Entries Tagged 'credit cards' ↓
April 5th, 2007 — credit cards, saving money
Being a freelancer (by personal choice or if yet unemployed and doing it for that hard-earned, much needed cash) can take a toll on even the most thrifty individual.
Below are some tips on how to save money while engaged in freelancing work:
1. Credit cards. It would be wise to stop, or at least minimize, the use of credit cards when the cash inflow is at its lowest point, i.e. while freelancing stints are not enough to cover the interest rates by using such cards.
2. Work during the day. Doing some writing (or encoding of info) during the night requires the usage of electricity. If possible, do all work related activities in the day when lights would not be necessary.
3. Hiring of assistants. When the workload exceeds the capacity of the individual, and additional manpower is needed, it would be wise to hire college students.
Why? Students currently enrolled in related fields (advertising, communication and the likes) could give brilliant ideas to the individual, and, most often than not, already knows what they are doing. The result, lesser time in orientation, more time for accomplishing the work
4. Back-up files. Instead of buying tons of cd’s or flash disks to save important files, email it to yourself instead. Be wary though of email accounts that render downloads unavailable after a certain period of time.
5. Messenger services. To cut on those phone bills, register unto a free messenger service and invite clients or co-workers to the group. Messages can then be readily posted and sent to the party involved, less the bill for it.
[image from innovatieforganiseren]
March 15th, 2007 — debt management, credit cards
If you want to watch a film on how one can easily be enslaved by his or her credit cards, Maxed Out is for you.
The film is the lively first feature from James D. Scurlock, a Benjamin Franklin Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, the oldest business school in America. He made the film to explain how the modern financial industry aggressively goes about its business, and why mounting debt is burdening more and more family budgets to the breaking point. The story couldn’t be more timely, as Wall Street reels from the meltdown of nationwide subprime lenders that provide mortgages to people with poor credit.
This film’s creator emphasized the predatory financial companies that offer products made to confuse consumers and make them remain drowning in debt forever. However, it’s not all about them lenders, of course, the gullibility and financial management ignorance of credit card users is also to blame.
via StarTribune
March 12th, 2007 — credit cards
Credit cards are fast replacing cash as the currency of choice of today’s shoppers, diners, and buyers. Credit cards offer several advantages: they allow credit card users to do away with carrying large amounts of cash; if used properly, they can save money; and they allow credit card users to buy things they need on an emergency basis, even with little or no cash on hand.
In the wrong hands, however, credit cards can be dangerous. Using them can conjure up the illusion that no money is being spent, so that credit card users can easily fall into the trap of spending and spending without monitoring their spending habits or coming bills. If bills are not paid on time, or incompletely, large interest rates may be imposed on succeeding bills, making the amount due even larger and more difficult to pay. Credit card thieves, moreover, never rest: they can steal your identity through credit account records, and you may find yourself the victim of a scam if you are not careful. Continue reading →
March 4th, 2007 — debt management, credit cards
An estimate of 33% of American high school seniors are now getting more and more inclined to credit card abuse because of the ease of applying and acquiring one.
People under the age of 25 are now the fastest-growing group of bankruptcy filers. College students reported having an average credit card debt of $2,169.
As an initiative to abate this credit card use dilemma, Kansas city lawyers and bankruptcy judges put up the Credit Abuse Resistance Education program (CARE). This program aims to make high school students avoid getting enslaved by their credit cards.
Students are encouraged to limit themselves to one credit card with a low credit limit, and to use credit cards for necessities, not “wants.” Students are also provided information on the costs of financing larger purchases, such as cars and electronics, and the traps to avoid in making larger purchases.
The program meets educational guidelines for Kansas and Missouri schools. High school teachers who wish to schedule a class presentation or learn more about the program should contact Carole Bozworth at the University of Missouri Extension Service at (816) 482-5862.
This is such a very commendable program that will not only make parents worry less on their kids credit card debts but may also help in making more financially responsible citizens.
via Kansas City Star
[image from Flickr uploaded by Brett L.]