Credit Cards      
All credit cards are not created equal
Many people think that all credit cards have basically have the same fees. This is not true. You should understand that "fees" increase your effective credit card interest rate and finance charges. Being selective in your choices of the cards you get might save you money and fees. Here are some hints and suggestions.
Read more
· Prepaid cards explained
· Credit card fact or fiction, part III
· Changes to look for in your credit card statement
· Wise credit card moves for 2009
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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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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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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.
Read more
· 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.
Read more
· 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.
Read more
· 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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Don’t stop paying until the ink is dry
Until you receive verification from the student loan consolidation lenders, you are still required to make all payments on your student loans. Read more
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Banking
CD laddering explained
By laddering your certificates of deposit (CDs) you can have a relatively constant flow of money to allow you to take advantage of current interest rates. Find out what CD laddering is, how it works, and ways you can use it to your advantage, even with modest amounts of money.
Read more
· Health savings accounts (HSAs) explained
· Banking fact or fiction, part III
· All about certificates of deposit
· What to look for in a checking account
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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?
Read more
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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.
Read more
· 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.
Read more
· 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.
Read more
· 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?"
Read more
· 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
Homeowners insurance 101
If you own the home that you live in, you must have homeowners insurance – no exceptions. Are there any circumstances when you don't need this coverage? Or are there any situations when you could decline to buy it? Read on for answers to these important questions and more.
Read more
· About homeowners insurance and natural disasters
· The effect of a new pool on your homeowners policy
· The basics of home insurance coverage
· How much homeowners insurance do you need?
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Why you need renter’s insurance
Renter’s insurance covers personal property from damage or loss. In addition to personal liability coverage, it can provids living expenses should your apartment become uninhabitable. Read more
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Calculators
:: More calculators
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 Home Budget Analysis Calculator
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Exactly where is your money going each month? Calculate and analyze your current monthly expenses and identify areas for improvement.
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Balance Transfer Calculator
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Determine the best distribution of your credit card debt. Determine which balance transfers will produce the greatest savings.
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