

Making The Most Of Rewards

Reward Credit Cards: Get the Best Rewards Card Incentive Program

2007-02-08T23:06:00.001-08:00

A good credit reward card can lend to your retirement account, offer gas rebates, score theme-park Oregon holiday tickets or take thousands off the
terms of your adjacent auto purchase. Rewards at hotels, airlines, and retail merchants convey more than to the possibilities but, adds to the confusion. Here are some tips to happen the best reward programs for you to increase your purchasing power.

Who should apply for reward cards?

It used to be that if you pay off your balance each month, reward cards
are definitely deserving considering. But now, many have got come up out with very
competitory interest rates below 10 percent, so if your credit is good
adequate to qualify, you need not necessarily price reduction a rewards card, unless
it impedes you from paying down your balance in any way.

Invest some clip to maximise payoff

Anyone who desires to get the best deal must patiently compare offers,
then manage them consistently afterwards. Size Up disbursement to give maximum
discount value for the dollar.

Calculate your disbursement to do the rewards worthwhile

If you charge $3,000 a twelvemonth on a card that costs $45 annually, for
example, it will take over 6 old age to earn a free airline ticket with most
cards. In that time, you will have got paid $270 in fees -- enough to purchase a
discounted air ticket on your own.

Flyer miles

Frequent-flier miles were the first comers of the discount credit
cards. They typically value at 1% to 2% discount or one mile per dollar spent,
so take the 1s that offer the highest return.

Some airline cards have got a use it or lose it policy, as make many travel or hotel rewards. If it will take you a long time
to earn your reward, you will desire to do certain it will be there for you. American Express, for example, have programs that never run out and provides
miles that, can be used on a number of different airlines. If you travel
different airlines but need a Visa or MasterCard (accepted by more than merchants),
you can take a bank-issued travel awards card.

About auto rewards

Car rewards be given to be the most generous in terms of what percentage
discount you earn but have its limitations. For example, if you earn 5% toward
the purchase of a vehicle, but only on choice vehicles. You can always exchange to another card discount programme after you have got reached
the upper limit reward to maintain the price reductions and go on to charge more.

Gas rewards

With ever increasing gas prices, you can augment earnings by also applying
for gas reward cards. Cardholders can earn higher rates on all gasoline
purchases.

Entertain yourself

Many theme-parks and attractions; such as as, Disney and Universal, have
credit cards that give you points toward tickets, movies and other great
stuff.

Get cold hard cash

The easiest manner to collect true nest egg is by taking advantage of
no-fee cash-back cards. To get the most benefit, take a card that gives
you at least a full 1% dorsum on all purchases. Also take a card that comes
with retail card benefits where rates addition 5% to 10% when spending
at participating merchants and retailers.

For a complete comparison listing of the enormous amount incentive
reward card offers to take from, visit SpyFind's
Credit Rewards Center to happen the 1s right for you.

Advantages of Switching Credit Cards

2007-02-06T23:07:00.001-08:00

Here we are going to look at some of the advantages of switching your credit card and how it may profit you.

Lower APR

Reward Schemes

Charity Credit Cards

Thinking about switching credit cards?

There are many different options to believe about so dont just lodge to your current credit card out of wont do your credit card determinations work for you whatever your circumstances.

Credit Card Incentives

2007-02-04T18:08:00.000-08:00

Rebates

Frequent flyer miles

Phone Minutes

Additional guarantee coverage for the points you purchase

Car rental insurance, Travel accident insurance or travel-related discounts

Credit card registration

Maximizing Your Credit Card Rewards

2007-02-02T18:06:00.000-08:00

Credit Card Companies Offers

2007-01-12T02:25:00.000-08:00

Depending on your preferences, your life style and your fiscal situation, you, like most people have got disbursement won’t that are alone to yourself. You may be the type who splurges once a month, or the type who would pass one thousands just sprucing up your car. Still you could be the sort of shopper who only stores (or experiences comfy shopping) at certain retail establishments. Whatever sort of shopper you are, wouldn’t it be nice if you could acquire something back from your expenses? Well, would you believe that it is possible?

