credit cards

Benefits of Store Credit Cards

If you are already thinking about the high-interest rates that come with store credit cards, the information in this article will help give you a different perspective. When utilized strategically, these cards serve a viable role in a customer’s financial life.

Below are four benefits of store credit cards.

Short Term Loan

CREDIT CARDSMany stores often use the promise of saving funds on purchases and receiving exclusive discounts as sales tactics for store credit cards. Nonetheless, the percentage of discount is negated by pricey penalties and high-interest rates that apply to late or missed payments.

On the upside, there are times when credit cards can favor a customer. For instance, when a card offers a 0% interest rate for half a year and you are confident about repaying on time. If you plan on making large purchases, stores with cards that offer 0% interest for several months, encourage consumers to borrow and put their cash into good use. A cardholder with zero debt can leverage the interest-free promo to put their funds into an interest-bearing savings account. This way, the fund can accumulate faster.

Minimize the Risk of Misuse

Low credit lines that store cards offer need users to comprehend the significance of managing their spending. This is because the consumer’s options are limited. Customers are limited to shopping at one store or specific outlets. This helps show the consumers the importance of financial planning with minimum inherent risks compared to present credit cards.

Help with Essential Savings

save money
From a study on consumers, it was proved that people are likely to use their cards in retail stores that don’t limit them. Because of the varying discount prices, you are likely to save huge funds when shopping in bulk and even get free shipping on some items.

Boosts Your Score

For anyone looking to improve their credit ratings, store cards can come in handy. As long as you’re a responsible customer you’re have an advantage. You can use the card to fix and build your credit score. Even in cases of bankruptcy, as long as one maintains a strict spending habit in no time, they will have rebuilt their credit score.

When it comes to financial growth, discipline, and determination are the key factors to success. However, if you maintain poor or impulsive spending habits, your credit history is going to be more affected.…

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financial planning

How to Identify an Excellent Financial Advisor

There are many financial advisors out there. It is essential to find a good financial advisor for yourself or your business. A good financial planner can make a positive change in your finances. However, there are fraudulent financial advisors out there, and you need to be careful.

Hiring a Cincinnati financial planner is essential if you want to transform your finances. They will give you positive advice on budgeting, saving and also investments. Here are some of the tips to help you in choosing the right financial advisor:

Talk About Risk

calculator and figuresA good financial advisor will talk about risk. There is no investment without some level of risk. Although some investments might be riskier than others, you will still find some degree of risk. If you notice your financial advisor talking about profitability all the time, there is a problem.

The advisor should tell you about risk as well as the profits. It should be your decision to make an investment choice based on the information that you are given. If an investment or opportunity sounds too good to be true, run away from it.

No Hidden Fees

When it comes to paying the financial advisor, make sure that there no hidden fees. It is advisable to check the fees charged by the advisor and make sure that you understand everything. In case there is something that you do not understand, take time and seek clarification.

Some financial advisors will inflate the cost and make it difficult for you to know the exact cost. As part of professionals, the financial advisor should make everything as clear as possible.

Understands Your Needs

The relationship between you and your financial advisor should be almost personal. You need to look for someone who understands your needs in the best way possible. Always consider looking for an advisor who cares about your investment needs. You can always tell their concern by talking to them. If the financial advisor does not have any trust in your goals, then there is a problem.

financial planning

Regular Meetings and Education

A good financial advisor should arrange meetings regularly. During the meetings, they should review your portfolio and give you the advice that you need to make improvements.

The financial advisor should also educate you regularly. You need education on saving, investment, budgeting and other areas of your economic life. The only way to improve your finances is to have someone who is actively involved.…

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Merits of having a budget

Most people don’t like having budgets. It’s understandably something that’s overlooked because of the amount of time it takes to keep track of just how much you spend and how or where you spend it and to keep this amount reasonable depending on just how much you earn. If you, however, want to have financial freedom and to one day own your own home and be free of debt, it is important that you have a budget.

Importance of having a budget

To achieve your financial goals

budget

The moment you fully understand how you use your money, you will be able to set financial goals that will be easy to reach. Get your income statements for the past year and find out just how much you’ve been using every month on average. See how much you spend on water, rent, electricity, food and the likes. Make sure you also take a look at your debts and find out the amount of money that goes to paying interest on them. Once you have this knowledge, then you can set some measures to reduce your expenditure and to set goals.

To help you prioritize

It is impossible to change your habits regarding spending If you do not have an idea just how much you spend on different things. If you have a budget, then you might realize that you spend a lot of money on things that don’t matter. Some people spend more money at the barbershop than they do on their light bill or cable or even food. Get a budget, understand how much you spend on different things and set your priorities straight on those that matter more.

Helps in building wealth

calculatorOnce you realize how much you spend on different needs, you can eliminate some of the places that your money goes to and redirect this money to your savings. A large amount of money from most people’s income goes to paying debts. Do away with this debts and direct this money to build wealth and also to planning for your retirement.

To be at peace

Peace of mind is vital. Not having a budget makes you incapable of knowing whether you can afford some things or not. Have the numbers with you. Get the clear picture of your financial position and be at peace knowing you also have some money that you can set aside for future use or in case of an emergency.…

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