Credit Card Online Payment Solution

How to Complain Effectively

2008-11-06T19:21:00.000-08:00

If you have a problem with a business, you may be able to resolve it by returning the product or making a phone call. In some instances, you may have to write a letter of complaint. However, before you do anything, decide what you want the company to do: Refund your money, repair the product, or exchange it for a new one.

Making a Phone Call

If the call is long distance, look at the product package for a toll-free customer service number, or call toll-free directory assistance (1-800-555-1212) to see if the company has a toll-free number.
Ask to speak to the consumer affairs or customer relations department or the head of the company if there is no consumer affairs office.
Calmly and concisely describe the problem and what action you would like the company to take.
Keep notes detailing who you spoke with, what she or he said, the date, and time. Ask when you should expect a response.
If the issue is not resolved, and you call again, ask for the name of the person's supervisor so that you can write a letter to him or her.

Sending a Letter, Fax or Email

Type your letter and be specific. Be sure to include your name, address, phone number, and email address. Include your account number if you have an account with the company.
Be reasonable and persistent, not angry or threatening.
Include copies of any relevant documents and keep a copy of your complaint letter.
File a complaint with your state or local consumer protection office, Better Business Bureau, or state agency that regulates the industry or product if the company doesn't resolve your problem in a reasonable time.

Additional Options

Stop payment on a check.
Dispute charges through your credit card company. You do not have to pay the charges while the bill is in dispute, but the interest will still accrue.

Check Your Credit Report

2008-11-06T19:19:00.000-08:00

Check your credit report once a year. It's a credit healthy thing to do—and now it's free. Creditors determine whether to give you credit or a loan—and how much you will pay—based on information in your credit history. The national credit bureaus (now called consumer reporting companies) collect information from your creditors about how many credit cards and loans you have and how many accounts are late, overdue, or in collection. They sell information in your file to creditors who determine if you'll get a loan and how much interest you'll pay on a credit card. This information about how much credit you have and how you pay your bills can even be used to decide if you get a job, new cell phone service, an apartment lease, or car insurance.

Even if you think your credit history is good, you still should get a copy of your report. You might find anything from old accounts to errors to outright identity theft. You shouldn’t be the last to know what’s in your file. That’s especially true now that you can get free copies of your credit reports from the three major consumer reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).

Important advice:

Know that there are imposters that use web site names that are extremely similar to the real “free” web site.

Only order from this official source.
Don’t open emails or click on pop-ups that offer a free credit report. This could be a scam to steal your personal information.
Never give a credit card number for a “free” credit report.
You don’t have to purchase anything to get a “free” credit report. Many supposedly free credit reports will cost you money.
Don’t contact the consumer reporting companies directly to get this free annual report opportunity.

How do I correct a mistake on my file?

If you find something wrong in your file, you need to tell the consumer reporting company what information is inaccurate. It is best to do this in writing. AARP recommends you use certified mail so you can prove you sent the dispute. If you have documents that support your claim, send copies—not the originals. The company has to investigate your claim and report back to you. You will also get another free credit report if your claim changes your file. You should also write to the creditor that provided the information to the consumer reporting company that you are disputing information it gave.

Bankruptcy: A New World

2008-11-06T19:10:00.000-08:00

By the National Endowment for Financial Education

Your employer downsizes and your job is gone. Your health deteriorates and you run up big medical bills. Your breadwinner spouse dies or divorces you. Your retirement nest egg disappears when the stock market drops.

For some people, these kinds of events can lead to financial disaster and, in the worst cases, possible bankruptcy. Those who seek bankruptcy generally are not spendthrifts who purchase fancy cars or cruise the Caribbean. They're not deadbeats who run up big bills, and then duck creditors. You might say they've had plain bad luck.

"For most of my clients, it's something that has happened to them," says Nancy L. Thompson, a lawyer specializing in bankruptcy in Des Moines, Iowa. "It's not something they could have avoided or something they did wrong."

And bankruptcy's not an easy choice, particularly for older people, many of whom consider being unable to pay their bills embarrassing.

"Older folks feel almost a moral guilt about bankruptcy," says Jose Vasquez, staff attorney for Colorado Legal Services, formerly Legal Aid Society of Metro Denver. "They look at it as a last resort. They see it as something they have to do, but they feel badly."

Both Vasquez and Thompson also cite deceptive or aggressive consumer practices as prime reasons older people end up in financial trouble. Among the culprits: home-improvement scams, predatory mortgage lending, and aggressive solicitation of credit cards. "I've seen them offered cards with limits way, way beyond what they're capable of paying," Vasquez says.

How Many Older People File for Bankruptcy?

The number of older people turning to bankruptcy remains small but is growing, according to the Consumer Bankruptcy Project at Harvard University. The project's 2001 analysis showed that a little more than 82,000 Americans 65 years or older filed for bankruptcy that year—up 244 percent in a decade. Despite that increase, older persons are still a small portion of the overall cases.

Total filings have jumped in 2005 as word has spread that new, stricter laws are to take effect in October 2005. "We were flooded with requests for bankruptcy," says Vasquez. "People's perception was they have to file soon because the laws are changing."

New Law Reforms Bankruptcy

The new Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act—supported by credit card companies, banks, and other lenders—makes it more difficult to discharge debts, requires credit counseling and education for persons filing for bankruptcy, and raises the cost and complexity of a bankruptcy case. Most parts of the law will go into effect October 17, 2005, although homestead exemptions are in effect now.

The new laws maintain Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings.

Chapter 7, under which most individual debtors now file, allows a debtor to keep certain exempt property (defined differently among the states). Other property—when there is any—is sold and proceeds are divided among creditors. Most remaining debts are erased, giving the person a fresh start.

Chapter 13 allows a debtor to keep non-exempt property-such as a home-while following a plan to pay back creditors over three to five years.