Some credit card companies have got programmes wherein they hammer necktie ups with selected retail establishments. If you’re 1 of the frequent shoppers of these retail stores, you can gain discounts or wages points for every purchase you do at these stores. Provided, of course, you throw the appropriate credit card. There are respective constitutions that work together with credit card companies, but the most popular 1s affiliated with card companies include Toys Roentgen United States (which is ideal for new parents or those who have got remained a kid at heart), Borders (perfect for pedants or those who devour books), Walt Disney (for those whose Black Maria were captured at the Magic Kingdom), and Universal Joint (a heaven-sent for movie fans and aspirant film critics).

What’s good about these credit cards is that you don’t demand to utilize these exclusively at these constitutions in order to gain wages points. You can utilize these anywhere and still be granted points which you can salvage and deliver at a future date. Naturally, the points given for purchases made outside the attached supplies are slightly less than the 1s they would give if you shopped at the specific shop itself, but this doesn’t really substance much.

What’s of import is that wherever you are, you acquire something back. In improver to the attractive wages program, these credit card game offering the card holder, especially the new ones, other benefits which may include (but may not be limited to) 0% interest on Balance Transfers, waived yearly fees, free tickets to selected movies / gap nights, particular discounts, free verifiers or gift certifications upon sign language up and other alluring handles that have got been designed to give you more than value for your money.

Credit card that gives retail wages are valuable commodities, provided of course, these are used wisely, especially in these difficult times. Not only make you acquire to shop at your front-runner establishment, every dollar you pass translates to a wages point or fillip which you can deliver at a future date. Through this service, shopping goes more than enjoyable, and paying your measures goes less of a job as well. If you are interested to subscribe up for a credit card that supplies retail rewards, acquire cusps or circulars from local Banks or hunt the internet. Check which retail constitutions have got made tie-ups with card companies and find which of these would best lawsuit your lifestyle.

Best Deal No Mean Deed

2006-11-21T23:36:00.000-08:00

These days abundance of credit card choices is available in the market. They offer perks in a variety of ways. And they all come with the inevitable fine print detailing innumerable restrictions, making it difficult to figure out which is the best deal.

Assessing which card is the best deal is no mean deed but, after you narrow your choices based on your consumer tendencies. To choose, you need to assess your charging habits - and know what your ultimate goal is.

Here are the tips which will help you in getting the right card for yourself.

1. Your first choice is whether you want to earn points for a particular goal, such as an airline ticket, or get cash back.

2. To choose among the offers, you need to assess your buying habits and then go to one of the comparison. Web sites to check what's out there.

3. If you like traveling then a branded card may be a good buy offering you miles reward. Such as The Capital One card charges no annual fee, works on most airlines with no blackout dates.

4. Those who want more freedom should consider a card with rewards that are good at a variety of companies or a cash-back card. The cash-back card may give you the same, fewer or more benefits.

5. Pay your balance dues. No matter which card you choose, it's important to pay off the balance every month.
To enjoy the rewards pay off your balance each and every month.

6. Limit yourself to two, since opening too many credit lines may hurt your credit rating.

7. Be sure to compare interest rates.

8. Check rebate caps. Some cards limit the benefit, either with a cap on miles or points or on cash back.

9. Compare annual fees. Look for no-fee cards.

10. Look for a reward program without expiration dates.

11. Look at short-term offers. Some offers are only good for an introductory period.

Citibank launches "Guaranteed to Win" campaign

2006-10-30T02:35:00.000-08:00

Citibank Bhd has launched the "Guaranteed to Win" campaign, to be held from Nov 1 to Jan 31, 2007, to reward its credit card holders with up to 500 million reward points.

In a statement on Oct 30, Citibank said by charging a minimum of RM50 on a single receipt on eight different occasions in a month, customers would be rewarded with eight times reward points on the average amount charged.

It said customers could obtain 20 times or up to 50 times reward points when they use the card 20 times or 50 times in a month, respectively.

The same applies to customers with the Citibank Cash Back cards, where they will earn between eight and 50 times the cash back rate on average amount charged.

The bank said the campaign was aimed at encouraging its customers to consolidate all their purchases on their Citibank credit cards, as well as to reward its existing loyal customers.

"The Guaranteed to Win campaign is part of Citibank's goal to enhance and strengthen the relationship with our loyal customers by offering them practical and real rewards.

