Potential Money Savings: $450-1000/yr.

Potential Money Savings: $200-$700/yr.

(depends on debt,rates and paid amounts)

POTENTIAL MONEY SAVINGS: $200-$800/yr.

1. Watch out about carrying balances. Pay off balances each month. If you can't afford to pay for it at the end of the month, don't buy it. Try putting what that extra payment would be in a seperate account until you have enough saved to purchase for cash or with just that last month's payment left which can be charged and then paid off on time.


2. Fixed rates aren't always fixed! A credit card company can change the rate by informing you 15 days before changing the rate. That's usually not enough time to get a new card and transfer a balance. This is when a 2nd card for "emergency" uses can come in handy.
   


3. There is usually a large finance charge for cash advances and interest begins accruing as soon as you take the money out, not after the next statement closing. Cash advances can pile up quickly and really mess up your card balance and payment amounts. Don't do it if you can help it! Look for things to sell or a side-job you can do for a little extra money.
   


4. Be aware of annual fees. Many times you are charged $50 or more just to have the card. Check around for the lowest fee you can find if this is the way you decide to proceed.
   


5. 5. Watch out for introductory offers! When you receive a credit card offer in the mail with a low rate, it may expire in three or six months. Note when and by how much the rate increases after the "introductory offer" expires. You may not remember when it expires, but the card company will!


6. Look at your statement carefully and call the company right away if you have any questions.


7. Think about your purchases.If you are not able to afford the purchase now, chances are you won't be able to afford it in a month when the credit card bill comes in! As hard as it is to do at first, learn to put money away weekly to save for your item and pay cash or only charge that last month's savings.

1. Keep your card active!
   
   Instead of leaving your card inactive charge at least a very small amount. What you want to do is manipulate your credit report to look like you pay on time every month. Your credit bureau does not record how much you pay. Therefore, if you charge only $15 and pay it all off on time, you get credited for a "1". Do this if you have zero for a balance. Do not do this if you already have a balance.
   
   Most people who pay off a card put it away to avoid temptation. This strategy of charging a small amount each month will make your credit report look better.



2. Work with the retention department as opposed to the customer service personnel.
   
   Have you ever seen a $10 late fee appear on your statement? When you call they will tell you that they received your payment a little late. The person in customer service says that it is policy to charge this fee. At this point, you should politely ask as a "courtesy" that they waive the fee.
   
   There may be real, legitimate reasons why they received the payment late (post office delays, system backlogs...). Regardless, ask this person in customer service to waive the fee.
   
   If they do not agree to waive the fee and you feel as if you have a legitimate point, then you should state that you would like to cancel the account and take your credit card business elsewhere (you're probably getting at least 2-3 card offers in your mail every couple of days, right?). At this point, they will then either: waive the late charge or transfer you to n "account closing specialist".
   
   This "specialist" is really going to be a smooth talker and his/her job is to keep your account. Working with the "account closing specialist" in the retention department is your best bet when it comes to getting results. Just talk sweetly and with purpose and this will work about 95% of the time.
   
   Please note: if you perpetually pay late don't even think about trying this!



3. Reduce your balance--Watch what you charge! Small purchases (movie, food, CDs) can really rack up your debt. Recording transactions is a great way to keep track of what you'll be owing at the end of the month.



4. Keep your balance manageable. Don't charge huge amounts in the hopes of paying them off with future income. Sale items that appear to be "too good to pass up" can be costly. A good rule of thumb is to never have a balance that is three times the amount that you can pay off in one month. It's O.K. to have a "0" balance!

1. A thief finds the credit card offer that you didn't rip up but threw away, in your trash bag in the dumpster or even by the curb in front of your house.
2. That sneaky person fills out the application with all the information your trash has provided.
3. They then get the card sent to some other address than what was on the offer.
4. POOF! a new identy thief is off to the Mall to "spend" your good credit!

I'M IN URS ECONOMY, BUYIN UR TUNAS!

UNIN' ALL UR CREDITS CARDS!

It's a WIN--WIN deal for you!!