Written by Benjamin Woods on February 20, 2012.
Payment history
Your payment history is 35 percent of your credit score and impacts your score the most. It is important to pay your credit obligations on time. This can be difficult if you are unemployed.
Most of those that are unemployed have reduced income and are unable to pay their bills in full or on time. Bills may have to be prioritized with limited income and or resources. This can lead to bills being paid late, if at all. Those with underwater mortgages don’t see the purpose to pay something that is worth less than they owe. They are more concerned about paying for their car, gas, food and utilities.
Using most of your available credit
The amount of your available credit that you use is 30 percent of your credit score and is the second most important item in it. This is also called credit utilization. This is the ratio of your total credit card balance compared to your total credit limits. In other words, the more you owe on your credit cards impacts your score. The ideal ratio is 20 percent. For examp
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Written by Jai Borchgrevink on February 17, 2012.
As a result of the ongoing national economic downturn, many Brits feel they cannot justify setting some time aside to have fun. An estimated 45 per cent of UK adults feel they are not enjoying themselves as much as they would like to, according to a new study published by Scottish Widows. This is attributed to the rising cost of living and the increasing strain on household finances that this brings with it, which is said to cause many individuals to reassess their priorities. However, it is not necessary to avoid spending money on going out and having a good time with friends and family, even if the purse strings are tight. Taking out a credit card can be a good solution, as provided outgoings never exceed income, this can help to provide some relief from the economic pressures of modern life. This could be particularly relevant, as the research indicated 30 per cent of Brits would like to be able to have more financial freedom to spend time with their family and friends. Full Post…
Written by Hugo Pethebridge on February 7, 2012.
Cold calling is still a popular way for securities sellers to attract investors despite advances in communications technology and the implementation of the Do Not Call Registry. That’s why the Securities and Exchange Commission advises investors to be wary of over-the-phone investment scams. Signs that an investment opportunity may be fraudulent include high-pressure sales tactics, a pitch involving “breakthrough technologies,” refusals to send written information and calls from unauthorized or unsupervised salespersons. For more on this continue reading the following article from JDSupra. While the National Do Not Call Registry has certainly reduced the number of sales calls investors receive, cold-calling is still a commonly used practice among securities firms. There Full Post…
Written by Jai Borchgrevink on February 7, 2012.
Many Brits may be using a credit card to help them ease the strain on their finances in the harsh economic climate.However, some might still find they are struggling with their finances and allowing debt to mount up.Almost one in ten (nine per cent) of the population are concerned they are in this position, according to new research from Gocompare.com.It could still be possible for these individuals to resolve their situation, as dealing with credit card repayments is not an unusual position – 26 per cent of UK adults expect they will be handling bills throughout the year.Indeed, 22 per cent of respondents said one of their main concerns in 2012 was how they are going to address the rising cost of living while other costs – such as utility bills – are rising.An estimated 35 per cent claimed they are looking at ways in which they can reduce their debt and complete their credit card repayments.Setting a strict budget plan and looking over all outgoings is one way in which this can be achieved.Furthermore, it is important the matter is addressed as soon as possible, as interest – when allowed to grow out of control – can exacerbate the situation.It is recommended individuals repay more than the minimum sum wherever possible in order to avoid this becoming an issue.This can also help build a credit rating, as it will demonstrate to future lenders the person is able to manage their finances effectively and is a reliable borrower even when times are tough.Credit cards, when used properly, can be an effective budgeting tool for people looking to keep their finances in check.Other personal finance experts agree this is the case, particularly as the Bank of England is maintaining low rates of interest to incentivise spending, which is said to be beneficial to borrowers and lenders alike.
Written by Benjamin Woods on February 6, 2012.
On June 12 North Dakota voters will decide whether to pass Constitutional Measure 2. That measure will repeal all property taxes. It is the most ridiculous idea ever proposed in the field of state and local public finance. The property tax remains the only source of revenue that insures local autonomy. With no property taxes, there is no localism to speak of. Property taxes are also the best means of limited government. Shifting local finances to the state gives the appearance that the local services are free. It creates a fight over resources at the state level. And ultimately results in less democratic and responsive government. I keep saying this; I wish someone would listen. What do you think?
Written by Jai Borchgrevink on January 24, 2012.

Smart credit card users know how to cash in on frequent flier miles, cash back and loyalty points. But as cardholders have grow smarter about credit card rewards, credit card issuers have been forced to steadily increase the amount of points and miles their customers are earning for spending and as sign up bonuses. In many instances, account holders have become disillusioned with points and miles that, at times, can be difficult to redeem.
In response, credit card issuers have begun to add more perks to their hotel and airline reward credit card products that go far beyond mere points and miles. However, consumers often have multiple options with big travel branded credit cards and the most expensive options are not always the best.
Delta is leading the field of airline cards by offering the most non-mileage perks.
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Written by Benjamin Woods on January 23, 2012.
If youve been on the internet today, youve probably encountered big websites such as Wikipedia, Mozilla, Craigslist, and Reddit closing their content down today to protest SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) in the House, and PIPA (Protect Intellectual Property Act) in the Senate. Learn what this legislation means, and what you can do about it.
Many websites, experts, and news teams have explained what these acts are (better than we could) and why they are so dangerous. It basically has to do with online copyright infringement and piracy, but these acts propose drastic actions that could alter the very structure of the internet. Find out the details here
CBS News SOPA and PIPA- What You Need to Know
PC Mag Where Do You Stand on SOPA/PIPA
DONT JUST READ DO SOMETHING
It is your civic duty, your responsibility to let your congressmen know if you oppose this bill.
I was a Political Science major in college. I
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