"We understand that customers want to be certain that they are getting the best deals out of their credit cards, especially in an environment where they are given the opportunity to choose from the wide variety of cards available," said Citibank cards business director Vipin Agrawal.

The campaign is open to all Citibank Platinum, Gold, Clear, Silver, Cash Back, CitiBusiness, Choice and Celcom credit card customers, and is applicable to all retail purchases, excluding One Bill/Autopay, Easy Payment Plan, Flexi Payment Plan, Balance Transfer, Cash Advance and Loan On Phone transactions.

“No cheap option” for credit card payment protection

2006-10-25T00:52:00.000-07:00

Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) for credit cards is costing consumers hundreds and sometimes thousands of pounds each year, according to MoneyExpert.com. The independent financial comparison website says that even a relatively modest balance of £3,000 would attract an average annual fee of £270, or as much as £540 with the most expensive provider.

Payment Protection Insurance covers your monthly repayments in the case of unemployment, accident, sickness or death and is typically used in unsecured loans and credit card borrowing. The Office of Fair Trading recently called the schemes "overly complex" and recommended that it be investigated by the Competition Commission.

MoneyExpert.com analysis has revealed that the average cost of PPI on a balance of £2,000 could add up to £180 per year, or a hefty 75p for every £100 the customer owes. It warns that on the same balance PPI can cost double the average at £360 a year, and that even the cheapest providers would charge over £141.

According to MoneyExpert.com, only two out of 61 providers – Saga and Bank of Ireland – charge under 70p per £100. The typical charge is 72p and just under half of the 213 credit cards on the market charge over the average monthly fee of 75p per £100.

Sean Gardner, chief executive of MoneyExpert.com, said: “Many people don’t realise that they can purchase PPI with any major insurance broker – it doesn’t have to be an expensive add-on to their credit card. What’s more, there are often exclusions in the policies which are not made clear to consumers when they sign up.

“PPI can be useful if you are concerned about your borrowing and want peace of mind. The key to PPI is to consider specialist cover as an alternative to the scheme offered by your credit card provider. As things stand you’re very likely to get a better deal elsewhere.”

MoneyExpert.com offers payment protection insurance to cover your mortgage, income and personal loans. Its recommended mortgage payment protection insurance topped the Which? 'Best buy survey' for mortgage PPI.

MoneyExpert.com offers a unique service which enables people to find the financial products which best meet their specific needs, and which they are more likely to be successful in being accepted for. It includes exclusive research conducted by MORI, which reveals providers’ service levels. This information is married up with a financial database which lists the products suited to the customer. For the first time, people can review a product’s price, features and also the level of service offered by the provider to enable them to make a more informed choice.

MoneyExpert.com aims to demystify the complex world of personal finance, and to help inform customers of the choices available. The service can be found at moneyexpert.com.

Credit Card Chargeback's A Thing Of The Past?

2006-10-17T00:25:00.000-07:00

The 41st Parameter, a company that creates some of the industry's most advanced Internet fraud prevention solutions, is now saying that the credit card fraudsters have created such an advanced scheme that they are coordinating attacks against online merchants by using personal, digital and financial data which all appears legitimate to the typical online detection systems.

The sneaky cardsters, as predicted, have greatly improved their techniques. These criminals now match key parameters like local IPs, the card address, billing and shipping address changes plus other technical items which at the time of the sale seem to actually be the legitimate home customer ordering merchandise. The (fraudulent) online sales appear genuine and unfortunately wiz through most of the current fraud detection systems.

The 41st Parameter is one of the top group of specialist in fraud prevention and they have some outstanding proprietary products such the FraudNet™ solution and patent-pending TimeDiff Linking™ technology. In just the first year of implementing their technologies they have successfully reduced a major e-commerce customer's chargeback's by more than 60%.

These - not so new factors - created by the active 'fraudsters' and now identified, have also caused a whole new series of consumer and merchant problems such as the growing costs for online merchants with escalating chargeback rates. Finally its a shame but this type of fraud eventually erodes consumer confidence in online shopping.

Of course there are online digital commerce methods that are not effected by credit card fraud or chargeback's.

