Student Guide on Credit Cards

Back To School Internet Safety Tips For Parents

2012-01-29T19:01:00.000-08:00

Now that children will be back to class and have schoolwork, their time spent online significantly increases along with patterned and predictable times they access the Internet. Online predators, cyberbullies and cyberstalkers prepare themselves for what they hope will be another year of unsuspecting groups of vulnerable, discouraged and high risk taking children. In addition to online adult predators, children and teens who are cyberbullies and cyberstalkers will fill cyberspace looking to taunt and harass their peers.

For proactive parents who plan to practice & institute Internet safety, I've compiled a checklist & tips to help ensure all your bases are covered. The list provided is a quick injection of internet safety awareness. I hope my checklist helps insulate your child from abuse and leads to a safe and enjoyable school year.

iPredator: A child or adult who engages in psychological and/or physical victimization of others motivated by; peer acceptance, malice, spite and criminal or deviant drives using digital communications technology, telecommunications or mobile devices. continue reading

How to Become Financially Successful in No Time

2012-01-26T00:28:00.000-08:00

Financial Education is essential for your own financial success. You should remember that there are so many things out there that could lead you to bankruptcy; and the worst part is, you barely know all of these things. Education is essential in order to learn not only the new things in life but also the old (but still relevant) things that life has to offer.

Being business minded does not only come from gut instincts or brute. More than anything else, it comes from a base of knowledge. This base of knowledge could basically be learned by entering institutions offering the best financial education. You should remember that education is an investment in its own tradition.

It is an investment since it also costs a lot of money. The premise that the institutions have is the fact that they provide an effective curriculum that would be useful for the next years to come. Thus, does anything of value come for free? Read More

Best Methods for Students Pursuing Online Education

2012-01-24T23:44:00.000-08:00

If you're presently taking up a degree through online education or likely to enrol in an online university, listed here are best tips on ways to make the most through your online learning experience:

1. Selecting a legitimate and accredited online institution. There are numerous online learning resources today offering online distance education programs which aren't licensed or accredited by the government regulatory board on education or even the U.S. Department of Education.

2. Compare the charge and advantage. Prior to buying to analyze online, estimate the expenses involved and compare it from your benefits.
3. Anticipate to manage your study time. Indeed, the freedom to pick your personal study time can be a huge advantage but that would rely on how good you manage some time to maintain your schedule. The reality is that it requires strong motivation and patience to stay to a schedule specifically if you have a full-time work.

4. Familiarize yourself with and utilize online resources. Students of online universities receive usage of online digital libraries and databases that they use for their own research or advance readings.

5. Inquire about transferrable credits. In case you have attended college coming from a regular school otherwise you took up a web-based course previously but had not been able to complete the course, make sure that your new online university will recognize your previous units.

6. Be interactive. Online discussions give all students the opportunity participate. Usually, your attendance will be based upon your participation.
Read Full Story

Tips to Avoid Student Debt

2012-01-23T19:05:00.000-08:00

The recent decision by the Coalition Government to allow Universities to charge up to 9000 a year tuition fees is once again a reminder of just how expensive higher education is in England and Wales today (Scotland has a totally different charging regime for its Universities).

The result of the above decision is that many students starting University in Autumn 2012 could potentially end up with an outstanding debt of £36,000 at the end of their degree. This is a staggering figure to start adult life owing, although the student loan will not become repayable until employment paying in excess of 21,000 p.a is secured. Nevertheless this presents a whole new set of financial challenges for teenagers and young adults.

1. Live at Home - A substantial part of student expenditure goes on living and eating expenses when living away from home.
2. Student discounts - There are endless discounts for students to make your lives easier in terms of expenditure, including travel, clothing cinema, restaurants, and sportswear but to name a few.
3. Check your bank account - It is a well known fact that the first bank a student chooses to open an account with is probably the one that he or she will stay with for long after their education has been completed ( I stayed with Nat West for about 18 years after I had completed University).
4.Cook your own food - Whether living at home or in student accommodation you can save money on your lunch and dinners by cooking your own food.
5. Get a job - Many students work their way through university by using part time income to supplement grants and student loans. continue reading for more Tips to Avoid Student Debt

What Is Better, Education Loans or Student Credit Cards?

2012-01-19T18:26:00.000-08:00

College Student Loans
Generally, long lasting financing is supported by student education loans provided by the us government or extracted from commercial lenders. A College Student Loans may be used to pay tuition fees, boarding school costs, food and lodging allowance, college books, school projects as well as other school expenses. It's a known fact that many families cannot afford an excellent education independently and school loans give that much-needed financial support for many teenagers.

Credit Cards for college students
How about credit cards for students? These credit cards provides additional support for any college student. Credit cards come in handy when emergency expenses arise and funds isn’t easily obtainable. A student may use a credit to make important purchases or pay bills without resorting to cash. Afterwards, the costs may be paid back inside billing period.

Student Credit cards vs Student Education Loans
What type if you undertake to obtain - a student loan or a student credit card? Obtaining both an education loan plus a student charge card can be a great aid in your higher education. A university charge card can serve as a back-up financing option during times of crisis. However, students must exercise self-discipline in making use of the charge card to keep away from debt trouble.

You should read the full story: What Is Better, Student Loan or Student Credit Cards?

Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Credit Cards For Students

2012-01-17T18:35:00.000-08:00

For many students in America, it involves an important decision when getting a credit card. Several companies are focusing on college students by giving various options to have them sign up with their card. Getting the right card is the very important step in owning one. Here are several faults to avoid when selecting a credit card for students.

It is always wise to compare cards before owning one. Aside from the card application which the student union offers, try also to check the availability of other cards and compare the interest rates and fees. You may also see card availability in your preferred bank that might provide you fast and easy application.

There are cards that offer zero initial interest rate but may only be temporary. You will be surprised later to see it rise and might catch you unprepared.

It may sound wise to transfer credit balances between many cards but may give you more trouble than good. Owning several credit accounts may affect your credit score. Read More

Martin Luther King Weekend Tips for Student Credit Card

2012-01-16T18:25:00.000-08:00

In america, Americans take notice of the Martin Luther King Jr. day to celebrate the life of the patriot and icon. For teenagers and students, the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. day can be achieved a lot more special by pondering concerning the vision in the man himself. Why not start the entire year 2012 with resolutions inspired by Martin Luther King Jr? Consider the subsequent ideals:
“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. Every step toward the aim of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”

While Martin Luther King Jr. is primarily referring to the goal of justice, this same ideal does apply on almost every aspect of life- including personal finances. If you originated in an unhealthy family, don’t let your financial situation dishearten you against pursuing your goals. You can boost your finances through efforts, starting from your college studies. Read More

Continuing Education Course Online

2012-01-12T23:50:00.000-08:00

Who are the very best candidates for acquiring online education? Anyone that really wants to still a higher education can join a web-based degree program. Many universities today offer online education programs for associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, vocational courses and certifications.
Those who were instructed to quit education in a very traditional school setting unconditionally, such as illness, injury or physical disability could continue through online studies. Students who’s education were interrupted since they were required to move to another country can continue their learning no matter where they relocated.

Lastly, anyone that really wants to improve his/her skills and data or expand completely to another field of expertise is free of charge to obtain additional education online. The biggest benefit from taking up an online education course is that you could select a schedule that actually works advisable to your position, if you are a staff, a business owner, a mom with kids, an excellent grad, or a high-school graduate, online learning will give you the opportunity earn a qualification and locate an improved paying profession. read on

About me
Nita Harris is really a graduate of an Computer Science program in Santa Monica, CA. A budding programmer and a webmaster, she also furthers her education via a online learning degree while working full-time in a IT company. She also writes, whenever time permits, inside a site for credit cards for college students.

The Importance of Scholarships

2012-01-10T19:29:00.000-08:00

A scholarship is an award given to a student for the purpose of furthering their education. A scholarship can be a monetary award, or it can be an award of access to an institution. Scholarships are a vital piece of the financial aid system for three reasons:

They provide money which generally does not have to be paid back
They provide access to money which students may otherwise be ineligible for
When used in accordance with IRS guidelines, scholarship funds are tax-free Read Full Story

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Financial Health: Smart chips in credit cards

2012-01-09T17:48:00.000-08:00

VISA spent much of 2011 attempting to convince merchants to accept an alternative to the magnetic stripe on credit cards to achieve maximum protection against fraudulent transactions. The company contends that embedding a computer chip in the card would provide consumers with significantly more protection from having card numbers pilfered. Merchants counter that the new smart chip technology needlessly requires that new and expensive card reading machines be available in several locations in order to maximize the anti-fraud capability of the cards.

As supporting evidence ,VISA points to a recent high-end restaurant scam operation where waiters took a patron’s credit card and departed ostensibly to complete the transaction at the cash register. What the patron did not realize was that a criminal ring had provided the waiters with credit card readers they could attach to an Android smart phone or an iPhone. Waiters would disappear and before legitimately running the card to create a billing statement for signature, they would slip it through the phone card reader. In a matter of minutes, other members of the ring duplicated the card and either used it to make fraudulent charges or sold it to others. Read Full Story Here

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6 Bad Habits that will Bring about Bad Credit

2012-01-06T01:50:00.001-08:00

Not carrying out a monthly spending plan.
Have you got a written budget plan that you follow every month?

Not living within your means.
Have you been responsible for splurging or buying expensive things even if it means borrowing against your credit? Are you currently often out partying with friends using only your charge cards to pay your debts?

Missing your due dates.
Are you often late in reducing your bank card balances? Missing your payment date of payment only for starters day can cost you late charges.

Acquiring outlet credit cards only to have a discount.
Did you make application for a outlet card only to get a 10% discount with a $500 valuation on purchase?

Chasing charge card rewards.
Do you have a treat credit card? If yes, using it to buy things may be tempting however, if you’re unsure whether it is possible to pay back your full balance or otherwise not, it’s advisable to skip the acquisition.

Not checking your own credit history regularly.
Checking your credit score at least twice a year is the 6 ways to protect yourself against id theft. Identity thieves can make an effort to open accounts with your name also it can take months before you decide to find that you’ve been a victim of fraud.

Source:6 Improper habits that could Result in A bad credit score

First Hacked Credit Cards Hit Net

2012-01-03T01:47:00.001-08:00

Last week, Anonymous hacked into the subscription records of the company Stratfor, which advises companies and governments on security. The hacking was a nasty joke, a way of saying “see, even your vaunted security companies can’t keep us out.” In the process, Anonymous grabbed the credit card information of the subscribers.

On Thursday, they published the credit card information of Australian Member of Parliament Malcolm Turnbull, billionaire David Smorgon, journalist Sam Lipski, as well as the companeis BHP Biliton and Woodside Petroleum. Stratfor had notified those effected immediately, one can assume that Mr. Turnbull’s statement that the information was “old” means that defensive measures were taken as soon as the subscribers were notified.

Stratfor stated that the hacked list was their subscribers, not their private client list, which includes the United States Department of Defense, Apple and Microsoft. Read Full Story

Tis the Season for Debt Management, Reports Counselling Directory

2011-12-28T22:55:00.000-08:00

The most prevalent advice from debt management experts is to plan ahead, prepare and budget - here are a few tips to help you to do so in what can be one of the most costly times of the year:

1. If you already have an outstanding balance on your credit card or are in the process of paying off a personal loan or overdraft, think carefully before spending anymore.

2. If you plan on borrowing money then ensure you have considered how and when you will repay it, and if possible budget for the repayments in advance.

3. Be realistic about your budget. Work out the amount you can afford to spend on each person and stick to it.

4. If you can afford to pay for gifts outright with your own money then no matter how good the deal, don't be persuaded to take out credit agreements.

5. Read the small print - always scour the small print for any hidden extras in any credit agreement before you sign on the dotted line. Interest free credit may initially seem appealing but if you don't pay on time you may be penalised and concealed extra costs may leave you worse off.

Read more: Tis the Season for Debt Management, Reports Counselling Directory

Take Your Distance Learning Degree Online and Apply for Jobs

2011-12-27T17:49:00.000-08:00

Not only can you go to school online and earn your degree, you can also fill out job applications online.

I have a Degree Now What?

When you first have earned your degree, you will be very happy, but not know what to do next. This is the time to get your resume together. It is very smart to go straight from college right into the workforce. You’ll be ready to go, enthusiastic about your new career, and wanting to use your degree.

The first crucial step is getting your resume ready to go. Be sure you have your dates accurate, the school information listed, and make sure you do not forget to put down all the skills you have. Most employers will notice you are fresh out of school. This is okay, some employees are looking for beginners to work their way up the corporate ladder. There is nothing wrong with being aggressive, if your resume shows you are a very strong person, ready to go, and take on new challenging tasks, you might just get the job. Read More

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The way to Smartly Make use of your Pupil Charge card to get a Holiday Trip

2011-12-26T02:00:00.000-08:00

For most people, the holiday season is often a time for you to move unwind, to take a vacation, or even go to family members which are living overseas. Are you currently a student that lifestyles in a boarding college, distant from your loved ones? If so, you are undoubtedly preparing to get back and also spend the holidays together with your household.

In this post, let’s give attention to the best way to use your pupil charge card to your advantage when you’re a weight vacation trip this coming year:

Obtain recognized. Can the student credit card offer you journey rewards or perhaps cash return bonuses? If yes, make certain you will certainly generate factors for each buck you spent on vacation expenses. This is a good time to review the stipulations of the issuer. Discover which airline carriers, resorts, and car hire businesses are affiliated with your own greeting card since this will allow you to make more factors from the fees.

