0 APR Credit Cards

How many pieces of plastic do you have? Are you a credit card fanatic? You know, one of those individuals that acquire as many credit cards as possible? Now, first of all, this may get you into a serious financial bind. Sure, credit cards are a great way to deal with an unexpected expense, and can no doubt save your butt at times. However, these tricky little cards can also dupe you into spending carelessly. We all know their typical spiel. Those clever credit card companies know just what you want to hear. That's why your mailbox is consistently filled with offers for 0 apr credit cards. They love to pitch that; don't they? Let's face it; we all light up at the number 0. It immediately tells us that we won't lose anything. Ha, that's a good one. But, while these 0 apr credit cards start out benign, they soon turn sinister. Suddenly the apr is through the roof, and you're shelling out tons of cash for interest rates every month.

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When you checked your mailbox today, were there any pitches for 0 apr credit cards? I'm going to go ahead and guess there was at least one. Now, the question is; are you going to rip it open and read the whole deal, or simply tear it apart and throw it away? Don't get me wrong, we all like to have a credit card or two in our wallets and purses. Those 0 apr credit cards can come in handy if we get in a bind. The trick is using it wisely. This basically translates as not using it unless you have to. And I mean have to! There's no reason to stick something on your 0 apr credit cards if you can already pay cash. Why grapple with the monthly credit card payment? Or maybe you're one of those rare individuals who pay their credit cards off completely each and every month. If you are, then many congrats to you. You're one of few. Although many of us, or probably most of us claim that this is how we will do it, we actually don't. Believe me, the credit card companies count on this. In the end, you'll probably want one of the 0 apr credit cards for some emergencies. The trick is staying strong and not using it for random shopping. If you are in search of current deals on 0 apr credit cards, then I suggest you get online. It's easy to pop open Google and do a quick search regarding 0 apr credit cards. However, be prepared, because loads of them are about to pitch to you.

0 APR Credit Card – Truths and Traps

If you are struggling with ever-increasing credit card debt, a 0 APR credit card could be the magic wand for you. There are a number of 0 APR credit cards in the marketplace. These 0 Interest credit cards offer cardholders zero percent on new purchases and certain 0 APR credit card offers also allow balance transfers, lowering the interest burden even further.

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The Truth About 0 APR Credit Cards

These types of 0 APR credit cards are offered by popular credit card lenders including American Express, Citibank, Chase, HSBC, and Discover. These cards have many benefits to offer if you have a good to excellent credit rating.

Keep in mind, that the zero percent offered with these cards is not permanent. It is an introductory rate and is typically offered for ninety days to as long as 12 months. At the end of the interest-free or zero percent periods, cardholders will have to pay a higher ongoing interest rate. Generally, these rates could vary between 10 % - 14% and sometimes can be as high as 24%.

A 0 APR credit card is ideal when you want to purchase something expensive but cannot find another way to finance it. There will be no interest charges for the in and you will have the introductory buffer period to pay off the expense. But buyer beware ... make sure you can pay the purchase off before the introductory APR expires.

Most 0 Interest credit cards allow balance transfers from your existing higher interest cards and many will waive the transfer fees. This is one of the best methods to pay off debts at a faster rate, leading to substantial savings on the interest charges incurred.

It is possible that a single credit card can have multiple APRs including the following:
1)  One APR for balance transfers, one for purchases, and one for cash advances – the APR normally would be higher for cash advances compared to balance transfers and purchases.
2) Tiered APRs – Different APR levels can be assigned for different account balance levels or tiers, e.g., 15% for balances between $1 - $500 and 17% for balances higher than $500, etc..
3) Introductory APR – 0 APR as the introductory offer and a higher rate upon expiration of the introductory period. 
4) Penalty APR – A penalty APR rate may apply if you are late with your payments.

The Traps to Watch Out For:
A 0 APR credit card is an attractive proposition, and often is too tempting an offer to resist. However, it is essential to be informed about the often-untold catches in these lucrative offers.

1.  The 0 APR is a Limited Time Offer – In general, the 0 APR offered is only for a limited period. The period could vary from 3 months to 12 months. This implies that purchases made during this period will not attract any interest. You need to be cautious about the expiry period and remember to pay off before the period ends inorder to avoid hefty interest charges.

2.  Once the introductory period is over, the 0 APR credit card may have a ridiculously high interest rate like 20% or higher.

3.  On-Time Payment – Most of these 0 Interest credit cards require you to pay the minimum payment on time every month during the introductory period. Late payments will result in penalties that include shifting the remaining balance to a much higher APR.

4.  Complete Payment – Certain 0 APR cards require you to pay off the balance entirely before the expiration period of the introductory offer.  If not, the default high interest rate could be applied to the entire balance. Ensure that you understand these credit card terms clearly.

5.  Applicability of the 0 APR – Most of the 0 Interest cards offer the 0 APR on new purchases and balance transfers in the introductory period. However, there are some cards that offer 0 APR on balance transfers only with higher applicable APR's on new purchases.

6.  Other Fees – Some credit card companies compensate the 0 APR by charging high annual fees or transfer fees on balance transfers.

7.  Cap on Balance Transfer – Certain cards may have a cap or limit on the balance transfer amount. This means that the 0 APR will apply only for the amount within the cap limit and anything more will be charged the default higher APR.

While it may be an attractive offer to go for 0 APR credit cards, it may not be a wise decision in certain scenarios.  So, before you seriously consider a 0 APR credit card, it is essential to compute credit balances, interest rates, and your pay off capability. Read the terms and conditions carefully to avoid credit traps.  Understanding the fine print could have substantial savings apart from trouble free credit rating.

0% Credit Cards: Are They Worth It?

Credit card jumping has become a common practice. The term refers to the habit of moving debt balances from card to card to take advantage of preferential rates. But just how worthwhile is credit card jumping for consumers?

UK consumers have staggering levels of debt. Consumer borrowing has grown by more than 50% in five years. It's no wonder that people are looking for new ways to ease the debt burden. Credit card jumping offers one possible solution.

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People who are carrying large amounts of debt can save hundreds of pounds in interest simply by taking advantage of the latest credit card balance transfer deals. Many of these offer a 0% interest rate for a fixed period, such as three, six, nine or even 12 months.