But big changes were made to bankruptcy as well:

Means Test. There's a new "means test" that is designed to steer more debtors to Chapter 13's repayment system rather than Chapter 7's erasure of debts. If the debtor's income is below her/his state's median income, s/he can file under Chapter 7. If her/his income is over the state median, a complex formula weighing income, expenses, and unsecured debt, comes into play to decide which chapter is appropriate.
Debt Repayment. If the debtor files for Chapter 13, stricter IRS guidelines will be used to determine what s/he can afford to pay.
Higher Costs. Chapter 7 filing fees increase under the new laws, and attorneys predict legal fees will rise as well because the new laws require more work.
Creditor Actions. Creditors who won't receive any money owed in a bankruptcy case may now contest the ruling for Chapter 13 filings as well as Chapter 7 filings.
Waiting Period. The period a person must wait to file another bankruptcy case increases from six to eight years.
Homestead Exemptions. These exemptions allow the debtor to keep some of the equity in her/his home safe from creditors. The amount varies from state to state. As of April, 2005, the homestead exemption is stricter.
Retirement Accounts. Retirement accounts, such as Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and 401(k) accounts, are protected for up to one million dollars in retirement savings per person.
Financial Counseling. The law also requires the debtor to take an approved financial counseling course outlining alternatives to bankruptcy within six months of filing. At the end of the bankruptcy, he must also take an approved financial management course to learn the personal financial skills needed to avoid future financial problems.

Thompson doesn't expect the new means test to affect very low-income older people because their low income will still allow them to erase their debts under Chapter 7, in part because the means test does not count Social Security payments as income. Middle-income people will see the biggest change from the new means test. "Before, bankruptcy has always been an option for persons who cannot dig out of their financial hole to start over," she says, "but now it's going to be more difficult."

Regardless of income or age, the new law's higher legal and filing costs will be burdens, she believes, because those filing for bankruptcy are strapped for money to begin with.

The paperwork and documentation needed to file for bankruptcy also can be challenging for older people, Vasquez notes. Often, the personal property they have is old and its worth is impossible to prove through receipts or records. They may not have cars or they may have physical disabilities, both of which make getting appraisals difficult.

If you are in a financial situation in which you are wondering if bankruptcy is your only way out, talk with a lawyer who is aware of the new legal requirements. If you've just had a personal crisis that has changed your financial situation dramatically, assess what next steps are best for you. If you are living paycheck to paycheck just to keep up with creditors, look for ways in which you can get off the debt treadmill—getting credit cards and debt paid off not only saves money in fees and interest costs, it also creates a safety net should an unexpected event occur. While no one can fully prepare for the most catastrophic of life events, everyone can try to prepare for a more secure financial future.

New Bankruptcy Rules Temporarily Waived for Katrina Victims

Some of the new bankruptcy rules will be waived for people affected by Hurricane Katrina. The waiver applies to people who lived in any areas on August 29, 2005 that were declared by the President as part of the disaster. People seeking to file for bankruptcy do not need to be living in this area now or at the time they file for bankruptcy. Anyone who files for bankruptcy under the waiver must have been adversely affected by the Hurricane.

Specifically, the exceptions to the new bankruptcy act for Katrina victims are:

Means test. For Katrina victims, bankruptcy trustees will look at a person losing income, such as from their job, and how much their expenses have gone up. These are considered special circumstances and can mean a consumer may not have to meet the means test requirement.
Documents required. Katrina victims will not have to provide the amount of supporting paperwork that the new Act requires. This is because consumers may no longer have these documents or be able to get copies.
Location. Many people have been relocated or chosen to move out of the Hurricane Katrina area. Because of this, consumers will not, in most cases, have to return home to file for bankruptcy.
Credit requirements. The new law requires consumers to attend a meeting of creditors. However, Katrina victims will be treated with flexibility for this requirement. Bankruptcy trustees are allowed to waive the counseling requirement in a judicial district where consumers may not be able to receive credit counseling. This applies to consumers hit hardest by Katrina, including the eastern, middle, and western districts of Louisiana, and the southern district of Mississippi.

Consumer Self-Assessment: How Good are Your Money Management Skills?

2008-11-06T19:03:00.000-08:00

Directions: Choose the best answer for each question. Answer only the Bonus Questions that apply to you.

I have a financial record-keeping system in place at home to track income and expenses.
True False

I have a household spending plan or budget and use it.
True False

I regularly reconcile my checks and ATM withdrawals.
True False

I pay my bills on time.
True False

I compare offers from credit card companies before applying for credit.
True False

I pay more than the minimum on my credit card bill each month.
True False Not applicable / I do not have any credit cards.

I have requested and reviewed a copy of my credit report from at least one credit-reporting agency.
True False

I have identified immediate and long-term savings goals.
True False

I save money regularly.
True False

I have an emergency fund that covers three to six months of my living expenses.
True False

I put my money in low-risk savings products such as savings accounts, money market accounts, or certificates of deposit (CDs).
True False

I shop for the best interest rates for my savings vehicles.
True False

I review my annual Social Security statement from the Social Security Administration.
True False

I have calculated how much money I will need to retire comfortably.
True False

I am vested in an employer-funded pension plan.
True False Not applicable / I am not eligible for an employer pension plan.

I contribute regularly to an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan, such as a 401(k).
True False Not applicable / I am not eligible for an employer retirement savings plan.

I save money in a tax-advantaged Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
True False Not applicable / I am not eligible for an IRA.

I put my money in different types of investments to boost returns and reduce risk.
True False

I have a mutual fund.
True False

I don't dip into my retirement savings to cover other expenses.
True False

I have searched to find the lowest interest rates and fees on a home mortgage.
True False Not applicable / I do not own a home.

I have a will.
True False

I have adequate disability insurance.
True False

I have adequate life insurance.
True False Not applicable / I do not have dependents.

I have adequate health insurance.
True False

I have explored the pros and cons of long-term care insurance.
True False

I educate myself about financial issues.
True False

BONUS
I pay my credit card balances off in full each month.
True False

BONUS
I calculated how much money I will need for retirement, AND I adjust my savings plan as needed to ensure that I have the best chance of reaching my retirement savings goals.
True False

BONUS
I own my home outright (I either paid the full purchase price of my home without taking out a loan, or I have fully paid off my home loan).
True False

BONUS
I have a no-load mutual fund, a fund that does not charge me a transaction fee when I buy or redeem shares.
True False

Credit Card Fraud

2008-11-06T19:01:00.000-08:00

Not long ago a woman dined at a favorite restaurant. She paid by credit card. When she received her next credit card bill, though, she was shocked. She saw charges of several hundred dollars for things that she didn’t buy.