Take pleasure in the benefits. Many incentive credit cards offer you free of charge holiday insurance and also rental car insurance coverage because of its holders. Surprisingly, lots of cardholders usually are not employing these privileges in any way. Nevertheless, it can save you anywhere from $50 to be able to $100 about these kinds of added charges simply by not necessarily buying a separate insurance coverage to make technique insurance coverage the incentive charge card offers as an alternative. Read on

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New Year’s Financial Decision Strategies for College students

2011-12-22T19:32:00.000-08:00

The season is going to end once again. Have you ever created your own economic answers for the Year? In the event that you’re trainees, it’s by no means past too far to start out. Take into account the pursuing promises that one could develop in order to avoid poor credit and make your own personal financing fit.

Settle your own credit card prior to the year comes to an end. Would you still have remaining balances? If you do, accomplish your very best to repay your current credit debt fully.
Avoid getaway personal debt. It is good to get started on 4 seasons with out past due financial obligations. When you’re likely to use your university student charge card to purchase Christmas time items, ensure that you will be capable of paying rear balance fully and on time.

Be a cleverer card holder. Can you pay your own plastic card charges punctually as well as are you frequently late with your repayments? Can you usually greatest extent from the restriction? Are you responsible for exceeding beyond your own borrowing limit often? Keep in mind that the method that you control your college student plastic card consideration straight has an effect on your own credit rating along with rating.

continue reading : New Year’s Financial Decision Strategies for Students

Maximize 0% Student Credit Card This kind of Holiday

2011-12-20T17:56:00.000-08:00

While consumers get ready, ready to spend more in preparation with regard to Holiday as well as Year, several credit card banks supply deals including rewards or perhaps 0% opening Apr interest rates. Perhaps pupils are more inclined to enhance their bank card spending in the winter holiday.

If you’re students, in the event you get a 0% APR credit card? How can you take full advantage of credit cards that provides 0% opening rate? How will you utilize it to your great advantage and avoid potential risk of negative financial debt? On this page, let’s response these kind of questions one at a time:

In case you Get a 0% Apr interest rates University student credit card?

Individuals are encouraged to be very careful when getting charge cards. Keep in mind, taking care of several balances will be a more impressive problem. Possessing a lot of credit cards will simply motivate shelling out and when you operate way up bills on every single card, payment could be a problem. Not being able to settle your credit card bills in full can result in debts build-up along with bad credit. read more

Manage Your Student Bank card This particular Christmas Season

2011-12-19T18:40:00.000-08:00

Set your own spending restrict. In case your student bank card allows you to replenish to $500 a month, it’s best to set your personal spending limit, which is at least 50% lower than your reduce.
Settle your own total harmony. Some college students just pay the actual minimal due that their charge card requires yet a real technique only increases the chance of debts build-up
Review your charging affirmation. Should you employed your current student charge card, check carefully your statement associated with consideration to make certain that there aren't any completely wrong costs.
Maintain fees nominal. You need to be far more cautious when using your current pupil plastic card for payment. Be preserving your charges as nominal as is possible, it is possible to prevent poor debt. Read Full Story

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Saving money during high school will help down the road

2011-12-14T00:36:00.000-08:00

T eens are at the stage in their lives where they need to start thinking about college. The day draws closer to going to a new school, making new friends and starting their adult lives –and supporting themselves financially.

But the truth is, not many teens know how to prepare for that day. About 20 percent of 58 students surveyed at Springville-Griffith Institute couldn’t even guess at what the price of college was, only knowing that it was very expensive.

With the economy still doing poorly and the costs of college rising by the year, teens need to know some important facts to be prepared.

More than half of the students surveyed were savers rather than spenders. Putting money in the bank adds up quickly. continue reading

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Credit cards are making holiday season comeback

2011-12-11T21:34:00.000-08:00

Just in time for the holidays, credit cards are making a comeback.

On Black Friday, payments made with credit cards rose 7.4 percent from a year earlier, vs. an increase of 3.4 percent for payments with signature debit cards, according to First Data, a payments processing firm. An analysis by Javelin Strategy Research forecasts that credit card payments for online purchases will increase 63 percent from 2011-16, vs. 2 percent for debit cards.

During the recession, the use of credit cards declined as cost-conscious consumers switched to debit cards and cash for their purchases. Now, though, the pendulum is swinging back, analysts say. While overall consumer debt continued to decline in the third quarter, the number of applications for credit rose for the second consecutive quarter, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Read Full Story

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SPOTLIGHT: College grad leaves nest, steps out

2011-12-08T01:02:00.000-08:00

When Cortney Auter graduated from college and landed a job in her field of choice, she thought her "adult" life was starting off pretty good.

She never thought she'd have to move back in with her parents because of student loans and other bills. But that's what happened to the struggling-to-be-independent woman.

Auter, however, is not alone; and she's now a success story.

According to the U.S. Census, more young adults are living in their parents' homes. Between 2005 and 2011, the percentage of men age 25 to 34 living in their parents' home rose from 14 percent in 2005 to 19 percent in 2011 and from 8 percent to 10 percent during the same period for women. Read Full Story

School students Start Building Good Credit Rating This specific New Year

2011-12-05T01:19:00.000-08:00

An additional year is getting ready to possibly be through and also the New Year is coming soon. Are you ready to begin creating good credit at the start of the New Year? In this particular article, let us enumerate the particular steps that can be done to build a good credit rating:

Acquire a college student credit card. Should you be listed below 21 years old, the Credit CARD Act needs someone to have a co-signer unless you can supply proof of your own personal income. Your own mother or father or protector is actually the best prospect to co-sign your own account. Of course, a co-signer will need to have a good credit history as well as score.

Select a college student credit card with options that complement your requirements and way of living. Several student credit cards provide reward applications which are specifically designed for college students. Should you prefer a university student reward credit card, see to it that you simply comprehend the rules of the plan and you can pay your full monthly balance at all times.

Pay your credit card balance in full. Why is it important to pay off your monthly balance in full? This particular is the easiest way to avoid monthly interest charges. The Annual Percentage Rate price can range between 4% to 14% of your complete balance. In reward credit cards, the rate is bound to be considerably increased, starting from 15% to 20% or maybe more. For this reason, paying off your own total stability doesn't just let you save money, it'll also minimize the risk of debt build-up and bad credit. Read More

Credit Cards for Students : Three Things to Know

2011-11-22T17:41:00.000-08:00

While you are a student, the only way to make ends meet may be through the use of a credit card. However, before you indulge in the business or charging, there are three things that you should know about student credit cards.

1. APRs Vary. APRs are the cost of borrowing money. Though many credit card companies are more than willing to give you credit, that credit comes with a price. To save yourself money, you will want to choose a card that has low rates. Many student credit cards have a zero percent APR. These are definitely the types of cards you want. If you already have a card and you are not sure what the APR is, check the bottom of your credit card statement. If the rate is high, try negotiating a lower rate with the credit card company. If the company is not willing to negotiate, try moving your debt to a credit card with lower rates (and no annual fees).

2. Credit Cards Have Bonuses. Some student credit cards offer cash-back bonuses on purchases, such as gas and food. These are great credit cards for students, because you actually make money when you charge items, especially if you pay off the balance promptly. Other student credit cards offer air travel rewards based upon a point system. These type of rewards can come in very handy when you want to visit home, take a vacation, etc. Read More....

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College students need to handle debt, credit cards wisely

2011-11-20T17:49:00.000-08:00

By Michelle Walbaum, USA TODAY
In tough economic times, success in college often depends as much on money smarts as book smarts. Risky financial behaviors, such as paying bills late or paying less than the minimum due, maxing out credit cards or taking out payday loans, for example, can jeopardize a student's college career.
Students who exhibit one or more such risky behaviors say they're less likely to graduate than students who don't take on such risks, according to a University of Arizona study published earlier this year.

COLLEGE COSTS: Programs to help unemployed graduates with debt
Poor money management spills over into other areas of students' lives, too, say researchers Joyce Serido and Soyeon Shim, who surveyed more than 2,000 freshmen at the university. Money problems can strain relationships with family and friends and negatively affect students' health and psychological well-being. Read More....

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Getting your student a credit card

2011-11-17T17:34:00.000-08:00

Back to School » Getting your student a credit cardYour college freshman has checked off everything on the school buying list: laptop, clothes, alarm clock, backpack ... but what about a credit card, or a student credit card?More than three-quarters of college students have a credit card, according to a 2011 study from the Student Monitor, while 2 out of 5 are interested in getting one in the next year. The disturbing part about this study? One in 20 report their parents don't know they have a credit card.That's a good reason to start teaching them now about the power of plastic.

New credit card laws in effect

The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 has made it more difficult for students to acquire credit on their own if they are younger than 21. Because of the CARD Act, anyone under 21 years old can't sign up for a credit card unless they can prove they can make the payments (read: income) or has a co-signer who is over 21.Also in the law, students no longer have to resist the temptation of free gifts offered to them from credit card companies in exchange for an application. Before the CARD Act, credit card issuers could give out, say, free pizza if a student filled out an application for a credit card or student credit card. Read More...

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A student’s guide to money

2011-11-15T17:33:00.000-08:00

College is an exciting time, but suddenly becoming responsible for their own finances can be daunting for students. Here are 10 tips from Worcester-area financial advisers that can help students make smart money decisions in college — and beyond.

• Budget. Look at your monthly income, whether it comes from a part-time job or parents, and subtract your expenses, rent and bills, not just personal items.

“Budgeting helps keep you disciplined,” said JoAnn G. Morency, senior vice president of retail banking at Commerce Bank in Worcester. Read more...

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The Student’s Checklist to buying by using a Credit Card Correctly

2011-11-09T18:38:00.000-08:00

All students get their own credit cards that they use primarily for building credit. Before using your student credit card to shop for coming from a shop or perhaps an web shop, exactly what things if you ever consider? Listed below is a checklist for students on how to buy with a credit card properly:

1. Check your provider and also the merchant’s policy. You ought to comprehend the merchant’s policy on reimbursement and earnings before acquiring, particularly when internet shopping. As a student credit cardholder, you need to also be aware about the order safety services provided by your issuer. While most shops offer a 30-day return, you could be qualified to return an item even after the merchant’s return assure has expired when you used a credit card to generate buying.

2. Purchase only from trustworthy retailers. When buying on the internet, it can be tempting the buy via an unknown merchant because of the cheaper offer. Guaranteed, you would like to save money but be careful that you don’t get ripped-off in return. It’s best to buy only from reputable merchants with a strong track record of history. Having said that, you may also think about buying from a new shop if there are convincing proofs that the supplier can be trusted. Read Full Story

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Tips to get a Bad Credit College Student Car Loan

2011-11-07T21:32:00.000-08:00

If you're a college student looking for an auto loan, do you know the things you should think about to make certain that you could get the best offer? What if you might have bad credit? Are you able to still qualify for a car loan? If so, what else could you do to avoid being ripped-off through bad credit loan loan companies who might attempt to make the most of you? In this particular article, allow us to answer these questions one at a time.

Do You Require a car loan?

Are you wanting to drive your personal car at the moment? Before you apply for an car loan, think about your situation carefully. Could it be much better should you move to a boarding school to help you be nearby the campus? . Don’t forget which aside from your car loan repayments, sustaining a car isn't low as well. Gasoline expenses and repair charges may be expensive too. For this reason you ought to evaluate the expense involved before you take out a loan. Read More

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8 Expensive Things College Students Should Try to Avoid

2011-11-04T02:01:00.000-07:00

If you’re in college then you’re all too aware how little money you have left after paying for tuition and fees. The last thing you need to do is spend what little you have left on pricey stuff you can live without. Here’s a list of 8 expensive things you should try to avoid spending your money on, or, worse, go into more debt for.

1. Cable TV
Times, they are a changing. What used to be considered a necessity is almost not even necessary anymore. Cable TV is expensive — anywhere from $50 to $100 a month or more — but with all the TV shows and movies that you can stream from the Internet to your computer game console, what’s the point? There are plenty of free streaming services (XfinityTV.com and Hulu.com) and paid streaming services (Hulu Plus and Netflix for about $8 a month) that offer a whole lot more content and most of it comes on-demand.

2. Campus Health Insurance
This one’s easy. If your folks have health insurance, then you’re probably covered under the plan while you’re in college. Even if you’re on your own, be wary of campus health insurance plans, some of which can have low coverage maximums that can leave you with thousands of dollars in uncovered expenses. Read Full Story

Credit cards and Halloween. What could possibly go wrong?

2011-11-01T22:11:00.000-07:00

Ah, Halloween. Which is your favorite bit? Is it the excitement of planning your little goblin's trick-or-treat route, and the frequent references to your local sex offender database that such an operation nowadays requires? Or is it the reattachment of your finger tip, necessitated by the excavation of a particularly paunchy pumpkin?

Or perhaps it's the goodnight kiss in your kid's bedroom when it's all over, made only slightly less sweet by the knowledge that a candy-induced sugar rush on top of a monster-induced adrenaline rush is likely to mean that it will be some time before the sandman can get to work

Time to resurrect your credit cards?
The sandman might also take his sweet time when your own head hits the pillow. You may not be disturbed by the ghouls, ghosts and impossibly gorgeous vampires that occupy kids' imaginations. But the horrors you face are just as terrifying.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, immediately followed by Black Friday. And, from that moment on, your chances of finding the time and the money needed to get through the holiday season without racking up more credit card debt may be scaring the daylights out of you. Read Full Story

118 Ways to Save Money in College

2011-10-23T19:45:00.000-07:00

So you have already looked for scholarships, grants, and loans and are still finding it hard to pay your way through college? It goes without saying that the typical college student is either broke or financially hanging in the balance most of the time. We’ve assembled a long list of both practical and creative ways you can save some green while you’re going to campus.

