Your First Credit Card Offers: Tips for Beginners

bizdev
-
0
Your First Credit Card Offers: Tips for Beginners

You’ve finally received your first credit card offers in the mail and are excited about the possibility of getting something for free. Stop for a moment before you fill out that application form. What you may not realize is that not all offers are the same. It’s best to take a good, close look and consider the following factors before accepting an offer.

1. Limits
How much money do you need to put on a credit card? Your credit score will affect the amount a credit card company is willing to bet on you, but in general, you want to be able to pay off your expenses without worrying about maxing out your card.

2. Interest Rates
Credit card offers often offer a special rate to get you interested, but before you jump on any interest free credit cards, take a look at the fine print. If the card jumps to 25% after a certain time period, it may not be worth it.

3. Incentives
Don’t just accept any old card. If you want to really benefit, apply for credit card companies that offer rewards in exchange for your use of the card. This may be anything from points that can be redeemed for prizes, cash back or air miles. Choose a reward that you will actually use . . . there’s no point in accumulating air miles if you never plan to fly.

You will see plenty of credit card offers, so take the time to research and select the best one for your needs.

3 Reasons You Need Travel Insurance

bizdev
-
0
3 Reasons You Need Travel Insurance

When traveling, do you buy travel insurance? If not, it’s time to think again about this type of coverage.

At first glance, travel insurance seems a little pointless. Keep in mind, however, that if you’re outside of your country, your regular health insurance may not kick in if you need it.

1. Accidents happen. No one wants to think of getting in a crash or breaking a leg while they’re on vacation, but it happens. No need to be morbid, but planning ahead could save you a lot of hassle.

2. Flights get cancelled. Flying multiple airlines can end up destroying your schedule and if you miss a flight or find a flight is cancelled, you could be out a lot of money. Not to mention, you’ll have to put up more money to get to your destination, in some cases. Travel insurance protects travelers from this problem.

3. There’s no place like home. If you are injured in a foreign country or need medical assistance that isn’t available where you are, getting home in a hurry can be a pain. Insurance policies that cover emergency evacuation are very handy in this case.

Your health insurance isn’t likely to cover all of these scenarios, so travel insurance can be a great investment.

Are Online Loans Really Worth It?

bizdev
-
0
Are Online Loans Really Worth It?

You’ve seen the ads for online loans and may have been tempted to check them out. If you’ve hesitated, it’s probably because you’re not sure if it’s really a good idea to take out a loan.

Online loans have a number of benefits. For example, the fact that you can get a loan approved very rapidly without even leaving the comfort of your home is a big advantage. For those who are embarrassed to be seen at the payday loan office, this is a good alternative.

When banks and other financial institutions have turned you down for a loan, it can be simpler to get one online. For many people, this is the last chance to borrow money, so it may be a very valuable resource when you’re stuck for cash.

The downside of taking a loan, any loan, is that you have a deadline to pay up. If you miss it, your credit score will drop and you’ll end up paying late fees and higher interest. This can easily be avoided if you pay on time, however. Online borrowing may come with a higher interest rate, which is the cost of convenience in this case.

For many people, getting a loan online is the best way to get over the rough patches or to find a business loan for those times when no one else will back you. Either way, this type of borrowing can be useful and help you get ahead.

3 Ways to Lower the Cost of Home Insurance

bizdev
-
0
3 Ways to Lower the Cost of Home Insurance

Are the high costs of home insurance getting to you? It might be time to look into what you can do to drop your costs.

1. Combine auto and home insurance. If you buy coverage from a company that offers both, you may get a discount. This is a great way to drop costs by up to 15%, so find out if your insurance company offers packages. Don’t forget to check them against other packages to make sure you’re getting a good deal.

2. Improve your security. Did you know that your insurance rates are based partially on the security measures you have in your home? Things like smoke detectors, alarms and specialty locks on windows and doors can actually reduce your premiums.

3. Maintain a great credit score. The better your score, the better rates you’ll get. This means you’ll need to stay on top of things like debt and credit card spending, but it’s well worth it.

Home and mortgage insurance costs can take a big bite out of your paycheck if you’re not careful. Use these simple tips to save money without sacrificing quality or standards. It often only takes a few minutes of planning to save plenty of money.

Cheap Flights Are Just a Search Away

bizdev
-
0
Cheap Flights Are Just a Search Away

With travel becoming more and more expensive, finding cheap flights may seem like a myth. It’s actually possible to find low cost fares, both nationally and internationally. The trick is knowing where to look.

An online search can help you find flights, but if you want the cheapest options, you’ll need more than Google. There are a number of flight-specific search engines like Skiplagged.com and Skyscanner.com that are designed to help you find the lowest prices as they come about.

You’ll also get lower prices by searching regularly. Often, airlines will offer cheap flights if they can’t fill the seats and that’s when you want to get in on the deal. Set up an alert for low prices and you’ll get an email every time there’s a price change. Once it’s low enough for you, buy the ticket and enjoy your low cost flight.

If you can stay flexible, you’ll have even more options. Don’t just search for a specific date, search a range of dates to find the best price. It’s possible to save hundreds of dollars, just by flying a day or two before or after you planned to leave.

Cheap flights aren’t a myth, but they aren’t easy to find, either. Knowing where to look is the first step to finding great prices on your next flight.