As well as transferring balances from other credit cards to a 0% credit card, consumers are sometimes able to transfer balances from store cards and even outstanding loan amounts.  It is worth checking to see if these transactions also benefit from the 0% balance transfer rate.

Transferring a balance to a 0% credit card means that any payments made are paying off the principal rather than the interest. This reduces the amount owed, which is good news for those using this as a debt management method. Many card issuers do charge a balance transfer fee to curb the practice of credit card jumping, so it is worth looking around for the best deal.

Getting The Best From Credit Card Jumping

To get the best from 0% credit cards, many savvy consumers move from card to card when the preferential rate period expires. This requires some organization, but credit card jumping can mean that debt balances continue to go down as consumers move money (or rather, debt) from card to card. Those who don't move their debt at the right time often find they are paying a much higher interest rate – and the debt is not being cleared. This strategy works best when consumers pay on time. Late payment can result in fees that increase consumers' level of debt.

Consumers who are using many credit cards to manage their debt should consider creating standing orders to manage payments automatically. It is also worth using a spreadsheet or calendar program to keep track of when it is time to move to the next credit card.

Other Incentives

Credit card jumping can be an effective way of reducing debt, providing consumers do not add any new debt. There are also other incentives for using 0% cards, such as charitable contributions, rewards points, air miles, travel insurance and much more. It is worth shopping around to get a reward as well as the interest-saving rate.

Summary

Credit card jumping can be a good strategy for people who are:
1. organized about managing debt
2. trying to clear a large debt
3. prepared to shop around for the best balance transfer deals
4. able to pay on time consistently so as not to damage their credit rating.

0% Balance Transfer Credit Cards Will Not Last

Have you ever been attracted to a credit card because it promises you an outstanding interest rate that seems just too good to be true? Most of us have at some stage jumped for one of these attractive offers. There are a growing number of credit card providers out there that will offer you 0% deals on either balance transfers or purchases, and sometimes they just seem too good to resist.

Particularly if you have a large outstanding credit card balance that you are currently paying a lot of interest on, these offers will be very tempting. In fact, many 0% balance transfer offers will save you hundreds of pounds on interest that you would otherwise have had to pay on your credit card balance. But no matter how attractive such offers may appear at the time, you should only ever take on another credit card if you have taken the time to review your finances and are satisfied that it is the right financial move for you at this time.

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To look at a typical example, suppose you have one thousand pounds outstanding on a credit card that charges 10% APR. This means that over the course of a year, this balance will cost you 100 pounds in interest charges. Now suppose you find a credit card that offers you 0% on balance transfers for six months. Well it is pretty obvious that 0% is better than 10 and if you were to take up this offer, assuming there are no balance transfer fees, then how much will you have saved over the six month interest free period? The answer is 50 pounds. However, what will the interest rate revert to once the interest free period has come to an end? This is something you should be thinking about before you opt for the credit card, and not when the interest free period is about to expire and everything is more urgent. Suppose, for the sake of our example that the interest rate reverts to a rate of 25%. This means that over the next six months you will pay £125 in interest.

While this is a very simple example, it illustrates an important point when it comes to 0% balance transfers. In the example above if the customer had stayed with his 10% card, he would have paid £100 in interest over a 12 month period. In the same period, by opting for a 0% balance transfer for six months that then reverted to 25%, he ended up paying £125.

The point to remember is that just because a credit card offers you 0% does not mean it is the best deal out there. Look at the long term rates that the card will offer you, and compare these to the rates you are already getting from your credit card. If your existing rate is better than the rates that you will get from the new card once the introductory offer expires, then maybe you should remain loyal to the card you have.

So while this is going on you will not be spending on the new credit card, but you will be safe in the knowledge that you are saving the interest payments on the old debt.

0% APR Credit Cards Can Save You Thousands

Low interest credit cards are available as alternatives to those with middle-of-the-road to very high interest rates. If you have a credit card with a high interest rate anywhere from 17% to 24% or higher, then you may not realize that it is costing you hundreds and even thousands of dollars every year in interest alone. Once you understand your credit and how it is impacting your debt situation, you will see how low interest or even 0% APR credit cards can be a much better solution.

Gather Your Statements

Collect your statements for all high and low interest credit cards. Include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, department stores, retailers, grocers and any other revolving accounts. For each bill, make a record of the total balance, minimum payment amount and interest rate. You might also want to include your estimated monthly payment (if it's more or less than the minimum) and the monthly finance charge.

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Compare Cards

If you compare the numbers for each card, you will be able to see which ones are costing you the most money. The higher the APR and the higher the balance, the more you will end up paying in interest in the long run. And, if you only pay small amounts of what you owe, you can go on paying for over 20 years. Now you can see the benefit of having a low interest credit card.

Categorize Your Debt

Once you've figured out which are the low interest credit cards and which are high, you need to categorize them from highest to lowest. Then reorder them, if necessary, based on the estimated amount of interest you would pay for the entire year. In other words, if you have a high rate card with a low balance, the overall interest may be less than a low interest credit card with a very high balance. This step will help you to focus on the cards that are taking the most of your hard earned money.

Negotiate With Your Bank

Before you cut up your plastic or send it through the paper cutter, call you current credit card company. Many consumers don't realize it, but companies would rather lower your interest rate than lose your business. Tell them that you've been offered a better deal on a low interest credit card. They may just match that offer, saving you the time and effort used to close and open a new card.

Shop Around For 0% APR Credit Cards

Some banks just won't budge. You may have to do some digging to get a low interest credit card. Check online, talk to your local bank and sort through those direct mail offers. Ask your friends, family, co-workers and other acquaintances to learn about the cards they use.

Carefully Read the Fine Print

Many cards look too-good-to-be-true - 0% interest on transfers, lifetime low rate, frequent flyer miles, insurance benefits, etc. Often times, the offers are just that. 0% offers may only be applied to a limited amount or during a specific time frame. Fixed rates may increase if you so much as miss a single payment and so on. Pay close attention to all terms and policies, making sure to read the fine print. Don't accept a low interest credit card until you are sure you understand all that is involved.

