Kudos!
We are proud that our articles have been published in the Sept. 2004
issue of Military Money Magazine and
the Sept. and Dec. 2004 issues of Young Money Magazine.
Both magazines are affiliated with
InCharge® Institute of America, Inc.,
a national non-profit organization specializing in personal finance education and credit counseling.
We are also pleased that several of our articles have been featured in the credit section of About.com, a top 15 Web property which
is owned by the New York Times Co, and that one of our articles was recently referenced by E/The Environmental Magazine.
Check out our credit card news stories (updated daily)!
Article
Archives
Corporate Credit Card Users Getting more Options
Corporate alliances afford corporate credit card users more options, resulting in discounts on supplies, travel or even professional services.
(9/28/01)
Not all Gold Cards Glitter.
Don't let the color of a credit card deceive you. Some "premium" card deals are fool's gold.
(9/24/01)
Who Should Teach Financial Literacy?
Young people can enter adulthood without hearing a whisper about how to handle money and credit cards.
(9/21/01)
Bill Payments Returning to Normal
Mail service -- and credit card bill payments -- returning to normal.
(9/19/01)
Protection for Reservists
Some credit card companies offer protection to reservists called to active duty.
(9/17/01)
Latest Fed Rate Cut Will Not Help Many
The Fed cuts rates by half a percent (.50%) to spur post-disaster spending. Unfortunately, the latest rate cuts mean nothing to many credit card holders.
(9/17/01)
The Affects of Credit Counseling
Consumers with credit card debt often seek credit counseling. Will credit counseling affect your ability to get future loans? (9/7/01)
A Seven-Step Plan for Fixing your Credit Report
An inaccurate credit report can cause plenty of problems. Here's how to identify the mistakes and clear them up. (9/6/01)
Moving Tips
Moving? Better let credit card companies know. A credit card coming to your old address could cost you. (8/31/01)
Tips on Repairing Credit Destroyed in Divorce
My ex-husband ran up the credit cards and left me in debt! (8/27/01)
The Fed Slashes Rates Again
How will this most recent cut affect the credit card debt of the average American family? (8/22/01)
Hidden Holds Cut Credit Card Limits
Paying at the pump or renting a car could put you over your credit limit - without knowing it. (8/21/01)
College Students: Prepare for a Credit Card Deluge
Heading off to college for the first time? Prepare yourself for a credit card deluge. (8/16/01)
Dismal Economic Report a Boon for Borrowers
Don't be suprised if the Fed slashes interest rates again soon. Another rate cut could spur increased credit applications.
(08/09/01)
It's a New World for Russian Immigrants
The Dollar Diva gives an update on the status of a young couple burdened with $29,000 in credit card debt.
(08/04/01)
Master your Credit Cards
Take charge of your credit card debt. We'll help you create a system to pay those credit cards.
(07/27/01)
Charging your way to Free Travel
First-class credit card air mile deals. Frequent-flier miles are still the top credit card offer.
(07/25/01)
Hidden Credit Card Charges Incite Lawsuits
Intl. travelers who have been charged a currency conversion fee are fighting back!
(07/16/01)
Inundated with Credit Card Debt
Despite waves of layoffs and a struggling economy, consumers are finding it hard to kick the charge habit.
(07/11/01)
Debit Cards Don't Offer Equal Protection
Disputing a charge or purchase? You won't get the same backing that you do with a credit card.
(07/06/01)
Bailing your Child Out of Debt
The Diva advises a reader to let his son learn a financial responsibility lesson.
(07/05/01)
Phone Fix-its.
How to solve credit card problems via telephone ... without going crazy!
(07/02/01)
Why Can't I Get a Straight Answer?!?
Credit card customer service representatives frequently give wrong answers. Here's how to deal with it.
(07/02/01)
Just what is the Fed anyway?
The Fed has supreme power when it comes to credit card interest rates, but the Fed's identity remains a mystery to most.
(06/27/01)
Fed Makes its Move- Will it be the Last?
Opting for the tamer of two possible moves, the Federal Reserve Board cut rates by one-quarter of a percentage point at its mid-year policy-setting meeting.
(06/27/01)
Debit Card Currency Conversion Fees
Debit cards, like many credit cards, are now being hit with currency conversion charges. Plus, credit card tips for overseas travelers.