Credit card fraud is increasing. It costs businesses billions of dollars each year. And it costs you, too. Businesses pass these costs on to you in the form of higher prices, interest rates and fees. If you are victimized by a credit card scam, you also pay with your time and inconvenience getting your credit cleared.

You are not usually required to pay unauthorized charges – especially if you call the credit card company immediately after discovering a problem.

When the woman at the restaurant called her credit card company, they said she was a victim of “skimming” – a growing area of credit card theft. At the restaurant an employee probably ran her credit card twice, once for the meal charge and a second time on a magnetic card reader. The employee then copied the data onto a blank credit card and sold it to a third person or used it personally. The woman didn’t have to pay for the unauthorized charges.

Today, you, like most people, undoubtedly use credit cards routinely. Few people pay cash. Credit cards are just so convenient. And even though fraud is increasing, the good news, consumer advocates say, is that credit card theft is one of the easier crimes to prevent.

Credit card companies are taking steps to make the cards more secure. Some display a photograph of the cardholder so criminals can't make face-to-face purchases with a stolen credit card. Most cards have holograms, secret imprints, or hidden images so thieves have a harder time making a new credit card with a stolen card number.

Despite these improvements, you still be a victim of credit card fraud. Even though credit card companies usually won't make you pay for the merchandise that thieves buy, it can be nerve-wracking to lose a credit card or find unauthorized charges on your credit card bill. That's why it's important to protect your credit card, your credit card number, and your credit card sales slip.

Protect your credit cards:

Use common sense when it comes to your credit cards. Don’t lend your card to anyone else. If you want someone else to use your credit card, go with the person and do it yourself. Some other tips:

Only carry one or, at most, two credit cards.
Don't write your PIN (personal identification number) on your credit card. This prevents thieves from using your card and PIN to withdraw money at an ATM machine.
Write down the phone numbers of the credit card companies and keep them in a safe place to have them handy if a credit card is stolen or lost.
Immediately report lost or stolen cards to the credit card company. The credit card company can stop the thief by canceling your credit card and number.

Guard Your Credit Card Number

Thieves don’t need your credit card to charge merchandise to your account. They only need the card number. Criminals use stolen credit card numbers to make purchases over the phone or through the mail. Sophisticated lawbreakers can even make a new credit card with your name and number on it.

If you receive an offer for a new credit card in the mail and don’t intend to use it, cut up the application form into several pieces. Some crooks go through trash looking for discarded but still usable applications in your name. Also,

When checking out at store registers, shield your credit card from the people around you. Someone might be looking over your shoulder to copy your number.
Don't give your credit card number to telemarketers unless you are sure they represent a reputable company or you placed the call. Con artists pretend to sell you something just to get your credit card number.
Con artists also may pretend to be your credit card company or bank and say they need to verify your card number because of some “computer problem.” Don’t fall for this scam. Verify directly with the credit card company using the telephone number on your card, not the number the caller may give you. They number they give on the phone you may be false.
Make sure your transactions are accurate. Be on guard for dishonest merchants who might change your credit card slip after you sign it.
Always add up your charge slip before signing the credit card receipt. Don't leave blank spaces where additional amounts could be added.
Never sign a blank charge slip.

Check Those Receipts

Keep track of your credit card receipts as proof the purchases you actually authorized.
Read your monthly billing statement carefully to see if it includes purchases or transactions you did not make. Report any to the credit card company right away.
Always check your receipts against your billing statement. If you think a charge amount was changed, call your credit card company immediately.
Shred your receipts and anything with your credit card number on it. Thieves go through trash looking for this valuable information.

Credit Card Tips

2008-11-06T18:57:00.000-08:00

It is difficult to imagine trying to live without the convenience of credit cards. Yet many get into financial trouble in part due to their misuse of credit cards. By following a few simple rules you can avoid the missteps and use credit cards to improve you personal finances instead of falling into the credit card traps.

First, don't use your credit card for loans. Pay off your balance each month. Pretty obvious advice but way way too many people don't follow it. If you use your credit card for a loans - 98% of the time that is a mistake and big risk to your personal financial future. Don't do it. There is a reason pretty much all the advice from financial advisers on credit cards starts with this - it is the most important advice.

Second, if you don't follow the advise above pay off your loan as soon as possible. Payment the minimum payment is huge mistake. You should not be making any discretionary purchases if you are not paying down your credit card debt substantially each month.

Third, pay your credit card bill in full each month on time. The huge fees credit card companies charge if you are late should be avoided. I will admit I have slipped up occasionally but take great care to avoid paying you hard earned money in exorbitant fees.

Fourth, if following the advise above (which you should be) get a card that pays you for all your purchases. Straight cash is simplest and usually best but if you really want to take the time and effort to try and get more advantage through the use of airline miles or some such other gimmick go ahead.

Fifth, ask for reduced fees and interest rates (which you shouldn't have to worry about since you shouldn't use the credit card for loans but if you do...). The credit card companies make a great deal off the use of credit cards and the cost of acquiring new customers is high so they are most often willing to negotiate. If you miss a payment or make the payment late (by mistake, once or very occasionally) ask for a reduction in the fee. The fees are far too high and just by calling you can likely get a reduction in the fee.

Sixth, setup an automatic withdrawal of your monthly payment (the full payment) from your checking account. Of course you need to be sure you have the funds to cover these payments in full or you may incur fees not only for your credit card but from your bank. Many banks (and credit unions) will allow you to pre-arrange to have checks or deductions covered by the bank in the event you don't have the funds in your account though their may be a fee if they cover a payment for you.

Seventh, if you follow the advise above credit cards are a useful tool. You get to buy items and don't have to pay for them for a month or so (while you can be earning money on you money in a savings account or money market account). And since you are getting paid for a portion of your purchases you not only get a free loan for a month but get paid for the privilege.

If you don't follow the first piece of advice though you need to look at low interest rates over being paid - but don't go down that path.

Related tip: create a emergency cash reserve. Until you have built up a cash reserve of 3 month of living expense you should not be making many discretionary purchases. Once you have 3 months saved away then continue to build that to 6 months (but during that time feel free to spend some of your earnings on discretionary items).