Maintain Good Credit

Now you can stop throwing money down the drain. Treasure your low interest or 0% APR credit card and maintain your good credit rating. Pay more than the minimum amounts and don't get behind. Just as fast as you were able to lower your APR, it could jump up to astounding numbers.

0% APR Credit Cards - What You Need to Know

0% APR credit cards are an appealing option for frequent shoppers that rely on having a low monthly interest rate when they cannot pay off the entire balance of the credit card in any month. But what you really need to know about 0% APR credit card offers, often times is never discussed.

For starters, the APR is the commonly-used acronym for "Annual Percentage Rate," which is the annual month-to-month rate that you can expect to get for your credit card balance. Naturally, if you frequently carry your credit card balance over from month-to-month, it is important for you to have a low or even 0% APR credit card.

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How it Works

Every credit card company makes money when shoppers use the card, but do not pay off the balance at the end of each month. Because the credit card company has lent shoppers money so that they can make their purchases, the credit card company will charge interest on the balance until the entire balance is paid off. The credit card company has the potential to make a generous profit from the balances of their customers each month. Naturally, as a consumer, having a 0% APR credit card means that your balance is carried over from month-to-month without any charges applied.

Beware of High Interest Rates

It may seem like credit cards actually lose money by investing in a 0% APR credit card promotion. However, the 0% APR credit cards actually help credit card companies find customers. For example, if there is a shopper that has a high APR (some are up to 20%) and he or she is having a hard time paying down the balance of the credit card, the purchaser is in an ideal situation to transfer their balance to a 0% APR credit card for a period in which they can focus on working down their debt. The situation is ideal for someone who is in short-term debt. However, to balance the 0% APR credit cards against the credit card company's need to make a profit, as soon as a trial period expires, many credit card companies will increase their rates drastically. As a consumer, you need to read the fine print so that you are aware of the deadlines associated with this change-over.

Where to Find a 0% APR Credit Card

It may seem harder than it really is to find a 0% APR credit card. It's advantageous to find a card that doesn't require you to pay a month-to-month rate on the unpaid balance. However, credit card companies frequently   enact 0% APR credit card promotional deals, so take a look around for what deals are available to you currently.

0% APR credit cards can make managing your debt very easy. While most of them do not require annual fees, it is important for you to understand what you are agreeing to before you sign a contact with a company. While most 0% APR credit cards eventually increase the rate after a set period of time, the duration of the promotional period varies by company. As with any credit card agreement, a little research and education into the details of a 0% APR credit card can go a long way towards helping you make a decision that can positively effect your finances. Choose wisely!

0% APR Credit Cards: Use Them To Your Advantage!

The era of 0% APR credit cards is still with us. Yes, you can obtain a spanking new credit card featuring a very low introductory interest rate and take advantage of what amounts to "free money" for you for up to one year. You can use your new card to your advantage, but you must be careful that you fully understand how a 0% APR credit card works to order to maximize its effectiveness. I will show you how, so please keep reading for all the informative details!

Soon after the new millennium started, interest rates began to drop to historically low levels. By 2002, loan rates for government funds dipped to just less than one percent, pushing consumer loan rates down with it as well. Credit card providers, seeing a terrific opportunity unfolding, immediately began to offer 0% APR credit cards to new card holders and even extended the offer to their current customers.

What Lies In Your Debt?

Today, interest rates have been climbing for two years, but 0% APR credit card offers are still available to you. Quite frankly, the entire lending business is very competitive and credit card providers are willing to forego interest for up to twelve months in order to get your business.

To maximize the effectiveness of 0% APR credit cards, there are a few things that you must know:

Limited Time Offer. 0% APR credit cards contain an introductory period lasting typically from six to twelve months. This means that anything you charge during that time will not accumulate interest. Go ahead and spread out your payments over several months: If you purchase something for $1000, you can make four equal payments of $250 interest free. Keep earning interest on your savings and let the credit card company fund your purchase!

Transfer Balances and Save Big! Many 0% APR credit card offers will allow you to transfer balances from your existing credit cards to your new card and waive transfer fees. If you owe $3000 on your current credit cards and are paying 19% interest on your balances, you could save nearly $600 in interest payments over twelve month's time!

Pay On Time. Do not be lulled into thinking that a 0% APR credit card doesn't require monthly payments. If you miss a payment or are late, you could find that your remaining balance is subject to interest charges and penalties as your card shifts to a default rate. Pay on time or kiss your 0% APR credit card rate goodbye!

Pay It All Off. In some cases, you must pay off your balance before the introductory rate period expires. If you don't, the default rate kicks in. Make certain that you clearly understand your card's terms.

Clearly, a 0% APR credit card has strong advantages for the person seeking to make new purchases as well as someone who wants to transfer their balances. Use a 0% APR credit card to your advantage and put some money back in your pocket!

0% APR Credit Cards - True Benefits?

A 0% APR credit card is an opportunity for you to cash in on a good amount of savings across the board.  If you are like many, you are realizing that this might be a great way to realize true benefits from a credit card without having to pay much for it.  Yet, there is much more to know about these 0% APR credit cards.  You should take the time necessary to find the right opportunities for your specific needs.  In many cases, this is a great option, if used in the right manner.

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What Is 0% APR?

When a company offers you a credit card at a 0% APR, they are basically allowing you to borrow funds for no interest.  There are generally some fees that are associated with the credit offers, but in most cases, you will see that they are still quite an affordable option.  In most cases, the APR that is offered to you will one of two types.  Some credit cards will offer you a standard APR, or annual percentage rate that is the rate you will likely hold for the time that you hold the line of funds.  Others will offer a lower introductory offer.  Normally, a 0% interest credit card is offered for an introductory time period only.

Should You Use It?

If you have the choice between two offers of credit, one with a lower rate than the other, you may be tempted to just go with the lowest offer.  Yet, there is more to it than just that.  In fact, you need to consider what the interest rate will be after the introductory period is over.  For example, if you have two offers, one lower in the six month introductory period than the other, you may be tempted to go with the lowest offer.  Yet, in the long term, that line of credit may have a higher rate.  Determine which offers the best overall ability for you to get what you need in the least expensive manner.