(06/25/01)
The Next Fed Rate Cut May not Help Cardholders
The anticipation is growing concerning the Fed's next rate cut. Unfortunately, though, many credit card holders won't get a piece of the next cut.
(06/22/01)
Young and in Debt
A beefsteak lifestyle on hamburger income leads to credit card debt trouble.
(06/22/01)
How to Card against Credit Card Identity Theft
Your name could be mud by the time an identity thief is through. What can you do? We'll help.
(06/22/01)
M2Card Replacement
Advice on finding a replacement for the now defunct M2Card (a stored-value card marketed to teenagers and their parents).
(06/20/01)
Our Review of the New Travelocity Card
The new Travelocity credit card... is this card a "true gem" or just overrated?
(06/14/01)
Preserving your Credit Rating During Divorce
How do I protect my credit rating and credit score during divorce?
(06/13/01)
Don't Spend your Equity-Hoard it!
I am in the third year of my 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and am considering getting a fixed home equity loan to consolidate and pay off my credit card debt. What do you advise?
(06/07/01)
Credit Card Issuers Based in Delaware
Why do many credit card issuers have a mailing address in Delaware?
(06/06/01)
Raising Credit Score by Closing Accounts
Dr. Don answers a reader's question on raising credit scores by closing accounts.
(06/04/01)
Closing your Credit Card Accounts
The "Dollar Diva" tells a reader how to close out dormant credit card accounts.
(06/04/01)
Survey Compares Banks, Thrifts, and Credit Unions
Credit unions win in Bankrate's monthly survey comparing rates for credit cards.
(05/31/01)
Carrying a Credit Card Requires Self-Discipline
How do I establish credit without risking getting into debt problems?
(05/31/01)
Merchants are the Big Losers when it Comes to Credit Card Fraud
Merchants, not consumers, are the biggest losers when it comes to credit card fraud.
(05/29/01)
Graduate to Financial Success
Special Report! As you leave college, kick off your new life by making educated financial decisions about credit.
(05/25/01)
Setting Up a Merhchant Credit Card Account
Finding someone who will set up your business to accept credit cards is easy. Choosing from all the options is the hard part.
(05/22/01)
Free Credit Reports for the Unemployed
Will requesting a credit report during unemployment hurt your credit score? (05/18/01)
Consumers Lose even as Rates Fall
There's a limit to how low some variable-rate credit cards will go, no matter what the Fed does.
(05/18/01)
Credit Card Isuuers Won't Pass Along all of the Fed's Rate Cuts
Card issuers are likely to take a "one for me, one for you" attitude.
(05/18/01)
Drowning in Credit Card Debt?
Tips for transferring balances and eliminating high-stress debt.
(05/18/01)
What to Expect in Credit Counseling
The "Dollar Diva", Dorothy Rosen, answers a question about credit card debt consolidation and discusses what to expect in consumer credit counseling.
(05/17/01)
Fed Slashes Rates Another Half-percent!
Fed slashes rates another half-percent (.50%) to the lowest level in seven years! Variable-rate cardholders rejoice!
(05/15/01)
Credit Card Penalty Fees Still Climbing
A recent survey shows card issuers are still cranking up the costs of using a credit card.
(05/14/01)
Court Delivers Victory for Privacy!
Block the trade of your Social Security number and other critical personal information by telling financial institutions you want to "opt out."
(05/10/01)
Financing a Motorcycle with a Credit Card
The pros and cons of financing a motorcycle with a credit card. What will they think of next?!?
(05/10/01)
Free Credit Scores!
Online lender E-Loan is offering free credit scores online, allowing consumers to find out how lenders judge them.
(05/09/01)
Are you in Charge of your Credit Cards?
Do you suspect that you have a problem with handling credit? This quiz will tell you for sure.
(05/05/01)
Premium Credit Cards Offer Premium Benefits. But Do You Qualify?
Premium or elite credit cards over more benefits than any other type of credit card.
However, premium cards aren't always "easy to come by".
This article is written by Rebecca Lindsey, CardRatings.com staff writer.
(05/02/01)
How do I Cancel Credit Cards I no Longer use?
Dr. Don offers some good advice on closing out unused card accounts.