Managing the Money You Have

To save money you need to manage it. I hate to get on the topic of money management right off the bat, but if you expect to save money you need to be a bit savvy with the little bit of cash you have:

Get a free checking and savings account. The bank will nickel and dime you on dumb stuff like too many ATM withdrawals, too many checks written, or a funds transfer. Shop the town for banks catering to students. Make sure you can access online banking, pay bills and manage your account without attached fees. Read More

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6 Credit Commandments for Students

2011-10-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

If you’re still in college, keeping a credit card in your wallet can offer important advantages.

It’s not only a fast and convenient way to pay. It will also help you build your credit history and develop a great credit score for the long-term.
Even better, it’s not that hard to develop great credit; it just takes time and discipline. If you start using credit early, pay all your bills on time and don’t max out your credit cards, you will build a solid credit foundation within just a few short years.
That said, there are all sorts of credit bloopers people make on the path to building perfect credit.

Here are six tips to avoid the most common missteps:

1. Spend for today, not tomorrow.
2. Use your card, but use it well.
3. Expand slowly. 4. Never forget: Relationships matter most.5. Get help early.
6. Continue to learn.

Read Full Story: 6 Credit Commandments for Students

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What college students should know about credit cards

2011-10-18T19:20:00.000-07:00

The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 placed limits on the ability of those under 21 to get a credit card. It also set strict limits on card companies' ability to market to college students. However, whether they get a credit card now or later, it's a good idea for young adults to learn good credit habits early. The Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants recommends these tips for avoiding credit pitfalls.

Think twice before signing.

When students spend a little more money than they have, they end up carrying an outstanding balance. And the credit card companies charge interest on that balance, over and over again, every month. In fact, they even charge interest on the outstanding interest payments students haven't paid off yet. That means that the pizza a student charged sophomore year could cost a couple of hundred dollars in interest over time if it wasn't paid off along with the rest of the full balance each month. At most schools, students or their parents can deposit money in a spending account and the student can then use the school spending card at a wide variety of stores or restaurants. It's an easy option that does not involve spending money they don't have or incurring interest charges, and probably a better choice than a credit card for most college students. Read More

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How Students Could Handle Their Student Credit Cards

2011-10-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

Research show that lots of university students graduate along with delinquent financial obligations on their own student education loans which could amount to $20,000. Those people who are still attending college are faced with credit card financial obligations amounting to $7,000 or maybe more.

Even worse, there are numerous at a young age of 15-25 have previously filed with regard to personal bankruptcy. If you’re a teenager the master of a credit card for students, these types of staggering studies should definitely concern you. What else could you do to avoid falling target of bad credit? Read Full Story

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The 5 Best Student Credit Cards – Which Student Credit Card To Get?

2011-10-13T20:07:00.000-07:00

Student credit cards are designed for US college students over the age of 18, and are, in my opinion, something that each college student should have so that they can start building up a credit history and have a good credit score by the time they graduate (which is essential for employment checks, housing rental, and mortgage loans). A credit card will also come in handy when paying for everyday expenses such as groceries and utilities. What I like most about student cards is that many of them offer a rewards system and additional incentives when students get good grades and pay their bills on time. Some cards even offer a points system that gives you points for every dollar you spend. You can even find some student cards that offer 0% introductory APR (annual percentage rate) on purchases, which lets you hold a balance from one month to the other without incurring interest for a predetermined period of time.
Read Full Story.

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Grades Recession Proof That You Can Get Online

2011-10-06T18:56:00.000-07:00

In these times of crisis, many people are discovering that they can beat the recession turning to online degree programs. Many areas have been hit hard by the recent economic downturn, and was stopped or terminated employees. Most are in recession as real estate and factories. However, some industries will remain stable and still need more workers.

Whether you are a student or someone who plans to continue his studies, obtaining a degree or certificate can be added to the network is necessary for your career. Below are the top recession-proof courses, which are available on-line distance learning programs.

Health and progress. Because no one is free of the disease, people will always need health care and medical care regardless of the state of the economy. Medical assistants and related industries are still in demand in many hospitals, clinics and community health centers.

During pharmacy. Another company related to health care, which will remain in high demand, pharmacists. Needless to say, people get sick and doctors prescribe drugs to pharmacies and drug labs are at the top of companies.

Training courses. There will always be a need for educators, regardless of economic status. There will always be children going to school and that teachers need to guide them. Universities and educational institutions continue to hire teachers and other staff to manage the administrative tasks of the school.

Accounting courses. As the famous adage, "the only thing certain in life are death and taxes." Certainly, if a recession or not, society will always need accountants. Businesses and enterprises, whether large or small, will be looking for accountants to manage their taxes and finances.

Professional areas. Despite the recession, there is still a huge demand for skilled workers in various fields. Men electrical engineers, carpenters, plumbers, mechanics, hairdressers and other professionals continue to demand.

Business and marketing. In response to the economic crisis, many people have moved towards a business and marketing to survive. In fact, many owners of small businesses for success today, was once a full-time employees, who had lost their jobs because their company closed or reduced staff.

Web design and development. Now that electronic commerce is a growing trend is the growing demand for web designers, web developers, programmers and other jobs related to the Internet and Internet marketing. In reality, these are really high-paying jobs, and you can also choose to go freelance in the service.

About the Author:

Samantha Wilson is a consultant for credit cards for students. For years she has written credit card for college articles that would help build student credits.

Following A Career In Photography Online

2011-09-20T00:18:00.000-07:00

Many people like to take pictures as a hobby and some may even make money selling your photos. Some may be recruited by friends or relatives to take pictures on special occasions like weddings and graduations. Yes, photography can become an important source of income, especially when jobs are scarce.

Did you know that you can get a degree in photography and make a successful career out of it? And with major universities now offer online courses, you can make your way to becoming a professional photographer to take photography classes over the Internet. Continue Reading.......

Samantha Wilson is a consultant for credit cards for students. For years she has written credit card for college articles that would help build student credits.

Is Your School Accredited Online?

2011-08-31T23:40:00.000-07:00

Because there are many online schools offer various education programs, it is very important to choose a university or institution that is accredited by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Understanding the process of accreditation

There are five key points in the search of its accreditation: introspection, peer review, research, evaluations, and ongoing review. Will look at each in more detail the procedure.

Self-study. First, a university or learning self-examination to ensure that their education is consistent with the rules established by national accreditation bodies. The school must also prepare the required reports prior to submission.

Peer review. Member of the faculty and administrative organization accreditation evaluates the relationship of 'University offers training programs online. Later, the team will also visit the college or institution for further investigation.

Study. In addition to the study of faculty members of an accreditation body, volunteers from the public are also encouraged to make their own assessment based on standards of higher education institutions.

Judgement. When the report of the assessment phases of research, access and others are complete, the accreditation organization to determine the Commission to review the findings and approve or reject the approval status of the Virtual Polytechnic or institution of learning.

Ongoing review. Once accreditation has been confirmed, college or learning will always be subject to reviews and evaluations of the rotation to ensure it is able to follow the rules of the Higher Council for Education Accreditation.

Benefits of accreditation

Some may not like distance learning programs online, thinking that they are not as good as the traditional school environment. However, to earn an online degree accredited university or college of higher education by the Accreditation Council ensures that his / her diploma or certificate to identify reliable companies and employers in the industry.

If you apply for financial aid even if the federal government student loans or scholarships, you must ensure that the school or online school is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Another advantage of choosing an accredited school online is that students have the ability to move units completed at another university, if they decide to move to another school. If your old university is accredited and credits the previous rule to be accepted and transferred to a new transcript.

Therefore, the choice of a school or university in line with official accreditation gives you the assurance that the education you can get will be worth your money, time and effort. Although an online degree does not guarantee successful recruitment, it certainly gives an advantage over other competitors or doctoral job seekers.

Benefits of Accreditation

Success at Work

Most employers prefer to hire job applicants who received their education at a college or university with appropriate accreditation status. Many employers also see that the employees were trained in an institution duly accredited when they make decisions about sales promotions, progress of companies and to provide assistance or tuition coverage for employees who wish or need to promote their education. It is also common for states to require a school, university or program be accredited when allowing students to gain professional status permits.

About the Author:

Samantha Wilson is a consultant for credit cards for students. For years she has written student credit card reviews articles that would help build student credits.

Management Planning - A Profitable Career?

2011-08-22T02:39:00.000-07:00

Planning an event can be considered the most interesting, creative, fun and satisfying occupations. If you are a creative person who enjoys social interaction, why not consider the acquisition of a degree in event management and planning?

What to Expect in Event Management and Planning -

Some may have the wrong perception that the event management and planning is about glamor. Although it is part of the job, even if the designer has an enormous responsibility to ensure that the event, what could be (the wedding party or a society) would happen. It 'very important to make sure that the client would be really happy with how the event turns out.

To obtain the Diploma in Event Management will prepare you for the challenges you face when putting together a special event. Planning, organization and invitations to VIP guests, to make arrangements for caterers, suppliers and site personnel, organized the program - anything that requires the preparation and conclusion of the event is to you to manage. Add to that that can bring your plans for your budget life.

In real life, can be an event planner is an overwhelming task. In fact, it is not as easy as it sounds, but if you are passionate about what you do, then it should be an enjoyable and satisfying career for you. More importantly, if you are equipped with the right training and knowledge, you will be able to perform your duties effectively.

Start the Event Management course online -

Yes, many companies now offer event management services require professionals who have experience and credentials. Without an official diploma or certificate that you have a degree in economics degree in event management, you may find it difficult to compete.

Even if you already have a degree in a different field of study and want to improve your portfolio or get a new career, you can continue your dreams through online training. Online learning program allows you to choose your program so you can work and earn a degree at the same time.

Should a student Obtain a Credit Card?

2011-08-17T22:07:00.001-07:00

Many people may frown thinking of permitting young adults or college students to make use of their very own credit cards. For other people, using a credit card promotes spending too much money. Actually, numerous college student cardholders are already caught in bad credit due to out of control payment card investing. Performs this imply a student shouldn't get a charge card?

Utilizing a credit card during college can actually provide a lot of advantages. In order to enjoy these types of advantages however, students credit credit card holder should learn how to use his/her accounts sensibly. Listed here are explanations why college students should consider obtaining a credit card:

Set up and develop early credit rating.
Creating early credit rating is really a strong proof of creditworthiness. In fact, period of credit rating makes up 10% of the complete credit rating. Like a college student, you're presented with lots of possibilities to get a debit card with a decent deal. This is the just period you are able to acquire an unsecured bank card despite the absence of credit history.

Directly training in credit and payment.
Experience is the greatest instructor. Through assistance through mother and father or even guardians, college students may avoid the dangers associated with incorrect charge card make use of as they are given the opportunity to manage their very own accounts. By the time students graduate students from college, he/she could be more outfitted in controlling individual finance.

A student credit card can serve as an economic cushion.
Using a student charge cards can come in useful when emergency costs arise and cash is not readily available. Obviously, this doesn't warrant the use of credit card on unexpected or unimportant purchases. On the other hand, a cc can offer the actual much-needed support that a college student requirements throughout tough times.

A less dangerous method of payment.
Even though dangers can't be completely removed, a credit card can be viewed as as a less dangerous method of payment compared to cash. Transporting cash could be a hassle and may end up being taken immediately. On the other hand, in case your college student debit card will get misplaced or even taken, you are able to contact your provider to achieve the account blocked towards unauthorized use.

Planning for the future.
If you're able to establish earlier credit rating and keep your credit score within an excellent position, you'll certainly appreciate much more benefits. First, you will get access to better bank loan offers if you want to make an application for financial loans (auto loan, personal bank loan) later on. You are able to request your own education loan lenders for a lower rate of great interest if you're able to display an impressive credit rating.

Actually, loan companies aren't the sole types who're interested regarding your personal credit score. Actually landlords and leasing businesses might purely require a good credit score. For those who have strong credit score, you are able to select anywhere you would like and you can obtain authorized as a tenant more easily.

A lot of companies carry out pre-employment credit score screening to check the candidate's trustworthiness as well as history. Pre-employment credit assessment isn't surprising specifically for accountants and other positions that involve the actual immediate dealing with of cash. For those who have an excellent credit standing, you will surely acquire an advantage over your competitors.

The reason why Think about A Web-based Vocational Course

2011-08-17T19:48:00.000-07:00

Experienced investments is probably not as popular as greater level programs however nowadays, progressively more college students would rather obtain two-year as well as short-term vocational programs due to the big need for experienced employees.

Certainly, as the current financial bad times offers affected numerous companies as well as pressured businesses to reduce workers, there isn't a shortage of interest in specialists, technicians, local plumbers, welders, HVAC maintenances professionals, and so on.

If you like performing maintenance or even careers which mainly require the usage of fingers, after that have you considered trying out a vocational web based course inside your selected experienced industry?

Guaranteeing Professional Professions to choose from
There are many occupations waiting for graduate students of various vocational areas. For instance, because telecoms and technology improvements, jobs associated with the concept of telecoms such as installation, repairs and maintenance also raises.

Car repair providers is another flourishing industry. Obviously, individuals will usually require vehicles or cars for transportation and therefore, the actual continuous interest in car technicians or car repair professionals. The same proves to be accurate in the media business (cable, tv, radio) exactly where satellite and cable television companies are in need of competent experts to complete set up, repairs as well as maintenance work.

