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  • Cell Phone Family Plans: What You Should Know

    By Susan

    Cell phone family plans are one way to save money on a year-to-year basis. Many people make the mistake of only looking at the numbers instead of viewing the bigger picture. When family plans are compared to individual plans, true facts emerge.

    If you are trying to get cell phones for your family members, cell phone family plans are the best way to go. With these family plans, you will be able to save a lot of money.  Even when you purchase a high performance phone, you will still be able to save money.

    Click here to compare cell phone family plans. Select plans include a free phone as well.

    Just about every wireless phone provider offers family plans. These plans are set in place to get more benefits and services for the money that you will be paying. At first glance, the prices may seem unreasonable, but once you consider all of the benefits and services that you receive, it’s truly a great deal.

    Restrictions

    In the event that you need to set restrictions for certain wireless phone lines, you will be able to do so.  Most parents take advantage of the restriction future to limit their child’s access to the wireless phone’s applications. If average protection is not set in place, the minutes on the plan can be used by the child, along with several other features. Since most family plans share minutes and data, it will be extremely easy to go over the set amount of minutes or data allowance that the phone has.

    With the restrictions feature, the primary account holder will be able to set restrictions for any active wireless line. In the event that one or more lines is for a child, restrictions can be set in place. When the restrictions feature is active, the use of the restricted phone line may not be able to access the Internet once a certain amount of usage has been reached or minutes may be restricted.

    The restrictions feature is a great idea to make sure that you do not get billed any overage fees and end up paying extra money. This feature is usually available with wireless family contract plans and not prepaid plans.

    Prepaid Services

    Prepaid wireless services also have family plans. This is yet another way that you will be able to save money. Most prepaid plans that are offered are cheaper than most wireless contract plans. A lot of families choose prepaid wireless family plans because there are not any overages.  Once you use the minutes on your plan, they are gone.  You do not have to concern yourself with going over minutes and data coverage. Prepaid wireless providers usually carry popular phones as the wireless contract carriers do. The phone may be more expensive because these phones will not be activated over a contract.  When the phones are activated over a contract, there are several deals and bonuses that are set in place that decrease the total amount of the phone because the pone is activated on a two-year contract plan.

    With prepaid wireless family plans, you may be able to use a phone that you already have. If you choose to do this, you will have to flash all of your services and features over to your new phone. Make sure that you transfer pictures and music from your phone and removable storage because all of your information and data will be erased.

    Click here to compare cell phone family plans. Select plans include a free phone as well.

  • Family Prepaid Cell Phone Plans: Three Ways They Save You Money

    By Susan

    Cell phone plans can become expensive and have several hidden fees.  One way that people save money with wireless plans is by getting a family prepaid cell phone plan. Sometimes, more is actually better.  There are three primary ways prepaid family cell phone plans are able to save you money. When people sign up for prepaid services, they want to know how much money they will be able to save and when they will be able to begin saving money. Prepaid phones were designed to help people save money and provide several other benefits that wireless contract do not offer.

    Click here to compare family prepaid cell phone plans. Some plans include a free cell phone as well.

    Phones

    There are several different phones that are available with prepaid family cell phone plans. Unlike contract phones, some models cost less money and are capable of working just as well as contract phones. As a matter of fact, some prepaid phone have more features than contract phones.

    Plans

    Family prepaid cell phone plans is where you will be able to save the most money. Aside from prepaid plans being more convenient, they are also affordable. Prepaid plans offer the same plans that wireless contract providers offer, but they have several other plans that may be beneficial.

    • Pay as you go. This plan allows you to pay for phone service as you need to use it.  Many wireless providers have rates as low as a few cents.  Some wireless providers offer features such as text messaging, data, and minutes for a small fee each day that you use the phone (unlimited).
    • Monthly plans. This plan is paid by the month like contract cell phones.  The difference between a contract and prepaid phone is the price. Many family plans that are on a contract will cost more than $150. A prepaid family plan can cost much less than that. The total price for the family plan will depend upon how many active phone lines you require and the type of phones that you will be purchasing for each active line.

    Features

    Family prepaid cell phone plans have many of the same features that wireless contract plans do. Many prepaid plans offer text messaging, data, minutes and several other popular features. Prepaid plans give you a break, unlike wireless contract plans.  As far as prepaid plans are concerned, you will only have to pay for your plan on the days that you use the services.  When it comes to a wireless contract, you will have to pay for every day that your contract is active, whether or not you use all of the features of the plan.

    Another feature that prepaid plans have that contract plans do not have is the pick up where you left off feature. With this feature, if your plan runs out, meaning that you do not have enough daily or monthly fee, all you have to do is add minutes to your account again when you are ready. If you service is deactivated during a contract plan, you will have to pay your outstanding bill plus the other fees that are associated with the contract’s terms and conditions. Some wireless providers will charge another reactivation fee.

