Finance Globe

One of the primary benefits of a reward credit card is knowing you will one day be able to redeem them for something of your choosing. But this leads to a very important question: when is the best time to redeem credit card points? While there is no hard and fast rule, here are three strategies you can follow: 1. Hold onto your points until they are ready to expire. This is particularly helpful if you...

When was the last time you reviewed your credit report? If you don’t know the answer, you are long overdue. While this isn’t something you have to obsess over, it’s important to review your credit report periodically. Here are three reasons why you should make this is a habit: 1. Because the information is important. When it comes time to secure a mortgage or car loan, for example, potential lenders will review your credit report. It’s...

Regardless of your reasons for canceling a credit card, you must take the right steps at the right time. Neglecting to do so could complicate your situation, leading to financial stress in the near future. Above all else, you need to pay off any remaining balance. Once you do this, you can then move forward at your own pace. From there, here are several other steps to take: •    Notify your credit card company by phone.•   ...

There are times when using a credit card makes a lot of sense. For example, some people do this as a means of collecting points that can later be redeemed for travel rewards. Conversely, there are times when saying “no” to a credit card would be in your best interest. For some individuals, this just isn’t a good idea. Period. Here are five times when it makes sense to say no to a credit card, thus...

So, you have reviewed your credit score and you don’t like what you see. Before you get too upset, remember this: there are steps you can take to improve your score in the months and years to come. Below are five of the best ways to improve your credit score: 1. Make On Time Payments in the Future For some, this is easier said than done. However, it’s a step you need to take. It’s essential...

We want to make more money in our careers, not less. Unfortunately, there may be instances where you have to deal with a pay cut. Your job may have to cut wages to stay in business, your commission may be lower, your own business may suffer a loss of revenue, or you could decide to take a job that pays less money. Dealing with a pay cut is far less than ideal, but navigating the reduction in wages...

Certain aspects of money management are good for your financial health, but have nothing to do with your credit score. Not directly at least. Check out five important parts of your finances that don’t directly affect your credit score. The amount of money you make Your income isn’t one of the primary factors that goes into your credit score. So, whether you make a little money or a lot, your credit score won’t be affected. However,...

With the increase of data breaches and credit card skimming, we’re all at risk of becoming victims of credit card fraud. Thieves can steal your credit card number and make purchases on your account, even if your credit card never leaves your possession. Knowing what to do if your credit card information is compromised is important to minimizing the damage to your credit standing. The best way to catch credit card fraud is to monitor your...

It’s bad enough that you had to visit the doctor, hospital, or another medical facility. It’s even worse if you receive a bill, showing that you owe hundreds or maybe even thousands of dollars. If you find yourself in this position, you have a couple of options: •    Pay the bill in full.•    Contact the appropriate party in an attempt to negotiate a lower payment. Which option is right for you? While you may not want...

These days it seems like busy is the new black, but your inability to say no can come with side effects beyond being tired and stressed. Leading a busy life can have a negative impact to your credit in ways you never realized. You forget to pay your credit card bills on time. When you’re too busy, deadlines continually come and go. If you’re a busy person, you’ve undoubtedly missed a payment or two because of...