Our Credit Card Number ...

Last Thursday I got a call at work from FIA Services, the owners of the once-named Schwab 2% card (which I currently use as my “all other” card when I can’t get a higher cash back rebate somewhere else.) It was from their fraud department. They had noticed some unusual...

What Is a Secured Credi...

Having bad credit is a Catch-22. You need an active credit line to help rebuild your credit, but most lenders won’t extend you credit if you have a troubled financial past. In fact, most lenders set a credit score cutoff point and if you fall below it, you won’t qualify for...

Free Credit Alerts from...

Here’s an offer for you simply for being an FMF reader — FREE credit alerts (a new service from Credit Karma)! Here’s how the credit alerts work: 1. Credit Karma monitors your credit report for free on a daily basis. 2. A change occurs in your credit file (say, a new...

7 Things to Consider Wh...

I always use my credit cards when I am traveling internationally. They offer convenience, security, and protection that just isn’t available when using traveler’s checks or foreign currency. In addition, I receive generous cash back and travel rewards of 2% or more every time...

8 Best Cash Back Credit...

When it comes to earning rewards on your credit cards, points and miles can be great, but nothing beats the value of cold, hard cash. As long as you always pay your balances in full and on time, and learn to use credit cards and rewards wisely, the only problem with cash back credit...

7 Tips for Using a Cred...

The following is a guest post by Craig Ford who shares money saving vacation tips at Help Me Travel Cheap . Lots of Americans get into the habit of buying everything with credit cards, so when it comes time for vacation, it is only natural that they are going to take their credit cards...

6 Warning Signs You May...

Having bad credit can negatively impact many areas of your life such as renting an apartment, buying a car, or even getting a job. That’s why it’s important to keep tabs on your credit score and make sure it stays healthy. Although you can’t always predict what hurts or...

“How to Shop for Free...

Everybody likes getting something for nothing. There’s a little thrill that comes from taking an item up to the cash register, then walking out the door with it, not having paid a cent. In fact, just yesterday I went to a fast food restaurant with my kids, handed over three coupons,...

How to Pay IRS Taxes �...

As we head towards the April tax filing deadline in the U.S., hopefully you’re working on your calculations or have everything completed by now. If you’ve gotten your total and see that you owe the IRS some money, don’t fret! There are many ways to get the IRS what you owe them...

Southwest Airlines Rapi...

Southwest Airlines is one of those companies that you either love or hate. Unlike all the major airlines, they offer only economy seating and no seat assignments. They are not concentrated in major metropolitan areas, and offer free checked bags and no re-booking fees. It used to be that...