What about a profession as a computer specialist? The majority of family members these days own a minumum of one or even several personal computers within their houses. Apart from feasible home customers, almost all companies or businesses on the market start using a system associated with computer systems that should be managed or fixed. Indeed, being a professional in computer hardware will certainly provide much more job opportunities to suit your needs.

Obtaining On the internet Abilities Accreditation
With regards to experienced deals, expertise is the most important element. Like a mechanic or a specialist deals with more careers and genuine repairs, he/she gets much better or more qualified with his/her area. Nonetheless, getting the correct qualifications is equally as essential and can provide you with the advantage more than your competitors.

The advantage of on the internet education is that time does not need to be considered a barrier to obtaining a degree or even accreditation. Even as you are taking on a full-time or even part-time job, you are able to enrol in an online distance education plan in order to generate your own qualifications one step at a time.

Many on the internet universities provide professional programs in a wide selection of areas as well as specializations to help you pick the precise program you appear. In addition, on the internet applications are usually a smaller amount costly compared to programs supplied in a conventional university setting.

Make use of A College student Credit Card have fun with Back-to-School Financial savings

2011-08-15T19:46:00.000-07:00

Credit cards for students are specifically built with functions as well as providers to profit this specific team so if you're college student, you need to make the most of your rights like a cardholder. Nevertheless, utilizing a credit card may also greatly increase the chance of bad financial debt and this is the reason why children need to be careful their own spending.

About this post, we all present wise tips about how you can make use of your college student credit card to enjoy cost savings out of your back-to-school purchases although staying away from bad financial debt:

Select a low price cash return card. If you are planning to apply for a student credit card, think about a card with cash return benefits. Don’t overlook to compares rates of interest and choose the one with the most reasonable offer. Money back reward cards tend to be well-liked in the market since the program is straightforward as well as suits everyone’s way of life. A person don’t have to drive a car or truck or perhaps be a regular passenger to get compensated. Money back credit cards provide consumers the opportunity to earn money bonuses out of their own investing so that they are often well suited for college students.

Browse the fine print. Take time to read the total Conditions and terms. Ensure that you simply understand the guidelines from the incentive program. How would you be able to generate points? What kinds of purchases meet the criteria? How many points are you able to earn for each buck invested? Usually, money back credit cards provide 1 point for each buck invested while using card. Nevertheless, you may be able to find credit cards that provide dual points to fit your purchases.

Besides the guidelines of getting points, it's also wise to understand the guidelines regarding how to receive points. Do you know the restrictions enforced by the company? May your own points end following a particular period of time? Are you quit generating points once you gathered a particular worth of money back inside a month or perhaps in a year? The particular conditions change from 1 company to a different would you like to ensure your selected student charge card matches your way of life.

Stay away from rate of interest fees. Just about all reward consumers should do every thing to prevent the interest rate costs. The only method you can get compensated is that you simply don't pay these types of additional costs. Keep in mind that reward credit cards generally have greater rates of interest compared to their own non-reward alternatives. Therefore, should you fail your complete stability on time, you'd end up investing more about rates of interest. This kind of extra expenses may offset the rewards you get.

Obtain affiliate marketers. Take a look at which usually stores and retailers tend to be associated with your college student credit card. You are able to certainly generate larger points for each buck invested whenever you purchase from supporting merchants. The majority of reward credit cards for students provide exclusive back-to-school discount rates but you have to be aware of the rules. If you are planning to purchase online, you may be able to appreciate even bigger cost savings however, you may need to enter a unique code on checkout to enjoy the actual discount.

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Building Credit Students

Here are Most effective Strategies for College students Going after Via the internet Education

2011-08-15T19:26:00.000-07:00

In case you are currently taking over a college degree via on the web education or even going to take within an online school, listed here are ideal recommendations on how you can take advantage out of your on the internet learning experience:

1. Selecting a genuine as well as certified online school. There are lots of online learning resources nowadays that provide on the internet distance education plans that aren't certified or perhaps authorized through the government regulatory board on education and learning or even the U.S. Division of Training. You may also read the Council with regard to Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). However, some individuals had been victimised through con artists on the internet that provide artificial college diplomas or degrees. Obviously, graduating through unauthorised or even unaccredited learning institution might be a total waste of time.

2. Evaluate the price as well as benefit. Before selecting to study on the internet, calculate the expenses concerned and evaluate it from the advantages. Don’t overlook to think about the long run results of your final decision. For example, when choosing a web-based course, browse the possible job opportunities that you could anticipate after you have graduated.

3. Be ready to handle your own study time. Certainly, the freedom to select your personal study time could be a appealing factor however that could rely on exactly how well you handle some time and maintain your own routine. In fact it takes powerful determination as well as persistence to stay to a schedule particularly if you have a full-time work.

4. Become familiar with as well as utilize online learning resources. College students of on the internet colleges are given use of on the internet electronic libraries and also directories that they make use of for his or her personal study or advance readings. Ensure that you know about on the web research resources and references supplied by your web higher education. Generally, the fee for implementing these web based amenities has already been offered with the price of your own training course package deal therefore it’s wise to take advantage of all resources open to you.

5. Inquire about transferable credits. For those who have went to school from a normal college or you took up a web-based training course previously but wasn't able to complete the actual course, be sure that your brand new online school may identify your own prior units. By doing this, you won’t need to repeat previous unit to help you save your time and money.
6. Become interactive. On the internet discussions provide all college students the opportunity to take part. Typically, your attendance depends on your involvement. It’s smart to ready your training prior to your web class begins to help you become more confident in order to recite throughout discussions or seek advice to your teachers.

About the Author:
Samantha Wilson is a consultant for credit cards for students. For years she has written student credit card reviews articles that would help build student credits.

Here are 13 Back To School Tips For College Students

2011-08-04T02:29:00.000-07:00

As the season comes back to school, parents and students should be prepared for the challenge of budgeting and saving money. Check out these 20 tips to save for college students:

1. Buy from the manufacturer. If you buy a computer or a laptop for college is a good idea to buy directly from the manufacturer to get the best price.

2. Do not forget to negotiate. Enjoy your student status to obtain a lower rate. It's always worth trying to claim a refund of many traders are willing to give a special price for students.

3. Check your inventory. When you receive your list of things to buy, check your own inventory first ensure that you do not purchase goods or books that you already have. If you have siblings or friends who went to university, ask if they have a book or old item from your list so you do not have to make a new purchase.

4. Ask for the hand-me-down. Do you live in a dormitory or you move into an apartment near campus? Instead of buying furniture for your room, ask your family if they have antique furniture who want to get rid of.

5. Buy only what you need. Before you buy everything on your list, choose the most important issues. I really do not have to buy anything else.

6. Compare prices online. Use the Internet to check the prices of different suppliers. You can find websites that offer comparison tools free, you will see the price of an object at different online stores.

7. Use the coupon codes. Visit websites that offer online coupons and bonds. Find the coupon you can use to buy school supplies you need.

8. Provide your dorm. If the stay at the dorm, consider sending your online purchases directly to a new location, so you can save on travel costs of goods.

9. Do it yourself. Some of the skills literally can save you hundreds of dollars in computer troubleshooting, fixing furniture, changing clothes, etc.

10. Go easy on your student card credit. If you plan to use your credit card to buy school supplies for college or something, be careful not to max out or exceed the credit limit. More importantly, make sure you can pay with a credit card balance in full to avoid interest charges.

11. Buying second-hand. Search for second hand books, tools, furniture, and gadgets that you might need a school to save money.

12. Update, instead of buying. If you already have a laptop or desktop, you should consider upgrading instead of buying a brand new system. You can save a large amount of money for this option.

13. Learn. If this is your first time to buy a computer system is a good idea to seek advice from an expert such as a computer technician or a specialized apparatus. This way you can be sure you are buying a computer system with the right specifications and at a reasonable price.

Samantha Wilson is a consultant for credit cards for students. For years she has written credit cards for students articles that would help build student credits.

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5 Ways Students May Ruin Their Personal Credit

2011-01-12T00:36:00.000-08:00

Although no one would like to have poor credit, you can actually hurt your history without knowing it. If you're a student and this it your first time to own an account, here are a few things you should avoid to prevent damaging your personal credit:

1.Submitting multiple applications to different companies. Are you aware that sending out way too many applications to different lenders and companies can terribly damage your credit score? Young people often receive numerous offers from student loan companies and credit card issuers so they are vulnerable to signing up multiple credit applications.

Remember that every time you experiment with credit applications, the creditor will check on your credit report. Credit inquiries will show in your file and too many inquiries from various lenders can send out a negative impression to a potential creditor. In fact, it can make you a "Risky" customer in the eyes of creditors and insurers.

2.Carrying a balance in your account. Contrary to what other people think, carrying a balance in your credit card accounts is not going to improve your credit rating. In reality, submitting only the minimum monthly due payment increases the risk of debt accumulation.

To maintain a good credit rating, do your best to pay your full balance each month. Doing this reduces the odds of accumulating credit card debt; saves you from extra credit card fees such as interest rate and late penalty costs; and frees up your credit limit.

3. Maximizing your borrowing limit. Despite the fact that your student credit card offers zero interest or a low rate, you need to keep your charges minimal (ideally, 40% or less). Understand that your credit-to-debt ratio is a standard aspect used in determining your FICO score. It comprises 10% of your FICO score.

4.Being late in making payments. Being late in posting your payments even only for a day can have a significant effect in your credit rating. This principle is applicable not only to your student credit card but to your other accounts as well.

If you are having problem submitting your payments on time or remembering your due dates, think about arranging automatic payment with your bank. Keep in mind that payment history comprises 35% of your total credit score.

5.Not reviewing your bills. Cautiously evaluating your monthly statements of account is definitely an essential step that must never be disregarded. If you discover any error in your credit bill, do not hesitate to dispute those charges.

Be sure to read all notices that comes from your issuer. The new CARD act requires all issuers to provide at least 45 days of advanced notice prior to making changes to their terms and conditions. If you do not check notices from your bank or card issuer, you might be surprised to learn that your rate of interest has already increased without your knowledge. By that time, you may have a more difficult time requesting for a change in your rate.

8 Things Credit Card Holders Must Be Aware Of

2010-12-21T21:05:00.001-08:00

Consumers have so many things to learn about credit cards. Not only should they be well-aware of the different types of accounts, they also need to be knowledgeable about the basics of credit management as well as the importance of building good history. Why are these things important?

Well, they can help first-time cardholders in choosing and in managing their very first credit cards. And aside from this, their basic insights about charge cards can also help them avoid committing costly mistakes as they apply for different programs.

Now what basic information about these plastic cash should all consumers, especially students, must be well-aware of? Let us discuss some of them.

Eight Things You Need to Know Your Cards

1. There are various types of programs. Some people think that all cards are one and the same. But this is a misconception. They may have the same shape and size but they do not carry the same terms, conditions and features. For example, a student credit card possesses different characteristics and features from the ones present in bad credit programs, like secured and prepaid debit cards.

So before applying for a particular type of credit program, make sure that you are well-aware of all the card programs that are available to you. You will be more likely to choose the right program if you know exactly what options are being offered by various companies and issuers.

2. They carry a variety of features. Features include the interest rates, credit limits, payment terms, fees and charges as well as other credit conditions. These are the things that you compare as you try to find the program that will be most suitable to your needs and expectations.

As was mentioned above, different credit cards possess different features. So, what might be offered in student cards may not be present in the fine print of secured or prepaid cards. And the interest rates carried by most unsecured cards may not be equal to the those charged in secured accounts. This goes to show that you have to be keen in shopping and comparing different features. In so doing you can surely find the program that will work to your advantage.

3. Charges are billed every month. After you get approved for your very first account, you must remember that there is more to credit card billing than receiving a mailed billing statement every month. Thus, you must try to understand the billing process of your selected company. This way, you can easily grasp what and how your credit card issuer charges you each month.

4. Payment of fees and charges required. Issuers generate profit from the fees, penalties and charges that they impose on the programs they offer. So, when you apply for an account, expect that you will be asked to pay several fees and charges before you can use your own card.

5. Choose your program wisely. You should remember to take your time in shopping and comparing the features and terms of the cards you intend to acquire. In so doing, you can choose the right student credit card account that will certainly meet your expectations.

6. Be diligent and persevering. If this is your first time to build your history, your card will be the key to establishing your credit reputation, then you need to be diligent and persevering in conducting researches prior to your card application. You also need to display a great deal of patience especially when you get turned down for the program you are applying for.

7. Pay your bills on time and in full each month. No matter what cards you intend to get, make sure that you always pay your bills on time and in full each month. These activities will help you maintain excellent credit ratings that will eventually increase your chances of getting approved for the credit accounts you will be taking in the future.

8. Resist the urge of making multiple applications. Applying for too many cards can cause a negative effect on your standing. This can inflict damage to your rating and can reduce your chances of getting approved for your next application. This is why you need to fight the urge of getting too many credit lines. Instead you need to be contented with the ones you already have.

Image Credit: 1-million-dollar-blog.com

Effective Financial Strategies for Students In College

2010-12-08T00:07:00.000-08:00

Going to college can bring many privileges but along with that, comes the responsibilities. If you are about to enter college or has just started your freshman year, this article presents useful tips on money management and financial strategies for young people.

On Money Management

Use your student credit card for schooling purposes. A student credit card is a great tool for building credit history but if used incorrectly it can also you to bad credit. Therefore, make sure that all your charges are officially for your education. More importantly, you must make sure that you will be able to pay back your balance in full before your due date ends. This way, you can avoid the interest rate fee and protect your credit history as well.

