Credit cards are payment devices that offer plenty of conveniences to their users. Moreover, the cards also help one make ends meet. However, using a credit card also comes with its share of problems, as unmanaged expenditures may lead to debt. Furthermore, the debt may increase with interest and fees to hundreds or thousands of dollars. Hence it’s advised to use credit cards but also employ certain tips to save money.
Tips to save money while using a credit card
In most cases, using a credit card is accompanied by budgeting. However, using a credit card to shop can help one save money. Hence, here are some tips that can be followed to help one save rather than lose a large chunk of money.
Transfer credit card balances
One of the easiest ways to save money while shopping with credit cards is to transfer the balance to another card with lower interest rates. This can help one save hundreds of dollars that may have been spent paying high interest. Furthermore, one can even take advantage of a 0% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) balance transfer offer. This may aid in paying off the credit card balance without accumulating a high rate of interest on the amount. For instance, one may save almost $400 by moving their $3000 credit card balance at 17% interest to a credit card with 0% APR for 12 months.
Pay using cashback credit cards
Cashback credit cards can be employed to aid in accumulating cash rewards on the credit card. If one uses a credit card to pay their maximum expenses, they can max out on the cash earnings rather than using it to make purchases with the most rewards. However, one must ensure they pay off their credit card balance at the end of the month. Otherwise, the interest charged on the balance may outgrow the cashback earned.
Get credit cards with gas and grocery benefits
Nowadays, prices of gas and groceries keep increasing, so one can use credit cards with grocery and gas benefits to minimize their expenditure. Some credit card companies offer generous rewards for every dollar spent at the grocery store and the gas station. So, when one does grocery shopping with these credit cards regularly, they can save enough money to help manage their household finances. Furthermore, shopping with the right credit card offers can help one earn competitive cashback rewards on essential items and save money.
Use the discount mall
Various credit card companies have a “discount mall,” or a collection of retailers across the country that partner with them to offer incredible discounts to cardholders. This may help one save money while dining out, buying movie tickets, and shopping for flowers. However, keep in mind that one must make these transactions using the credit card that the retailer has teamed up with. This process becomes easier as credit card company websites often list stores against the money the user can save on the transaction.
Collect and use the airline miles
One can also go a step beyond getting cashback points for grocery shopping. Most credit card companies offer other benefits that can help one save a lot of money in the long run. These include airline miles that can be acquired against everyday expenses. As travel is one of the major expenses in the year, one can opt for airline miles to save money on airline tickets. This can be done by using the right credit card for everyday expenses to offset traveling expenditures. Furthermore, one can even accelerate their earnings by employing travel credit cards for travel-related expenses and even use the card while traveling.
Shop on retail cardholder discount days
If one has only retail credit cards, they may lose a large portion of their hard-earned money due to the limited use and high-interest rates. However, this occasional use of the retail credit card can also be used to one’s advantage. For example, the cardholder can opt for rewards programs that offer perks such as special discount days and save money while shopping in various retail stores. Furthermore, as a tip, it’s suggested to only sign up for retail credit cards at retail stores that one frequently visits to save more money.
Opt for sign-up bonuses
Usually, when one signs up for a new credit card, they receive certain benefits or rewards as a sign-up bonus. While the cardholder may have to first use the credit card for a fixed period, the sign-up bonuses help them maximize the value of the credit card in hand. Furthermore, with the right offer, one can get up sign-up bonuses of considerable value, which then can be used for free hotel stays and even airline tickets. Moreover, meeting the credit card company’s requirements and paying off the balance may also accrue certain benefits, such as earning a bonus without paying extra interest.
Conclusion
Further, one must ensure the full payment of the credit card balance at the end of each month is made to avail of card benefits without paying exorbitant interest rates and late fees. Besides, keeping your budget and expenses in check can give you more benefits on credit card shopping.
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Typical and common features of mortgage lenders
Read moreGood mortgage lenders offer you good interest rates and better customer service. Going with a reliable and renowned mortgage lender ensures you of snagging your dream home for sure.
When compared most of the mortgage lenders have been found to have a few typical and common features. Here is a list of those features that are common to most mortgage lenders:
- Easily accessible: You may find many local, individual mortgage lenders who might not have more than one branch or office in the state; this can prove to be an inconvenience if you move to another place or state. You can expand your search by searching for lenders who are widely spread and are known in the mortgage industry. It is better to stick with a company that is well rooted than some mortgage lender who is new to the business. Going with a bigger firm make you feel more comfortable than a local mortgage lender who will process only a few loans every month. In this case, bigger is any day a better bet.
- They are not the middlemen: Mortgage lenders are of three types – direct lenders, mortgage brokers, and lead generators. It is better to approach a mortgage lender directly than go through a mortgage broker otherwise simply a middle man. In case you want a more tailored service or have specific circumstances that need to be catered to, then using a mortgage broker works well. You need to keep in mind that many mortgage brokers work locally; hence they are not widely available. The mortgage brokers find loan products that would be suitable for you, and then they work with a mortgage lender to get your mortgage approved. So they act as the ‘go-between,’ between you and the mortgage lender.
- Not predatory in nature: Almost all lenders face regulatory actions or have complaints made against them by the state they function in. This doesn’t typically mean that they are predatory as these are hiccups faced by even the good mortgage lenders out in the market. The red flag goes up only if they have multiple infractions.
Keeping all these little pointers in mind, make sure that you find the right mortgage lender.
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Things you should know about all-terrain tires
Read moreTires are your SUV’s best friend. The best SUV tires are those that can be used for all seasons – summer, winter, rain or snow. Using the appropriate tires brings out the best performance from your vehicle. Top among the several factors to be considered are comfort and security. Your driving needs and size of the tire also need to be considered while choosing the most suitable tire model.
The benefit of choosing an all-season tire, especially for an SUV:
- A branded tire is usually the product of technology and innovation and has a special tread compound that makes tackling all weather conditions with ease.
- A tire with a good tread pattern ensures maximum grip (both straight and cornering)
- Reduces hydroplaning on wet roads
- Reduces braking distance
- Less fuel consumption
- Resists chipping and tearing, provides excellent durability where the pavement ends.
- Low rolling noise i.e. better acoustic comfort in the cabin
The SUV tires offered by Goodyear have not only a clean exterior; they have all-season traction for maximum performance on snow and ice and provide a quiet ride. Their range of SUV tires includes Goodyear Wrangler, Goodyear Fortera, and Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max to name a few.
Dunlop crossover tires are rated one of the most sought after tires. They not only provide all-season traction and comfort, but the sporty design also complements the look of your SUV. The Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 tires are made especially for luxury SUV’s. Other noteworthy all terrain SUV tires are Dunlop Grandtrek SJ5 and Dunlop Grandtrek Touring A/S.
Michelin crossover and SUV tires guarantee to enhance the performance of your vehicle. These tires use EverGrip wet-braking technology which makes these tires safe to drive on wet roads and is found to have a shorter braking distance than competing brands. Defender LTX M/S, Premier LTX, and LTX M/S2 are some of their all-season tires with ultimate tread life and increase the fuel economy of your SUV.