A Car Rental Doesn’t Have to Be a Waste of Money

bizdev
-
0
A Car Rental Doesn’t Have to Be a Waste of Money

One look at the rates in the car rental agency and you’ll be ready to take the bus. While renting a vehicle on your trip can be useful for getting around, it can also be pretty pricey if you don’t plan ahead.

The first way to save money and find lower rates is to book ahead. When you rent a car at the airport or agency, you’ll generally pay a premium. On top of this, there will be limited options available. However, booking ahead lets you reserve the vehicle you really want, at a lower price.

Try combining your rentals, too. Hotel booking online often includes a vehicle rental, if you’re interested. You’ll save money on both options and everything is handled under the same agency.

Independent car rental agencies may offer better prices than many chains. They may not have a desk at the airport, but most are more than willing to pick you up. The savings make it worth booking a vehicle through these smaller companies, though you should do your research ahead of time.

Search for coupons before you rent. There are plenty of virtual coupons that can cut your costs drastically. By taking a few extra minutes, you could end up saving quite a bit on your car rental.

Don’t Make These Car Rental Mistakes

bizdev
-
0
Don’t Make These Car Rental Mistakes

Even the best car rental company can cost more than expected if you make a mistake on your end. All too many people will pay extra fees this summer, just because they didn’t take the time to learn the rules. When it comes to avoiding issues, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Returning the Car Late
Poor time management can result in an extra day’s fees just for arriving a few minutes past the cut-off. It pays to get the car back to the agency on time, if not a little early.

Renting at the Airport
You’ll pay a premium for the convenience of a last minute rental at the airport. Booking ahead will save money and most places will pick you up at the airport anyway.

Not Checking Your Insurance
You already have car insurance and depending on the policy you have, it may even cover a car rental. If this is the case, you can skip the high cost insurance offered by car rentals and simply use your own. Double check before you rent.

Not Examining the Car
Before you take off to your meeting, it’s a good idea to inspect the car. Make sure any scratches or dents are noted by the rental company so you won’t be dinged with the costs later and check the brakes and lights.

All of these mistakes are easily enough avoided, so keep your eyes open and plan ahead.

Luxury Cars Don’t Have to Cost a Fortune

bizdev
-
0
Luxury Cars Don’t Have to Cost a Fortune

Got your eye on some luxury cars that you feel are out of your price range? They don’t have to be, if you know these simple methods of getting the car you want for less.

1. Buy used. There’s no good reason to buy a luxury vehicle brand new, apart from the utter prestige of it all. If you’re just after the awesome ride, then you might as well save your money and buy used. Look for certified pre-owned car dealerships to get warrantied vehicles for less.

2. Skip the bells and whistles. If you insist on buying a new car, you’ll need to carefully examine your need for each option. Some add thousands of dollars to the base vehicle’s price and are hardly worth it. You may even be able to add aftermarket options for less.

3. Choose the right vehicle. Luxury cars are available in a range of prices. BMW even makes a very affordable car, the BMW X1, while the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is within reach of just about everyone’s budget. Selecting the right car means you stay within budget while enjoying the luxury vehicle you’ve always wanted.

You may not be able to afford the latest Ferrari on the market, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ride in style in luxury cars. Just make sure you’ve done your research.

2015 Small Car Comparison: Ford Focus vs. Mazda 3

bizdev
-
0
2015 Small Car Comparison: Ford Focus vs. Mazda 3

Compact cars can be the perfect way to keep gas costs down, while still giving you space. In today’s small car comparison, the Ford Focus is up against the Mazda 3.

While both cars are stylish to the max, the Mazda does a little better in the safety department, thanks to a long list of safety features. These include a Lane Departure Warning, auto high beams, Blind Spot Monitoring and Smart City Brake Support. The downside is a lack of visibility, due to thick door pillars. The Focus offers the basics and is certainly a safe car, but it’s not necessarily the best and lacks some of the higher end features of the Mazda 3.

Both vehicles are good on gas and relatively low cost to drive, which is very important in a small car comparison. However, in terms of performance, the Focus wins out over the Mazda, thanks to great steering and easy handling. The Mazda, on the other hand tends to have slightly stiff steering.
Pricewise, the Ford Focus runs slightly higher than the Mazda 3, but the difference is so minor that it probably won’t affect your purchase decision.

In the end, both vehicles are top of the line and great options. Which one is best for you? Only you can decide.

3 Tips for Cheap Flights

bizdev
-
0
3 Tips for Cheap Flights

Looking for a cheaper way to travel? Cheap flights can be easier to find than you might think. Seasoned travelers know the tricks that get them lower cost seats than everyone else and now you’ll know, too.

1. Compare, Compare, Compare
Check every airline and all possible combinations to find the lowest cost fare. You might be surprised by what some airlines have to offer on your chosen routes.

2. Buy Your Tickets Early . . . Or Late
Book several weeks in advance to get some of the best prices available for your flight. Around two weeks before the flight, prices will usually rise.

On the other side of the coin, if you wait until the last minute, you may be able to get a cheaper ticket. There’s no guarantee there will be space on the plane, though, so this can be a dangerous tactic if you really need to be somewhere at a certain time.

3. Stay Flexible
If your dates are flexible, you could save hundreds of dollars. The same goes for airports. If you don’t mind flying in or out of another airport near the one you were aiming for, you can often keep a bit of cash in your pocket.

Cheap flights tend to be elusive, but they can still be found. Use these handy tips to save money on your next trip.

1...567...10Page 6 of 10