For non-schooling purchases, use cash. If you want to reward yourself with a new gadget or a new pair of shoes, do not charge it on your credit card. Instead, save your cash and wait until you have saved enough to buy that item.

Keep track of your own spending. Train yourself to become financially responsible by monitoring your own spending. A lot of student credit cards today provide an Online Account Access which means you can check your account from your computer at anytime. Check if there are unfamiliar purchases reflected in your account. If there are, call up your issuer right away to correct those charges.

If you notice that you’ve been using a large percentage of your credit limit, then put yourself in check and do the necessary adjustments. For instance, you may strictly keep yourself from using your credit card on new purchases until you manage to completely pay off your balances.

Create a budget plan. Based upon your monthly allowance, create a realistic plan to make sure that your budget is properly distributed according to your expenses. Be sure to set aside your bills payment and some amount for your personal savings. Having a written plan will enable you to see where your money goes so that splurges or unplanned purchases can be avoided.

Keep financial records in a safe place. After checking your monthly credit card statement, keep it in a safe place as you may be able to use them for reference in the future. Aside from your credit card bills, be sure to keep purchase receipts and other important financial documents.

Protect your personal information. College students are not exempted against the threat of fraud and identity theft. Educate yourself about the strategies used by identity thieves so you can be alerted against their tactics. Be cautious about giving away your personal information especially your Social Security number, credit card account numbers, etc.

Be frugal. There are many ways on which you can be smarter and save money. For example, you can check out used or second-hand books at a cheaper price instead of buying new ones. Before buying anything, always take the extra time to shop around and compare prices. Never buy anything out of impulse. Wait until you’ve been able to seriously consider whether you really need it. Recognize the difference between NEEDS and WANTS.

Image credits: www.mynmi.com

Credit Card Guidelines for College Students

2010-11-25T00:23:00.000-08:00

According to a survey, the average freshman student has more than $1,500 worth of credit card debt. That staggering figure was revealed by Nellie Mae in 2005. Students have a very substantial amount of debt even before they graduate, and become a member of the workforce.

This situation is dire, yet much can be done so this does not happen. Just by teaching students to use their credit cards responsibly, they can protect themselves from the threat of bad debt and in turn build up a solid credit history. In this article, we have presented simple but valuable steps on managing a credit card, especially for young people and college students.

Don’t fall for credit cards with introductory rates. A credit card with a reasonable interest rate that would last is a better option than a credit card with zero percent introductory rate that is bound to skyrocket after only six months or so. Since it will be your first time, you need a reliable credit card – one that can help you establish and maintain a good credit history.

Know what you have to pay for. Aside from a low interest rate, be sure to check out what the other fees are as well. Check the annual fee, late penalty, over-the-limit fee, and other transaction charges that you may incur once you use your credit card.

Credit card rewards. If you plan to get a student credit card with rewards, be sure that you will be able to pay completely every month. Otherwise, you may get charged with a high rate of interest. Better yet, if you’re not sure whether the rules of the reward program fit your lifestyle, go with a non-reward credit card with a low interest rate.

Stick with one credit card. Many young people get at least two or more student credit cards, thinking that more accounts would boost their credit rating. But achieving a high credit score does not depend on the number of credit cards you own. On the contrary, a good credit score depends on how well you can manage each account.

Thus, even if you own just one credit card, if you use it regularly and you are consistent in submitting your payments on time, you can surely build good credit and make a good impression to future creditors.

As a student, it is strongly recommended that you stick with one account to avoid the risks. First, having multiple credit cards may encourage more spending, since you can always charge it to one of your credit cards and pay at a later time. Second, managing different credit card accounts can prove to be difficult especially if you have incurred a balance on each card. Also, paying off your debts can become a burden and if you fail to pay on time, you will be charged with additional fees on interest rate and late penalty, charges. All these trouble can be avoided by focusing on just one card. Additionally, student credit cards often have very high interest rates (that’s what you usually get when you have little or no credit), so stacking up those credit cards also means stacking their interest rates against you.

Spend wisely. Ultimately, avoiding the bad credit trap will depend on your own spending. Before charging purchases to your student credit card, see to it that you will be able to pay on time. Always remind yourself of the possible consequences. And if you’re not certain whether you can pay on time, then do not charge it on your credit card.

Good Credit Tips for Students

2010-08-12T19:31:00.000-07:00

The most thrilling thing about being a college student is becoming more independent. Financial advisers do recommend that the best time to begin building credit history is while you are a student. With the modifications to the credit card law, it is still a lot easier for a student to get his/her first credit card. If you are a student yourself, what should you to maintain a favorable credit record? Here are some tips:

1.Choose the right credit cards for students. For people who are below 21 years old, they can apply for a student credit card with the help of a co-signer. On the other hand, if you can prove that you have an independent source of income, you can be eligible for a student credit card even without a co-signer.

When selecting your first credit card, ensure that you understand the Terms and Conditions of your bank or credit card issuer. Remember that there is certainly not one credit card that will match everyone’s lifestyle. Thus, you must examine your own needs and look for a credit card that will match up to your lifestyle.

A credit card with a low interest rate is best as it minimizes the risk of debt build-up should you need to occasionally carry a balance in your account. Even so, keep in mind that the surest way to maintain good credit history is to use your card only on important expenses and to pay off your complete balance on time.

2. Use your credit card regularly. Simply placing your student credit card in your wallet is not going to help you build good credit. To be able to build credit, you should demonstrate your capability to manage debts and repayment. Use your card on important purchases but keep your charges minimal so you can make your payments on time.

Read Full Article: Good Credit Tips for Students

Building Good Credit with Your First Credit Card

2010-06-02T23:59:00.000-07:00

The significance of building a favorable credit record has always been highlighted by credit help specialists. As the interest rate continues to increase, building a good credit rating is definitely an important step today. Aside from the opportunity to obtain quick approval, an outstanding credit history can win you the lowest possible rates and flexible repayment terms from loan companies and insurance providers.

For people looking for work, good credit can spell the difference between getting employed or not. Although a hiring officer cannot turn down an applicant based on his/her credit rating alone, it can be a significant factor that will give you the advantage over other applicants competing for the same position.

For this reason students in college are urged to start building credit history by obtaining their student credit cards. Once you have your first credit card, what are the steps you can do to make sure that you will build good credit? Take a look at the following suggestions:

Check your credit report. It is not unusual for credit reports to contain errors. There are instances when someone else’s credit details may get mixed up in your report and inflict damage to your score. Identity Theft is also a common cause for having bad credit.

Consumers are eligible for a free credit report each year from the AnnualCreditReport.com. It is important to check out your credit report at least twice a year to make sure that it contains accurate record.

Understand how credit scoring works. Knowing how your credit score is determined can help you become more mindful on maintaining your credit report. You must remember that payment history or timeliness of payment makes up 35% of your total rating. Therefore, even occasional late payments can hurt your rating.

Read Full Article: Building Good Credit With your First Credit Card

Credit Building Options for Students

2010-05-18T18:38:00.000-07:00

As you make way towards the corporate world, you must strive to build personal credit history as well. Thus, by the time you graduate from college, you’ll be in a much better position to deal with financial companies and even potential employers.

Students have several options when starting to build credit. Consider the following options and choose one that suits you best:

Student Credit Cards. Credit card issuers grant easy approval to college students. In fact, they even distribute fliers at campuses to encourage young people to sign up. However, under the New Credit Card Law, such marketing campaigns will not be allowed within 1,000 feet at school campuses.

The New Law also restricts young adults who are under the age of 21 from getting their first credit card unless they have a co-signer or they can show proof of independent income. If you are under 21, you must have a parent or a guardian with good credit history to back up your account.

Before signing up for a college credit card, carefully evaluate your choices. Compare the rates and fees, as well as the Terms of using the card. Start with one student credit card only to reduce the risk of overspending and bad debt.

Secured Credit Cards. A secured credit card is another option since anyone can get approved, even with no credit or bad credit history. However, secured cards require a cash deposit which can range from $200 to $500 and up. The amount of deposit you make will also define your credit limit.

Read Full Article: Credit Building Options for Students

How to Get Out of Student Credit Card Debt

2010-05-06T22:27:00.000-07:00

When put to use responsibly, credit card for students is a perfect tool for establishing good credit history. A survey done by Nellie Mae, a leading student loan provider, shows that many young people graduate from college carrying an average of $2,700 to as much $7,000 cost of credit card debt.

For anyone who is currently trapped in bad debt, there is no reason to panic. Check out the following steps to wipe out your debts one step at a time.

1. Take charge. Even when your personal credit card debt looks impossible to pay, do not give in to frustration. Be positive and do the necessary steps immediately and develop strong determination.

2. Know your debts. Before thinking of a solution, you should be aware about the precise status of your accounts. Evaluate your billing statements. Get a copy of your credit profile so that you can assess your financial records.

See to it that there aren’t any unauthorized charges in any of your accounts. In case you find errors, contact your bank without delay to fix the problem. Should your creditor ignore your complaint, send a letter of dispute to the credit agency that released your report. An investigation will be conducted within 30 days. Next, you will be advised about the result of the investigation and sent an corrected copy of your credit report.

Read Full Article: How to Get Out of Student Credit Card Debt

Points to Ponder for Teens Applying for a Student Rewards Credit Card

2010-03-16T01:44:00.000-07:00

Without a guide, teenagers may have a hard time choosing from all the credit cards for students in the market. If want a credit card for student with rewards, then you’ll be glad to know that there are issuers that offer reward credit cards especially for college students.

Below is a guide that you can use before signing up for a student rewards credit card:

Which Type of Reward Suits Me? Reward programs vary from – Cash Back, Gas Rewards, Travel Rewards, and more. No matter how attractive the reward program may seem to be, you want to consider if it matches with your spending and lifestyle.

For instance, a lot of people are attracted to Frequent Flyer Miles credit card because they want to get the chance to fly for free. However, if you are an occasional spender, it can take you a very long time to get the free flight. If the card imposes a blackout date, you may not even get rewarded at all.

Matching a student reward credit card with your lifestyle is the key to enjoying the incentives it offers. Instead of focusing on the possibility of getting reward, be more realistic, and think about how you can benefit from your reward credit card without waiting for a very long time.

Read Full Article: Points to Ponder for Teens Applying for a Student Rewards Credit Card

Student Credit Cards: First Step To Becoming Financially Responsible

2010-03-04T22:18:00.001-08:00

How do we teach our children, especially teens, to become responsible enough to handle their own spending? Some say that simply telling kids to be financially responsible is enough. However, is it not better to let them experience it first-hand?

One way of letting your children handle their finances is by giving them a credit cards for students.

Importance of Having A Student Credit Card

A student credit card is one way to build credit. This is great for teens since they can establish their own credit history while in high school or college. Credit history is important when applying for a loan or even a job. Having a good credit score will help immediately sends out a good impression to potential lenders and employers. They can also learn some of the basic finance skills they can make use of in the future.

Owning a credit card is convenient for college students, especially those who stay in boarding schools, away from home. With a credit card, they won’t have to always ask for cash from their parents each time they need to pay for something (i.e. projects).

Another advantage of having a student credit card is that students working during summer breaks can. pay off their bills from their personal earnings. This experience will teach them about the value of hard work and frugality.

Read Full Article: Student Credit Cards: First Step To Becoming Financially Responsible

Easy Steps When Applying For A Student Credit Card

2010-03-01T17:35:00.000-08:00

Students, especially those who are in college, sometimes face financial difficulties due to the rising costs of books, tuition fees and materials for projects. It is really expensive to go to college but education is very important.

For college students who work during summer, student credit cards can be of great help. You can use your credit card to purchase items or pay tuition fees when cash is not readily available.

A helpful tip: The best time to apply for a student credit card is now. Why? A New Credit Card Law is passed and will take effect on February 22, 2010. It does not stop students from getting a credit card, however, it makes student credit card application and approval a bit more difficult.

Applicants who are under 21 years old must have a primary card holder. The New Credit Card Law also prohibits credit card companies from marketing their products on campuses or 1000 feet within any campus and even school-sponsored events.

Read Full Article: Easy Steps When Applying For A Student Credit Card

Best Tips on Using Credit Cards for Students

2010-02-26T01:14:00.001-08:00

Based on the 2009 study by Sallie Mae, a leading financing company, the average college student has at least four credit cards yet only 17% of these cardholders consistently pay off their monthly balances.

Although having a college credit card can be advantageous for building early credit history, teenagers must be very careful about how they spend with their cards. The modifications made to the Credit Card Law such as not being qualified for your credit cards for students unless you have a co-signer or proof of independent income are supposed to reduce the number of bad credit cases amongst college students.

If you’re a student who has a credit card, what can you do to prevent bad debt and the effects it can bring? Check out these tips:

Avoid carrying a balance. To avoid debt build up and maintain good credit rating, completely pay off your balance. Don’t be happy with just making the minimum due payment. It can save you a great deal by not paying the rate and additional fees.

Read Full Article: Best Tips on Using Credit Cards for Students

Applying for Your First Credit Card

2010-02-25T00:57:00.001-08:00

If you’re a student, the simplest way to improve credit history would be to get your first credit card. With the changest to the credit card law, it is now a prerequisite to have a co-signer. In this case, your parent or guardian can help you out. However, if you can show proof of your own income, you’ll be able to obtain your student credit cards without a co-signer.