The Benefits Of 0%

Yet, even with that said, there are plenty of benefits of selecting a 0% APR credit card.  For example, if you know that you will be paying off that line of credit quickly, within the introductory period, it is well worth making the switch.  After all, there is not anything better than borrowing money for free.  If you have a credit card currently that has a much higher interest rate, you can save yourself quite a few fees if you do a balance transfer to the 0% APR credit cards as well.  Here, make sure that the rate applies to balance transfers before making the move.

In short, a 0% APR credit card is an opportunity for you to invest in paying less.  To benefit from them, make sure to get all the facts and take the time necessary to compare them.  To find these offers, simply check out the opportunities offered by the lenders.  Most credit card companies do offer some form of introductory rate reduction offer including 0% interest credit cards.

0% APR Credit Cards - Tips & Tricks

Credit cards can be considered to be one of the many basic necessities of the modern world. Credit cards are available nowadays in abundance.  One type of credit card specifically is the so-called 0% APR credit card. 0% APR credit cards were introduced in the late 1980’s and to this day has still proven to be one of the most sought-after credit card types available anywhere.  As with all credit card types, there are a certain tips and tricks surrounding 0% APR credit cards that all potential card applicants should be made aware of.

With the help of a 0% APR credit card, it means that you need not only pay the outstanding balance; and what more you could even charge up to the limits without having to sustain any monthly interest charges. However, sometimes, one tends to think just how these credit card companies can afford to provide 0% APR credit cards, and make a profit out of it?

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Although 0% APR credit cards may not comprise any monthly charges, it is sure to come with annual fees which you are obliged to pay for the privileges of a 0% APR credit card. These annual fees usually run from $15 to $20 or sometimes, even higher. Having a 0% APR credit card doesn’t mean that you can pay your dues whenever and whichever way you intend to. It IS necessary to make your payments on time, or else, you will have to pay for high overdue fees. For each late payment, the 0% APR credit card holder has to pay fees that may range from $20 to $40. With habitual late payments, these meager amounts may accumulate to a hefty total!

It should be remembered that 0% APR credit cards are usually offered for only a stipulated period of time. This credit card interest may hold good for only a fixed period of time, usually ranging from 3 up to 15 months. On the completion of this period, a higher rate of interest may come in vogue, usually 12% or higher. You could easily transfer any existing credit card balances to a new 0% APR credit card to get 0% interest on the transferred balance. In this way, the credit card holder has to pay less interest for a stipulated period of time, and thus get a chance to clear outstanding balances as quickly as possible.

When applying for a 0% APR credit card, it is always better to read the terms and agreements of the credit card.  Not to overstate an obvious question, but why should one do so? Simply because many credit cards may come with a default rate wherein late payments not only incur a late payment fee, but it would also include a default rate that will be added to the annual percentage rate. This in turn doubles the figures on the existing balances and on the new purchases made on the card moving forward.  Ouch!

One very important point to take into account when applying for a 0% APR credit card is to read all paragraphs of the agreement, otherwise known as the fine print. This is because though it is illegal for a credit card company to hide their fees and charges, it is nonetheless legal for them to mention these points in small print! The 0% APR credit card companies thus usually announce in large and bold print about their 0% APR but hide the facts that this is only for a limited period of time and any extra fees which might be included are done so in very fine print.

Another trick that is up the sleeve of 0% APR credit card companies is to install sky-high APR’s right after the amount of 0% APR balance transfers are paid down. In other words, the money you first pay to the credit card company is applied to the transfer, and any other purchases you make will be charged a high APR. Sometimes, credit card companies may also go to the extent of sending you a different card than the 0% APR credit card you had initially applied for.  In this way, you are not allowed the 0% APR but a different card offer with different terms and conditions. The card issuers typically rationalize this behavior based on the card issuer determining that you do not meet the qualifications for a 0% APR credit card. Qualifications for a 0% APR credit card is usually found in the small print of the agreement, and is usually overseen by applicants!

It can thus be seen that though 0% APR credit cards do seem to be rather inviting, there are some loopholes and tricks to their use. As always, it is highly recommended to read the terms and conditions on the card application agreement for the 0% APR credit card, or any type of credit card application, thoroughly in order to avoid any future problems, headaches or financial surprises.

0% APR Credit Cards: How Can They Do That?

During the days when the federal bank interest rates were at its lowest, back in 2002 and 2003 to be specific, countless credit card providers offered 0% APR credit cards to many consumers. Needing only to pay the outstanding balance, smart consumers were able to charge up to their limits without incurring monthly interest charges. The question that some people were asking when these cards were at their peak of popularity was this: how do credit card providers make money off of this type of plan? Well, good question! Let’s examine 0% APR credit cards and the way they really work and if they are still available to you today. You just might be surprised at the answers!

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Annual Fees. Depending on the credit card provider, some card holders have been charged an annual fee for the privilege of having a 0% APR credit card. Annual fees for some of these cards generally run from $15 to $20, even higher.

Late Fees. You would think that if customers had a 0% APR credit card that they would always pay them on time, right? Well, many do not. So, every time a payment is received late credit card providers would assess a late fee. With fees ranging from $19 to $39, that can add up especially if someone is habitually late.

Default Rate. Oh, that 0% rate is nice on the surface. Read the “member’s agreement” and you will quickly learn that late payments will not only incur a fee, but a “default rate” would be charged bumping up the annual percentage rate to double digit figures on existing balances as well as on new charges! If you are late you can say, “bye, bye” to your 0% APR credit card in no time.

Short Term Offer. 0% APR credit cards are still offered today. Almost always they are cards for new card holders that offer a 0% rate for a limited period of time, such as twelve months, before a higher rate kicks in, which usually is around 12%. Some cards will allow you to transfer existing credit card balances over to the new card and receive the 0% rate on transferred balances. What a great way to cut your costs and save money too!

Don’t worry about credit card providers having difficulty making money even with low or 0% APR credit cards. Rates have since increased, in some cases dramatically, making it more difficult to find a low interest rate credit card. Still, great offers exist, but you must know where to find them. Searching online for your 0% APR credit card is a great way to quickly find and compare the best 0% APR offers available.

Copyright 2006 Ed Vegliante.

baby boomers 4

One of the largest populations in the United States is the baby boomers generation. This particular generation is known to have contributed a lot in modern society. Culturally, they have contributed deeply in music and art. Politically, they contributed a lot about civil rights.

