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Author: dontspendmore

  • Free Cell Phone: What You Should Really Know

    By Paul

    Cell phones have become an integral part of our lives. Over the last decade, the market for cell phones has grown exponentially. It seems that this rapid growth will only continue to grow and perhaps at an even faster pace. So when you hear about someone giving away free cell phones, you are very likely to get curious. Given the cutthroat competition in the mobile industry, how can a manufacturer afford to give away something for free? Well, there is more to it than meets the eye. There are certain things you should know about free cell phone giveaways. Here are a few tips to help you;

    Click here to compare free cell phone offers with activation

    Government Giveaways

    Qualification Process

    Recently, the government has introduced plans that involve free cell phone giveaways. These are meant for the people who are financially weak. The goal is to provide low income families with basic amenities. However, not every individual qualifies for this program. There is a specific qualification process. Your income level has to be below a certain level of federal poverty guidelines.

    Regulated Program

    Don’t expect everyone in your house to end up with a cell phone by the end of the week. These programs are highly regulated and only the most deserving get free cell phones. Only one account is available per household. A nationwide database is maintained that checks the connection prior to the approval of free service.

    Basic phone and service

    Don’t expect to end up with a brand new smartphone. The purpose of this program is to give you a phone with basic functionalities so that you can use it for work and emergencies only. The monthly limit is capped as well.

    Private giveaways

    Giveaways by private firms are more popular as compared to government giveaways. Perhaps these are more common but have hidden elements attached to them since they are targeting paying customers.

    Not absolutely free

    Certain things that you need to know about getting free cell phones from your subscriber or manufacturer is that they aren’t absolutely free. There is a hidden cost, you might get a free handset, but you will have to pay for activation or maybe required to sign up for a plan. Of course, if you intend to stick with the company, it may not be such a bad idea.

    Time constraint  

    These offers are mostly limited time offers. You won’t get them throughout the year and secondly you will have to pay full charges after a certain time.

    Longer contract

    Given that your cell phone subscriber is giving you a free cell phone, they are likely to want something in return as well.  This will come in the shape of a long term contract, they will want you to commit for longer so that you don’t switch midway. This can tie down a customer and limit choices.

    So before you consider getting a free cell phone keep these factors in mind. Remember that nothing is completely free.

  • How To Get A Cell Phone With Bad Credit

    By Paul

    Bad credit can be pretty nasty. With the heap of overdue mortgage payments, credit card bills and monthly loan installments racking up into a conglomerate debt, it might be hard for you to obtain a cell phone of your choice. For carriers, it has been customarily since long to carry out credit checks before taking on new subscribers to their service to be assured of timely payments. This practice had made it difficult to opt for a cell phone, but times have changed and turned favorable for high credit risk individuals.

    Today, high risk consumers suffering from bad credit have more choices to choose from for a cell phone that doesn’t require neither a contract nor a credit check.

    Click here to compare cell phone plans, including plans for bad credit

    Options you might consider when you have bad credit

    You don’t have to be puzzled anymore with “how to get a cell phone with bad credit”, just review any of the alternatives below available at your disposal.

    Pay-as-you-go

    Similar to calling cards, pay-as-you-go give you a fixed amount of calling minutes that you have bought. Once you have consumed the balance, you can refill when needed. Many cell phone providers might have such prepaid plans that are especially for people with bad credit ratings wishing to improve their credit score and use a cell phone at the same time.

    Give a deposit

    Some carriers require you to make deposits so that you may purchase a phone and a service plan. This deposit gives the provider the financial assurance when you are suffering from bad debt. Don’t worry; you will get the deposit back when the contract is over.

    Get a co-signer

    Dig around to find out which cell phone providers accept co-signers in case a person suffers from bad credit.  Get a close family member or a dear friend to co-sign the contract with carrier. This guarantees that the person who has signed the contract with you would be responsible incase any bills are defaulted. The cell phone would be in your name and the bill would also be sent to you.

    Purchase directly from a cell phone manufacturer

    There are certain manufacturers with the aim to sell cell phones rather than cellular service. Therefore, they will not have any problems with your bad credit history as long as you pay them in full for the handset. Moreover, they also do not require you to make any deposits with a cellular service provider or with their company. You can easily purchase phones from the website without any hassles associated with bad credit.

    Therefore, even if you suffer form a bad credit rating, you can still get a cell phone you desire including making a pick from among the latest smartphones in the market. Try out the above valuable suggestions to get a cell phone as soon as you can. Of course, you don’t want to end up with no cell phone in this day and age!

