4 Bad Boyfriends + 1 Awesome Fiancé = 5 Great Money Lessons
No one to celebrate Valentine’s Day with? Allow me to spill some juicy details about my past, like when my boyfriend thought watching him play video games was a good way for us to spend quality time together.
In my single life, I didn’t have a long list of fellas. I know it’s surprising, what with my incredible wit and charm, but it’s true. However, I did extract a money lesson or two from the relationships I did have, good and bad. What have the men* in my life taught me about money? Read on to find out.
The Frugal Dude: Spending time together doesn’t mean spending money together. My college boyfriend was always up for a frugal adventure, whether it was hitting up a cheap, local concert or grabbing coffee at our favorite café. This was i
Jun 1, Airline Miles Credit Card Rewards
Consider an airline miles credit card if you love to travel or just want to take a special trip. Travel reward credit cards are becoming more and more popular with credit card holders as the benefits they offer can be fantastic! Especially for those who make regular or large purchases on their credit cards.
The airline miles credit card works by giving you a point for every dollar you spend or a certain amount of points for specific purchases. These are built up over time and the points add up to airmiles that can then be redeemed for airline tickets to a destination of your choice. If you rack up enough airline miles by using your credit card, you can fly anywhere in the world for free!
Airmiles cards work the best for those who can pay their balances in full every month. That way, you can still earn your miles without having to pay the interest on your outstanding balance.
Why Aren’t Credit Card Interest Rates Going Down?
Believe it or not, the American recession did produce a positive result: interest rates were pushed downward for all kinds of financial instruments. For example, 30-year fixed mortgage rates are now hovering around 4.2% (which 
is close to record lows), the prime lending rate is well below 4%, and the average 48-month auto loan reached an all-time low of 5.27% – and it may go even lower than that.
But one interest rate that isn’t plunging is the average rate on credit cards.
In April of 2009, the average credit card APR was a favorable 10.73%, according to Bankrate.com. However, this rate soared to 13% a year later.
Credit card debts ‘prioritised over mortgages’
When assessing regular outgoings, many Brits might be prioritising the repayment of credit card bills over the completion of their mortgage payments.New research from First Direct found 33 per cent of UK adults would give their plastic bills precedence over other concerns if they had extra spare income.Indeed, twice as many mortgage holders say they prefer setting money aside for the future over other considerations, which could help people stay in control of their outgoings and reduce the risk of missing a payment.Furthermore, it was suggested people are reluctant to pay over their mortgage debt in times of economic uncertainty as the money may be put to better use in other situations.A bad credit rating could be improved by paying over the minimum on any bill, as lenders will be able to see the individual is capable of managing their finances effectively and is a reliable borrower.
Being Credit-Shy Can Hurt Your Financial Health
Hi Eva,
I am 28 years old, and I’ve never had a credit card. My parents raised me to be wary of them, and I’m honestly afraid to get one. I use debit or cash for everything and pay my bills (utilities and rent) on time but I usually have a very low balance in my checking account. I’m worried that, if I have something that lets me spend money I don’t have, I’ll make even more impulse buys and end up in debt. But my girlfriend is telling me that, if I don’t have a credit history, I won’t be able to get a house someday. Should I get a credit card? And can I get a card even if I don’t have a credit history? Jack
Dear Jack,
Well, Jack, one beer does not an alcoholic make. Being careful i