In the following paragraphs, we will talk about tips that you ought to take into account before applying for your first credit card:

Go with a low rate card. Rates of interest vary from one student credit card to the next. Rates can go from 15% to 35%. Look for a minimal APR credit card to protect you from debt build-up in case you have to carry over your balance to the next month. Look out for credit cards that have unbelievably low variable rate. Keep in mind that variable rates can increase at anytime depending on the Prime Rate.

Read Full Article: Applying for Your First Credit Card

Credit Building Tips for College Students

2010-02-18T23:41:00.001-08:00

In the past years, building credit history was easier for students with the help of student credit cards. Under the New Credit Card Law, students can only get approved for their student credit cards if they have a co-signer or if they can show proof of independent income. The amendment of the new law was meant to cut down the number of bankruptcy and bad credit cases among young people.

By co-signing a student credit card account, a parent or an adult can help a youngster choose the right card and give advice on proper management. If you are a student, here are ways on how you can build up your personal credit history without falling in the trap of bad credit.

Choose wisely. Do not sign up for a college credit card for the wrong reasons. Choose a credit card because it has reasonable interest rate and fees, no hidden charges, and fair terms. You may need to take some time comparing different offers from credit card issuers. If you are not familiar with credit cards, ask your parent or someone with good credit history to help you out.

Read full Article: Credit Building Tips for College Students

Top 10 Tips for Student Credit Card Owners

2010-02-15T21:02:00.000-08:00

Owning your first credit card can be an exciting experience. However, being a credit cardholder means more than just easier spending. Remember that you have a responsibility to pay your debts on time and use your student credit card according to the terms of your credit card company.

How can you use your credit cards for students in building good credit history? Check out these top ten tips for you:

Charge ONLY if you can pay it back in cash. To be on the safe side, you need to consider repayment before charging anything to your card. Will you be able to pay back that purchase on time? Do you or will you have the cash to make full payment on or before the due date? If you have doubts, the wise thing to do is to skip the purchase and wait until you have the means to do so.

Read full Article: Top 10 Tips for Student Credit Card Owners

How Students Can Manage Their Student Credit Cards

2010-02-09T22:58:00.000-08:00

Here are some valuable tips you can in your personal life as a student to help you manage your finances wisely.

Make a Commitment

Bad credit usually results from splurging or uncontrolled spending. In order to avoid paying for unreasonably high balances, as a student you should have the will to restrain yourself from spending on things that are not really necessary. Every time you plan on buying, ask yourself, “do I really need this or do I just want it?” If you know that you can get by without making that purchase then, have the will to back out.

Read Full Article: How Students Can Manage Their Student Credit Cards

Teaching Students about Credit Security

2010-02-04T00:21:00.000-08:00

A lot of college students are excited about acquiring their first credit cards. Despite the ease and convenience that credit card brings, it is very important to learn how to handle a credit card for students properly. Reports show that a lot of college students graduate with unpaid debts on their account. They have used their student credit cards without control and have put themselves in a difficult situation.

Credit Card Companies Pursue Students

It is interesting to note that some financial experts believe that credit card companies view students as a very lucrative market. Students have the tendency to spend more not only for their school necessities but for other things as well.

Read Full Article: Teaching Students about Credit Security

Credit Cards and High School Students

2010-02-03T22:57:00.000-08:00

The Federal law doesn't provide any restrictions about issuing credit cards to minors. In fact, credit card companies consider teenagers as a very profitable market. Most credit card companies often require a co-signer when a minor applies credit cards for students. When a teenager reaches the age of 18, he has the right to sign-up for a credit ca on his name even without a cosigner.

Are Student Credit Cards an Advantage?

Some parents feel that providing their kids with credit cards while they are still in high school help them learn about money early in life. With proper guidance and support, obtaining a student credit card can help young people learn about how to handle their finances properly.

A student credit card is a great way in establishing a credit history in preparation for their future. Some credit card companies refuse to grant credit card approval for those without a credit history. But with the help of a parent as a co-signer, it will be much easier to get a credit card.

Or a Disadvantage?

On the other hand, a young person with a student credit card can also get into trouble. The convenience that a student credit card can bring may lead to uncontrolled spending. With just one swipe of the card, they can purchase an item easily at any time. Eating out in restaurants with friends is also just as convenient. They can easily do so without bringing with them any cash.

The problem comes when it's time to pay the bills. At the end of the month, their billing statement may reveal that they have spent more than their allotted monthly budget. It is also a possibility that a student who does not think about his spending for the past month has already exceeded his allotted credit limit.

Read Full Article: Credit Cards and High School Students

Avoid Student Credit Card Debt

2010-02-02T00:34:00.000-08:00

Students are prone to acquiring credit card debt. Why? Because most young people do not know or are not paying attention on how to handle their credit cards correctly. Here are some practical advice on the proper use of student credit cards and how to avoid credit card debt.

It’s Just a Marketing Strategy

Be aware that credit card companies are experts when it comes to marketing their business. They spend millions of dollars in using different marketing strategies to get your attention, to grab your interest and move you to sign up with their company. Credit card companies may give away freebies, offer instant approval, and other promotional tactics which can be very hard to resist. Don’t be too naive in applying for a credit card just so you can get a free coffee mug or t-shirt. Remember, there’s more to it than just the freebie.

Don’t Settle for High Rates

There are so many different credit card companies that are competing in the market today that students don’t have to settle for a credit card with unsatisfactory features. Some credit card companies charge high rates for students because they haven’t yet established their own credit. However, there are still other credit card issuers who offer reasonable rates even for students like you. Don’t rush in signing up that application as if there’s no tomorrow. Take your time in choosing the right student credit card with the most reasonable rates. Compare the rates and features that each credit card provides. Only then can you be sure that you’ve chosen the right one.

Read Full Article: Avoid Student Credit Card Debt

Why Credit Card Companies Target College Students

2010-01-28T21:02:00.000-08:00

Many credit card companies see the marketing potential in college students. Credit card companies use promotional offers and free gifts like t-shirts, coffee mugs, or CDs to entice students on signing up for their company.

Have you ever asked why? Loyalty is a good reason. Credit card companies are competing to be the first credit card that the student will own. By being their first credit card, it is very likely that even when they graduate from college and enter the corporate world, students will be upgrading their credit cards with the same credit card company.

Students are Big Spenders

Aside from this, college students are great spenders. Let’s face it, credit card companies love customers who spend much using their credit cards. The more a person uses his credit card, the better it is for the business. And students are usually prone to over spending or using their credit cards excessively not just for their school necessities but on luxuries as well.

Despite the fact that college students are still in school and most do not have stable jobs to finance them, credit card companies are still doing everything to encourage these students on obtaining a student credit cards. Furthermore, credit card companies are encouraging students to use their credit cards as often as they can.

Read Full Article: Why do credit card companies target College Students

Student Credit Card Mistakes

2010-01-27T21:01:00.000-08:00

Students are prone to get caught in credit card debt. Let’s take a closer look at the following mistakes that students make with their student credit cards.

Signing up for the first student credit card offer

As you enter college, you might receive a lot of credit card offers from different credit card issuers.

If you’re not going to think about it carefully, you might just sign up for the first offer that you think sounds good enough for a credit card. It’s easy to get one enticed by a credit card offer. Most credit card companies make a lot of exciting promotions that may be hard to resist. However, if you’ll read the complete terms and conditions, you might be surprised to see that there are certain charges that are higher than expected.

To Sign or Not to Sign

To avoid signing up for the wrong credit card offer, don’t just read the best features of the credit card. Take the time to read the terms and conditions which can be found in the credit card’s website. This way, you’ll get to know about all the rates and charges that come with your credit card. Check out websites that give credit card reviews on different credit cards for students. These websites compile all possible student credit cards in the market, along with their main features in just one page. This will help you see what choices you have and compare them.

In addition, since this is your first time applying for a credit card, it will be better if you seek advice from your family or relatives who may know more about credit cards than you do. Better, you may seek assistance from a financial consultant who can give you an objective and informed opinion about the best student credit card.

Read Full Article: Student Credit Card Mistakes

Credit Cards and Students

2010-01-19T19:10:00.000-08:00

If you are a student thinking about applying for a credit card, you are preparing to establish a credit record of your own. It is a good idea to start early. Whether in high school with a debit visa or mastercard that reports to the credit bureaus, or college, since a credit card will be essential once you’ve graduated. Setting up a respectable credit history is a good foundation which can help you tremendously later in life. Aside from banks, companies, landlords, and firms generally judge your credentials based on your credit rating.

What to look for in a good student credit card

It is important though to choose the right credit card that will work best for you. Do your research. Study everything the credit card offers. Consider how much the annual fees are, APR (annual interest rates), and penalty fees if you fail to pay your bill in time. Make sure that the credit card provides a grace period or else the interest you will be immediately charge right after you made the purchase. Be careful about signing up for a credit card just because of great introductory rate being offered. Make sure that this introductory period lasts long and not just catch to lure customers. Why not consider credit cards by credit unions accessible from the campus. They usually have practicable rates and fees.

Once you’ve decided on the best student credit card for you, your main goal is to be able to pay off your balances timely and avoid any interest build-up. Below are good recommendations to practice to help you stay out of debt:

Read Full Article: Credit Cards and Students

How To Avoid Being Trapped in Student Credit Card Debt

2009-10-28T23:34:00.000-07:00

College students graduate with two types of debts on their hands- student loan and credit card debt. If you are a student, how can you avoid getting stuck in debt, particularly student credit card debt? How can you make the most out of your student credit card without putting yourself in debt trouble? Here are some tips:

Use your student credit card with care. Your student credit card is supposed to provide assistance with your studies. Unfortunately, many students abuse the ease and convenience of paying with student credit cards which results to debt problems. Remember that each time you charge something to your student credit card, it is your duty to pay it back on time.

Not submitting your credit card payments on time or in full can cause you to incur high interest fees and late penalty charges. Therefore, before using your student credit card, ask yourself, “Is this purchase or expense really important for my studies?”. “Will I be able to pay it back in full before my due date ends?”

Get a part time job to cover for your personal expenses. Some students get a part time job while in college earn extra money to help them with their studies. A part time job also enables these students to pay off their student loans even while studying. This way, they wouldn’t be in so much debt when they graduate college.

Budget your monthly expenses. Even if you have a student loan and a student credit card to help you with your expenses, it is only wise to create a monthly budget plan and stick with it. How much do you need to spend for the whole month both for your studies and personal needs? If you have limited cash, you may need to make adjustments on your lifestyle instead of charging everything to your student credit card.

Don’t wait for things to go from worse to worst. If you notice that you’re having a difficult time budgeting your money and keeping up with your debts, don’t be afraid to get help. Seek advice from a legitimate credit counseling agency. A credit counselor should be able to help you manage your money efficiently and overcome debt problems.

Nevertheless, it’s important to make sure that you’re seeking help from the right credit counseling agency. Some credit counseling services may offer you false help or unnecessary advices that can worsen your debt problems.

Pay your student credit card balance in full each month. You may be tempted to pay only the minimum payment on your student credit card but this also means incurring high interest rates and would take you a longer time to complete your payments.

Paying off your credit card balance completely each month is crucial in overcoming and staying away from debt. This habit protects you from additional interest rate charges and late penalty fees. It also minimizes the risk of building up debts in your account. More importantly, it keeps your credit score and credit history in excellent standing.

Recommended Resources:

Student Credit Cards Articles

How a Student can Stay Away from Student Credit Card Debt

2009-10-05T04:56:00.000-07:00

Having a credit card makes sometimes a students becomes irresponsible and get trap from debt. Find out how to avoid and be prepared through this article.

As a college student, you may agree that life is not easy all the time. Aside from the challenges of dealing with peers and professors, passing exams, and keeping up with the daily school activities, financial issues can also add to the pressure. Many college students today find themselves confronted with the burden of debt on their shoulders.

According to surveys, students with bad credit all have one thing in common – unpaid student credit card debt. According to the Consolidated Credit Counseling Services Inc. 40% of college students get at least one student credit card on their freshmen year, while 20% apply for student credit cards while they’re in still high school.

True, getting approved for a student credit card is fairly easy and owning a student credit card does have its advantages. Unfortunately, most students with credit cards don’t know how to handle their student credit cards correctly. A study conducted by Nellie Mae, a leading student loan lending company, reveals that in 2001, 83% of undergraduate students own a credit card- each with existing balances that amount to $2,327 on average. Imagine how difficult it could be for a student to pay off a credit card balance of $2,000 in full.

Surviving Student Credit Card Debt

Are you a student yourself? The best thing to do to avoid student credit card debt is to handle your student credit card with caution. Financial experts agree that student credit cards can be a great tool in building your credit history. But don’t let the convenience of a student credit card lead you to overspending and eventually, bad debt.

What every student must realize is that each time they use their student credit card for a purchase or for a charge, he or she has the obligation to pay it back on time. Other students may reason out that they have the option to pay only the minimum payment required and carry over their balance for the next billing period. But such reasoning can easily lead to unmanageable debt. Remember, if you carry over your balance from month to month, you incur the high interest rate charges and you increase the risk of building up debts in your account. That is why, all credit card holders – not only students – are advised to pay off their monthly balances in full at all times.

Parents also play a big role in helping young people understand their obligations as new credit card holders. In choosing a student credit card, you can work with your teen-ager and guide them with their choice. You may share your own experiences as a credit card owner as well. You may also recommend a particular student credit card that you think offers the better deal. Encourage your kids to read the credit card’s Terms and Conditions in full so that they can personally understand what they’re signing up for. Emphasize the importance of building a credit history. Teach your kids how they can take care of their credit and keep it in a good or excellent status.