So, you may ask and be interested who these baby boomers are. First of all, baby boomers are people who were born within the years 1946 and 1964. They were called the baby boomers generation because of the increase in birth rate after World War II and was considered as one of the largest increase in population in the United States

The after effects of World War II produced a lot of devastated economies around the world. Because of this, the United States war factory began producing peacetime goods and materials to be used in their own country and also for export to help their allies to recover their own economy. This produced a lot of income in the United States as well as high paying jobs. Because of this, families around the United States were earning a lot. This resulted in better education, and also enticed families to produce more children. This is why the baby boomer phenomenon started.

The United States economy was constantly on the rise after World War II. When the baby boomers came of age, education was widely available for everyone. Many baby boomers were attending college and the United States were producing professionals in the country.

You also have to understand that baby boomers came of age when civil rights protests were all over the United States. They were protesting their civil rights and also protesting the conscription for the Vietnam War. Many even avoided military duty and failed to show up after being drafted.

You also have to understand that baby boomers grew up in a world where the United States military was the most powerful military in the world. They grew up in a world where the enemies were communists and socialists. You will see that people who were born in the baby boomers era has distinct political views and are very politically active.

In fact, the highest office in the United States today is being run by a baby boomer. Another fact is that before this person, a baby boomer also held this office. They are Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. As you can see, they have a very distinct policy on how to run the country. Both of them have policies that enforce a lot on civil rights and also increased funding for the military.

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Today, baby boomers make up almost 28% of the United States population. This is considered a lot based on American history statistics. You have to consider that today, baby boomers are now aging. Because of this, the government and also baby boomers are growing more and more concerned of the retirement and health benefits that they will get from the government once they retire.

It has been found that almost 7 million of older Americans have no health insurance. Many low income baby boomers face a problem about health care. Because aging and illnesses is always associated, you have to consider the fact that in the near future, there will be a lot of old people, mostly baby boomers.

This is why the United States government is now taking the necessary steps in increasing their budget for health care and retirement benefits. Also, because of the decrease of birth rate after the baby boomer era, the United States will lack manpower to sustain its economy in the future after most of the baby boomers retire.

Even private organizations, such as insurance companies are now providing low cost health insurance for baby boomers.

However, because of the existing state-of-the-art medical technology today, baby boomers are expected to live a lot longer than their predecessors. Also, baby boomers are now becoming more and more aware of the illnesses and are frequently visiting their doctors for a regular check-up.

Baby boomers indeed made an impact in today's society. They contributed a lot to the society on political, academic, cultural, economy, and also in the industry sectors of the United States.

baby boomers 2

Most often, people view the picture of baby boomers like a monolith-everyone is identical. But the truth is the generation of Baby Boomers are slightly distinct from each other.

The Staff Writer of The Christian Science Monitor, Kim Campbell, featured in her report last January 26, 2005 the baby Boomer in his mid-50s, Jerry Benston, an African-American New Yorker.

According to him, while he was a college student in 1968, the university where he studied proposed to have a more diverse culture.

He recalled that he was one of those who protested. His reason, as a Baby Boomer he wants to help in raising awareness regarding the significant issues in the society nowadays.

Help Baby Boomers Start A Retirement Business

One of these significant issues is the Baby Boomers and how people view them in general terms.

Looking at the outer surface, what you will commonly notice with these Baby Boomers are their similarities. For instance, that several of them survived in the Vietnam War, lived during the era of civil rights, and that their generations were the first ones to grow with television.

All of these events which they shared are part of the history, and you can discern it by simply browsing a book in history, or by just surfing through the internet. Unlike distinguishing their difference from each other, this is commonly not evident on their image in public.  

According to researchers including the advocates, it is vital to avoid generalizations that mirror the 79 Million groups of retirees. The purpose of this is to understand the diversity of Boomers in economic lines, across age, in ethnic, and so on, thus their actions as well as their needs will be accurately assessed.

Duke University Professor and Author of current Boomer Lives Analysis, Elizabeth Hughes stated that reports reveal the inequality of income or wealth of the Boomers. And this directly suggests that while the other Boomers lived a well off life during their retirement, there are some who live a life packed with struggles.

The media are used in portraying that Boomers are homogenous. Most of their reports suggest that all of them have common upbringings, that all are married and have their children, wealthy, and well-educated.

There is an argument created by Hughes and the others that if people will persist on perceiving the boomers in excessive general terms, the effect will be reflected on their retirement policies, and this is viewed negatively.

In addition, taking the Boomers in over general term hides the truth that concerns the group. According to Hughes, diversity among the group only mirrors the society.

Sarah Zapolsky, a researcher of boomer diversity said that most of these people who perceive boomers in too general terms seem to convey that the 79 Million Boomers will all retire in just one day.

"This example clearly reveals the fallacy of perceiving the boomers as a single unit," Zapolsky added.

The clear example of boomers' diversity is the range of their age. Certain researches show that Boomers does not only cover one generation, they cover even more. For this reason, their spans may possibly range to 19 years; hence, if there are some grandparents' boomers already, some boomer might still have a preschool kid.

Another example of Boomer diversity stated by Zapolsky is shown in their different backgrounds in ethnic and culture. For instance, this can be reflected on the way they take care of their parents who are already aging. Some may choose to have a Medicare rather than taking a nurse to care for their parents, while some may not.

There are researches already that show that the inequality of Baby Boomers persists on their education and riches. According to Hughes, the blacks' incomes now are higher as compared to the earlier generations, and there were some who already shifted to the middle strata.

But she added that if it will be viewed on the utmost perspective, there is really no improvement on these black boomers condition as compared to the whites.

The President of Generational Targeted Marketing, Ann Fishman, explained the reason why the diversity among Boomers is not widely talked about. This is because the characteristics that identify Boomers are not viewed very important.

Probably, the public viewed these Boomers like a monolith, but Baby Boomers will remain diverse as they are popularly recognized.  

