The Three Best Credit Cards

The Three Best Credit Cards

With billions of credit card come-ons bombarding Americans every year, it’s practically impossible to know that you’re getting the best deal possible on your credit card. But whether you’re looking for the lowest rate, most cash back or other perks, there’s something for everyone.
We asked Amal Rhoe of CardOffers.com which credit cards win out… here’s what [...]

6 Ways to Build Credit in College

6 Ways to Build Credit in College

The average college student now graduates with more than $2,000 in debt.  Obviously, keeping a clean credit history and a high credit score isn’t part of the regular curriculum.
First, establish credit by piggybacking on parents.  As an “authorized user” on a parent’s credit card, you’ll share their credit history (hopefully, it’s good).
Then, get a cell [...]

3 Bailout Costs No One Is Talking About

3 Bailout Costs No One Is Talking About

The bailout of our banking system, considered a short-term solution by many experts, could end up costing you big in the long-term.  Of course, there’s the $700 billion required to buy up bad mortgages, but there are also a host of potential costs that you may not be aware of.
First, you should probably expect some [...]

Stacy Comments on the Crisis

Stacy Comments on the Crisis

I wanted to take this opportunity to say a few words about the situation we’re in, how we got here, what’s likely to happen in the days ahead and what you should be doing to protect your family’s finances. These are my thoughts alone…not any station’s, network, or website. And while I have more than [...]

Defending Against Debt Collectors

Defending Against Debt Collectors

Americans now carry more than 2-trillion dollars in debt, and as that figure grows, so does the debt collection industry’s revenues… to the tune of more that 16-billion dollars a year.  But just because you owe money, doesn’t mean debt collectors can treat you like a doormat.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requires collection agencies [...]

Smart Uses for Credit Cards

Smart Uses for Credit Cards

There are a few situations where using your credit card has some distinct advantages over paying with cash. For example, there’s protection in plastic when you make big purchases, like a TV. If your purchase was damaged or defective, you can always withhold payment while you and your credit card company work with [...]

Frugal Lessons from Southwest Airlines

Frugal Lessons from Southwest Airlines

Southwest is the only airline turning a profit and by digging a littler deeper into their financial methodology, you’ll find that adopting a few of their practices can save you money at home.

How to Screw Up Your Savings

How to Screw Up Your Savings

If you’ve got a retirement plan at work, stocks, mutual funds or other types of investments, you’re already well on your way to savings-land. But, there are 5 common mistakes that will quickly steer you off track, definitely cost you money and potentially screw up your savings for good.

Mismatching your investment with your goal [...]

The FTC Act

The FTC Act

If you’ve ever been nailed by a credit card late-payment fee, had your interest rate raised unfairly, or otherwise suffered at the hand of your credit card company, relief may be in store… provided new rules proposed by the Federal Trade Commission are enacted.
Five major protections offered by the FTC Act

Banks would be prohibited from [...]

Formalizing Family Loans

Formalizing Family Loans

There are few people who haven’t considered a loan from a family member. But before you tread this potentially perilous path, consider getting some outside help.

How To Save More Money

How To Save More Money

You know you made yourself a promise to to do better both physically and financially this year. Well, we’ve got some tips to beef up that bank account.

Super- Secret Budgeting Tips

Super- Secret Budgeting Tips

Among the most common New Years resolutions is to sticking to a budget. If that sounds familiar, you’ll appreciate the next story: money reporter Stacy Johnson provides some expert guidance when it comes to tracking the family finances.

Cutting Debt: Tips From Pros

Cutting Debt: Tips From Pros

Was one of your resolutions to pay off some debt this year? Secrets to pay off that debt from some of the pros…

Buried in Debt: Funeral Expenses

Buried in Debt: Funeral Expenses

Ceremonies like weddings and funerals are often expensive affairs. But with funerals, most of the planning is done last minute, and saving money is the last thing on anybody’s mind. But there are solutions..money reporter Stacy Johnson has some tips on planning for the inevitable.