  • New Cellular Phones: First Steps

    By Paul

    Buying a new cell phone can be a big hassle for most people. A lot of people don’t have the required knowledge to make informed decisions. The market also keeps fluctuating which leaves most users hapless. However, buying a new cell phone is not that difficult and with a bit of knowledge, you can get a good phone in no time at all. Here are a few tips to guide you with new cellular phones.

    Pick a carrier

    The first thing that you need to do is pick a carrier. Prices for each carrier vary, so choose wisely and in compliance with your budget. Maybe someone in the family can recommend a reliable carrier. Also consider the coverage that you are going to get from your chosen carrier. When selecting a carrier, also consider call service and quality. You can also do some research online to find out more about the available options.

    Click here to compare new cellular phones

    Finding a phone

    The next and most important step is finding a phone that suits your needs. Are you a user who wants the absolute best smart phone on the market or are you happy with a non-technical, basic phone? These are questions that you will need to answer. Mostly, youngsters prefer using phones that are fully equipped with the latest technology whereas the elderly maybe happy with a phone that serves their basic functions of calling and texting. Given the minor difference in prices, buying a high end phone may be well worth it.

    Consider the features

    Even if you make up your mind about the type of phone you want, your job is only half done. There are so many other factors that you need to consider as well such as the features of the phone. Cell phones nowadays are equipped with all sorts of features, such as cameras, external memory, software etc. So decide first about what features you want and how they affect your budget.

    Which feature do you use most?

    Now keep in mind that all these phones available in the market are only separated by minor differences. One phone may have a better camera than the other, but the other might have a better keypad. So decide which feature you value the most and choose accordingly. If you text a lot, then get a phone with a QWERTY keypad.

    Are you brand conscious?

    A lot of people are very brand loyal and conscious. They make their decisions based on the value of a brand. For example: Apple is a major player in the cell phone market and a lot of people only buy Apple products without even considering others. This factor can make the decision for you. If you are a happy customer of a major brand, then you will see no reason to switch and might only get the new version of the same product once it is released.

    There are plenty of new cellular phones in the market. In fact, every month a few hundred are released. So making a decision is not going to be easy but if you follow these tips you should be able to land a good deal.

  • No Credit Check Cell Phones: How To Get Cell Phone Service If You Have Credit Issues?

    By Paul

    Credit, although, might appear as a life-saver in the short term but in the long term can push you into a vicious cycle of debt. When you are heavily burdened by debt issues, it is very difficult for you to obtain credit cards, loans, and even cell phone subscriptions. This is because the credit score is a very important figure that determines your ability to pay off your dues. When an individual’s credit history is dotted with frequent late payments, missed payments or overdue credit, the credit worthiness of the person is at risk.

    But how would you get cell phone service if you have credit issues?

    Now that you know that your credit score determines the risk you present to a cell phone carrier, it might be hard for you to obtain the desired cell phone packages from a carrier of your choice. Certainly, you can’t go about living without a cell phone because it’s practically impossible to do so. One way out is using no credit check cell phones.

    No credit check cell phones — what are they?

    No credit check cell phones are mobile phone plans that are provided without any credit checks to those who suffer from bad credit. These no credit check cell phones are available with budget friendly solutions for individuals who have a low credit score and even for frequent travelers. For instance, if you happen to travel to a particular city in the US frequently, then it would be wise of you to get a no credit check cell phone rather than an expensive contract-based cell phone service.

    Click here to compare cell phone plans, including prepaid and other options

    How to get cell phone service if you have credit issues?

    Different carriers provide different service plans for the no credit check option.

    1. Pre-determined security deposit

    With this option, you have to provide a security deposit that is usually refundable after a year based on your payments throughout the year. In return, you get a cell phone line from the carrier.

    2. Prepaid cell phone

    Monthly prepaid option is another way of obtaining a no credit check cell phone. Since you have already paid in advance, you appear as zero risk to the providers. After a few months of refurbishing you credit score with the prepaid option, you can switch to regular service plans based on your need.

    3. Purchase plans from local retail store

    Some well known local retail outlets even provide no credit check cell phones. These no credit check phones can be recharged with more minutes once you have used up your calling minutes.  These minutes can be bought from the store or from the company’s website directly.

    You should realize that no credit check cell phones are used to boost up your credit image and improve your credit score. Once you have done that, you should make it a habit not to build credit as it can harm your reputation and affect your financial health.