Visa Card Offer

2006-10-03T04:07:00.000-07:00

Visa credit card is offering gas rewards. You must have very good credit to quality for this gas reward card.

This gas reward credit card has both the best annual fee and the best introductory interest rate anywhere - zero. The introductory period is six months long. The rate of interest on the balance after the introductory period is 13.74 percent - not the best, but still a reasonable rate. The rate for cash advances, however, is quite high (though this is commonly the case). That rate is 23.74 percent, although it varies.

Another perk that makes this one of the best gas reward credit cards is its excellent reporting system for stolen or lost cards, its insurance offer for auto rentals, its travel accident insurance with a hefty ceiling and the fact that the card holders is not held liable for unauthorized transactions.

The one disadvantage of this card, which, depending on your spending and payment habits may or may not matter to you, is that its finance charge method is called a two-cycle average daily balance method. This is more costly than that used by most issuers of credit cards - the method of determining finance charges by the average daily balance.

Choosemyrewards Program

2006-09-04T03:50:00.000-07:00

For those who are indecisive or those having different rewards interests at different times of the year, should take an interest in the Chase choosemyrewards program. There are two different flagship cards involved in this program, the Chase Cash Plus Rewards Visa and the Chase Flexible Rewards Visa. Both cards offer 0% APR's for 1 year, and low APR's thereafter. Statistics show however, that the approval rate for the Chase Cash Plus Rewards Visa is higher.

Like any other rewards program, there is a point system for both cards. You receive one point for every dollar spent on purchases with each card. When these points are accumulated, you then have the option of redeeming them for a variety of goods or cash. Here is what distinguishes these two cards from all other programs. At any time, you may login to the choosemyrewards page on the Chase server to elect which type of rewards you would like to receive. Choices include merchandise, restaurant gift certificates, retail gift certificates, travel rewards, and with the Chase Cash Plus Rewards Visa up to 5% cash back on purchases.

Credit card agreements are very complicated things

2006-08-01T04:24:00.000-07:00

On a positive note, Chase recently extended the introductory 0% balance transfer rate on their Chase Platinum Visa Card to up to 15 months.Just be sure to look at what the card has to offer beyond being an instant approval credit card. Purchase Protection Program. These offers will be very tempting. Through December 31, 2005, United Mileage Plus Visa credit card is now offering double miles on qualified school expenses paid to schools.

Contact them directly as soon as you realize that you are not going to be able to make payments to discuss your options. It comes with a $20 annual fee. Some low-rate cards levy a transaction fee, to avail of the balance transfer facility. It is amazing how one can chase united mileage plus platinum business credit card processing do everything here.

According to the latest estimates, up to 90 percent of the banks on the market are planning to unveil new credit cards designed for the small business owner. The first beneficiary the exporter may request the paying, accepting or negotiating bank to make the credit available in whole or in part to one or more second beneficiary or beneficiaries. The segment featured opposing viewpoints from Michael McAuliffe, President of Family Credit Counseling Service, and Dr. Robert Manning, author of Credit Card Nation and Professor of Finance at Rochester Institute of Technology. To use the United Mileage Plus Visa credit card with blink, instead of swiping their credit card as normal, cardmembers simply hold their card near a special point-of-sale terminal during checkout.Earn double miles for taxes paid between January 4 and December 31, 2006 with United’s Mileage Plus® Visa.

If you’ve ever used a gift card, this is much the same

2006-07-13T03:15:00.000-07:00

You are also charged a transaction fee if you use the free prepaid debit card to remove cash on your account from the ATM location of another debit card company or bank.That's why it's a good idea to send a dispute letter via certified mail, return receipt requested. Keep in mind that this is only good for a period. In fact even her old credit card issuer had the right to change the rate. Odds are, you have a debit card in your wallet or purse right now, since many ATM cards are programmed to have debit options.You're fooling yourself when you slice and dice your debt onto several credit cards. You can file a written statement which will be added to your file. Do not buy a home until you are financially stable and capable of maintaining a house. In fact the majority of the population owe the credit card company and are currently paying these exorbitant rates of interest. However, with this technology, a thief will just have to take possession of the RFID credit card in order to use it. Some consumers have also indicated that they never received their credit report after it was requested. The actual rate of interest can be much higher than stated when the annual fee is considered. Create a budget for living expenses and stick to it. Lenders are recklessly issuing cards to those who can least afford them. Choose a debit card which can transfer funds from one debit card to the other without any problems.World wide acceptability: Most free prepaid debit cards are accepted at locations and shopping outlets which display the logo of the debit card company.

