Category Archives: Credit Card Debt
Pros and Cons of Using Free Balance Transfer Checks to Pay Down Debt
It’s a temptation many of us face every time we bring in mail from the mailbox: should we use those free 0% interest balance transfer checks that come packaged with credit card offers? With many Americans now carrying debts of $10,000 or more on cards that charge anywhere from 20% to 35% interest, a low-… Read More »
Comeback of 0% Introductory Rate Credit Cards Can Help Chicago Consumers
Being a responsible credit user might do more than just boost your credit score. According to Smart Money, it can help free you from paying interest. Back before the recession, it was common for people with decent credit scores to receive pre-approvals for the much sought-after 0% APR credit cards – in other words, cards… Read More »
Paying With Credit or Debit Can Lead Chicago Consumers to Make Impulse Buys
As if you need another excuse not to use debit and credit cards, now it looks as if paying with plastic can sabotage your health. According to the Journal of Consumer Research, people are more likely to splurge on unhealthy, impulse buys – think potato chips, candy and super-sweet coffee drinks – when we pay… Read More »
Aggressive Bill Collectors Use Illegal Scare Tactics to Intimidate Chicago Debtors
Once upon a time, ghouls, goblins and guys in hockey masks with chainsaws were the scariest part of Halloween. Unfortunately, the frightening characters haunting us this year are a lot more real. If you’ve got a lot of debt, you know what I’m talking about – bill collectors. With the economy in the dumps, debt… Read More »
Best and Worst Times for Chicago Credit Card Carriers to Use Plastic
It’s not news that using credit cards has some drawbacks – namely, the risk of accumulating overwhelming debt. But credit also comes with some conveniences, such as a quick way to make purchases, an organized monthly statement and (assuming you’re using your card wisely) the ability to build credit. So how do Chicago consumers strike… Read More »