Mention the term credit card and depending on who you’re around, you could get quite the range of responses. You have one side that’ll be on the extreme of churning credit cards all the time to earn rewards to those on the other side who swear them off with the belief that they’re a blight on society. Certainly, if you’re struggling with credit card debt now, or in the recent past, then credit cards probably are not the best for you, but if used as a balanced approach to managing one’s finances I believe there are a number of benefits to be found in using credit cards. The key is knowing what those benefits are and using them if appropriate.
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Price Protection: My Experience with Chase Card Benefits
One day a few months ago, I bought a program that I use for my WordPress site maintenance service. The tool cost me about $99, and I was excited to turn it on and try it out for the first time. Everything worked great, but I was distraught just a couple of weeks later to see the tool on sale for half off!
After taking a deep breath, I decided I wanted my extra 50% back. There has to be a way, right? Here is my journey of finding out how to get my $48 back, and how you can do the same in the future.
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Cash, Debit, or Credit – How Do You Pay for Big and Small Purchases?
There’s no question that people like money — it’s nice to have in your bank account, it feels good to get a raise, or even get some extra birthday money. Generally speaking, most people can agree that having money is a good thing.
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Should You Get A Credit Card After Paying off Debt?
I remember making my last debt payment like it was yesterday. It felt like the shackles I had been wearing around my ankles for five years finally fell off. A funny thing happened though as I was done with the journey – I started getting more credit card offers. Crazy I know, but that’s the nature of the system. That said, I know many deal with not knowing when or if they should even get a credit card after paying off debt. If you’re in that situation, hopefully my experience helps. [Read more…] about Should You Get A Credit Card After Paying off Debt?
Travel Hacking on a Budget
I have a confession to make, my wife and I have become somewhat fond of travel hacking. What is travel hacking you ask? Well, it means you purposely choose credit cards that offer nice sign-on bonuses that you can turn into free vacations. It does require some work, but if I can do it then I know anyone can. One problem that can arise though is how to do so on a budget. We pride ourselves in living by a budget, and have found ways to churn credit cards without busting our budget – you just have to be creative. 🙂 [Read more…] about Travel Hacking on a Budget
How to Be Smart With New Credit Cards
Getting a new credit card in the mail can be exciting, particularly if you only have a few at home. Opening the envelope and pulling out the new piece of plastic with your name on it and the buying power that comes with it is exciting, but make sure to be responsible when you get a new card.