Without the cash reserve it is too easy for anyone to take a financial hit and before you have a chance to get back on your feet be severely punished. Credit card companies take advantage of those that don't plan ahead: Don't Let the Credit Card Companies Play You for a Fool. And as soon as you slip huge fees, penalties and interest charges will start and you may have trouble getting out of the cycle of huge fees and interest. It is best to avoid every getting into that cycle.

Avoiding identity theft tip: shred your credit card statements before throwing them away.

TEN STEPS TO START SAVING MONEY ONLINE

2008-11-06T18:48:00.000-08:00

1. Develop a simple, easy-to-implement plan. Guess what? You're at the perfect place to begin

Figure out how much you could put toward paying off your credit card balance(s). Trim a little from your monthly miscellaneous expenses and begin paying more than your monthly minimum payment on each card as quickly as possible. Remember, paying off your credit card balance can be one of the highest-paying investments you can make.

Check to see if your company offers an employer-sponsored retirement plan – otherwise known as a “401(k) plan” (or “403(b) plan” if you work for a public agency or a nonprofit organization.) When you sign up to participate your employer will automatically deduct a certain amount of money (determined by you) from your regular paycheck and funnel it to this retirement plan (often you are able to choose which fund or funds the money is invested in.) The four biggest benefits to employer-sponsored retirement plans are:

the company does all the legwork for you;

it's an automatic payroll deduction so it forces you to save;

most companies will match a certain percentage of their employees' contributions, and

at least a portion of your contribution will be “pretax” so it will help lower your tax burden at the end of the year.

Open up an individual retirement account (“IRA”) through a local bank, credit union or brokerage fund. You can contribute up to $4,000 a year (up to $5,000 if you are age 50 or older) into this account which, for many people, is tax deductible. So you save in two ways – you're putting money away toward your retirement, and you'll pay less in taxes at the end of the year.

Make one extra mortgage payment per year. Write “to principal” in the memo portion of the check so your bank will know you want to apply the entire amount to your principal. By lowering your principal, you're also lowering the amount of interest you owe on your mortgage…which can lead to substantial savings and can cut years off your mortgage.

Keep a strict record of expenses for one month. Write down everything. Then at the end of the month review your list. Categorize your spending and you'll begin to see where you could cut back. You might be surprised by how much you can begin to save once you really know where your money is going!

Transfer your credit card debt to a card that charges a lower interest rate. When checking for a new card, make sure that you'll get the lower rate you want for at least 6 months. Read the fine print in the application. You may find that the bright red “7% offer!” on the envelope is what's known as a “teaser” and only lasts for a few months, when they'll jack the rate back up to 18, 20, or 22 percent, often without you noticing. If you have a good history of timely payments with your own credit card company, call and ask them to lower your interest rate and lower or waive some of the fees in return for your continued use of their card. Many companies are willing to do so. You can also log on to www.bankrate.com or check to see if your local library carries “Bank Rate Monitor” (BRM) newsletter to get a list of the best rates for credit card deals both in your state and nationwide. You can contact any of the banks listed for an application and transfer your balance. If you belong to a credit union you should check with them to take advantage of lower interest rates. If you're interested in comparing costs and services of your local bank with a credit union in your area you can contact the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) by logging on to their website or calling (800) 358-5710.

Have you checked out your utility bills lately? Taking even a few simple steps can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings. For example, lower your hot water heater to 120 degree (which is recommended for families with small children anyway) and you can save 10-15%. Check with your electric or gas company to see what peak hours are. You'll save money by doing your laundry or dishwashing at non-peak times. And yes, it may be painful to hear, but your father was right...you don't need to leave the lights on in every room. Flipping the switch can help save money. These are small, easy steps to take to save money that even your kids can do. Many energy companies will send you, free of charge, a list of energy-efficiency (read: money-saving) tips, or will even come to your home to do a free evaluation at your request.

Review your next phone bill to see how much you're paying for services that you don't really need. Do you call your sister in-state every weekend but rarely make out-of-state long-distance calls? Your phone company can let you know of a calling plan that will give you better rates for the calls you typically make. Check out what you're paying for long-distance fees. Often phone companies will reduce your rates if you call to say you're considering switching to a cheaper plan offered by their competitor.

Review your insurance policies. Are you paying for more coverage than you need? By visiting websites like www.quotesmith.com you can comparison shop for virtually any type of insurance policies including life insurance, homeowners insurance, disability, dental, even small business coverage. It's worth a few minutes of research to determine if you could lower your monthly insurance rates and still receive the coverage you and your family need.

Tips for Using Credit Wisely

2008-11-06T18:39:00.000-08:00

The first thing to know is that credit cards aren’t “bad.” It’s all about how you use them. Here are a few things to think about before getting, or first using, a credit card.

One of the most important things to know about credit cards is that a credit card is not like having “free” money. In fact, it’s really not money at all. It’s better to think of credit cards like a loan that someone expects you to pay back. And on top of that, they’re going to charge you money for making the loan. The company lending you the money is charging you a fee, called interest, to use their money. Over time that interest compounds, which mean that the interest you owe will be charged interest. It’s easy to see how quickly that money can add up to a hefty bill.

What does that mean to you? Well, if you have a credit card that charges 12% interest, before buying that new pair of shoes, or some “gotta’ have it” music or camping gear, tack on another 12% to the price you see in the store. That’s how much it’s going to cost you at the end of the year IF you don’t pay the card balance in full at the end of the month. So double-check your thinking before you charge…using credit is never free! As a general rule think about using credit cards the same way you use cash. One way to do that is to enter your credit card charges in your checkbook and subtract the charge from your balance. That way when the bill comes you can just send the check in knowing that you’ve already accounted for the bill. Try to avoid charging daily expenses that can run up quickly or perishables such as groceries or eating out. Try to use cash or check instead of credit cards for those expenses.

Use credit cards for large purchases if you’re disciplined to pay them off. Remember that you can find other financing for large purchases as well such as personal loans that may charge lower interest rates than your current credit card.

Before you dump credit cards once and for all, or feel like your credit cards will always control you instead of the other way around, be encouraged – it is possible to use credit cards wisely.