  • Prepaid Cellular Phones: Debunking Common Myths

    By Paul

    The general perception of the populace towards prepaid cellular phones has taken a dramatic U-turn over the years. The availability of flashier and supposedly better data plans has caused  people to change preferences. More significantly, this trend has been bolstered by some myths going around regarding prepaid cellular phones. One should be able to tell fact from fiction, else you might miss out on great deals and high quality calling plans.

    Click here to compare cell phone plan packages

    Outdated models

    Starting off with the most commonly heard myth, you would often read that prepaid cell phones are outdated. This is not true at all. Prepaid phone retailers have the latest iOS and Android smartphones on offer which you can buy. Several leading providers are in fact expanding their product line to include newest generation smartphones of other companies. You truly don’t need to compromise on the model when it comes to buying a prepaid phone.

    Limited data options

    Once again, a myth based purely on hearsay and not on fact, some people believe that you cannot get unlimited data usage on a prepaid plan. The reality is that you can easily get a plan which offers you unlimited calling, texting, and data usage for a flat rate, often much lower than what you have to pay on for contracts.

    Higher cost

    Carrying on from the previous point, there is also a myth regarding the cost involved in purchasing prepaid cellular phones over contract-based phones. You might have to do a little research regarding the different packages on offer but you would be able to find a package plan which costs little more than $30. Even if you get a data plan from one of the leading carriers, you cannot expect to pay more than $50 a month.

    Unreliable coverage

    Last, but not the least there is a myth that the coverage you get on prepaid cellular phones is  unreliable and doesn’t measure up to that offered by contract carriers. The fact of the matter is that prepaid services use the same networks as leading providers. They are making use of the same resources so there is little or no difference between the quality of the coverage you receive. In short, the coverage you get on prepaid cellular phones is reliable.

    These are some of the common myths about prepaid cellular phones you might hear or read about that may dissuade you from buying one. The bottom-line is that if you want to get a prepaid phone, there is no reason not to.

  • Money Back Cards Can Earn You Cash

    By Matt

    Are you making money on every purchase you make? If you’re not then you might be losing out.  Money back cards, credit and debit, are widely available from almost all financial institutions. If your current cards are not giving you cash back on purchases then it’s probably time to explore what other options are available.

    The money back reward system

    Credit cards that pay you cash based on the amount of purchases that you make with them.  These cash back reward systems are very similar to other points or flight based reward programs. The main difference is that you can opt to be paid out in cash and use the money at your pleasure. You are not constrained by the limited products and services offered in some reward programs. The cash option is especially suitable if you don’t do a lot of travelling. No point in accumulating air miles that collect dust in some dormant account.

    Click here to compare credit card offers

    Money back cards pay a percentage of your purchase back to you in cash. The rates are variable but a typical card will earn you one percent cash back on all purchases with up to five percent on purchases at select retailers or retail categories. Money accumulates and is reported on your monthly statement. When you’re ready for your cash you simply request a check mailed to your address or have the money credited directly to your bank account.

    Top three money back card features:

    1. Sign up bonus – When researching new credit cards keep an eye out for cash sign up bonuses. The bonuses can range in value, sometimes up to $150.  If you make a specified dollar amount in purchases within the first few months the bonus will be credited to your reward account.
    2. Introductory APR – Many cards offer a low APR (annual percentage rate), sometimes as low as 0%, in order to woo you. Remember that these are introductory rates that will go up, usually after six or twelve months. Find out what the rate will be following the introductory period. This often depends on your credit score.
    3. Premium cash back rates – You want to earn the most money back possible, so find out how widespread the premium offer is. Some cards have rotating premium categories. If you plan on using your card at supermarkets and gas stations then confirm that these categories will always offer the premium five percent cash back rate.

    Are money back cards for everyone?

    The simple answer: No. If you carry a balance you might save more money by opting for a card that offers a lower long term APR. Reward cards typically charge higher interest rates to offset the costs of their programs. Also, individuals with poor credit scores might not qualify for money back cards and their associated bonuses. If they do they might end up paying extra high interest rates. If the card has an annual fee then you should consider whether you will be using it enough to cover the cost.

    Money back cards, when used wisely, can help put hundreds of dollars pack in your pocket. To find the card that works best for you look for a card that compliments your existing spending habits.

  • Best Cards For Balance Transfer: Save Hundreds On Interest

    By Matt

    If you currently carry a balance on your credit card you are probably making some pretty steep monthly interest payments to your credit card issuer. Carrying even a modest balance can be very expensive. If you carry and maintain $2,500 balance and you are paying 14% APR (annual percentage rate) then you are paying $350 in annual interest charges. On average, people who carry a balance on their credit cards pay a higher interest rate, and people who carry large balances pay even higher interest fees. This is, after all, the bread and butter of the credit industry. So, if you could reduce your interest charges to, say, nothing, you would, right?

