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Ways to avoid getting bad credit scores and tips for improving existing credit scores

With many financial bodies, banks and other lending institutions closing in on rules and regulations and making it even more difficult for people applying for any form of credit it's becoming increasingly important to make sure your finances are in good standing – especially when it comes to your credit score. There are a few simple steps to take to ensure your credit score is kept in the tip-top shape, or if you're concerned that your credit score is perhaps prohibiting you from borrowing this tips will also help. There are a great deal of factors that contribute to your credit score, as determined by Fair Isaac (the company responsible for determining your final credit score). They are as follows: payment history new credit length of credit history amounts owed types of credit used The score is marked between 300 and 850, and with payment history contributing about 35% it's paramount that you make sure you pay your bills on time, as the mor

Fixed Annuities Rates Ensure a Steady Source of Income

Annuities refer to contracts that insurance companies sell to people ensuring them a steady stream of income in retirement. Annuities are variable when the investment of annuity purchasers' money is done in the stock market and the amount of return is not certain or guaranteed. Among the available annuities rates, fixed rate is also there. Annuities with a fixed rate are invested to yield return at a fixed rate for a fixed period of time. If you are approaching the retirement age, to say clearly you are two or three years away from the retirement stage, you should look for the annuities rates which are not only best but also give access to the invested money. You should have a clear understanding of the rates of income from retirement annuities. In the current market, annuity companies are giving 3% rate of interest on annuities for a term of five years. The return is good considering the present economic scenario. You can withdraw the accumulated interest only during the five year

Lessons from the Credit Crunch

The credit crunch has wreaked havoc in US with people’s finances. It has successfully battered their businesses, cost them their favorite jobs and smashed the loan prospects of consumers and crushed their hopes of a quick deliverance from their debt issues even with programs like credit settlement . Overall it has driven the consumers crazy with depleting funds and increasing debts. While none of us have liked to be in such a deplorable situation, but you can always learn from your mistakes and arm yourself with better preparations to battle your financial hardships. Let us make ourselves more compliant with the lessons that we can probably learn from a credit crunch: * Have an alternative to fall back upon, no matter in whichever profession you may be or whatever business you are in and this is probably the most significant lesson that one may learn from the whole credit debacle. Bernard Shaw has rightly quoted “Expect the worst and get the best”. It is absolutely necessary to have

Credit cards: Facts you should keep in mind when using them

A credit card is a small plastic card issued to you for making non-cash payments for goods and services. Companies that issue a credit card to you offer you a credit limit on one when you make purchases. Your monthly payments range from a minimum amount to your total outstanding balance. Your credit card is issued by banks, trust companies, credit unions, financial institutions, finance companies and department stores. 7 Facts you should remember while using a credit card You can use your credit card well if you understand key features that can help you maximize your credit benefits. Some of these features are as follows: The APR: Know your credit card’s annual percentage rates (APRs) and whether these rates are fixed or variable. These APRs are annual charges that you pay as interest fees for an entire year. Balance transfer fees: You pay off credit card debt through balance transfer by lowering your payment rates on your credit balance by shifting debt from