    Click here to compare family prepaid cell phone plans. Some plans include a free cell phone as well.

  • Loan Fraud: Three Tips To Protect Yourself

    By Dr. Kavita

    A loan is something that comes as a much needed assistance or relief from a messy financial situation. That is exactly why we all apply for loans, isn’t it? But imagine for a moment that this loan which was supposed to be the answer to your burning problem suddenly becomes more painful and troublesome than your original difficulty.

    The loan which was looked forward to as a respite from financial difficulty is now an attempt by a fraudster to deprive you of your hard earned money. Harsh, but true. It happens every single day. Just visit FTC (Federal Trade Commission’s) website and you will see all the latest scams laid out for you.

    Click here to compare multiple offers and save hundreds of dollars every month. Credit cards, loans, cell phones, and more at DontSpendMore.com.

    How do loan frauds happen?

    The scam typically begins with a phony lender approaching you with his/her loan offer right in your inbox. These scammers frequently mention the familiar name of a genuine lender to get customers in.  After all, if they reveal that they are affiliated with a business that you recognize to be legitimate, they must also be authentic, isn’t it? Not at all!

    Their e-mail may also mention an address that you need to reply to. There are also details of a third party consultant who will initiate the loan application process, in case you are interested. If you believe this trick and respond back to the address/phone number given in the mail, you will be asked to share your sensitive info like date of birth and social security number. Then after a short duration of interactions, your loan suddenly gets a magical approval.

    To cut a long story short, you will be made to believe that your loan is fully approved and all that you need to do is to wire an advanced payment to the scammer. If you continue to be naïve even at this point, you will in all probability send the money and once you do this, all that you will get is a bank account that is much lighter and a scammer who has fled with all your sensitive information.

    Don’t be surprised to read this, because it is possible and there are so many unfortunate people out there who have been actually scammed by loan fraud. As the popular adage says, ‘Better safe than sorry’, so here are three tips to protect you from having to go through the pain and loss of loan fraud.

    Do not trust any loan offer that comes unasked

    The common trait with all the loan fraudsters is that they will always initiate the first conversation. You will find a loan offer even when you never asked for it. Heed this warning and simply refuse to respond to these emails, no matter how awesome the loan offer is.

    Do not deal through mediators

    If the loan offer is actually from the reputable company that you think the e-mail is from, do you think that they need a mediator? Just read the email, but avoid clicking on any links in the mail, no matter how legitimate they look. Use the Internet to search for the company’s site and check their loan offers directly.

    Never share your sensitive info

    Unless you have dealt with the company directly via their support center, do not ever share your financial and other important personal information, such as social security number and so on.

    As a final note, it always helps to heed to your intuition, because when something appears too good to be true, it usually is not. Be safe. Don’t fall prey to unscrupulous loan fraud schemes.

    Click here to compare multiple offers and save hundreds of dollars every month. Credit cards, loans, cell phones, and more at DontSpendMore.com.

  • How to Pay A Credit Card Off Faster: Best Practices

    By Tanya

    Credit card debt can pile up before you know it is happening. People tend to use their credit cards as they would their debit cards, which is always a grave mistake. Getting a set of new tires when you do not have enough cash in the bank to cover it is an acceptable use of your credit card. Paying for a burger and fries with it is not, and is usually the way the debt climbs so high, so fast. If you find yourself in a situation where you are close to or already above your card limit, this article will help you to learn how to pay a credit card off fast.

    Are you paying too much on your credit card bills? Compare low interest and 0% APR offers to save hundreds of dollars every month. Click here for free comparison tools.

    Tip 1: Don’t miss any payments

    This is a no-brainer. Missed payments will not only set you back further from paying off your card, but it will also mess up your credit score. It may also make your interest rate go way above what you are used to and tack on extra fees for being late. So, make sure you pay your bills on time or set up an automatic payment plan to ensure this does not happen to you. Research has shown time and again that avoiding missed payments will keep you on track.

    Tip 2: Don’t take on new debt

    If you are already maxed out you should avoid bringing any new debt on board. It may seem to you like you really need the new credit card, loan, etc. but when you take on another monthly payment you are taking away from money you could be put towards paying off your original debt.

    Tip 3: Have an emergency backup

    If your card is high but you have still not reached your limit, set aside some money each week for a cushion for emergencies. When something comes up and you need to make a purchase, it is way too tempting and very easy to reach for the card simply because you know there is some money left on your credit card. In such a situation you can use your backup cash to serve your needs so you do not have to reach for the plastic.