    What is a balance transfer

    A balance transfer involves a shift of your current credit card debt from one or more cards to a new credit card. The new credit card issuer will pay off your existing debts and carry the consolidated debt for you. All interest payments will now be made to the new credit card issuer.

    How does it save me money?

    You save money because, ideally, your new credit card is offering 0% APR on balance transfers.  You agree to be a customer and they agree to cut you a break on your interest. Does the deal seem too good to be true? That depends on whether you are able to pay off your balance before the introductory period. Your new low rate will not last forever. Most introductory rates on balance transfers have a time limit, usually between six and 18 months. Additionally, there is usually a fee involved in the transfer, typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount transferred. The best cards for balance transfer will have a low transfer fee and a long introductory period.

    Three ways ensure you benefit from a balance transfer

    1. Pay off your balance. If you don’t pay off your balance during the introductory period you will be right back where you started. Depending on your credit score, your post-introductory period interest rates will jump from 0% to the 12% to 22% range. You might end up with higher interest charges on your new card than your old one.
    2. Shop around. Make sure you get the best deal you can. Get the best combination of grace period and transfer fee you can. Don’t let yourself be wooed by other reward programs, these cards often carry a higher APR when the introductory offer expires. Remember your goal is to get out of debt.
    3. Use credit wisely. You’ve suddenly freed up some money that was going to debt financing.  The best use of the extra funds will be to pay down your balance. Your new card may have a higher credit limit. Avoid using it. Once your balance is paid off keep it that way. You will benefit from lower interest rates in the future and an improved credit score.

    Choosing the best card for balance transfers involves a close look at the introductory offer and the transfer fee. Depending on credit score, not everyone will qualify for 0% APR offers. Ensure you make the best use of the introductory period.

  • Best Card For Rewards: Maximize Your Returns

    By Matt

    Navigating the sea of credit card reward programs can be a daunting prospect. The number of card issuers and their related reward programs seems endless. We’ve all seen the kiosks in airports and malls, smartly dressed twenty-somethings with fierce smiles and clipboards in hand, determined to “just ask you a few questions” often in exchange for a “free gift.”  They may very well be offering a fantastic deal, but you need the tools to confirm their claims.

    To determine the best card, you need to evaluate your own financial situation, spending habits and needs. The two main considerations for reward cards are: Does the reward structure allow me to maximize my reward potential, and am I going to use, or be able to use the rewards that I accumulate.

    Click here to compare credit card offers

    The reward structure

    Individual credit cards vary in how they award points to their cardholders. Often a sign up bonus will be offered to get the application process started. Remember that the sign up bonus will require a certain dollar amount of purchases be made on the new card within a timeframe dictated by the card issuer before the bonus points are placed in your account. Once you’ve received your new card you can start accumulating rewards. Make sure you understand how the rewards are earned. Often you will accumulate reward points faster by shopping at specific sponsored partners. The best plan for quickly increasing your reward balance is to make sure that the sponsored retailers are places where you already shop.

    Points, points, points

    Generally, points are awarded at a flat rate based on purchases made. The ratio is dependent on the card and what a point’s value is. You may earn one point for every twenty dollars spent or a thousand points. The number of points really doesn’t mean anything.  You need to consider the value of the points earned. A good way to compare is to go to two reward programs websites and see how many points a $25 gift card costs. Then compare how much money must be spent to accumulate the required number of points. You may be a points millionaire, but if an individual point only has a value of $00.0001 you have accumulated exactly $100 worth of points.

    Reward alternatives

    Sometimes points are referred to as miles, which can be equally as confusing because they seldom have anything to do with the number of miles you will travel when you redeem for a flight from New York to Los Angeles (especially when your reward flight will probably have you stopping in Chicago, Denver and Phoenix). Miles usually work the same way as points and can be redeemed for travel, products or services.

    Finally, in lieu of points-based programs there are cash back credit cards. Under a cash back system anywhere from one to five percent of purchases will be credited back to the account holder as cash. The accumulate cash can be redeemed via check, direct credit to your account, or redeemable for products and services on the reward website. If you do not travel and do not want to be constrained by products offered through a reward program then cash back makes sense.

    The best card for rewards is most accurately evaluated on a case by case basis. Understanding how quickly you can accumulate points based on your spending and whether the rewards match your personal tastes are the best guides in determining a perfect fit for you.