"Bad Credit" Credit Cards: How You Can Avoid High Fees

Individuals with problematic credit histories often suffer unfairly from high mortgage, insurance, and car loan rates. On top of that, they have difficulty getting approved for credit cards. The whole situation can get extremely frustrating. Frequently, I get emails from consumers wondering what they can do to rebuild their credit. The first thing I tell them is to get a credit card designed for people with bad credit. The second thing I tell them is written in bold: READ THE FINE PRINT.

There are only a limited number of credit cards for individuals with bad credit. At first glance, many look the same. They all help build and rebuild your credit by reporting to the major credit bureaus on a monthly basis. They all provide you with the Visa or Mastercard you need to make many purchases. And they are all necessary evils that can save you thousands of dollars in mortgage and car loan rates in the future. However, you must read the fine print before applying for one of these credit cards, as they often charge high yearly fees, set-up fees, and even monthly fees. Here, I will examine a few examples of charges current “bad credit” credit cards bury in the fine print. Of the three major cards I will examine, only one stands out as consumer-friendly.

What Lies In Your Debt?

“Bad Credit” Credit Card #1: This credit card charges a very low interest rate for an unsecured credit card. However, your first fine print glimpse reveals that there is a one time setup fee of $29. Not too bad. So far, since the next charge is a one time fee of $95. So far, we’re up to $124 in expenses. That’s got to be it, right? No. Add in another $48 for the annual fee and $6 per month in account maintenance fees. That’s brings the cost of your new credit card to $244 the first year, and $120 each additional year. This is no small change, and a card such as this should be considered only if you cannot be accepted for a better unsecured credit card for bad credit.

“Bad Credit” Credit Card #2: This credit card charges a very high interest rate for an unsecured credit card. This can’t be good. But the setup fee is only $29. Maybe this card isn’t so bad. There is that pesky monthly maintenance fee of $6.50 per month which brings the cost of this unsecured credit card to $107. Maybe we’ve found a bargain. Not quite. The annual fee is a whopping $150. Yes, $150 every year. That not only brings the initial cost up to $257, but you will also pay $228 a year just to maintain the credit card. There has to be a better offer.

“Bad Credit” Credit Card #3: This credit card is available as both a secured and unsecured credit card, based on the issuer’s review of your credit history. The interest rate is average, even competitive. Now, the fine print reveals that there is a one time setup fee. However, based on your credit, this fee can be as low as $0 or as high as $49. So far so good, especially if your credit is not that bad. But, there must be a huge annual fee. Not exactly. The annual fee for a secured credit card is only $35, and for an unsecured credit card, this fee can be as low as $39 or up to $79. So far, the cost of this card ranges from $35 to $128. Now its time for the monthly maintance fee. This one has to be huge. Or not. Its $0. That means the most you could possible be charged to obtain this credit card is $128, about half of what competing cards are charging.

Clearly, there are substantial difference between “bad credit” credit cards. Of the three offers we have examined, only one doesn’t take you to the cleaners. In fact, “bad credit” credit card #3 provides great value. All positive changes to your credit history and credit score will translate into lower loan rates, lower credit card interest rates, lower insurance rates, and ultimately, thousands of dollars in savings. The path to rebuilding credit has its costs, but in the long term, rebuilding your credit with a “bad credit” credit card is the fastest and most cost-efficient way to correct the often unfortunate circumstances that have damaged your credit in the first place.

©2006 Credit Card Depot Inc.

Vacation And Credit Cards

Each and every year, many of us go on vacations.  Vacations are a great way to relax, and get away from the everyday pressure of life.  Over half of all American families take their vacation between April and September, meaning that they spend a lot of money on travel.  Whether it’s international or domestic travel, you can spend a fortune before you actually realize it.

As we all know, traveling with cash or checks isn’t always a wise decision.  Renting cars, flying in airplanes, or checking into hotels is a much easier task if you have a credit card.  Even though you may decide to use your credit cards for big purchases only, you’ll find that the traveling experience will be a much smoother process.

Unlike cash or checks, credit cards make handling your documents and receipts much easier.  If you purchase something, records from that purchase will be made with your credit card manufacturer, which you can always fall back on if something happens.  Things can go wrong without notice, so you’ll always want a backup plan or something to have as proof in the event of a disaster.  With a credit card, all you need to do is look back at your statement and you’ll find everything that you purchased in one easy to find location.

Credit cards are also much easier to handle and keep track of than cash.  If you decide to go to a theme park or a resort, you’ll find that cash can be a bit bulky to handle.  Carrying a large amount of cash can be hard to keep track of, even though it isn’t recommended.  Credit cards use up less space, and you can keep them in your pocket.  When you need to pay for something, you don’t need to count through your cash, simply hand over your credit card and sign your receipt.

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If you don’t have any credit cards, you can always get them for vacation purposes only.  There are many benefits to having credit cards, besides the fact of them being easier to keep track of.  There are many different credit cards out there to choose from, including those that will give you cash back or rewards when you make a purchase.  Cash back is normally a small percentage of what you spend, and is given to you at the end of the month.

Some credit cards will give you reward points for every dollar you spend, which can be redeemed with several merchants offering a variety of products.  Although cash back is always a great thing, many people find reward cards to be just as good.  You can enjoy your vacation, buy just about anything you want, and know that the money you spend will help you to buy other things that you may need when your vacation is over.  Actually, can you think of this as having your cake and eating it to.

All in all, credit cards can make your vacation easier than ever before.  You can earn rewards and cash back with purchases you make using your card.  Although you may think cash is the preferred way to go, there are several merchants who actually prefer credit cards.  They are more professional, and easier for you to handle than cash or checks.  They are easy to obtain as well, providing you have good credit.  If you don’t have a credit card, you should look into getting one before you take your next vacation.  All you need to do is look for your favorite company online and apply through their website - you’ll normally receive a response in a matter of minutes.

Small Business Credit Cards

In today’s economy, small businesses play an important role.  These days, it is easier than it ever has been to start a new small business.  There are all kinds of new businesses popping up all over the United States, from department stores to gas stations.  With new businesses on the rise, the owners should be looking into small business credit cards - for numerous reasons.

The best reason to get a small business credit card is for separating your personal finances from any business related finances.  Once you have a small business credit card, you can start making all of your purchases via Internet, phone, or in person.  Business credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere, which is great for those who need equipment or supplies in a hurry.