Online Shopping Kit

2008-10-20T19:47:00.000-07:00

The following tips can help you navigate the world of online shopping and enjoy minimal hassles at the same time.
1. Understand how PayPal works. When you open a PayPal account, you authorize PayPal to take money out of your bank account or charge online purchases to your credit card. This can be a nice service if you feel uneasy about sharing your credit-card information with a wide variety of online merchants. Merchants never see your personal information; they just receive money from PayPal, an eBay company.

2. Decide how you want to pay. PayPal’s default maneuver is to withdraw money straight from your bank account rather than charge purchases to your credit card. If you want to pay with your credit card, you must remember to adjust the payment setting by clicking the “More Funding Options” link before you pay.

3. It’s better to use your credit card. That way you’ll be able to dispute charges and potentially get them reversed if anything goes awry. Such disputes will be much harder to resolve if the money has already been taken out of your account.

4. Don’t respond to unsolicited e-mails. Did you ever get an e-mail message that appears to be from PayPal or another legitimate-looking outfit, asking you to click on a Web link and update your account information? Never, ever do that! This is one of the biggest online scams around. (Don’t respond to unsolicited phone calls of this nature, either.)

5. Take the initiative. If you’re concerned that PayPal or another institution might really need to reach you, go ahead and contact them directly – but not via the e-mail message you received. Since PayPal’s toll-free number can be hard to find, here it is: 1-800-854-1366. Its non-toll-free customer-service number is (402) 935-2050.

6. Type in Web site addresses yourself. By doing this instead of simply clicking on a link that gets sent to you, you’ll dramatically increase your chances of reaching a legitimate site.

7. Look for signs of security. When you reach the point of payment or of sharing your personal information, the Web site should be secure. The address of a secure site contains an “s” after the “http:”, like so: “https:”. Internet browsers also display an icon such as a gold padlock to verify that the site is secure.

Nigerian Alternative to Clickbank

2008-10-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

1. What is InfoMart?
InfoMart is an online marketing system that provides people the opportunity to buy, sell and market high quality digital products/services using FasteCash payment system. You can make an extra-ordinary profit with your digital products and services by selling on FasteCash InfoMart platform.

2. How can I buy products from InfoMart?
To buy a product from InfoMart, you will have to log on to the website. Click Buy Products at the top of the homepage.You will see the list and prices of all the available products. You can then select the product you want to buy from the list.

3. Must I have a FasteCash Account to be able to buy a product from InfoMart?
No, you do not need to have an account with FasteCash before you can buy a product from InfoMart. You can pay for a product using your Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card. That is, if you have an account with any Nigerian bank that is connected to Interswitch system. You can buy using your card without opening a FasteCash account. But, having a FasteCash account gives you the opportunity to monitor your transactions and save money on Interswitch transfer charges.

4. How can I sell my products on InfoMart?
Before you can be able to sell your products on InfoMart, you must have a Premium or Classic account.
You can sell your products in the InfoMart by following this procedure;
From the home page, click on Sell Products at the top navigation bar.
Enter your username and password.
Click on the Submit button.
The Accounts Username page appears
Click on My Products at the sub-top menu of the page
Click on Add New Products.
Enter your product title, your Url, select your product category from the drop down menu list at the front of “Category”, select a product sub-category for your product, enter the price of your product, the description of the product, enter your “Success Url” and “Fail Url” and then, click on the Submit button.
Your product will be added to the data base and will be seen on the site once it is approved.

On how to monetize this platform
email: gospelchuks@gmail.com with the title: Fastecash Expo

Car Rental Using Credit Card

2008-10-20T03:43:00.001-07:00

1. Call around and compare. If your rental options are flexible, find the rental car agency with the fewest hoops to jump through -- or at the least, the fewest number of restrictions. Consider a company such as Rent-A-Wreck, which generally has more relaxed policies toward non-credit-card renters than its competitors. Call several branches of the same company, as policies often vary from lot to lot. Compare whatever you hear from the rental agents to what you read on the corporate Web site. In short, do your homework.

2. Give yourself some time. While paying with credit cards allows you to quickly drive a car off the lot and then return it without ever having to stand in line at a rental car counter, you don't have that luxury when paying by other means. Yours will not be a typical transaction for the company, and smart travelers will allow themselves more time both when picking up and dropping off rental cars. Paying with a debit card or cash may mean standing in line longer, waiting while the agent confers with a manager, does a credit check, verifies your ID and insurance or calls your bank. Remember O.J. Simpson in those old Hertz TV commercials sprinting through the airport? That's so not you. Factor in enough time to arrive at your destination or catch your flight.

3. Have your debit card ready. Many car rental customer service representatives contacted by CreditCards.com first said you cannot rent without a credit card, but when pressed, said debit cards are accepted. Some locations allow customers to pay their final bill with cash, but you will need some sort of plastic -- either a debit or credit card -- to drive a car off the lot. This is the reality, so be prepared.

4. Know your "holds" and "blocks." When using a debit card, plan ahead. Count on a $200 to $500 deposit -- known as a "hold" -- being placed on the checking or savings account linked to your debit card. This is in addition to the cost of the rental car. These holds can tie up your money -- meaning you won't have access to your own money -- for 24 hours to as much as 14 days. Rental car companies say the amount of time varies depending on how long it takes your bank to release the funds. Make sure you have sufficient funds in the checking or savings accounts to cover the full rental cost and deposit as well as any other transactions you plan to make. To learn more about holds and blocks, read the CreditCards.com article "Gas buyers fume at card limits, blocks."

5. Visa or MasterCard or walk? Not every agency accepts every card. Avis, for example, only accepts debit cards with Visa or MasterCard logos. Check to see if your card matches the rental company's requirements.

6. Expect a credit check. Many rental car companies run credit checks on renters paying with debit cards. Think about it: If you don't have a credit card, it may be a red flag to the rental car companies that you are a credit risk and should not be trusted with a $20,000 to $30,000 vehicle. Be aware that credit checks show up on your credit report as inquiries. Too many inquiries can have a negative effect on your credit score and potentially hurt your chances of getting a mortgage or other types of loans. If you already know you have bad credit, it may be best to look for alternative means of transportation or find another driver with good credit and a credit card to help you make the trip.

7. Bring your papers. Some rental car locations require customers not paying with credit cards to provide a recent utility bill, proof of auto insurance and a return plane ticket or itinerary. Don't get caught without the right paperwork.