    Tip 4: Avoid making minimum payments

    It is very understandable when people make only the minimum payments on their credit cards each month. Times are tough with the economy and for those who live from week to week find it nearly impossible to pay more than what is required. Even so, if you can you should pay a little extra. It is best to at least double your minimum payment but if all you can do is add $10 or $20 extra each month, do it. It may not seem like much but it honestly will help you pay off your card faster and knock off some of the interest.

    Tip 5: Make some cuts

    If you are finding it difficult to pay more on your cards to lower the balance, try cutting other costs in your life. This may mean going for a cheaper cell phone plan, turning off your cable television or forgoing that $5 morning cup of coffee. Whatever money you save from cutting costs can then go toward your credit card payments.

    These tips are not a sure thing and it will take some patience to achieve meeting them. However, if you do apply these tips to your life you are sure to see your credit card balance drop much more quickly and isn’t it worth it to see yourself out of credit card debt faster than you expected?

    Are you paying too much on your credit card bills? Compare low interest and 0% APR offers to save hundreds of dollars every month. Click here for free comparison tools.

  • Automatically Pay Credit Card Bills With Zero Hassle

    By Tanya

    For the majority of Americans, credit card bills are simply a part of life. Having a good line of credit is something that people in today’s society need, whether they like it or not. You have to have good credit to buy a car, qualify for a mortgage and to make any other major purchase. Having your credit card applications approved is the easy part. Even those who have less than stellar credit scores can get approved if they apply with the right lender. The main issue that card holders, both high and low risk, run into is making payments.

    Are you paying too much on your credit card bills? Compare low interest and 0% APR offers to save hundreds of dollars every month. Click here for free comparison tools.

    With the rush hour times we live in it is easy to let making payments slip your mind. When this happens it can ruin the good credit that you have built, so it is time to learn ways to automatically pay credit card bills with zero hassle.

    The top way to make credit card payments with ease is to set up automatic payments. There are two ways to go about this.

    Automatic Payments Through Your Financial Institution

    Since the Internet has become the center of the world for a majority of people, paying bills has changed dramatically since this technological advancement. Many people no longer use snail mail to pay their bills, credit card or otherwise. Almost any type of bill you have, and almost every company, offers the option to pay your bills online. Credit card payments can be made online either as a one-time payment or as recurring payment. All you need to do to pay your bills online is contact your bank or credit union to set up an online banking account. This takes just a few moments and is not complicated in the least. In addition to this being a sure way to ensure that you credit card bills are paid on time, certain financial institutions offer online bill pay customers various perks for signing up for the service. Perks can include the following:

    • Lower banking fees
    • Contest entries
    • Cash back

    Automatic Payments Through Credit Card Companies

    As with automatic bill pay through your financial institution, your credit card company likely offers the same service. The typical process is signing onto your credit account online and checking the option that allows you to automatically pay credit card bills.  Once you set up this automatic option you can schedule the date in which you wish your payments to be posted. Most companies allow you to choose from automatic payment of the minimum amount due, the ending balance or another specific amount. Once you do this your bill will be taken out of your checking account each month in the amount that you have specified. For instance, even if your average monthly minimum payment per month is $20, you can choose to automatically pay $50 per month through this service option.

    Most major credit card companies have this option, so if it is possible for you to do so, make the switch to automatic payments. No matter how responsible you are when it comes to making your bill payments on time, you are human and things will sometimes slip your mind. Automatic payments are the best way to ensure that your bill is paid on time, every time.

    Are you paying too much on your credit card bills? Compare low interest and 0% APR offers to save hundreds of dollars every month. Click here for free comparison tools.

  • Is A Bank Card A Credit Card? A Comprehensive Comparison

    By Tanya

    Many years ago, there were checks to pay for purchases from your bank account and credit cards to make purchases on time. Even though we still have the option of using checks, we also have debit cards for our banking and purchase needs. Just like credit cards, they are plastic and can be used to make almost all types of purchases. Because they have become such a staple in our lives, many people confuse them with actual credit cards; the two terms are often used interchangeably. But, is a bank card a credit card? In short, the answer is no. There are several differences between the two.

    Click here to compare credit card offers, including 0% APR, 5% Cashback offers

    Difference #1

    Debit cards are issued to customers by their banking institution. In order to use them to make purchases you must have money in your checking account. Credit cards on the other hand, offer you a line of credit. This is a type of loan that allows you to make purchases without paying for them outright.

    For instance, if you have a $1,000 limit on your credit card, you can spend up to $1,000. When you reach your limit you can no longer make purchases with it. With your debit card, you deposit your own funds into your checking account and you can only spend what you have. Debit cards are basically checks made of plastic; you can’t spend what you have not deposited.