Fiscal Fitness: Finding Help

Fiscal Fitness: Finding Help

If your list of New Year’s resolutions includes “Paying Down Debt”, or “Saving More Money”, then you’re in the right place. Today money reporter Stacy Johnson begins his series on Fiscal Fitness ‘08 with some advice on finding help.

2008 Predictions

2008 Predictions

Do you think you know what’s going to happen to interest rates, the economy and the stock market this year? Compare your guesses to those of the experts.

Charities Donate to Their CEOs

Charities Donate to Their CEOs

When you hear the words, ‘non-profit’ you often think of low-paid workers or even volunteers: people in it for the love, not for the money. But there are charities that contribute big to their bosses.

Stopping Identity Theft

Stopping Identity Theft

Identity Theft is a crime so common that if it hasn’t happened to you personally, you probably know a victim. So why are so many identities still being stolen?

Changing Your Credit Score

Changing Your Credit Score

If you borrow money, you probably know that your credit score is important. The company behind credit scoring, Fair Issac, recently announced changes in the way they’ll soon be doing it.

Net Worth of Presidential Candidates

Net Worth of Presidential Candidates

The President of the United States is expected to help manage the world’s biggest economy. But when it comes to money, which of the current candidates does the at managing their own?

Loosing with Refund Anticipation Loans

Loosing with Refund Anticipation Loans

Every year, millions of Americans take out loans on their tax refunds…and every year tax preparation companies rake in millions in interest and fees. These controversial loans haven’t escaped the notice of consumer advocates…and now Uncle Sam is weighing in.

Investing vs Paying Credit Card Debt

Investing vs Paying Credit Card Debt

If you carry a balance on one or more credit cards, you’re not alone: according to the Federal Reserve, nearly half of American families do. And nearly half of American families also have some sort of bank savings accounts. If you have savings, should you use that money to pay off your credit cards?

Shopping Car Loans

Shopping Car Loans

Last month general motors announced the biggest annual loss in their history. And dark clouds for car manufacturers mean blue skies for buyers, as dealers get desperate. But if you’re thinking of buying a car anytime soon, don’t forget the financing.

Loans for Plastic Surgery

Loans for Plastic Surgery

You’d like to get some expensive elective surgery, but you don’t really have the money… and there’s no insurance. What do you do?

Home Equity vs Line of Credit

Home Equity vs Line of Credit

While the credit crunch has made borrowing for… or against… your home more difficult, home equity loans and lines of credit remain popular for those with equity. Stacy Johnson explains what these loans do and if you should consider them.

Credit Counseling vs Debt Settlement

Credit Counseling vs Debt Settlement

You’ve seen the ads: credit counseling companies say they can help by getting your payments and interest rates lowered. Others claim they can get your debts wiped out entirely by settling them for pennies on the dollar. Money reporter Stacy Johnson takes an inside look at these companies.

James Randi’s Million Dollar Contest

James Randi’s Million Dollar Contest

If you’re a fortune teller, faith healer, psychic then you really need to know James Randi. Because he’s got a million dollars with your name written on it. Ready to put up or shut up?

You are now watching: The Three Best Credit Cards

With billions of credit card come-ons bombarding Americans every year, it’s practically impossible to know that you’re getting the best deal possible on your credit card. But whether you’re looking for the lowest rate, most cash back or other perks, there’s something for everyone.

We asked Amal Rhoe of CardOffers.com which credit cards win out… here’s what she had to say:

Lowest rate: It’s hard to find any card below 10%, but right now Citi-Select Platinum card carries about 8 and 1/2%

Cash back: Chase Freedom Card. Most cards only offer 1% cash back,but this one actually offers 3% cash back on your top three spending categories, as well as 1% cash back on your standard purchases.

Travel rewards: The American Express Starwood Preferred Guest credit card. In Addition to not having an annual fee, this card actually has a low APR, and offers you star points on hotels, car rentals and air.

None of these cards, by the way, charge an annual fee.  Of course, offers change all the time, and you’ve got to have good credit, but you should try and find the best card for you.  Shop interest rates on credit cards like you do with savings accounts and you can potentially save tons of money.