Recommended Resources:

Student Credit Card Reviews
Student Credit Cards Articles

How To Cancel Your Student Credit Card

2009-09-09T05:16:00.000-07:00

Many students fall into the trap of credit card debt. As soon as they enter college, these students apply for multiple student credit cards and get approved right away. The problem comes with how students handle their student credit cards. Unfortunately, overspending is too easy when you have all those credit cards in your wallet.

But worse than using all these credit cards, students often fail to make payments on time. They either forget or neglect their due date payments or they choose to submit only the minimum payment and carry their balances from one month to the next. The result? They incur high interest rates, late penalty fees, transaction fees, and other additional costs in their account until debts go out of hand.

For this reason, financial consultants advise students not to get too many college credit cards in their account. One or two student credit cards should be sufficient to be used for your student expenses and the other for emergency purposes. But what if you already have multiple credit cards in your name? What can you do about them? Is it possible to cancel these unnecessary credit cards?

How to Cancel Unwanted Student Credit Cards

Canceling a student credit card carelessly can bring damage to your credit history. That’s why very important to consider each step before making your final decision and cancel a credit card. First of all, never cancel a student credit card if you still have an unpaid balance with it. If you really want to cancel your card, you need to completely pay all your charges first before canceling.

Don’t just cancel any of your student credit cards, especially the old ones. If you’ve had that student credit card for a long time, you’ve already build an important part of your credit history with it. Therefore, canceling that student credit card would be like deleting the oldest part of your credit history. If you need to cancel a student credit card, choose the ones that you’ve acquired more recently.

But what if your old student credit cards come with very high interest rates? You still want to keep those student credit cards to protect your credit history. Remember, if a card has a high interest, you don’t have to use it frequently. You may use it once in awhile for small purchases just to keep that credit card from automatically closing. To avoid the high interest fees, pay off your entire balance before your due date ends.

Once you’ve examined the student credit cards you want to cancel, the first thing to do is call your credit card issuer. The representative you’ll speak may try to convince you to keep the credit card, but if you’ve already made your decision, don’t let a credit card representative change your mind. Be sure to note the name of the representative you spoke with. Next, send your letter of request to your credit card company as a follow-up. Remember, you should make it very clear that you are personally requesting the cancellation, not your credit card issuer.

After receiving notice that your account has already been closed, check your credit report immediately. Make sure that it does not say that your account was closed by your credit card company. This can happen sometimes, and if it does, call your credit card company to clarify the issue. You may need to wait up 30 days before the matter is corrected. Re-check your credit report and if the issue still hasn’t been resolved, send a dispute letter to the credit bureau.

Prevent Identity Theft on Campus Using Student Credit Cards

2009-08-20T02:43:00.000-07:00

Crime and frauds are everywhere even a student is not excused. This article is about how a student credit cards can prevent identity theft on campuses.

If you’re a college student with a credit card, one of the things you should be aware of is how to take care of your identity and avoid being a victim of identity fraud or credit card theft. Living on a campus can prove to be a big challenge. Surveys reveal that thousands of cases of identity theft are reported each year and most of these cases are from college campuses.

Being a victim of ID theft or credit card fraud is certainly no joke. You could be expected to pay for debts that you never owed. And although most student credit cards have a liability protection program, credit card fraud can badly damage your credit history. Clearly, the best way to protect yourself is to prevent it from happening. How? Here are some important reminders for you:

Log out completely from when using public computers. Whether you’re in a school campus or an internet shop, never forget to completely log out of your account after using the computer. It is also recommended to delete the cache, cookies, and history from the temporary internet files of the browser you’ve used.

Don’t give away your credit card information. Don’t trust anyone with your credit card number or any other personal information either in person, online or over the phone.

Be particularly cautious when filling out online application forms. Make sure that you are using the genuine website of the company you’re applying for and that the site is using a secured server. Check if the URL of the site begins with https:// which indicates a secured site. See to it that there is a padlocked icon on the bottom right corner of your browser.

Don’t bring all your credit cards and important IDs in your wallet. Your wallet can get lost, misplaced or stolen. In any case, having all your credit cards and IDs in your wallet all at once puts you at a greater risk. Bring only one student credit card that you can use and at least one ID for identification. In case of lost, call your credit card issuer at once to have your credit card blocked.

Shred bank receipts and important documents. Don’t throw ATM receipts in the trash without shredding them into tiny pieces. The same is true for your bank statements, old credit cards, and other documents that bear your personal information.

Keep an eye of your student credit card at all times. When shopping or dining at restaurants, be alert when using your student credit card for payment. Never take your eyes of your credit card. Remember that “skimming” can be done within just seconds without your slightest hint. Volunteer to take your credit card to the cashier and never take our eyes off your card even for an instant.

Use strong passwords. It’s better to use passwords that are not related to your personal information. Identity thieves often try out birthdays, surnames, anniversaries when hacking accounts because people use them for passwords most of the time. A combination of letters, numbers and at least one symbol is a lot more difficult to decode. Be sure that you keep a list of your passwords in a log book stored in a safe place.

Credit Cards for Teenagers

2009-07-13T02:44:00.000-07:00

For young people, turning 18 is a big event in life where major changes happen. For one, a teenager would soon enter college to pursue higher education. Some teenagers would leave their parent’s homes and go to a boarding school while others may go to a college in another state or country. All these changes present different challenges to a young person.

Young People and Financial Challenges

When it comes to financial matters, turning 18 and going to college is a teenager’s chance to own his/her first credit card. In the past, most credit card issuers require a co-signer to open an account but today, you can apply for a student credit card without the need for a co-signer.

However, being able to get a student credit card so easily may also have its disadvantages. If you’re a college student, you may receive dozens of offers from various credit card companies and all may promise to give you the best deal. It could be tempting to sign up immediately with the first attractive offer but doing so could be a very dangerous move.

Signing up for a credit card without first considering your options can result to problems later on. For instance, you may soon find yourself stuck with a student credit card that has high interest rates and fees. Thus, if you’re thinking about applying for a credit card, you should be willing to take some time in carefully studying your options.

Remember, you can learn about the real costs and terms of a credit card if you read its entire Terms and Conditions. Otherwise, what you read from the ads could mislead you into signing up for a student credit card that has unreasonable terms.

Prepare Yourself for the Responsibilities

Are you ready to be a credit card holder? Bear in mind that owning a credit card isn’t just about the freedom to make purchases without cash or the flexibility to pay for your expenses at a later time. Being a credit card holder is also about being true to your obligation to pay off your debts.

Once you get approved for a student credit card, use it as a financial aid to your education. Before you charge any expense on your card, don’t forget to analyze the situation. Ask yourself:

• Is this expense really important?
• Will it help me with my studies?
• Would it be better to pay for this purchase in cash instead of charging it to my card?
• Can I afford to pay off my balance in full for this month?
• How do I plan to pay back this particular charge?
• Am I exceeding my credit limit?

Credit cards for students are meant to be used as tools in building your personal credit history. You should know that you can only build a good credit history by acquiring credit and by being responsible in handling debts. Owning a student credit card should train your money-management skills and your ability to discern good debts from bad debt.

How to Choose a Student Credit Card?

2009-03-17T23:17:00.000-07:00

If you plan to apply for a student credit card, this article is for you. Have you done extensive research about the different student credit cards offered in the market? Did you take your time in exploring your options? Do you think you’ve found the student credit card that matches your needs?

Let’s discuss some important questions that you need to consider when choosing a student credit card. Before making your final choice, check out the following points:

It offers 0% APR- a great deal, right?

Yes, a low interest rate is very important. However, don’t base your choice on the interest rate alone. Just because a student credit card has 0% APR doesn’t guarantee a great deal. Some cards may promise a low interest or zero interest for at least the first 3 months or 12 months, but how much would the regular rate be after the introductory period?

You may be surprised to find that the card has a much higher rate than other cards. Thus, before signing up for the 0% offer, don’t forget to check out the rest of the fees and the terms that applies with your chosen card.

Do I need a co-signer to be approved?

Some credit card companies require students to have a co-signer to sign the agreement with them. This means, in case you fail to keep up with your debts, your co-signer would be personally accountable to pay for them. A co-signer must have a good or excellent credit history. If your parent or relative enjoys good credit history, you may ask them to cosign for you.

Nevertheless, some student credit cards do not require a cosigner. Even without credit history, a student can already be approved for his own credit card account. In fact, these cards can be used as tools for establishing your credit history.

Take note, that student credit cards usually provide a low credit limit for their holders. Since you haven’t yet established your credit history, you are still considered as a risk for lenders. Once approved however, you can request your credit card issuer to raise your credit limit if your record proves that you’ve been a good payer in the past months. Some companies would automatically increase your credit limit if you’ve been consistent with your payments.

Have you read the fine print?

Some consumers don’t even bother to read the credit card agreement thinking that it’s just a waste of time. True, reading the agreement can be inconvenient especially when the document is so long and written in such small printing. But examining the fine print is definitely worth it!

Don’t just rely on what the ads tell you. The real terms and conditions of a credit card are in the contract. For instance, a card may offer a low APR but it could carry an expensive annual fee and late penalty charge. Remember, if you won’t read the agreement, you wouldn’t know the complete information about it.

Student Credit Cards - A Quick Guide

2008-12-15T23:52:00.000-08:00

We all have different credit requirements, and so the credit card companies design various cards to suit. The variant we are interested in here is the student credit card. This card is designed to help any student build their credit rating, and be useful for emergencies, which is ideal for many.

These days a credit card is almost essential for anybody, let alone students, and as such is used for many purposes including making travel arrangements etc. There is a wide selection available, and some students end up with multiple credit cards, and these are the people that are most likely to get into debt problems. The one saving grace is that credit cards for students usually have a fairly low limit, so if they do get into debt, it won’t be too extreme.

A recent study has shown that about 80% of college students own credit cards with a typical balance being around $3500. A worrying thought to ponder is that when many students use their credit cards to buy stuff, they don’t see it as spending real money.

Another worrying trend that has been reported is that a number of students are using their credit cards to top up the money that they have borrowed using student loans.

Do no take the amount you spend on your student credit card lightly. Because if you overspend or miss payments, you will end up paying extra interest, and possibly damage your credit score. This might not seem too important to you now, but trust me, it will be a pain later on in life, as it will cause problems when you come to get a mortgage or auto-loan etc. Don’t ask me how I know.

So, I will sum up by saying that a student credit card can be a very handy tool to have in your locker as you work your way through further education. Just use it responsibly and be aware of the dangers. Also, do some research, there are some good deals out there.

Credit: James Hunaban

Dealing with a Stolen Credit Card

2008-12-10T03:20:00.000-08:00

Stolen credit cards involves fraud and theft. Find out how to be more cautious in using your student credit cards to avoid being stolen.

It is true that a student credit card is a lot easier and more convenient to use than check or cash. Having a student credit card makes it possible for students to make purchases online, make online ticket reservations, earn rewards, and build their personal credit history at the earliest possible time.

However, along with the advantages of using student credit cards, there are also some risks involved. In this article, we’ll discuss one of the most common dangers that threaten student credit card holders- the threat of fraud due to stolen credit cards.

Losing Your Student Credit Card

Everyone must be concerned about how they handle their student credit cards. Students seem to be more prone to lost or stolen credit cards because they’re the ones who are often more relaxed or complacent in handling their cards.

If you’re a student who lives in the boarding school or apartment, you could be sharing your room with other students. Leaving your things in your school locker also increases the risk of your credit card being stolen. Carrying your student credit card in your wallet also leaves you more prone to loss or theft.

What would you do in case your credit card gets lost or stolen? How should you deal with that kind of situation? Are you aware of the steps you should take to protect your account? Below are some tips on how to handle a lost student credit card:

Call your credit card issuer right away. If you discovered that your student credit card is missing, the best thing to do is call your student credit card company immediately. Alert them about the lost of your card. Request that your account be blocked immediately to prevent the thief from using your card.

Know your student credit card’s terms. Are you aware about your credit card’s policy on lost cards? Some credit card companies impose a $50 liability protection for unauthorized charges. Thus, in case of unauthorized charges in your account, you would only be paying $50 regardless of the amount of the unauthorized charges. There are also student credit cards that provide a $0 liability protection which means you won’t have to pay anything at all for unauthorized charges.

Alerting your company about the lost of your card at the exact moment eliminates possible problems. But what if you never lost your student card yet someone has been using your account without your permission? You credit card company may send you a notice regarding unpaid charges in your account which you’re not even aware of. In this case, you have the right to dispute the charges.

Call your student credit card company and inform them about your concerns. Follow up your complaint with a letter of dispute, sent via registered mail. Your letter should clearly explain why you think the charges are incorrect or fraudulent. Upon receipt of your letter, your student credit card company would conduct an investigation on the matter. You should also request for a card replacement if you suspect the possibility of identity theft.

Things to Look For In Applying For Student Credit Card

2008-12-04T00:49:00.000-08:00

When applying for a s tudent credit card, we often hear the advice to take your time in studying your options. But what are the things you should look for when choosing student credit cards? How can you make sure that you’ll pick the right one out of all the many choices you have in the market? Here are specific factors you should consider:

The APR. Most student credit cards offer 0% APR is part of their introductory offer. The 0% interest rate may only apply either to balance transfers or purchases while other credit cards may offer 0% APR for both balance transfers and purchases.

