Credit Cards      
Credit card fact or fiction, part IV
It is curious why so many myths surround credit cards considering that almost everyone has at least one and they've been a major source of unsecured credit lines for many years. In the last part of a four-part series, here's how to separate fact from fiction when it comes to credit card use.
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· All credit cards are not created equal
· Prepaid cards explained
· Credit card fact or fiction, part III
· Changes to look for in your credit card statement
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Car rentals and loss damage waivers
The Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) sold by car rental companies is sometimes seen as price gouging. Although the price can be high, some insurance agents recommend it. Read more
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Auto Insurance
Tips on how to change car insurance companies
It is only natural for people to go after the better deal - especially if it involves their car insurance. If you will be a little patient going through the process, you can find the better coverage with the cheapest rates. Here's what you need to do if you decide to switch to a new car insurance company.
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· 5 sure-fire ways to higher auto insurance premiums
· Gap insurance explained
· Know the different types of auto insurance coverage
· Read the fine print on your auto insurance policy
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Factor in longevity credits
Shopping around for a better insurance premium may save you money, but at some point it may hurt you to jump from carrier to carrier. Read more
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Internet Service
Questions to ask before signing up with a new ISP
Choosing a new Internet service provider (ISP) can be a frustrating experience for many different reasons. To improve this experience, learn all you can about prospective new ISPs before you make any commitments. Read on for some suggestions to help you decide on your next ISP.
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· All ISPs are not created equal
· Read the fine print in your ISP contract
· DSL or cable Internet: Which is better?
· Broadband vs. dial-up: Which is the best?
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Six reasons to use automatic payments
If you haven't signed up for automatic payments for regular monthly bills, here are six reasons you should. Read more
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Auto Loans
Ultimate guide to auto financing
Auto financing options include dealer and bank or credit union loans, leasing, and direct loans from auto sellers. Car loans have changed due to this economic downturn and it is important to understand them. Note, that some financing options change during a down economy. Here's more of what you need to know.
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· Gap insurance explained
· Understanding the Truth in Lending Act
· Pros and cons of auto leasing
· Leasing vs. buying: Determining the best option
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Always avoid late payments
It happens to everyone at some point in life. As soon as you know you can't cover all of the bills due, make a priority list. Read more
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Health Insurance
Five ways to save money on health insurance
Saving money on health insurance is important to everyone. But don't just compare monthly premiums, as the most appealing option from a cost perspective may have major "gaps" in the coverage you might need. Here are some tips to help you control your costs while still receiving proper medical coverage.
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· Health savings accounts (HSAs) explained
· Health insurance 101
· COBRA health insurance explained
· A look at the Recovery and Reinvestment Act
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Consider a health savings account
HSA accounts are an affordable health care option for the self-employed, unemployed, or those whose employers are cutting back on health care benefits. Read more
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Student Loans
Private vs. Federal student loans
The debate regarding private versus Federal student loans can sometimes be a misunderstood one. Read on for an in-depth explanation of the primary similarities and differences as part of an detailed comparison of the two main education financing choices.
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· Understanding the Truth in Lending Act
· Private student loans explained
· Understanding the subtleties of student loans
· Benefits of student loan consolidation
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Student loan consolidation incentives
Did you know that your original student loan lender might offer you better incentives for consolidating your college loans with them? Read more
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Banking
Banking fees 101
It seems that banks have fees for almost every type of activity. ATM fees, overdraft fees, stop payment fees and early withdrawal fees are a few of many that can catch you unaware. Here are some of the more common fees, what they might cost, and recommendations on how to avoid them.
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· CD laddering explained
· Health savings accounts (HSAs) explained
· Banking fact or fiction, part III
· All about certificates of deposit
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Online banking gaining popularity
A recent study showed an increase in the number of U.S. households that use some form of online banking. Will the trend continue?
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Home Loans
Is now the right time to refinance?
This question requests universal answers that simply don't exist. The "best" time to refinance may be very different for you than the "best" time for your next door neighbor. Here are some factors you should know to make the right decision about refinancing your home mortgage.
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· Banking changes to expect in the remainder of 2009
· A primer for the first-time home buyer
· A look at the Recovery and Reinvestment Act
· Home loan changes to expect in the remainder of 2009
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Mini-guide to home loan modification
The government has set aside $75 billion to give renewed hope to some stressed homeowners. Can you get help? Read more
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Cell Phones
Ultimate guide to choosing a cell phone and service plan
Shopping for a cell phone and service plan can be a mind-numbing experience if you don't prepare yourself with a little research beforehand. There are more service providers than there are regions and more cell phone models than you can imagine. Read on for tips on making the right choices.
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· Local vs. national calling plans
· Family and shared cell phone plans explained
· Questions to ask before getting a new cell phone
· Control long distance costs with prepaid calling cards
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What is a family or shared plan?
Shared plan (often called a family plan) options are a fairly recent and wonderful option offered by many wireless carriers. Read more
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Life Insurance
How your lifestyle can affect your life insurance premium
Did you know that different aspects of your lifestyle can have an effect on how much life insurance premium insurance companies charge you? Aside from your age and medical history, other aspects that can have an effect on life insurance costs include your habits, line of work, hobbies/recreational activities, and more.
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· Questions to ask before getting a new life insurance policy
· Ultimate guide to buying life insurance
· Read the fine print on your life insurance policy
· Guide to buying term life insurance
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Review your life insurance coverage
If it has been more than a few years since you purchased your life insurance policy it may be time for an insurance checkup. Read more
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Long Distance
Are calling cards still relevant?
In this day and age with cell phones everywhere, VoIP services bringing down long distance charges, and all of the other wonders of modern technology at your finger tips, it is natural to look at older technology and ask the question, "Are calling cards still relevant today?"
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· VoIP fact sheet
· Control long distance costs with prepaid calling cards
· The value of toll free numbers
· Voice over IP - The future is now
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Don’t automatically choose the cheapest plan
It is best to consider the more indirect factors (other than per minute cost) of the long distance plans you're evaluating to be sure you have purchased the best option for you. Read more
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Homeowners Insurance
Questions to ask when choosing a home insurance plan
In many ways, buying homeowners insurance is like dining at a fine restaurant where everything is a la carte. Most homeowners insurance policies are more of a custom variety instead of standard one. Knowing the right questions to ask helps you get the coverage you need at prices you can afford.
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· Homeowners insurance 101
· About homeowners insurance and natural disasters
· The effect of a new pool on your homeowners policy
· The basics of home insurance coverage
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Factor in longevity credits
Shopping around for a better insurance premium may save you money, but at some point it may hurt you to jump from carrier to carrier. Read more
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Calculators
:: More calculators
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 Credit Card Payoff Calculator
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Use this calculator to see what it will take to payoff your credit card balance, and what you can change to meet your repayment goals.
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Mortgage Required Income Calculator
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Use this calculator to determine how much income you need to qualify for a mortgage and how different interest rates affect your required income.
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