If you own a small business, you’ve probably experimented with using your personal cash for company purposes.  This can get ugly in a hurry, which is why you should invest in a credit card for your small business.  You can make purchases without having to worry about cash, then pay it back later.  You won’t need to keep track of everything either - as you statement will be mailed to you at the end of the month, letting you know exactly how much you spent.

Small Business Acceleration

A small business credit card is also a great way to establish some credibility with your business as well.  When you pay with your credit card, it looks a lot more professional than using cash to make your purchases.  It will gain the respect of financial companies, and help your business build some credit as well.  After you have had a credit card in good standing for a few months, you’ll be able to apply for a small business loan and get the best rates - along with the higher amounts.

Even though your business may not have a 6 figure income or budget, small business credit cards can still help your business grow and prosper.  Credit cards are always great to have, simply for the fact that you never know when you need money.  Your office equipment may crash and need replacing, or another emergency may come up.  If you don’t have a credit card for your business, the financing alone could shatter your daily operations.

Small business credit cards will also give you plenty of rewards as well.  Most cards will give you cash aback and certain rewards on just about anything you purchase.  From gas to equipment, you can get rewards simply for using your credit card.  You can increase your profit margin as well, which is always a great thing.  If you have other workers who are authorized to use your credit card, you’ll get more rewards - and much faster as well.  This is also easier on your business, as your workers will be able to get what they need, when they need it.

All in all, small business credit cards are always great to have around.  They will provide your business with rewards and convenience, eliminating the need to use cash with each purchase you make.  These cards will also protect the future of your business, and allow it to grow.  If you own a small business, you shouldn’t hesitate to look into these credit cards.  Once you have found the best credit card for your company, you shouldn’t hesitate to apply.  Credit cards are always great to have around - even if your business is just getting started.  Before you know it, your small business credit cards will more than pay for themselves.

Protecting Your Personal Information

We all know that criminals are out there, waiting to steal our credit card information.  These very criminals want credit card information so they can run up the charges then leave you holding the bags - with nothing to show for it.  Even though some are local, most credit card criminals are in far away lands.  Worse than that, they like to hide or go by other names so it’s virtually impossible to track them down.

The most common way for criminals to get credit card information is through phishing, which involves a fake email that appears to be sent from your credit card company.  Normally, this fake email states that there was an error with your account, or that it was accessed by unauthorized personnel and needs your attention.

Spotting fake emails isn’t hard to do - as long as you know what to look for.  The most obvious hint for most, is the fact that they don’t even have a credit card from the company that has sent the email.  For others, the link is what gives the fake email away.  Anytime you get an email from a credit card that you believe to be fake, you should always hover your mouse over the link, then “right click” the link with the mouse and select “view source”.  If the link is indeed fake, the website address that comes up will be something other than that of a credit card company.

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The criminals don’t want you to look at the source for their website, as they simply want you to click on the link before you look at anything else.  Once you have clicked on the link, you’ll arrive at a website that is usually an exact copy of a credit card website.  Fake sites normally include everything that the actual site does, including the logos and banners.  Even for the most amateur of credit card criminals, web pages like this are very easy to create.

Those of you who have fell victim to this scam, probably realized what you have done little too late.  Once you have entered in your credit card information, you have done exactly what the criminals wanted and put yourself in violation of credit card fraud and identity theft.  Once the criminal has your social security number and credit card information, he is more than likely to use that information to go on a shopping spree - stealing your money and running up your account.

If you receive an email such as this, you should always delete it.  Even if you just click on the fake website to investigate, you may do more harm than good.  Even though you may not enter any information at all, your computer may get infected with viruses or spyware simply because you clicked on the link.  To avoid this altogether, you should never click on a link that you believe to be a fake credit card company website.

If you do your part and protect your credit card information, you won’t have anything at all to worry about.  Your personal information is very important, as you never want it to fall in the wrong hands.  As long as you protect it, you won’t have anything to worry about.  There are always criminals out there, which is why you should always be on guard.  Criminals want your personal information and your credit card numbers - it’s up to you to ensure that they don’t get it.  A criminal will do anything to get what they want, which is why protecting yourself is so very important these days.

Getting Your Credit Card Online

We all get credit card offers through traditional snail mail, and we all know how they work.  Although many credit card offers in the mail claim that you are already pre approved, you still have to wait weeks and weeks before you hear anything back once you apply.  These days are long gone though, as the Internet has made everything easier.  With the Internet, you can apply for a credit card online and receive a response if minutes - instead of waiting weeks and weeks.

If you have good credit, you’ll have no problems at all being approved online for a credit card.  Those cards that have the best terms and rates are always available for those who have good credit.  Therefore, before you apply online, you should know how good your credit is.  You can always get a free credit report online, and check your credit yourself.  If you do this at least twice a year, you’ll always know where you stand with your credit.

If you don’t know your credit score of if you haven’t looked at your credit report in a long time, now would be the time to do so.  Look over your credit report, and fix anything that doesn’t add a positive to your report.  Always keep in mind that even being turned down for a credit card online can affect your credit score as well, and play a major role with future credit offers.

Once you have looked at your credit report and determined how good your credit is, you can apply online for an immediate answer.  No matter which credit card company you visit online, they will all ask for your personal information, such as your name, phone number, social security number, age, employer, income, and things of that nature.

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Before you fill out the application online for your new card, you should always go over the terms and conditions very carefully.  You should look at the APR, and ensure that there are no surprises.  Once you have applied, the company will use your social security number to pull your credit report and use it to determine your credibility and whether or not they can be approved for a credit card.

When you begin filling out the application, you should make sure that the website you are using is encrypted.  The standard encryption these days is SSL 128-bit, which ensure that the information you are sending is protected.  If the website has less than 128-bit encryption, it may be possible for someone else to steal your information - which could result in identity theft.

Once you have finished filling out the application and send it on, you’ll have the final decision in a matter of minutes.  If you are using a credit card company with the right technology, the decision will be shown on the screen.  If the decision isn’t shown on the screen, it will be mailed to you via traditional snail mail.  In the event that you don’t get approved, you’ll be mailed the reason why.

