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Why Business Credit Cards Pose More Risk

Many individuals fail to recognize the major differences between business cards and consumer cards when searching the web for the best credit card offers. Unfortunately, due to this lack of understanding, households may find themselves at greater risk to higher fees and penalties when they choose business card offers over those marketed only for consumer use. This is because the Credit Card Act of 2009 does not apply to business credit cards at all. And since one in ten card offers sent out by credit issuers each month are for business cards, this means that many of the credit card offers landing in your mailbox will not protect you from undue risk.

How to Maximize your Airline Miles

Yowza! Have you looked at airfares lately? It turns out that the gas crisis doesn't hurt consumers just at the gas station; the airport has also become a place of despair for cost-conscious travelers. With airlines having to pay more and more on jet fuel, they have graciously handed the bill over to passengers to defray the costs. With these sky-high airfares, there never has been a better time to use your airline miles to fly you from point A to B.

5 Common Financial Scams and How to Avoid Them

Our sensitive financial information is transferred on a daily basis. Whether it’s making a purchase online or checking our bank account, it’s no wonder that thousands fall victim to financial scams each year. Millions of dollars are lost annually by unsuspecting consumers who don’t manage to catch the signs of a financial predator looking to take whatever they’ve got. Whether you use personal checks or secured credit cards, you need to be aware of financial threats so you can stay vigilant. Here are five common scams with tips on how to protect yourself.

How Young Is Too Young for Credit Cards?

Kids these days grow up so darn fast! When I was younger, I didn’t have a care in the world. I would run around outside for hours, playing games and hanging out with friends. The only time I needed money was if I had a hankering for a Slurpee from 7Eleven. In 2011, it’s different for most adolescents. Online games, iTunes, and $0.99 apps are everywhere, and they all require a credit card. Even those activities of the past cost money now. A child making payments, especially with a credit card, seems somewhat laughable, but it’s a reality.

4 Reasons You Shouldn't Hate Credit Cards

Many of us cringe when the word “credit” meets our ears. Fresh memories, some still in the making, flood our minds of people losing everything during these past few turbulent years.  Unfortunately, we have convinced ourselves to hate something we once loved so much. If you find yourself having turned against your once precious credit cards, here are four reasons you may want to think about rekindling that credit card romance once again:

7 Elite Credit Cards for the Rich and Famous

The economy is still recovering from its near-collapse back in 2008 and the financial outlook for tens of millions of Americans is still challenging. However, times couldn’t be better for this country’s wealthiest citizens. In fact, their incomes have increased significantly in the past 3 years and they’re looking to spend. So, banks' offerings for the über wealthy are perhaps even more profitable than in years past. With ridiculously awesome benefits that have become a status symbol in upper class America, the wealthy are happy to accept. These aren’t your average zero interest credit cards. Here are the top 7 elite options if you’re rich enough to afford them:

 

Squareup: A New Market for Credit?

NFC chip technology is a market with huge potential for growth as smartphones and other mobile devices begin to replace cash and plastic in consumers’ wallets. In fact, there are some stepping stone applications which are particularly noteworthy in the move toward mobile credit card authorization. One company that can't be overlooked is Squareup.com, or “Square” as it's commonly called. Founded by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, Square is nothing more than a shift away from the traditional use of credit card authorization terminals. Traditionally, credit card merchant services have been set aside for business-only transactions with a hard-wired connection. But what about the guy who runs a taco stand? What about if you want to split the tab on your dinner at Applebee's with a couple of friends? Square has not only helped to solve an immediate pain point, but has also done an excellent job in taking credit card merchant services to a completely untapped market segment: the consumer.

World's Most Expensive Shot for Cinco de Mayo

Much like St. Patty's Day, Cinco de Mayo is really just another day to party it up Mexican style for most people. And what's a Cinco de Mayo party without tacos and tequila? Tacos are no doubt one of the cheaper foods in life, but if you're in the mood to wash your taco down with something only a true high roller would consume, we've got the perfect thing for you.

 

The Misconceptions of Prepaid Cards

Let’s face it, the credit industry is complex and confusing. Hundreds of credit cards offer different ratios for miles, points, percentages of cash back, and other rewards. And now that we’ve gone through a roller coaster of a recession, getting approved for these cards may seem impossible for many of us. I work daily with clients who want and need the use of a credit card. As many of their financial situations have been pummeled, rebuilding credit is the first step they must take. One of the most common misconceptions about credit that I encounter centers around three words: prepaid credit cards.

Which Cities Suffer Most from Credit Card Debt

Still paying off your holiday debt? You're not alone. According to a recent national study, Americans across the county are still fighting the burden from their mounting credit card debt. Equifax, one of the three largest consumer credit reporting agencies in the United States, analyzed the 50 largest metropolitan statistical areas and metropolitan divisions to find out how areas cope with their credit card payments. With the average consumer credit card debt hovering around $4,000 dollars, there are many cities where residents' total debt accounts for over 17% of their total income. Even worse, there are tons of cities with debt well beyond the national average. Here are five cities that desperately need help for bad credit card debt.

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