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5 Credit Card New Year's Resolutions

It's that time of year again: the time to buckle down and - for real, this time - conquer any credit conundrums plaguing your personal finances. No matter the quality of your credit score, there is always room for improvement. Once the new year hits, dedicate yourself to a future of great credit and great financial rewards. Here's how.

How Credit Cards Protect Purchases

You already know about bonus travel miles and cash back rewards, but some credit card benefits stretch well beyond instant savings on a vacation getaway. Many credit cards include purchasing safeguards that protect against anything from rental car insurance to extended warranties. If you can't find your credit card policy or if you're confused by the jargon, call your bank or credit card provider to ask about the benefits you're entitled to. Taking the time to understand your credit card protection plan might determine when you use credit or cash on your next big purchase.

3 Things to Never Buy with a Credit Card

In the age of everything from constant Twitter updates to Wikileaks, it seems as if nothing is kept private anymore.  In fact, this lack of privacy is clearly apparent within the world of credit cards.  While most people would like to believe that how they spend their money is their own private information, in reality, big brother (AKA your credit card company) is always watching. That’s right; practically every purchase you make on your credit card is scrutinized by your credit issuer.  This is because credit card companies are constantly searching for patterns in spending histories that might shed some light on their customers' financial stability.

How to Get Rid of Debt and Keep Your Credit Cards

The bad news: you're up to your knuckles in debt. The good news: you can get out of debt. The better news: you don't have to destroy your credit cards! The slightly worse news: you still can't really use them.

Store Credit Cards Aren't for Everyone

Walk up to any department store checkout stand and you'll hear the same sales pitch: "Would you like to save 10% today by opening a Brand X credit card?" Experts say you should think twice before you answer.

Credit vs. Debit: Protecting Yourself from Fraud

‘Credit or Debit?’ You’re used to hearing this question when checking out at the grocery store, but have you ever stopped to think about what your choice means in terms of your financial security?

Ask Creditnet: Best Hotel Rewards Card for Newbies

Dear Creditnet: My fiancé and I are new to credit cards (we've only used debit cards in the past), and we're looking to get one that will give us hotel reward points. Any idea which card would help us better our credit scores while banking hotel points as well?

Getting a New Credit Card? What to Do with Old Cards

Dear Creditnet: I'm thinking about applying for a new hotel rewards credit card, but I already have two other cards with high limits. One card has a $34,000 limit, and I don't even use it. Before applying for the new card, should I ask to have this account closed or the credit limit reduced to the minimum? I don't want to have my credit score dinged too bad by having a new card.

Happy Holidays from Creditnet!

The team at Creditnet.com would like to wish each of you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous, debt-free New Year!

CFPA Gets the Green Light

Despite a great deal of opposition from big-business lobbyists and right-wing politicians, the Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA) has moved one step closer to seeing the light of day. The House Financial Services Committee, led by Chairman Barney Frank (D-Mass.), approved the CFPA's creation last Thursday and will now send the bill on to the full House.  And while the legislation is definitely a more watered-down version than others introduced earlier this year, its supporters, including President Obama, seem quite pleased with the progress so far.

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