Your credit score is more than just a meaningless number; it is the key to your financial future. Your credit score can mean the difference between denial and approval for a credit card, home, or auto loan, and it can even affect your interest rates if approved. FICO scores range from 300 to 850, but what goes into determining your credit score, and what can you do to change it? Where does a credit score come from? The number is generated with a mathematical algorithm using key information found in your credit report. The number … Continue reading →

When things go wrong, Americans are reasonably willing to forgive almost anyone: supermarkets, the postal service, auto dealers and, despite the “Great Recession,” even investment firms. Interestingly enough, Americans are very slow to forgive credit card companies, if they are even granted “forgiveness” at all. A recently released survey states that credit card issuers rank in last place when it comes to earning customers’ forgiveness for making mistakes. The survey, compiled by the Temkin Forgiveness Ratings, gauges which companies are earning customer loyalty and respect and which aren’t. The survey includes 206 companies from 18 … Continue reading →

Since retailers managed to successfully lobby the government for a cap on debit card swipe fees in 2010, trade groups are now pushing for caps on credit card fees. Credit card swipe fees are determined by financial institutions, which are charging retailers exorbitant fees that force them to raise the price of their goods. The effect of the fees is reflected most obviously in the price of gas. Rising gas prices are a huge source of concern for many Americans who can’t support their household without transportation. A trade group representing convenience stores is now … Continue reading →

As you all know well, mobile technology offers solutions for all of our day-to-day needs. A recent trend in mobile technology is on-the-go budgeting applications, including the popular Mint and (the current underdog) Liquid apps. If you’re looking for the most mobile way to track your spending but don’t know where to begin, below are reviews of these two mobile financial management systems. Liquid Liquid is a similar financial management app that is equally useful for monthly monitoring. Unlike your bank account, Liquid can track what money you’ll be making and what money you’ll be … Continue reading →

Credit cards are everywhere these days, and living without one can be incredibly difficult. Traditionally, people use their credit cards for everyday purchases, such as groceries, gas, and items from retail stores. But as credit cards become the most common form of payment in America, they also become more widely accepted from a variety of businesses. Lately, many people have been opting to use their credit cards on less traditional purchases. While credit cards have been a popular payment choice for everyday purchases for a long time, more people are now opting to use their … Continue reading →