  • Cash Back Comparison: Lucrative Credit Card Features

    By Matt

    With a veritable glut of cash back credit cards available to consumers, it can be a time consuming and tedious effort to determine which cards offer the best deals. As with most things in life, when evaluating cash back credit cards the devil is often in the details. And when choosing a credit card that is right for you it is important to consider whether the reward structure matches your existing spending habits. You do not want to have to go out of your way in order to receive the promised compensation.

    How can I maximize my cash back?

    The standard rate of redemption on most cash back credit cards is one percent. Simply put, for every $100 in purchases made with the credit card the card issuer will show $1 in earnings on your monthly statement. In addition to the base rate, many cards offer a premium redemption rate of five percent. The premium rate is paid on purchases made at select retail partners or select categories of retailers and service providers. By sticking to the stores where the premium rate is offered you increase your rate of cash back earnings fivefold. If you spend $150 per week on groceries, and supermarkets are one of your premium categories, you can expect $390 in cash back earnings in one year for buying groceries you needed anyway. This is why it is so important when making a comparison to match potential cards with your spending habits.

    Where to compare?

    At DontSpendMore.com, we have created a free credit card comparison tool. Click here to compare credit card offers.

    To find the card that works best for you, you need to know which characteristics to consider when making a cash back comparison. Here are a few of the most important features:

    • The real cash back rate. Make sure you are getting what is advertised. After taking a look at the fine print you might discover that the cash back rate is graduated, starting at just 0.25% for the first $1000 in purchases.
    • Premium rates. Do you shop at the stores where you will receive the premium rate? If not, keep looking. Also be aware that some credit cards rotate their premium partners throughout the year. If this is the case you will need to keep on top of where you will be earning the most rewards.
    • The payout. Is there a threshold of earnings that must be accumulated before you can request a check? Ensure the payout is available in cash and not just redeemable for online merchandise. Also check to see if rewards have an annual cap. Some cards will stop paying once you have accumulated $300 or $500.

    If you are able to make your credit card work for you without a significant change in your spending habits then it is a win-win situation. With the right approach it will be the easiest money you make this year.

    In addition to cash payouts, benefits can be maximized by buying gift cards and other discounted products through the credit card’s website. Say gift cards for a chain supermarket are available at a discounted rate. If you use your earnings to buy $25 gift cards for $20 apiece, you can add $90 to the $390 you already earned.

  • What Is Cash Back? More Money In Your Pocket

    By Matt

    At least that is the idea when simplified. A credit card issuer returns a percentage of every purchase made with the card to the cardholder. In practice, however, the formulas used to calculate cash back can be complicated and confusing. Since credit card statements usually just tell you the amount of cash back you have earned, not how or where you earned it, trying to figure out how you can maximize your savings can feel like beating your head against a wall. Having an understanding of how the rewards are calculated, and how different offers vary, will allow you to select the cash back credit card that is right for you.

    Calculating your cash back

    Most credit cards offering cash back redeem one percent of all card purchases back to the cardholder. In addition to the base rate, premium redemption rates are offered when the card is used at sponsored partners or specific categories of retailers. For example, one card might offer five percent on all purchases at supermarkets and gas stations, another card might require you to shop at a specific supermarket to earn the premium. Sometimes the premium is available at particular stores and particular categories. It is a good idea to frequently check the credit card website to see where premiums are being offered.

    In addition to earnings, cash back rewards can be maximized when redeemed for gift cards or discounted items online. Typical offers allow you to purchase $25 gift cards for $20 rather than redeeming for straight cash.

    How do I redeem my earnings?

    Redemption is usually made available through a check mailed to your address or via a credit to your bank or credit card account. Some cards require the accumulation of a specific amount, $50 or $100, before redemption can take place. Generally, the rules for redemption online are more relaxed than taking a straight cash payout.

    Three restrictions you should be aware of:

    1. Rotation – Categories and partners offering the premium cash back rate are often rotated throughout the year. Some cards let you choose the categories where you can earn the premium rate. Check your invoice and monitor the credit card’s website.
    2. Maximum redemption – Many reward credit cards put a limit on the amount of rewards that can be earned in a year. If you reach your limit it might be a good time to start using another card if you want to continue earning rewards.
    3. Introductory offers – They are used as added incentive to get you to sign on the dotted line.  Make sure you are aware whether your introductory interest rate will jump to 22% after six months. Sign up bonuses usually require you to hit a spending target with in the first few months before they are triggered.

    A cash back credit card can offer exactly what it says: cash back to the cardholder. As long as you are aware of your reward structure, you can make your credit card work to put more money in your pocket.