Your total 10 digit credit card number

2006-07-05T00:09:00.000-07:00

As credit card processing became more complicated, outside service companies began to sell processing services to VISA and MasterCard association members.As long as the credit card issuer can determine your credit worthiness, it doesn't matter where your bank account is. It is also your responsibility to consider the terms and conditions of the credit card. How does the machine 'read' my card? Finally, have fun with reward cards! Peter Flur views the pursuit of credit card rewards as simply a game albeit a potentially profitable game- many cardholders rack up considerable awards on a regular basis . Depending on your card brand and the issuing bank, your plastic may offer some, all or none of the following. This is not the credit card to take with you on your next trip to the mall. That is people are still using their credit cards at the pump; and in fact with the rising gas prices even more people charge gas purchases which in turn further contributes to the increasing processing fees credit card issuers receive from gas merchants—the higher the charges, the higher the processing fees.You will need to be well organized and remind yourself to do this. Since the banks are taking on more risk and experience higher losses with this customer segment. That failure to disclose is starting to change due to recent lawsuits brought by consumers who say that their credit card company failed to adequately disclose currency-conversion fees on their credit card statements. A credit card processing network has yet to be chosen by Wachovia, however, the leading options are Visa and MasterCard.In fact, Killian recommends being very early if at all possible to account for mail time and processing by the credit card company.The name of the game is Frustrate the Customer Until They Give Up and Go Away. Other cards earn at a lower rate or have rate tiers the more you spend the more you earn, but there is no limit to how much you earn. It's written into most agreements that the banks retain the right to make those changes if and when they please.

In a non-transferable letter of credit

2006-06-23T04:53:00.000-07:00

Simple, apply for an instant approval credit card online.Fair Isaac Corporation has been selling their FICO score for more than three years now via their website. Include all wages and any overtime, commissions or bonuses that are guaranteed. 5% annual percentage rate APR. In case the L/c does not stipulate the latest negotiation date, it is within 21 days after the date of issuance of the transport documents, but on or before the L/c expiry date. They will take your application and review it and do a credit check. So. You can apply and submit your application for a gas card online.The average number of cards owned by college students is 25, with seniors having a whopping average of 13 cards. How are convenience checks treated? As more cards appear on the market allowing greater flexibility of offering cash rebates regardless of where you top up with gas, consumers have a much varied choice. If you do not need to have the card right away, it is simply not in your best financial interest to apply for an instant approval credit card online.In order to apply for a card, we need to enter specific details as requested by credit card companies online.For example, if your credit rating is bad, it's realistic to assume that the odds of getting approved are slim. Defaults in the past have brought problems in the present and now you are searching a way out to purchase a car. The minimum slab required to qualify for free travel with these cards is usually lower than that for cards that offer free miles.

Essentials of Credit Card Rewards

2006-05-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

A credit card that offers a reward point scheme means that as you use the card you accumulate a certain number of points which can then be converted into a reward of your choice. It can be air miles, gift vouchers, or a purchase of some kind. But to get the most benefit out of a reward card you need to ensure that it offers good value for your money. Did you know it could take over five years and an expenditure of over US$ 5000 to get a free ticket within the US.
Credit rewards are carrots dangled by credit card companies. Before you are caught by the enticement evaluate your monthly earnings, expenditure, as well as loans. Do not invite a financial hurricane if you are not in a position to pay all your bills every month. Interest rates on reward cards can be at least 2-3% higher than other cards.
Use the card that offers you a reward steadily but be sure you can settle the bills every month otherwise, the interest you pay will negate the rewards earned.
Check whether your reward points can be set off against the annual fees payable by you. If you have a no fee card then choose rewards that are of use to you like gasoline, travel assistance, retirement incentives, flier miles, or cash back. Do considerable research and choose a scheme that works for you.
To reap good value out of a rewards program you will need to use your credit card often. By using the card to pay for utilities, groceries, prescriptions, mortgages, and more you can earn many points perhaps even a 1000 dollars in a year. Handle your finances wisely, never spend more than you can afford.

