Credit that's Right For You: What To Look For in Your Next Credit Card

Once you’ve built up your credit, it becomes easier to get new credit cards. The card you started with may no longer be the best deal out there for you. 

Take the time to look at new options and carefully consider what type of credit card will make the most sense for you. The following list can help you narrow down your choices.

Interest Rates

The cards interest rate is probably one of the most important factors to consider when you choose a credit card. High rates mean that you’ll pay more money overall, so it’s usually best to look for cards that offer low rates. 

However, if you plan to pay the balance off in full each month, the interest rate may not play a significant role in your decision.

Rewards

These days, so many credit cards offer rewards that it seems silly to even consider a card that doesn’t offer you anything. Rewards typically come in the form of airline miles that you can use for travel or cash back. 

Different activities can earn you higher rewards, so consider whether you’re likely to earn those higher rewards. Additionally, some cards can offer you special discounts on merchandise. This is particularly true of store branded credit cards that can only be used at certain stores.

Fees

The downside to some credit cards is that they come with annual fees. Don’t be fooled by signing up for a card that waives the fee the first year. You don’t want to end up with a surprise $80 charge once your credit card hits it’s one-year anniversary. 

If possible, the best card is a card with no fees. However, sometimes, you may find that the rewards that you can earn from the card make the card a good deal despite the fees. It’s always smart to run the numbers.

Convenience

Convenience may not be something that a lot of people consider when looking at credit cards, but it can be a big plus. For instance, Visa and MasterCard credit cards are accepted at most stores, while American Express is more limited. 

You might also find that having a credit union credit card through the same bank as your checking account is convenient because you can always easily log in and see your account balance and transfer money between accounts. 

At the very least, you probably want a card that allows you to make online payments.

Getting a new credit card is an important decision. It’s smart to weigh all of the options before you make your choice. Prioritize your needs to make the best selection.

Money Transfers Made Easy: How to Send Money Safely and Cheaply

Sending a money order or even a check through the mail simply is not a quick or safe way to forward money to someone you love. While it's possible to ask your bank to transfer money from your account to another, this is only an option if the recipient has the same banking institution and can be subject to delays based on the amount of money being sent. 

If you need to get money to someone quickly but you don't want to spend a fortune on the transfer, here are some safe transfer options that won't cost a ton of money.

Paypal Transfers and Cash Cards

There is more than one way that you can transfer money through Paypal. What's great about Paypal is that you can send money with or without a bank account as long as the recipient has their own account. 

By accessing your account, you can send money from the balance or you can attach a funding card and safely send money from the credit card or bank account directly.

If you don't have a Paypal or bank account, many retailer sell funding Paypal cash cards where you can add money and then deposit it into an account by giving the recipient the code. The costs are minimal, with cash cards costing less than $5.00 to add up to $500. 

Google Wallet for Person-to-Person Transfers

While Paypal can be used to pay businesses or to send money to a friend, Google Wallet is strictly for person-to-person transfers. With this option, you can send money to anyone who has an email address by downloading the app. 

The recipient will receive an email giving instructions on how to receive their money, but they must open their own Wallet account before they can place it in their account or spend it. This is a great way to secure banking info while still sending money on the cheap. Google Wallet is not compatible with prepaid cards for funding purposes.

Quick Money Transfers to Multiple Banks

If you want to send money internationally and you don't want to pay expensive international transfer fees, companies like Sharemoney.com make international remittance quick and easy. You can use your bank account or credit card to deposit money into a bank in Brazil or even the Philippines. 

After Sharemoney verifies your identity and the funds, money is deposited immediately in a safe and secure manner. The great thing about this transfer service is that they offer great rates and the lowest transfer fees compared to competitors like Moneygram and LuckyMoney.

Social Media Money Transfers Through Facebook

It didn't take long for Facebook to see the profit potential in money transfers. Now, Facebook users can send and receive money from their friends on their account. It takes 3 days for the transfer to process and currently users can only fund the transfer with debit cards through a banking institution. 

This is a great peer-to-peer payment option that is safe and offers you convenience and protections.

When you transfer money, cost should be a concern but you shouldn't overlook security. With all of the fast electronic methods to choose from, choosing an option can be overwhelming. 

Consider limits, fees, time frames and what is needed to send and receive money. Once you investigate the options, you can send the money the appropriate way.