8. Names must match. If you've thought about using a friend or parent's credit card or debit card to rent a car, think again. The names on the credit cards and debit cards, driver's licenses, insurance cards and other documentation (i.e., airline ticket, utility bill) must match or they will not rent you the car.

9. Local? Don't expect a warm welcome. Some companies allow only out of town -- or out of state -- customers to rent vehicles without credit cards. These agents also require customers to show a return or round-trip airline ticket or a copy of your trip itinerary (for e-ticket purchasers).

10. Size matters. Several agencies ban rental of luxury cars, large SUVs or other specialty cars if customers are not paying with credit cards.

11. Age matters. Are you under 25 years old? Many companies will not rent to you if you're under 25. Some National and Thrifty car rental agencies, however, will rent to those 21 years and older, providing you pay an additional $25 to $35 a day fee.

12. Go with the flow: Use a credit card. Some people are dead set against racking up credit card debt, or simply don't have good credit. The reality, however, is that the car rental system heavily favors customers who use credit cards. Playing by their rules will save time and money.

Credit Card Tips While Traveling Abroad

2008-10-20T03:27:00.000-07:00

Credit Card Tips

CREDIT CARDS I have heard many for her stories involving people traveling with their credit cards. But with all the stories and I've heard, many of them might have been resolved with minor disruption, if the travelers would have done these simple things. Number 1: Anytime you travel you should make photo copies of all of your credit cards airline tickets and documents, both front and back. You should leave these photocopies with a friend, and had a copy of these Xeroxes in your luggage. That way if you ever lose a credit card you can get it canceled right away. The majority of problems with the cancellation of credit cards occur when you travel internationally. Many travelers forget who the credit card is with, it's then many wasted hours calling United States and trying to find out which bank or institution the credit card was with. That's where the photocopies come in handy. Number 2:If you travel with someone, especially a husband or wife, I would make sure you travel with individual credit cards in separate names. The reason for this is simple. Many families have one credit card issued to them. Many families have one credit card account number one have individual cards issued to each person. The problem with this is if one person were lose their credit card, the others person's credit card would be canceled also, and you would have to wait until card was sent to you and three to five days. By each traveler having his or her own separate credit card, if one was lost, you could survive on the other credit card for a few days until the other is replaced.

Number 3:Automatic Credit card deactivation can spoil a vacation. Some banks and credit unions cut off credit cards that are used 6 or more times in one day, to try and stop thieves from using stolen cards. If this happens to you overseas, you may find it difficult or impossible to have your card reactivated. Before going on an overseas trip on which you will use your credit cards, notify your credit card companies that you will be away overseas. This will let then know that your card has not been compromised.

Number 4:You always read tips about making photocopies of your credit cards when traveling and placing these copies in the bottom of your luggage. This tips is given by individuals in the proper spirit, however this can actually put you at greater risk of experiencing credit card fraud. Anyone who winds up with your luggage will have access to your credit card numbers and expiration dates. Anyone rifling your suitcases can take the copies or make copies of your copies for their use, ordering merchandise via the telephone.Instead, if you want to keep a copy of your credit card numbers, do so of the front and back so you have the phone numbers to call your bank if needed but most importantly, block out (making sure it cannot be read) or cut out the expiration dates and names on the face of the cards. This will make it harder if the copies fall into the wrong hands. While your liability in stolen credit card cases is limited to $50/card, this can quickly add up if multiple cards are involved.

Number 5:When traveling abroad and using a credit card, watch out for the conversion fee that many banks charge to convert charges in foreign currencies to dollars. As with traveler's check- some banks do and some banks don't charge a fee, generally 1% of the purchase amount. So if you have several cards, it's worth checking with the issuers to see which one offers the best deal on foreign currency con- version. Then weigh this against other factors. Note: The conversion fee is not included in the legally required disclosure box that appears in credit-card promotional material. Even with the conversion charge, many times ATM machines will have the best possible exchange rates and the lowest fees.

Important: Have your PIN number converted to four digits before departing on a trip, as most foreign ATMs will not respond to six-digit PINS.
Many foreign ATMs only accept four-digit PIN numbers. If your PIN is longer, check with your financial institution about changing it before you leave the country. Sometimes it's as simple as going to your own bank's ATM and changing it yourself.
Apart from ATMs, the best locations for exchanging U.S. into foreign currency are banks, the biggest ones you can find. They offer fairly decent rates and low fees, and do much better for you than the commercial money-changing kiosks and storefront establishments. Never use the latter.

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2008-10-08T06:32:00.000-07:00

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2008-10-08T06:11:00.000-07:00

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MAKE MONEY WITH YOUTUBE

2008-10-08T06:04:00.000-07:00

Google will now allow you to make money off the videos you upload to YouTube. Partners are independent video creators and media companies who are looking for online distribution and who meet YouTube’s qualifications. Becoming a partner gives you the ability to share in ad revenue from your YouTube videos.

Why Is YouTube Doing This?The answer is, they can’t. YouTube is hiding behind the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) to protect themselves from claims of copyright violations.

In order to hide behind the act, YouTube cannot make money off the videos uploaded by its user base. If they do, copyright holders can go after YouTube for the income (plus damages) those videos made instead of just telling YouTube to remove the videos.Now YouTube is offering this partner program to everyone who qualifies.

What Are The Requirements?

Before you can apply for the YouTube Partner Program, your must meet all the following requirements.

1)You create original videos suitable for online streaming.

2)You own the copyrights and distribution rights for all audio and video content that you upload — no exceptions

.3)You regularly upload videos that are viewed by thousands of YouTube users

.4)You live in the United States or Canada.

Protect your kids, your finance (Kids and Credit Cards)

2008-10-07T06:46:00.000-07:00

Kids and Credit Cards
More and more teens and college students have credit cards. Card companies target both groups because they are a fast-growing group with money to spend. While student cards are easy to get, the card companies commonly charge hefty fees and interest rates to teenage card-holders. Smaller credit limits are common with these cards.

People under the age of 18 are not legally allowed to obtain credit cards without their parents' consent. But younger children have filled out forms and received cards without their parents finding out. Talk to your child and help them understand that their first credit card provides an opportunity to begin building a solid credit history-something of major importance to their future.

