Before the economy went bad, credit card debt was often blamed on irresponsibility; since then, credit cards have become key to survival. Even with mounting debt, families can improve their situations. In fact, if a job was lost recently, it might be a good idea to consider transferring to a credit card with lower - or zero - interest.

If used responsibly, a credit card can be a convenient and safe way to pay for large purchases like concert tickets and class rings. It's recommended that they not be used to purchase books or pay for tuition, though. Paying such purchases off quickly could be a problem. Even with a zero interest credit card, paying back $500 in books or $1,500 in tuition or, worse, both could be difficult.

Still, credit cards, when used responsibly, are a great way for college students and recent graduates to establish good credit. For people who already have credit cards, visiting a site like CompareCards could help them compare rates and find new cards with lower interest.

Posted by Candice Arnold on March 31, 2009 at 2:17 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

There are all kinds of ways for college students to earn money that can later be used to pay for student loans. One way is to take a portion of the money they earn during internships or part-time jobs and investing it. Of course, investing in stocks, bonds and other assets isn't as easy as it looks on television; and the uneducated are left at the mercy of a broker to tell them what to do. That's why Freddie Rick founded BetterTrades. He wanted to help others learn how to invest their money and manage those investments, without being totally dependent on brokers, who often charge fees.

An added bonus to working with one of BetterTrades' coaches, is an education about the stock market and how it works. Including the training received from a BetterTrades online course could be the deciding factor for an employer with a great entry level job to offer.

Learning how to invest in the stock market can not only help college students save for their futures, it can also empower them to become financially independent after graduation.

Posted by Candice Arnold on March 31, 2009 at 12:50 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Whether the economy is going through a boom or a bust, it's always a good idea to save money, especially for college students. Sooner than you think, you'll be tossing your mortar board in the air and embarking on a bright and rewarding future. Just remember that unless you were lucky enough to have a full scholarship or very wealthy parents, student loans are likely to be as much a part of your future as your brilliant career. By saving part of the money earned from internships or part-times jobs in certificates of deposit (CDs), you could have a nice little savings waiting for you after graduation.

Although they fluctuate constantly, some of the best CD rates are available right now. The minimum CD amount that most banks will allow is $500. You can select a maturity (pay out date) of six months (sometimes nine months), one year, two years or five years for your CD. For example, a freshman college student who bought a five-year, $500 CD could let it earn interest at the current rates, then when it matures, he could use it to make a substantial payment on his student loans.

Web sites like SelectCDRates.com can help you find out what the average CD rates are nationally or what the current rates are in a particular state. Investing your money, especially during a down economy, in conservative assets like CDs can help any student to be better prepared for what he has to face after graduation, whether it be student loans, buying a new house, or relocating to start a new entry level job.

Posted by Candice Arnold on March 30, 2009 at 2:10 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

The downturn in the economy has made things tougher for everyone, especially those who have recently lost their jobs. Bills keep coming whether you're working or not; and household bills take precedence over credit cards and student loans. Sadly, letting those bills go for too long can lead to bad credit, and nobody wants that ... especially now.

It may take a while, but it's not impossible to fix your credit once you get a job and start earning a decent amount of money again. DSI Solutions has the tools to help you get started right away.

Recent events have put a lot of people in need of credit repair, so don't feel bad if you're one of them. DSI Solutions is fast, affordable and they offer a money back guarantee plus an additional $50 - for your trouble - if your credit isn't significantly changed for the better at the end of their program. You really do have nothing to lose ... except your lousy credit rating.

Posted by Candice Arnold on March 27, 2009 at 2:41 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Although some colleges and universities are doing what they can to make it easier for more students to get a bachelor's degree, it's always important to manage your finances well. And part of careful financial planning involves having a life insurance plan, in case an accident or illness takes you away from your family.

No one likes to think about death, but it's a natural, inevitable part of life and burying your head in the sand won't provide for family once you're gone. It's easy to get life insurance quotes online from such reputable agencies as John Hancock, Prudential and Mutual of Omaha.

Knowing that your family will be financially stable, should the unthinkable happen, can put your mind at ease and help you focus more on enjoying life and living in the moment. And you can start by getting instant life insurance quotes from Financial One today.

Posted by Candice Arnold on March 27, 2009 at 2:23 PM | Leave a Comment (0)