Simply Debt Advice

Saving is basically putting aside money or a way to utilize your present income for future use.

One saves for several reasons such as for a college education, buying a new car, for a new TV set you wish to acquire in three to four months time, for down payment on a home, or to provide for yourself when retirement comes.

As much as there are several reasons for saving, there are likewise many methods in which one can save. In most instances, the best method can be determined by whatever plans you have for the future.

1. Savings accounts. When saving for just a short period or for emergency purposes, consider opening a savings account passbook, as it is in this method that you can easily gain access to your funds.

Great for both long and short term savings, you can deposit and withdraw money to your account and earn interest, based on your average daily balance. A minimum balance is required to be maintained though, and you are charged with a penalty should you fail to maintain it.

2. Checking account with interest. Here one can benefit from checking account conveniences, while your deposits gain interests. Generally these types of accounts grants privileges such as limitless withdrawal and check writing, access to ATM and bill payments that can be done online.

This method typically requires a daily maintaining balance of at least $2,000.

3. Money market insured accounts. For long-termed goals, this method is ideal, as it generally offers a much higher rate of interest compared to a regular or standard savings account.

The interest rate usually is dependent on the amount of money in your bank account; larger balance means higher interest.

4. “CD” or Certificates of Deposit. This is a savings method requiring you to “loan” your money to your financial agency for a certain time frame, usually ranging from thirty days up to five years. Here, the longer the time span again, means higher interest.

Keep in mind that usually insurance companies offer better deals on interests compared to banks, so before you invest, compare rates first!

At certain times, when your goal is many years away, it can be a wiser decision to save money in a certain way that you are not drawn on using it other than the main reason for saving it. Deciding on the right financial agency such as a bank, credit union or insurance firm can bring about a lot of benefit in your finances.

Popularity: 67%

Commerce and technology, combined as a one package – this is what online credit cards are.

With the advent of internet, the knowledge and communication barriers were broken. Also, with internet, came the concept of e-shops or virtual shops that existed only on the internet. You could shop at these shops by making use of their online credit card payment-acceptance ability. Once the online credit card payments were verified and approved, the goods got delivered to your door. This is what we call convenience at its best.

With more and more e-shops getting setup everyday, online credit card usage is becoming even more popular. The possibility of receiving online credit card payments has given a totally new dimension to shopping. Now, you can not only shop from the comfort of your home, you can even get discounts on these products. This is really amazing. No need to bother about the weather, no need to worry about the traffic jams or any other thing. Just go to an e-shop, select a product, make use of their online credit card payment-acceptance facility to make the payment and be ready to receive the goods at your doorstep.

With online credit card processing facility, starting a business (an online business) has become just unbelievably easy.

However, there is nothing without pitfalls. One of the pitfalls of online credit card usage is the possibility of online credit card fraud. This online credit card fraud can happen in two ways. The first one is related to the company, on whose website you made online credit card payment for purchase of goods; this company itself could be fraudulent i.e. it could take the online credit card payment from you but not deliver the goods to you. Moreover, they could use the details of your credit card (received through the filling up of online credit card payment form by you) for fraudulent purposes. The second type of fraud is committed by fraudsters who use various software/devices to capture the details of online credit card payments (as you enter them on the online credit card payment form of a website). This software is popularly known as spyware and these fraudsters as online spies. The spyware works by capturing keystrokes or taking screenshots of whatever you do on your computer and then passes it on to the spy. However, there is anti-spyware software available which can be used to counter such spyware.

So, the advent of online credit card usage facility is a boon to us. However, you must exercise caution when making online credit card payments e.g. don’t access your bank accounts or make online credit card payments from internet cafes (unless you are absolutely sure about the credentials of the internet café).

Popularity: 20%

Since more than half a million pounds are spent on UK credit cards every minute-amounting to tens of billions spent each year-it is very important to choose the best credit card for you. Here are some of the top UK credit cards available. With their own sets of great deals to offer, it’s up to you, which among these UK credit cards is best for you. First among the list is Marbles. It offers up to 52 days’ interest free credit, 0% balance transfers for the 1st 6 months, and 14.9 % APR. If you’re the type of person who wants almost everything customized, this UK credit card lets you choose what your card will look like. It also lets you manage your account online. This UK credit card is designed in one of the safest and secure credit card systems around.

If you are looking for a UK credit card that offers from 0% APR on balance transfers, from 15.9% APR on card purchases, no annual fees, and a free 24-hour help line, then you might want to try Virgin Card. This UK credit card can actually be your exclusive pass to an exclusive online membership online stuffed with great money-off deals.

Another is the Egg Card that automatically gives you free purchase in transit protection for items. You can actually pay for all or part of your fare using this UK credit card plus the benefit of free personal travel accident insurance.

Apart from that, the customers also get a 10% discount on home and travel insurance policies when they use this UK credit card. The GM platinum card, on the other hand, offers 14.9 % APR, 0% per annum on balance transfers and purchases for 5 months, and online account management. The best thing about this UK credit card is that the holder will receive a 100 free Rebate Points the first time you use it. This unique reward scheme makes this UK credit card more fun compared to others.

After weighing all the pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages, you may now choose the best UK credit card for you.

Popularity: 36%