Parents: Read the Fine Print with your TeenagerParents should be sure to read all the terms with their children, especially with co-signed cards, because parents commonly come to the rescue if bills get out of control. If a young person has his or her own credit history, he or she may be able to qualify for a regular credit card and get a better deal.

Keep a Teenager out of Credit TroubleExperts in debt and credit management strongly advise that students use the cards for emergencies only. The high fees and penalties can cause problems that stay around longer than the teen years. A credit card used by a teenager and paid for by a parent created bad credit habits.
Secured cards are an option for teens and students. Ask if your child's account can be linked to yours. You can keep refilling the teen's or student's accounts as they go along. This allows parents to keep track of their children's account activity, and limit spending.

Credit Cards Types

2008-10-07T06:39:00.000-07:00

Types of Credit Cards

Not all credit cards work the same way. Cards can carry different privileges and different responsibilities for the cardholder. There are a number of different kinds of cards.

No-Fee CardsNo-fee credit cards do not charge you for the card. These cards generally carry a higher interest rate. Some have penalties for late payments, too. Know what you are getting when you sign up for a card. There is no such thing as a free lunch or free credit card.

Cards with Limited CreditIf you have a history of slow or bad debt or have a limited debt history you may have to start with a limited credit card—one with a low limit. The cards generally carry an application fee, but they do allow you to establish (or re-establish) credit after it's been damaged. Consistent payments lead to an improved credit history.

Low-Interest-Rate CardsLow-interest-rate cards make carrying a balance from one month to the next less costly. Because the card has a low annual percentage rate (APR), finance fees stay low, but these cards have limited benefits and services.

Cash-Reward CardsCash-reward cards offer a rebate on purchases made with the card. Depending on the card and on how much you spend each month, this can mean between .025 percent and 2 percent of the amount charged each month coming back as cash back. Some cards apply the rebate to the monthly statement; others send you a check once a year.

Business CardsThese cards are used by business managers to make business-related purchases. Cardholders can take advantage of various discounts for business-related services and products. The cards also provide quarterly and/or yearly financial reports to aid in bookkeeping and filing income taxes, but they cannot be used for personal purchases.
Secured CardsSecured cards are another way to improve damaged credit. You deposit money into a savings account that acts as collateral against your credit line. They generally offer limited benefits and services. Secured cards are often complex to set up and have higher fees than other cards.

Home-Secured Credit CardsThese credit cards are connected to a home equity line of credit. Each time the card is used, it's like taking out a mortgage loan and using your house as collateral. Home-secured credit cards are almost always a bad idea for one simple reason—the potential consequence of nonpayment is loss of your home by foreclosure

Avoiding Credit Card Problems

2008-10-07T06:37:00.000-07:00

Avoiding Credit Card Problems
Credit cards, if used properly, can be useful and convenient, and can even help build a strong credit history that will help you with future activities like home-buying, paying for higher education, and even finding a job. Before you apply for a card, or allow your teenager to, consider the pros and cons.

Pros
You can use a credit card to purchase a product or service that you need now but can't pay for all at once. For example, if your car breaks down, you may not have enough cash on hand for the repairs. A credit card can help you get your car fixed and on the road and pay for the repairs over time.

Credit cards are often the only way to make airline, hotel, or rental car reservations.
Credit cards allow you to buy over the phone or online.
Carrying credit cards is safer than carrying cash.
Credit cards can be particularly useful in short-term emergencies.

Depending on your terms and conditions, your card give you purchase protection, travel insurance, frequent-flier miles, or cash-back bonuses.

Using a credit card helps establish a positive credit history, as long as you use it wisely.
Cons

Interest and fees may outweigh the financial benefits of frequent flier miles or other benefits.
Having a credit card makes it easy to spend money you don't have.

Bad credit debt could affect your future applications for mortgages, other installment loans--even job applications and insurance coverage.

If you think of your available credit as an emergency fund, you are likely to find yourself in more debt than you can afford.

Making Money From Balance Transfers

2008-10-07T06:33:00.000-07:00

Making Money From Balance Transfers
Balance transfers have long been a mainstay of credit card marketing,ever since Egg first introduced them to the UK back in 2000. Much is made of their ability to save the cardholder money by not having to pay interest on their balance for a period of months.
Initially, this period was typically six months, but now fifteen months or even longer is possible with 0% of offers. You can get even longer deals if you're prepared to pay a discounted rate of interest rather than no interest at all, and in some cases you can have your interest charges fixed at around 5% for the entire life of your debt- which is much cheaper than most other forms of finance such as personal loans.
There's no arguing that balance transfers can indeed be a moneysaver for people carrying a debt, but crafty cardholders can also use the facility to actually make money rather than just saving it.
'Stoozing'
The first technique, named Stoozing after an internet user who first described it, is fairly well known. Basically, you take advantage of the fact that many balance transfer cards also allow you to transfer overdraft debt onto them, rather than just debts on other credit cards. You can use this to your advantage by using your new balance transfer card to make a payment to your bank, using your entire credit limit to pay off an 'overdraft' that doesn't actually exist, leaving you with cleared cash in your account.
You can then transfer these funds to a high interest savings account, leaving it to sit and earn money for you for the whole of the balance transfer period. You then use the money to clear your card debt before the 0% period is up, and you'll be left with no debt and a nice chunk of earned interest.
This used to be an incredibly powerful technique, and really could earn you a significant amount of money back in the days when balance transfers were plentiful and free, The introduction of transfer fees made Stoozing less profitable, but with recent rises in the savings rates available, it is now becoming viable once more, as the high interest earnings more than cancel out the transfer fee.
Offsetting
The second technique is really just a refinement of the first, and only applicable to people with offset bank accounts. With this type of banking, you can 'offset' your savings against your mortgage, reducing the amount of interest you pay.
In essence, you can use your savings to effectively reduce the amount you owe on your home - so instead of earning interest on savings, you'll be paying less interest on your mortgage. This usually works out to be a more profitable way of using surplus funds, as mortgage rates tend to be higher than savings rates, and you also avoid the tax payments involved with interest earnings.
The twist here is that you can use a 0% balance transfer facility to offset your mortgage for the period of the introductory offer, potentially saving you a lot of money. Further, you could use a lifetime balance transfer, which providing it is charged at a lower rate than your mortgage, could keep making you savings for years into the future.
Both these techniques are potentially nice little earners - not something usually associated with credit cards - but it's vital to be disciplined and make sure that you pay off your debt before the introductory period ends so as to avoid being charged interest, which will seriously erode any profits you've made.

