Category archives for: Banking

5 steps to get your credit card rate lowered

One of the biggest benefits of maintaining good credit is access to the most competitive interest rates on everything from loans to lines of credit. However, even good credit doesn’t necessarily guarantee you the lowest possible credit cards rates. The reality is that it may take a phone call (or several) to negotiate a truly [...]

Get new credit card for sign-up bonus?

Have you been tempted to get a new credit card just for the sign-up bonus or reward? Credit card sign-up bonuses keep getting more attractive. What once was just a $100 cash-back reward for getting a new credit card has become $500 in some cases. Sign-up incentives for airline cards can take you even farther, [...]

Who pays dad’s card debts when he dies?

Q:Dear Debt Adviser, My dad is 83 and has two or three credit cards maxed out. Is anyone responsible to pay these when he passes away? He has been paying a little on each one every month. Also, can he put everything on one card?  – Paul A: Dear Paul, You sound like a good son, [...]

When is it bad to kill a credit card?

Q: Dear Credit Card Adviser, I have six unsecured credit cards I plan to pay off this year. I have a long history with two of the credit cards. I would like to keep one of them with the highest limit for emergencies. I’m confused about what to do because in the next year or so, [...]

Ten ways to keep your online banking information secure

Last week’s security breach at Citibank was just the latest in a string of incidents that have rattled consumers: Sony, Lockheed Martin, and iTunes are also among recent high-profile targets. With such big names falling victim to hackers, is it still safe to bank online? The answer, according to top security experts, is a qualified [...]