(04/30/01)
Home Equity Rates Falling - Time to Consolidate Debt?
Take advantage while home equity rates sit at their lowest levels in years.
(04/27/01)
Avoiding the College Debt Trap
For many college students, debt is a fact of life. But does it have to be?
(04/25/01)
Exposed: Hidden Fees on Foreign Credit Card Charges
Banks smuggle hard-to-find costs onto your bill when you use your card abroad.
PLUS: What does your bank charge?
(04/16/01)
How do I get Rid of Card Debt
The "Dollar Diva" gives advice about how to deal with this all too common problem.
(04/16/01)
Internet Fraud: the Web's Dirty Little Secret
As long as the profits keep rolling in, the credit card industry isn't too concerned about this growing problem.
(04/17/01)
No "Minimum Purchase" Requirements Allowed
It doesn't matter what the little sign on the counter says, retailers aren't supposed to require a minimum purchase amount for Visa or MasterCard.
(04/18/01)
Watch for Falling Rates
In a surprise move, the Federal Reserve Board slashed interest rates by one half of a percentage point for the fourth time this year.
(04/19/01)
Credit Report
Repair and Credit Counseling Advice
Dr. Don comments on getting a bankruptcy off your credit report and using non-profit credit counseling to lower credit card interest rates. (04/13/01)
Zip your Lenders' Lips with Opt-out Notices
Check 'Yes' for privacy. Under a new law, financial institutions must mail you the chance to protect your privacy, but it could be easy to miss.
(04/10/01)
Good News for Credit Card Users, Home Equity Borrowers
More good news for borrowers as rates on credit cards and home equity loans fall.
(04/06/01)
Pay Uncle Sam with Plastic ... if You're Desperate
The IRS is making it easy for you to pay by credit card. Experts say: Don't.
PLUS: More states take credit cards, too.
(04/04/01)
Credit Cards can Help Reduce your Rental Car Bill
Planning a weekend getaway
this spring or a summer
vacation? If your plans include a rental car, then your credit card may result in some
significant savings. This article is written by Rebecca Lindsey, CardRatings.com staff writer.
(04/01/01)
Small Business
Credit Cards
The SmallBiz Adviser discusses the responsibilities of having a business credit card.
(03/29/01)
Credit after the Death
of a Spouse
He or she paid all the bills. Now your other half is gone. You need to keep your credit strong.
(03/28/01)
Teens Ask the Darndest
Money Questions
A day in class with soon-to-graduate high schoolers shows they have a lot of misconceptions about credit cards.
(03/27/01)
Bordering
on Bankruptcy
A 24-year-old male seeks advice from Dr. Don about whether or not he should
file for bankruptcy.
(03/26/01)
Bankruptcy Law Means
Crisis for Debt Counselors
The new law will force an overwhelming number of debtors into counseling, just as credit card issuers slash contributions to the counseling agencies.
(03/26/01)
Once-Secret Credit
Scores Now for Sale!
The all-important number that has been under "lock and key" since the '80s and that decides your creditworthiness is no longer a secret.
(03/20/01)
The Best
Moves to Make Following the Fed's Half-Percent Rate Cut
Use these strategies to minimize overall borrowing costs and maximize savings returns.
(03/20/01)
What
Bankruptcy Reform Means to Consumers
You may be presumed guilty of financial negligence if the bankruptcy reform bill becomes law.
(03/16/01)
Balance
Treats and Traps!
Credit card companies roll out new balance-transfer offers and a new way to take your money.
(03/12/01)
Credit
Card Pushers on Campus!
Four out of five college students have a credit card. Here's why.
(03/06/01)
Why Rate Cuts
Aren't in the (Credit) Cards?
Waiting for those credit card rates to drop? Don't hold your breath.
(03/02/01)
What to do if your Identity is Stolen
If a New York busboy can steal the identities of Oprah, Martha Stewart and a gaggle of America's richest, we all need to be on guard against this growing fraud.
