With so many options out there, picking the right credit card can be confusing. Should you opt for rewards, cash back, or points? What about cards with annual fees? The list goes on and on. With all the different options and categories, it can be hard to know which one to choose. Our goal is to help you find the card that’s right for you, so we’ve narrowed down the options to bring you this years’ top cards in each category. So without further ado…
Photo Credit: Adam Sundana
Justin Beiber recently announced his endorsement of the SpendSmart prepaid card, which alerts parents about recent card activity through text messages and a smartphone app. It also allows the parent to lock the card or block purchases at their discretion. According to the New York Times, the card issuer, SpendSmart Payments Company, is claiming the card will help teenagers learn financial responsibility and give parents ‘teachable moments’ but… it could also be seen as just more “Helicopter Parenting.”
Everyone knows credit cards can lead to a debt sinkhole of epic proportions. However, in the hands of a responsible shopper a credit card can do more good than harm. As long as you practice self-control and do not abuse it, there are very good reasons why you should use a credit card for your daily expenditures.
Everyday shopping obviously includes things like gas, groceries and the morning dash to Tim Hortons. Some of the not-so-obvious daily expenditures are utilities, cell phone, and internet. Sure, you don’t get billed daily for these services, but many can be paid for with a credit card.
These days, there’s a rewards program for just about everything: the grocery store, your pharmacy, the local hardware store – the list goes on and on. There is also a rewards credit card for just about every product, service or retail shop. Banks entice potential customers with bonus airline miles, free nights in hotel rooms, and even more cards offering bonuses on gasoline, clothing or home improvement items. But many of these cards can only earn reward bonuses at specific retailers, such as one airline company or grocery store chain.
Keep in mind, we’re talking about reward bonuses, not the everyday credit card rewards earned on general purchases. In our experience, reward bonuses can really propel your reward earning potential.
Instead of filling up your wallet with a plethora of credit cards with different rewards programs, there are 2 new cards available that might please the savvy credit card user. American Express recently launched a new line of cards called the Choice Card and the ChoicePlus Card.
As a parent, does it really matter what material possessions you leave to your children? It’s always nice to give them things, but at the end of the day, at the end of your life, you hope that your children have learned the most important lessons you passed on to them. One of the most important lessons you will ever pass on is that of taking responsibility.
It’s not just about money. It’s about becoming self-sufficient, a survivalist, and a person who has a good reputation in the community. Children need to learn these fundamentals if they are going to find their way in life. The world is not kind to people who beg, who steal and who refuse to take responsibility. Now, while they’re young, is the best time to educate them regarding financial responsibility, reputation and credit.
Credit card advertisements are everywhere – in your mailbox, on TV, and of course on the Internet. Many people ignore such ads, but maybe it’s not such a bad idea to apply for another credit card. What is the advantage? Do you really need another account?
This all depends on how long you’ve had the other account, how much you currently owe on the balance, and what your objectives are. Some people establish their credit with a very basic account and miss out on a lot of great opportunities for perks, rewards and other membership benefits not available on lower-tier cards. Maybe applying for a more prestigious card would allow you benefits like: