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Archive for January, 2008

Profitability Index

An evaluation tool that measures the ratio of present value of future cash flows after initial investment divided by the amount initial investment. This measures the amount of return possible from a project. This is valuable for investors that assess the cost and benefits of a proposed project. As the profitability index increases, the value of the project also increases. A profitability index equal to 1 is the lowest accepted value.

Cash Back on Groceries & Office Supplies

Parents often find that the easiest way to give allowances or other financial donations to a student is by making payments directly to the student’s credit card online.  This saves the student from having to find time to go to the bank and cash a check.  It also helps the student establish a good payment history.

Financial companies designed the student credit cards as a meaningful tool to both help young people establish credit and to build an excellent credit rating.  Learning to handle these credit cards requires a thorough understanding that this is not free money, and it does need to be paid back.  Interest rates increase from zero to 15%-20%, or higher, after the first six months.  If no payments are made until the maximum credit limit is reached, the student might start receiving overlimit fees.  Easy online account management tools make paying monthly and understanding the whole process easier.  The advantage to learning the wisdom of making payments monthly and the value of paying off the credit card every month create real-life financial experiences that might eventually be more valuable than anything else learned in the classrooms.

Gas Cards for College Students

Many students find it difficult to apply for car loans or other types of financing because they have little to no credit history.  Graduates often find that getting a mortgage for their first home is a hurdle they cannot overcome because they have a low credit score due to not having much lending in their history.  One way to solve this problem without too much stress is for students to apply for student credit cards.

Student credit cards are credit cards designed for students.  They have rewards programs tailored for students and also have some structures that are necessary due to the low credit rating many students carry.  For instance, some student credit cards have higher interest rates than traditional cards.  This is because the student poses a higher risk to the credit card company.  However, this high interest rate is not dangerous if the card is used correctly.

When shopping for student credit cards, try to find a card that has a low introductory rate period.  Even students can get cards with a 0% interest rate for the first few months.  This is a great way to learn how to use the card responsibly without risking high interest rates if you make a mistake.  Also, consider signing up for a card with a lower credit limit, as this will keep you from overspending on the card and creating a dangerous debt situation.

As you look for student credit cards, be sure to watch out for annual fees or balance transfer fees.  These are expenses that often are added to the card that you can avoid by carefully choosing you card and reading all of the fine print.  Also, look for a rewards program that will earn you merchandise or cash back for the purchases you make on the card.  You might as well make money when you use your credit card!

To use a student credit card to build your credit history, you will need to make periodic charges on that card.  Simply owning a card is not sufficient, because those looking at your credit history want to see that you are responsible enough to pay what you owe on time.  To do this without getting into debt trouble, pick a category in your monthly budget and then only purchase that item with the card.  For instance, purchase all of your gasoline each month on your credit card.  Avoid making other purchases on the card, and pay off your balance in full each month.  This will boost your credit rating without adding debt problems to your life.

Best Gasoline Credit Cards

With gas prices being an increasing concern for households and businesses, the incentive to become fuel and cost efficient has also increased.  One of the many tools that helps consumers and businesses cope against rising gas prices is gas credit cards.

Fuel credit cards were first offered as an avenue for car owners to curb their cost at the pump by giving discounts and rebates for every card transaction.  The nature of gas prices has made a move from the pockets and wallets of car owners to gas credit cards. Suddenly, gas for cars cannot be paid by a few dollars and change.  Therefore, with the promise of gas savings for car owners, gas credit cards have drawn more followers.

Business owners found another use for gas credit cards.  Gas is a large part of a firm’s working capital, and card transactions allow for convenient monitoring of this particular expense.  Since gas prices fluctuate numerous times, it will be hard to keep track of one’s gas budget without a gas credit card.

Gas credit cards have plans separate from bank credit cards.  Thus, you can qualify for a gas credit card even if you have an unsatisfactory credit rating.  From this card, you can rebuild your credit rating and improve your credit history.  Credit cards that are specifically used for gas purchases may have higher annual fees and interest rates. However, once you have made timely payments and improved your credit rating, you can get bank credit cards with gas rebates.  There are also gas credit cards which you can use for your car’s maintenance and repair.

Getting rebates from your gas credit card have intricate details to consider.  First, you may be only entitled to a rebate with affiliate gas stations.  You may end up applying for a gas credit card from an affiliate shop far from your home.  Therefore, you must ask your preferred gas station for gas credit cards.  There are also credit card plans that offer cash rebates for gas purchases.  Some gas credit cards offer rebates for a certain transaction limit.  For example, you may not be entitled to gas rebates once you have reached $500 from your transaction.  In addition, there is a time limit for collecting rebates.  You must know how the terms and conditions apply to your card and find ways to act around it in order to maximize your gas credit card.