Savings Hunt - How to Find the Best Online Deal for Absolutely Everything in Retirement

If you have ever been in any store ever, chances are you have seen a coupon queen or someone that is really good at shopping. These days, it’s never been easier to find great deals online, no matter what you’re buying. 

Smart shoppers can make use of a variety of techniques to save the most money. From unique anniversary gifts to shopping for basics like toilet paper, check out these popular deal-seeking methods.

Mailing Lists

Loyalty pays. Companies often offer special deals to customers who sign up for the mailing lists. In many cases, you’ll get a special coupon just for signing up, so it pays to sign up for the mailing list the first time you make a purchase through any website. 

Once you’re on the list, you’ll get periodic emails from the company, often alerting you of special deals or offering coupons that you can use for free shipping or a percentage off. 

Cash Back Sites

Sometimes, you can get good savings by signing up with a site that offers you cash back for your purchases. Ebates is a popular site for this, but credit card companies may offer this service as well. 

In order to get your money, you need to visit the rebate site first, then go to the site you want. Every time you do this, your money accrues at the rebate site. Sometime, there’s a minimum threshold you must meet before you can get the money back.

Google Shopping

Sometimes, the best deals are just a web search away. When you’re looking for something specific, you can enter it into Google, then click on the “Shopping” results. This will allow you to sort the search results by price. 

The downside to this is that sometimes the results aren’t exactly what you’re looking for. If this happens, try limiting results by price to see if you get closer to the results you were expecting.

Deal and Coupon Sites

Deal and coupon sites often let you know about the best coupons that are out there. Before you make a purchase, simply search for coupons for that company and you’ll instantly get a discount. 

Paying attention to deal sites can also alert you to special sales at your favorite sites. For example, Discountrue offers customers the best prices on all of Amazon’s products. Stop here first and you’ll get a good deal.

Deals and coupons are so prevalent that you’ll almost never have to shop without a coupon again. Simply keep your eye out for coupons and be prepared to make the purchase when the deals strike.

4 Ways to Jump Start Your Investing for Retirement

Planning for your retirement is a fundamental part of life. This type of financial planning ensures that you have enough money to live off of in your golden years. 

Retirement planning is a key part of wealth management in London, as well as nearly everywhere around the world. There are a few money managements principles that can help you get and keep the money you need for you retirement.

Start As Soon As Possible

Starting early is a necessary evil. Nearly every financial institution recommends it. No one wants to spend their life thinking about their finances, so getting them taken care of soon takes a huge load off of your shoulders. 

You should consider how much it will take for you to live comfortably during retirement. When you start early, it gives you a chance to build your savings without taking too much away from your day-to-day expenses. Even if you start saving in your 50’s, you will still be able to pad your investments and savings with a little dedication.

IRAs and 401(k)s

IRAs and 401(k)s are a great way to build up your savings for retirement if you live in the United States. A 401(k) allows you to save your own money, with additional contributions from your employer. These contributions can be in small increments or large, one-time payments, depending on how you best like to save. 

Funding an IRA, or Individual Retirement Account, allows you to set your own money aside for later use. Someone who is 50 or older can contribute up to $6,500 annually, which can come in the form of stocks, bonds, investments or cash. 

Reduce Spending

Reducing your spending little by little frees up more money to be saved for later. If you eliminate small, unnecessary things, like coffee or name brand goods, you can save money very quickly. 

This is money that can be filtered into investment programs or your savings account. Where you put the money isn’t the most important thing, just knowing that it is there is helpful. By eliminating or reducing these small indulgences, you are allowing yourself the possibility to enjoy your life more fully in the future.

Hire a Wealth Management Firm

If investment and saving isn’t your strong suite, it is always good to hire a wealth manager. These firms can show you exactly how and when to save for retirement. 

They know the ins and outs of investment strategies so that you don’t have to worry about them. Having a great money manager on your side can save you time and headaches in a way that nothing else can. 

Financial planning is a crucial part of life, especially in your later years. These few, simple to follow tips can lead you where you need to be where retirement is concerned. 

The understanding that you have what you need to thrive in your retirement years can be a huge relief. Knowing that you will be taken care of and that your loved ones won’t have to worry about you makes the decision to retire easier in so many ways.