(03/01/01)
California Helps Curb Card Fraud
California has recently passed legislation that will help prevent card fraud. Credit card receipts in California will list only the last five digits of a customer’s credit card account number, and no expiration date. Will other
states follow suit? (03/01/01)
Disposable Credit Card Numbers
American Express has recently introduced "one time use" credit
card numbers. Will disposable credit card numbers insure 100% safe and secure e-commerce? (03/01/01)
Your Name Can Mess Up Your Credit Report
Folks with common names have to work hard to keep their credit reports clean and free of someone else's credit mistakes. (02/28/01)
Identity Theft Victims Must Clean Up Credit Mess on their Own
Identity theft victims didn't make the mess. But they have to clean it up. New initiatives may help but the burden of proof still rests squarely victims' shoulders.
(02/26/01)
Credit Scores Explained
Questions to ask about credit scores: what it is, factors that determine, creditworthiness, and why knowing your credit score will help
(02/23/01)
Credit Reports Explained
Questions to ask about credit scores: what it is, factors that determine, creditworthiness, and why knowing your credit score will help
(02/23/01)
Getting a Bankruptcy Off your Credit Record
Dr. Don writes about how long a bankruptcy stays on your credit record.
(02/21/01)
Is a Widower Responsible for his Late Wife's Credit Card Bills
Dr. Don writes about a widower being dunned for his late wife's credit card bills.
(02/12/01)
Getting the Best Rate on a Credit Card
Dr. Don writes about getting the best rate on a credit card when you carry a big balance. (02/07/01)
Co-Signing a Loan and Repairing Credit
Dr. Don writes about whether to co-sign a loan and repairing and re-establishing credit. (02/05/01)
Best Credit Card Choices for Retirees
When it comes to credit cards, the advice for seniors is simple: pay off those balances. To keep your credit record active and healthy you'll want to keep a couple of credit cards, use them regularly, and pay off your bills each month like clockwork. (02/05/01)
College Student with a Big debt and Choosing between Credit Card Debt and a Personal Loan
Dr. Don writes about a college student trying to get debt under control and choosing between credit card debt and a personal loan.
(02/02/01)
Selling an Investment to Pay Off Credit Card Debt
Dr. Don writes about whether to sell stock to pay off credit card debt.(01/31/01)
Credit Insurance - Should I have it?
There is much debate regarding the merits of credit insurance. This article
explores the pros and cons.
(01/31/01)
The Best Moves to Make Following the Fed Rate Cut
Now that the Fed cut rates again, here are steps borrowers can take to capitalize on the Fed moves.(01/31/01)
Finding the Maximum Interest Rate in your State
Dr. Don writes about determining the maximum credit card interest rate in your state (state usury limits). (01/29/01)
My Son Ruined my Credit
Dr. Don writes about dealing with a bad credit report after son ran up bills.
(01/22/01)
Refinancing Credit Cards, Etc.
Declining rates always make people think about refinancing a mortgage. But what about credit cards and other loan products?(01/17/01)
Changing the Due Date on your Credit Cards
Some credit card issuers will allow you to change the payment due date. You can take advantage of this feature to balance out your personal cash flow.
(01/16/01)
Department Store Credit Cards
Discount retailers such as Kmart, Wal-Mart and Target have joined the credit card game. These cards can be good deals if you're careful.
(01/16/01)
Deciding on Bankruptcy
Dr. Don writes about whether to declare bankruptcy. (01/15/01)
Rebuilding Bad Credit
Dr. Don writes about rebuilding bad credit. (01/12/01)
Take Charge of Your Debt
Are you feeling overwhelmed as you face mounting credit card balances? It's never too late to get debt under control.Here's a package of stories that offer hope, guidance and alternatives to charge, charge, charge. (01/12/01)
How to Cancel a Credit Card
There is a right way to cancel a credit card. Phone the issuer, send a letter, and check your credit report to make sure it was reported correctly. (01/10/01)
What to Do if your 30 Days Late on your Credit Card Bill
Once you're 30 days late on a credit card bill, things can get serious. Brace yourself for some harsh fees and penalty rates. A black mark may even appear on your credit report where it will stay for the next seven years. (01/05/01)
Getting Rid of a Late Charge
Dr. Don writes about how to deal with a late charge. (01/05/01)
The Downside of Convenience Checks
Convenience checks, which are tied to credit card accounts, come with hefty fees -- as much as five percent of the check amount -- and steep interest rates -- often 20 percent or more. They're also convenient ways for crooks to commit fraud. (01/02/01)