HOW TO USE YOUR ALTERNATIVES VISA CARD FOR CASH

2008-10-07T06:30:00.000-07:00

HOW TO USE YOUR ALTERNATIVES VISA CARD FOR CASH
To get cash with your Alternatives VISA Card, you must know your Personal Identification Number (PIN) which you received from VISA. Since not all ATMs are alike, directions vary with different ATMs, but ATMs are generally user friendly. All ATMs will treat your transaction as a credit card cash advance, so select "credit card cash advance" rather than "checking account." If you receive a message "invalid transaction" or something similar, try another selection.

Alternatives VISA Debit Card - Maximum cash withdrawal at ATMs $1,000 per day.

Alternatives VISA Credit Card - Maximum cash withdrawal at ATMs $300 per transaction, $1,005 per day

WHEN WILL THE ATM CAPTURE YOUR CARD?
Should you have any difficulty when using your Alternatives VISA Card, please contact us with as much information about your transaction as possible so we can research the problem. Your card may be captured by the ATM if you make several attempts with an invalid PIN or if you have reported your card lost or stolen. It will also retain your card if you forget to remove your card from the machine or if the machine is malfunctioning. If your card is captured by the machine there is no way to retrieve it. Your card will eventually be returned, already destroyed, to the Credit Union. You will need to contact the Credit Union to have a new card issued. The fee is $10.00.

TRANSACTIONS ON YOUR STATEMENT
For Credit Union purposes an ATM cash advance is a cash withdrawal from your checking account. It will appear on your statement in your checking suffix and will indicate the ATM location and amount of the transaction.

An Alternative for Ebay Sellers

2008-10-07T06:23:00.000-07:00

ProPay Announces Details of Electronic Payment Alternative for eBay Sellers
Specializes in Providing the Industry's Most Comprehensive Suite of Services for Advanced Sellers

ProPay, a comprehensive provider of simple, safe and affordable merchant payment solutions, today announced further details of its electronic merchant services for eBay sellers. As was recently announced by eBay, starting in late October 2008 eBay is moving to 100% electronic payments - credit cards, ProPay, or PayPal. ProPay's greatest specialty is in serving the advanced power sellers who accept or who plan to accept credit cards in both eBay and off eBay transactions.

According to eBay, items paid for with check or money order are 80 percent more likely to result in an item not received (INR) than those paid with credit card. Also, buyers who pay with check or money order are 50 percent more likely to leave negative feedback than those who pay with electronic methods. eBay hopes to reduce these numbers by integrating more electronic payment offerings in order to make the checkout process faster and more reliable for sellers and buyers.

ProPay Accounts and Pricing
eAuction Account
With today's announcement, ProPay has unveiled the ProPay eAuction Account for eBay Silver power sellers and higher. It will be available from ProPay in late October. It will have a $24 annual fee ($2 per month, billed annually at sign up), with a $24 rebate processing credit offered to sellers who process $3,000 or more with ProPay during their first 6 months after signing up. The transaction fees will be very similar to competitors' virtual terminal transaction fees.

ProPay is fully integrated into eBay checkout. Buyers do not provide their banking information or log into or sign up for ProPay accounts. Buyers simply enter their credit or debit card information, making their checkout quicker and easier. And many buyers prefer paying with credit cards because of the convenience, broader protection and rewards.

In early 2009, the eAuction account is expected to be available for Bronze power sellers.
eAuction Pro Account

Late this year, ProPay will unveil the eAuction Pro Account for eBay Silver power sellers and higher who sell on eBay and need additional, specialized services for processing credit and debit cards in face-to-face and other situations. This account will add processing options such as ProPay's:
-- online virtual terminal
-- touch-tone phone processing
-- e-mail invoice
-- direct API integration
-- secure card reader

The annual fee for this account will be $240 ($20 per month, billed annually upfront at sign up). The transaction fees will be identical to the eAuction account and very similar to competitors' virtual terminal transaction fees.

ProPay Card Reader
ProPay's secure card reader allows sellers to remotely "swipe" and process credit cards safely. The card holder information is immediately encrypted and, with an internet connection, processed real time through ProPay's virtual terminal. If internet access is not available, the information is stored for later processing, eliminating the need to manually record or key in credit card information.

Since 1997, ProPay has led the market in providing simple, safe and affordable credit card processing and electronic payment services for businesses ranging from the small, home-based entrepreneur to multi-billion-dollar enterprises.

ProPay understands the unique needs of these businesses and has created merchant services specifically for them. With ProPay, merchants can set up an account online and begin accepting credit cards without buying special equipment and making long-term commitments or investments. ProPay leads out in educating merchants of every size about how to reduce or eliminate the risk of touching or holding sensitive cardholder data. The company also leads the payments market in the development of end-to-end data security solutions and alternative payment options that can significantly reduce risk and operating costs.

Using an Alternative Visa Debit Card

2008-10-07T06:08:00.000-07:00

Alternatives VISA Debit Card Alternatives

VISA Debit Card works like a plastic check, and is accepted wherever VISA is recognized. All purchases or cash withdrawals at ATMs are deducted directly from your checking account. Transactions appear on your regular Alternatives monthly statement with your other checking transactions.

The Alternatives VISA Debit Card is ideal if you wish to establish credit or improve your credit rating with Alternatives Credit Union. If used responsibly, it can help you qualify down the road for a other Credit Union loans or the Alternatives Credit Card. The Alternatives Debit Card is also for people who just don't like credit cards but would like the convenience of a VISA card. The Alternatives Debit Card has no annual fee. They charge $1 ATM cash withdrawal fee except at Alternatives ATMs.

Alternatives VISA Debit Card with Line-of-CreditA combination debit and credit card, Visa Debit with Line-of-Credit gives you the best of both worlds: access to your Alternatives checking account, and a line-of-credit when you're short of funds. Transactions are first deducted from your checking account, then from your line-of-credit if there are no funds available in checking. You might think of it as an extra cushion for emergencies. Once the credit line is activated, you have a loan balance, interest begins to accrue and monthly payments are expected.