2005-12-07T23:11:00.000-08:00

I would just like to bring it to everyone's attention that it is 88 degrees in my office. Welcome to the ninth circle of hell, folks! And...while it is 4:48 ish and everyone's about to go home...nooooo...Lana gets to hang out here until like 6!!!! DAMNIT!

All Meh, All The Time

2005-10-07T22:32:00.000-07:00

Since people around me say "meh" a lot (which Chris pointed out stands for "motherf*ing eh"), one of my friends plugged it into the Advertising Slogan Generator and this is what came up:

Have a Meh and Smile.
Avez-Vous Un Meh?
Meh Stays Sharp 'til The Bottom of the Glass.
There's First Love, and There's Meh Love.
It's the Bright One, it's the Right One, that's Meh.
The Queen of Meh.
Chocolate Meh Since 1911.
Good Honest Meh Since 1896.
Things Go Better with Meh.
Mama's got the Magic of Meh.
The Meh That Likes To Say Yes.
Bridge That Gap with Meh.
We Do Meh Right.
You Press the Meh, We Do the Rest.
If You've Got the Time, We've Got the Meh.
They're Yummy For Your Meh.
Good To The Last Meh.
Think Meh.
Loves the Meh You Hate.
Gives A Meal Meh-Appeal.
Race For The Meh.
Get Meh or Get Out.
I'm Cuckoo For Meh.
I am Stuck on Meh, 'Cause Meh's Stuck on Me.
The Curiously Strong Meh.

Shitty Wisdom For Friday

2005-08-07T22:34:00.000-07:00

Religions of the World

1. Taoism - Shit happens.
2. Hare Krishna - Shit happens rama rama ding ding.
3. Hindusim - This shit happened before.
4. Islam - If shit happens, its Allah's will.
5. Zen - What is the sound of shit happening?
6. Buddhism - When shit happens, is it really shit?
7. Confusianism - Confucias say, "Shit happens".
8. 7th Day Adventist - Shit happens on Saturdays.
9. Protestantism - Shit won't happen if I work harder.
10. Catholocism - If shit happens, I deserve it.
11. Jehova's Witness - Knock, knock, "Shit happens!"
12. Unitarian - What is this shit?
13. Mormon - Shit happens again and again and again ...
14. Judaism - Why does this shit always happen to me?
15. Rastafarianism - Let's smoke this shit!

It's Like Every Day Is Monday...

2005-07-07T22:37:00.000-07:00

"Late one morning I just packed my things
Burned all my bills and I hopped on a plane
I told the cops and the bankers goodbye
They said "Don't let us catch you, you owe us your life"
-Cory Morrow, Nashville Blues

It really took an act of God for me to come in today. Just so you know.

But I'm really not that bad off. What do you expect when you have PMS and you just got back from a loooooong weekend?

Anyway, don't be too surprised if I stay mum today. I'm up to my eyeballs in work so I don't get fired, and in denial so I don't quit. Enjoy your hump day, gang!

2005-07-07T22:35:00.000-07:00

Good to see everyone voting. Interesting how nobody thinks I should keep my job... But today is docket day (as will be the next 6), so I don't mind it too much. I just have to do some real work before the mail gets here. I usually have the mail in and out by noon, so that's my crunch time, and I spend the rest of the afternoon entering things into the calendar and praying I don't screw up. The last thing I want is ol' CDC in my office telling me I fubared something for him.

It's Thursday, and you know what that means: Weigh in. Let's talk about how UN-excited I am. I realized that I managed to undo 5 weeks of hard work in, oh, 3 DAYS!!! So it's back to counting points, drinking water, and lifting weights. 'Cause I don't care how many times I hear that I'm sexy or looking skinny or whatever... I still look at my ass in the mirror and think "Thanks, mom."

And now for some current events: I was wondering if Paris or New York had gotten the Olympics, would there have been transit attacks there, or was London just lucky? Either way, I'm not going to be too terribly excited about riding the Metro anytime soon. But to quote Strictly Ballroom, "A life lived in fear is a life half lived."