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5 Ways to Quickly Boost Your Credit Score
Tweet Share on Facebook July 30, 2010 Comment (6)Despite what all the advertisements say, there aren't many ways for you to increase your credit score quickly and legitimately. Many of the advertised tactics revolve around disputing old, negative information in the hopes that the original creditor won't respond and the mark will be removed. It's an entirely legitimate technique but it's a little dishonest. Some companies also advocate writing a letter to the original reporter of negative information and asking them to remove the mark for one reason or another. While less dishonest, it goes against the spirit of how the score was intended and while I have no problem with it, I think there are several honest moves you can make to give your score a boost without resorting to these tactics.
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The Best Credit Cards for College Students
Tweet Share on Facebook July 29, 2010 CommentWith the start of another school year fast approaching, now is the time for college students to decide how they will manage their money. The available options generally fall into one of three categories: credit cards, prepaid cards, or bank debit cards. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. And for some students, a combination of two options may be best.
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4 Common Fees and How to Avoid Them
Tweet Share on Facebook July 28, 2010 CommentWhile fees might be necessary (businesses have to be profitable, after all), consumers are savvy enough to realize how ridiculous some of the fees really are. Unfortunately, they don’t always make the effort to find the loopholes to avoid paying them.
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The Best Way to Pay Off Debt
Tweet Share on Facebook July 28, 2010 Comment (7)If I learned anything from Star Trek, it's that humans, a community of which I consider myself a member, do not always make decisions based on logic. If we followed the mathematic principles of addition and subtraction, fewer of us would find ourselves in unmanageable debt. Aside for unexpected major expenses, many people buried by credit cards and loans are in this position due to the emotional and psychological aspects of spending money, not necessarily a momentary lapse in mathematical reason.
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Focus on These 5 Body Parts – and Save Money
Tweet Share on Facebook July 27, 2010 CommentMany of us are willing to spend plenty of time and money to maintain a youthful appearance. The face gets the most attention, but there are other areas we shouldn't neglect that also show telltale signs of aging. Pay extra attention to these body parts now, and you'll spend less improving their appearance later.
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4 Warning Signs of Credit Card Trouble
Tweet Share on Facebook July 26, 2010 Comment (1)It's something a lot of us are aware of but don't always acknowledge: Our credit cards can be extremely useful in the right circumstances -- but in other cases they can get us into all kinds of trouble.
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How to Retire in Five Years – Seriously
Tweet Share on Facebook July 23, 2010 Comment (1)Is it possible to retire in just five to ten years? Jacob of Early Retirement Extreme thinks that most people can become financially independent in less than ten years and in less than five if they are truly determined. He also thinks that most people are not willing to make the necessary changes. I agree with him on both points.
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8 Painless Ways to Save Money
Tweet Share on Facebook July 22, 2010 Comment (17)We all know how to spend less by sacrificing. From eating out less to buying fewer clothes to cutting back on vacations, saving through sacrificing can be effective, but painful. So if you are looking for ways of saving money, why not start with money saving tips that are relatively pain free?
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4 Ways to Beat Extended Warranties
Tweet Share on Facebook July 21, 2010 Comment (9)Your high-yield savings account can help you say no to extended warranties when you're shopping for electronics and appliances. These are big money makers for retailers, but they are often losses for consumers. The plans are only worthwhile in circumstances that have a low chance of ever happening: when the product is damaged or malfunctioning within the (usually limited) time frame of the plan. Even when that happens, the store will probably still make it difficult for you to take advantage of the benefit.
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How Compound Interest Really Works
Tweet Share on Facebook July 21, 2010 Comment (1)Putting money in a bank or credit union means you are paid interest for letting your money sit there, while the financial institution makes a profit by lending that money to others at even higher interest rates. It may seem strange to think of interest as a good thing, but if you are on the receiving end of interest, it is a great thing. When you put money into a savings account, interest goes to work for you. Compound interest can help the money in your savings account grow into a tidy little nest egg.