If you’re not going to transfer anything to your new student credit card, then go for one with a 0% APR on purchases. Nevertheless, don’t forget that the zero percent interest rate is just a temporary offer. It can last from 6 months up to 12 months depending on the credit card. Always check how much the APR would be once the introductory offer ends.

Other Charges. The APR isn’t the only cost you should consider when choosing your student credit card. Other charges like penalty fees for late payments and exceeding credit limit; annual fees and processing fees are all part of your student credit card bill that you should be aware of. Remember that a low APR doesn’t always mean that you found the best credit card for student. Make sure that all the fees are within a reasonable range.

The grace period. The grace period is the allowable period before you are charged with interest on your purchases. Some credit cards for students give as long as 30 days of grace period which gives you enough time to repay your balances in full without paying for additional interest. Thus, this particular factor is very important in a student credit card.

The perks and rewards. After considering the rates, charges and grace period, you may choose a student credit card based on the type of rewards it offers. Some student credit card rewards program give you cash rebate points while some student credit cards offer gas bonuses and discounts. Choose the one that will best fit your lifestyle.

The terms and conditions. The complete information about your student credit card can be found on your application form- whether you’re applying offline or online. Before signing up for a credit card, don’t forget to take the extra time to read this document and understand all the terms and conditions of your student credit card. If there are certain clauses that you don’t understand, call the credit card issuer and inquire about it.

Your convenience. Another factor to consider is your convenience on using your student credit card. Is the credit card accepted in a wide range of establishments and companies? Or will it limit you to just a few selected establishments? Also, choose a credit card company that reports to the major credit bureaus to assure the accuracy of your credit report.

Online access to your account. It is also recommended to choose a student credit card that allows you to access your account online at anytime. As a student, you’ll be busy with lots of school work and activities and it will be a tremendous help if you can keep up with your credit card account and payments right from a computer.

Common Student Credit Card Mistakes

2008-11-20T18:50:00.000-08:00

Some people have the negative notion that owning student credit cards lead to bad credit. This is because many students have been prone to credit card debt and some have even resulted to bankruptcy. But owning student credit cards doesn’t have to be a bane if you can avoid these student credit card mistakes listed here:

Signing up for the first college credit card you see. There are many college credit cards to choose from but most often than not, a student simply signs up for the first offer he or she receives. You may have received an attractive credit card from your mail or email. But when applying for your first credit card, you should do all the necessary research about the details and terms of your chosen card. If not, it is possible for you to get stuck with a student credit card that imposes unreasonable rates and charges.

Using up your credit limit in full. This is another common mistake that students make. Every credit card holder is given his own credit limit which he can use when using his credit card. However, this doesn’t mean you should maximize the entire allowable credit limit you are given. You should be aware that maximizing your credit limit leads to penalty charges and increased in rates in your account.

Not paying your bills on time. A student credit card debt is meant to be paid off on or before its due date. Untimely submission of payments is the number one cause why many students fall prey to bad debt. As a student credit card holder, you should always be aware of your payments and religiously keep up with them. In addition to this, untimely payment creates a negative impact on your credit report. Therefore, in order to maintain an excellent credit standing, you should never allow delays or misses in your credit card payment.

Using your student credit card on all your expenses. Credit cards for students are supposed to help you with your school expenses especially during inconvenient times. But this doesn’t mean you should get in the habit of using your student credit card for paying restaurant bills each time you eat out or when partying with friends. When you own a credit card, you should be more aware and responsible in how and where you spend your money. Bear in mind that everything you spent using your credit card is a debt that must be paid on time.

Not taking care of your student credit card. Another mistake that students often commit is being too careless in handling their cards. Leaving your credit card where other people can easily access it or copy the details such as your student credit card number puts you at great risk of fraud. Many students have obtained unauthorized charges in their credit without their knowledge because they have failed to be more cautious with the use of their student credit cards. If you own a college credit card, you must be more vigilant in handling it.

Before choosing a Major...

2008-11-10T00:56:00.000-08:00

Choosing a major is sometime difficult especially when you are choosing more than one course. But sometimes you may be very fascinated in a major, you find that you don't have enough skills to pass the required courses. On the other hand, you maybe have a skill in a particular field, but you have no interest in that area. Sometimes, you may have both interests and abilities in an area but find that the realities of the job market are such that you are not willing to risk an investment of time and money on potentially bleak employment chances.

Here are the questions you need to ask yourself before you choose a major!

-What are my interests and what fascinates me?

-What are my motivations?

-What are my abilities and capabilities?

-What are the realities?

Guide to different majors:

* Majors in Arts and Humanities

* Majors in Business

* Majors in Criminal Justice

* Majors in Education

* Majors in Engineering

* Majors in Health & Medicine

* Majors in Game Design

* Majors in Science

* Majors in Social Science

* Majors in Technology

A Practical Guide on Student Credit Cards for Beginners

2008-11-05T01:06:00.000-08:00

Are you a student about to enter college? If yes, have you thought about getting your own student credit card? Perhaps you may think that having a student credit card is not in your list of priorities. Some people may even have a negative impression about credit cards for students, thinking that owning a credit card will only put the student at risk of debt.

It is true that having a credit card involves responsibility. However, when used correctly a student credit card actually has its advantages. Here, we’ve listed the major advantages of owning a student credit card that you should consider:

Get approved for a good credit card deal with no hassle. Generally, the best credit card deals in the market require good to excellent credit. An applicant must also have a stable job or a reliable source of income in order to get approved.

This is not the case for student credit cards. In fact, this would be the only time you can apply for a credit card without worrying about these requirements. Once you’ve graduated, you will not be qualified to apply for a student credit card any longer.

Build your personal credit history early. Having a student credit card is a tool for building your credit history. Why is it an advantage to have an early credit history?

Lenders and insurers have more confidence in clients who have a clean record of credit history. Thus, the older your credit history is the better candidate you would be in the eyes of lenders. It is no secret that the best rates and terms are given to customers with the best credit rating.

Take advantage of the opportunity to purchase online. Purchasing from online merchants is not only more convenient, it is also cheaper. Online shops often sell goods at a lower price compared to regular shops because of lower capital. Enjoy great savings and discounts when you use your student credit card to shop online.

Use a Student Credit Card to Your Advantage

As we’ve said in the beginning of this article, being a credit card holder involves responsibility. It doesn’t matter whether you own a regular credit card or a student credit card- all cardholders must be aware about their obligations to avoid the risk of debt.

To sum it up, there are four rules that a student must remember when using a credit card:

1. Use your student card only for important purchases. Don’t use your student credit card for things that you can pay in cash. Never use your card for an unplanned purchase.

2. Pay your bills on time. Building a solid credit history largely depends on how timely you are with your payments. Be conscious about your payment due dates and always submit your payments on time.

3. Monitor your account regularly. You can do this by examining your monthly bills and accessing your online account (if your credit card company provides online access). Make sure that there are no unauthorized charges in your account and if there are, inform your student credit card issuer right away.

4. Pay off your monthly bills in full. To avoid debt build up, it’s best to settle all your student credit card bills each month. Doing so will prevent you from maximizing your credit limit and frees you from additional costs like the APR and late penalty charges.

Build Your Credit Rating with Student Credit Cards

2008-10-23T00:12:00.000-07:00

Having a student credit card able you to establish an early credit history. This article contains the proper way of building student credit and some practical tips on how to make most of your student credit card.

In the past years, students may have a hard time opening student credit card accounts for themselves. Because they don’t have credit history and no job, credit card companies are hesitant to extend credit for students. Today however, the situation has completely turned around.

The tough competition among student credit card issuers has brought about this great change. And because there is a large number of students who want to own credit cards, issuers simply cannot afford to ignore this market. Saying no to student customers would be letting go of big profit.

The introduction of credit cards for students has made it easy and convenient for young people to get a credit card of their own. Some credit card issuers may still require a cosigner but you can find many student credit cards that do not. Yes, even without a credit history and without a cosigner, a student can get approved without hassle.

In fact, one of the advantages of obtaining a student credit card is to establish credit history as early as possible. If you are in college, this will be the only time you can apply for a credit card and get approved with no questions. Once you’ve graduated with no credit history, you’ll have a more difficult time finding a credit card with good deals.

How to Build Your Student Credit Rating

So how can a credit card help you build your credit history? The only way to do this is to use your student credit card and be consistent with your payments. As a student, you need to be very aware of your spending and credit card use. Having a student credit card in your wallet is not a pass for splurging or overspending. It is up to you to take control over your spending.

The danger in owning a student credit card is the tendency to overspend and failure to keep up with your repayment. Some students are guilty of charging large expenses on their cards or forgetting to pay their monthly bills. As a result, debt builds up quickly until repayment becomes a burden.

To avoid such complications, a student must realize the importance of paying off credit card bills on time. Instead of carrying over monthly balances, it also best to pay off your charges in full every month. This way, additional costs such as the interest rate and late penalty fees are avoided. Aside from avoiding the risk of bad credit, doing so will also protect your credit.

Students must also stay vigilant against the threat of credit card fraud and identity theft. Safeguard your personal information and check your account regularly. Make it a habit to review your monthly billing statements to be sure that there are no unauthorized charges in your account. In case there are unfamiliar charges in your bill, don’t hesitate to call your credit card company right away to clarify the issue. Remember, you can dispute incorrect charges in your student credit card bill especially if you know that you did not make those purchases.

How to Know Your Child is Ready For Student Credit Cards

2008-10-10T01:11:00.000-07:00

There is a point in every parent's life when they have to let go and allow their child to grow up and start to take on a life of their own. This often comes as a child graduates high school and takes off for college. But as a parent, you may not think they are ready for all of the things they need to know to get by in the world.

One of the important things you need your child to know before you 'let them go' is how to take care of themselves financially. This doesn't just mean making sure they know how to pay their rent and utilities bills, but also that they know how to take care of their credit so they can have a good line of credit throughout their lives.

Often college is when children get their first credit cards. But you may not be sure your child is ready. Here are three steps to getting them on the road to financial independence.

Have a Talk

You need to be confident that your child understands the importance of getting a credit card before you ever allow them one. The best way to assess this is to take a seat and talk credit cards with your child before approving them getting one. Make sure they understand the responsibility that comes with credit cards and that a failure to be responsible could follow them for years to come on their credit report.

Credit Card Light

Before you give them a normal credit card with a high limit, you may want to start a little smaller on the credit front:

Prepaid Credit Cards - You could begin with prepaid credit cards, which are cards that you charge with money, much like an ATM card. These will allow you to see if your child tries to keep going over their spending limits.

Student Credit Cards - Many of the student credit cards out there don't allow too high of limits. The best student credit cards are like starter credit cards that allow you to set the limits your child can charge to, so their credit can't get out of hand, even if they forget to be responsible.

Continue reading the article by Stephen Sikes

Credit Cards and High School Students

2008-03-14T15:43:00.000-07:00

The Federal law doesn’t provide any restrictions about issuing credit cards to minors. In fact, credit card companies consider teen-agers as a very profitable market. Most credit card companies often require a co-signer when a minor applies for a credit card. When a teen-ager reaches the age of 18, he has the right to sign-up for a credit card on his name even without a cosigner.

Are Student Credit Cards an Advantage?

Some parents feel that providing their kids with credit cards while they are still in high school help them learn about money early in life. With proper guidance and support, obtaining a student credit card can help young people learn about how to handle their finances properly.

A student credit card is a great way in establishing a credit history in preparation for their future. Some credit card companies refuse to grant credit card approval for those without a credit history. But with the help of a parent as a co-signer, it will be much easier to get a credit card.

Read full article: Credit Cards and High School Students

Teaching Students About Credit Security

2008-03-13T05:39:00.000-07:00

A lot of college students are excited about acquiring their first credit cards. Despite the ease and convenience that credit card brings, it is very important to learn how to handle a student credit card properly. Reports show that a lot of college students graduate with unpaid debts on their account. They have used their student credit cards without control and have put themselves in a difficult situation.

Credit Card Companies Pursue Students

It is interesting to note that some financial experts believe that credit card companies view students as a very lucrative market. Students have the tendency to spend more not only for their school necessities but for other things as well.

Regardless of the fact that college students do not have stable jobs to support them, credit card companies still pursue them as profitable customers. Why? Because even though they cannot pay their debts on a timely manner, credit card companies can still charge them with extra fees such as annual fees, penalties for late payment, penalties for exceeding credit limit, and higher interest rates.

Read full article: Teaching Students About Credit Security

How Students Can Manage Their Student Credit Cards

2008-03-03T07:32:00.000-08:00

Surveys prove that many college students graduate with unpaid debts on their student loans which can amount to $20,000. Those who are still in college are faced with credit card debts amounting to $7,000 or even more. Even worse, there are many at a young age of 15-25 have already filed for bankruptcy. If you’re a student who owns a student credit card, these staggering surveys should definitely concern you. What can you do to avoid falling victim of bad credit?

Here are some valuable tips you can in your personal life as a student to help you manage your finances wisely.

Make a Commitment

Bad credit usually results from splurging or uncontrolled spending. In order to avoid paying for unreasonably high balances, as a student you should have the will to restrain yourself from spending on things that are not really necessary. Every time you plan on buying, ask yourself, “do I really need this or do I just want it?” If you know that you can get by without making that purchase then, have the will to back out.

Pay Cash

Don’t use your credit card on every little thing you need. When you eat outside or go to the movies, don’t charge it on your credit card. You should change your outlook about owning a credit card. It doesn’t give you the leeway to spend on all the things you want. Always keep in mind that you are still responsible in paying back the charges on your credit card.

Read full article: How Students Can Manage Their Student Credit Cards