If you’ve been approved, you can expect to receive your credit card in the mail within a few days.  Applying for a credit card online is always the preferred way to receive a credit card, as things will work much faster.  No more waiting for weeks at a time to receive a response, as you’ll know instantly.  There are hundreds of online credit card companies looking for your business - which gives you plenty of choices when choosing the credit card - and company that is best for you.

Credit Cards Without A Bank Account

Having a credit card is a great thing indeed, although most are hard to obtain for those who have a less than perfect credit history.  The restrictions for getting most credit cards are so tough that those who have bad credit may find it nearly impossible to get a credit card, or they find themselves hit with extremely high APR rates, and find it hard to compete with the interest.

For those who have less than perfect credit or no bank account, there is hope.  There are credit cards known as no bank account cards, that can help those with bad credit.  These types of credit cards are quite easy to obtain, and they can actually help you to get your credit back and track and live the life you’ve always dreamed of.

Credit cards of this type are pre-loaded, meaning that the credit limit you have it what you load onto the card, by pre payment.  If you want to control your spending and know how much you have, this credit card is what you need.  They are also great for those who want to learn about managing money as well.  Another great thing about these cards is the fact that they will give you power and convenience of a credit card - yet they will allow you to live within the means of your income as well.

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Before you rush and get one of these credit cards, you should first look around and find the best deal possible.  Most no bank account credit cards offer you same rewards and incentives of traditional credit cards, along with online access to your account.  The best cards are accepted across the world, and offer you ATM access for instant cash.  If a card doesn’t offer you these types of features, you should pass it by and look for one that does.

Other things to look for with no bank account credit cards include low APR rates, no annual fees, and excellent customer support.  Customer support is very important with these types of credit cards, as you don’t want a card that doesn’t offer you great customer support.  If you encounter a problem, you want a company that is going to be there when it matters the most.

If you take your time and research no bank account credit cards, you’ll find one that you can’t refuse.  There are many to choose from, especially if you look online.  You should always compare features and rates, and look for companies that offer you cards with excellent features and low rates.  This way, you can get everything you love from traditional credit cards - without having to worry about your credit or needing to have a bank account.

Credit Cards And Credit Reports

Over the years, credit cards have become very popular.  When they were first introduced, they were popular, although these days millions of people use them.  There are many types of credit cards available, including those that help people who have bad credit.  You should always keep in mind that even though credit cards are great to have, they will also have quite an impact on your credit report.

The credit report is extremely important, especially when it comes to credit cards.  Banks and lenders use your credit report to determine if you meet their criteria for a credit card or a loan.  Your credit report is the determining factor for your credit, which is why you should never let your credit cards do any type of damage to your report.  To avoid this, simply pay your bill on time.

Most people will use their credit cards responsibly and won’t damage their credit report.  Doing this will show lenders that you are responsible, and that they can trust you with loans and credit - which in turn will raise your credit score.  Keep in mind however; if you have a lot of open accounts, it may tell lenders that you have a lot open and that you won’t be able to pay them back.  Although this may count as good credit, lenders look at several open accounts as being potentially damaging to your credit report.

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Although you may be tempted to have more than one credit card, it can actually be a downfall in the eyes of the lender.  Most lenders will see this as you having a way to spend all of your limit, and will fear that you may do so.  Even though you may not have this intention, credit card lenders will almost always fear the worst case scenario, and it eventually lead to you damaging your credit score - simply because a lender will turn you down for a future offer you apply for.

Something else you need to keep in mind is the fact that it can be really easy to miss a payment on your credit cards.  Although this doesn’t sound bad, it can have a very negative look on your credit report.  If you start missing payments or paying them late, the lender will eventually enter it in your credit report.  This can have a negative impact, lowering your beacon score and eventually bringing down your overall credit rating.

If you play it safe and only get one or two credit cards and keep a track of how you use them, you won’t need to worry.  Your credit report should always be a primary concern, and you should always do your best to ensure that it stays free of negative ratings.  If you keep up things up to date - you’ll enjoy the benefit of a positive credit report.

Choosing Your Credit Card

As you probably already know, there are many credit cards out there.  The one you choose however, should reflect your lifestyle and your ideal spending amounts.  If you are looking for the best possible deal and the best company for your credit card, you’ll obviously need to look around at what you have to choose from and what works best for you.

The first thing you’ll need to decide when choosing your credit card, is why you need one in the first place.  Some people choose to get a credit card for cash flow purposes.  With a credit card, you can make purchases and buy things, leaving your paycheck or other source of income in your bank account to draw interest.  This way, your money will continue to grow while you continue to buy the things you need.  Then at the end of the month, simply pay your bill.

Others will choose to get a credit card and use it for instant cash purposes.  This way, they can use their credit card at an ATM and get instant cash, which is great for travel or going on a long and extended vacation.  If this is why you want a credit card, you should look for one that has the lowest rate possible for instant cash transactions.

With a credit card, you’ll also need to think about the payments.  You’ll need to decide if you want to pay the balance in full each month, or only the required amount.  When you select your credit card, you should look at the introductory rates, balance transfer rates, and other offers that may apply to new credit cards and new holders.  Some will offer you truly amazing deals, especially if you have good credit.

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Another important area to look at when choosing your credit card is the incentives.  There are several cards out there that will give you incentives, such as reward points and even cash back with purchases that you can use towards paying back what you owe.  There are several incentives out there with credit cards, all you have to do is look around and compare.

The key area you’ll need to look at and compare is the APR (Annual Percentage Rate).  The APR is what you will pay on what you purchase when the incentive period runs out.  APR rates will vary among credit cards, so it is always in your best interest to compare and shop around.  The lower APR rate you get, the better off you’ll be.

Another concern with choosing your credit card is the minimum payment amount.  Most minimum payment balances will start around 3%, although some can be lower while others tend to be quite a bit higher.  The interest free period is a concern as well, as you will obviously want to choose the longest period that you can keep the payments down.

When you make that final decision and choose your credit card, you should always make sure that you know exactly what you are getting. Credit cards are great to have, although they can lead to a downfall if you don’t choose them carefully.  If you put some time and research into choosing your credit card, you’ll find the best one for you.  As long as you take care of your credit card and pay the bill on time, you’ll help raise your credit and eventually be able to purchase even bigger things - such as a car or even a house.