    Difference #2

    When making a purchase with a credit card, the card is simply swiped through the machine. You do not have to enter a pin number and you do have to sign a purchase receipt. When using a debit card for the same purpose, you must enter a pin number to complete the transaction. Some places will require a signature as with a credit card while others do not.

    Difference #3

    When you use a debit card you are not paying any interest. Since it is already your own money you will, in fact, be gaining interest on it. However, all the charges you make on your credit cards come with an interest rate unless you pay off the entire balance before the statement comes out. This is one downside to credit vs. debit cards and why many people prefer to use debit whenever possible. No interest means less money to be paid out in the end.

    Difference #4

    Anything you buy using your credit card is fully covered according to certain regulations, which state that you are not liable for any activity made on the card that is fraudulent. What this means is that if your card is used by someone else without permission, or is stolen and used, you are not responsible to pay what is owed.  It also states that you are not responsible for paying for items that you ordered but never reached you.

    This is not how it works with debit card purchases. When unauthorized charges are made to this type of card, there are a few things that can help you out a bit. If you notice the charge within the first two days after it was made, you can dispute it with your bank and get compensated up a certain amount. The longer you wait the more of the purchase you are liable for. Most of the time you must contact the merchant that billed your debit card in order to get things cleared up in your favor.

    Overall, it seems that using debit cards are a better idea for basic, every day purchases. Credit cards are more favored for emergencies. Of course there are upsides and downsides to both so consider all things before choosing which one to use for your purchases.

    Click here to compare credit card offers, including 0% APR, 5% Cashback offers

  • Credit Card With No Credit: How To Get One And Build Your History

    By Rick

    Getting your first credit card with no credit history can be a challenging experience. It is like a catch-22 situation, since you need a credit history to secure a card and can only really develop one after you’ve had credit extended to you. In spite of this confusing situation, there are several ways for the average person to obtain a credit card with no credit as long as you take the time to understand the process.

    Click here to compare credit card offers from multiple providers, including ones that extend credit for first time borrowers

    Companies that specialize in extending credit to first timers

    There are a number of credit card companies that specialize in providing credit cards to people with little or no credit. These cards are a great way to establish a credit history that will then allow you to apply for a card from a more established lender in time. Most of these “no credit history” credit cards carry a significantly higher interest rate than a standard card but if you only use the card to buy items you can afford to pay for, you can avoid carrying a balance every month and dodge these fees. Using the card regularly will help you establish a solid credit history and paying off the balance during the grace period every month will ensure a high credit score as well.

    Over time the company that offers this card may increase your credit limit to allow you to use the card for larger purchases. Just be careful to not overuse the card so you never get into a situation where you can’t pay at least the minimum due each month. Missing a payment can really damage your credit history and prevent you from moving to a more established credit card later.

    Pre-approvals can help sometimes, but not always

    When searching for your first credit card you’ll want to choose one that you are pre-approved for if possible. The companies that send you an offer for a card like this have already done a preliminary qualification for you, which almost ensures you’ll be given a card. This is important because these inquiries are considered “soft” inquiries that won’t lower your credit score. Once you apply for the card, the company will do a more thorough credit check that will show up on your report. Knowing you have been tentatively approved will help you but that doesn’t mean your acceptance is guaranteed. The initial pre-approval is much like guesswork. You can’t rely on it.

    Compare multiple credit cards

    If you receive several offers for a credit card with no credit required, be sure to compare them before applying. The terms and conditions between them can vary significantly and you’ll want to find the one with the best rates and highest credit limit. Only apply for one card at a time. Since you’ll only be using this card for a short period of time to establish a credit history, you won’t need a collection of them in your wallet.

    Be aware also that some of these offers for a credit card with no credit may require you to deposit money in an account to use for your purchases. In essence you are spending your own money for the purchases you make with the card. Even though you could make these same purchases with cash, by using the card you are establishing a credit history that will allow you to apply for a traditional credit card later.

    Click here to compare credit card offers from multiple providers, including ones that extend credit for first time borrowers

  • Compare Prepaid Mobile Phone Plans With Three Safe Strategies

    By Susan

    There are several different ways that you can approach cell phone plan comparison. Some methods are better to use than others, but this information will depend on what you are looking for. Prepaid mobile plans are a lot different than contract phone plans, so there are a few factors that need to be acknowledged with prepaid plans that you would not have worry about with contract plans.

    Click here to compare prepaid mobile phone plans

    Price

    The price of prepaid mobile plans are a little different than contract plans. Depending on the services and features that you require, you could save money or end up spending more money. The phone plays a major role in the price that you will be paying for a prepaid plan. The phones that are top-of-the-line and very popular will cost a lot more, simply because these phone will not be put on a contract. The more features you demand, the more money you will end up spending at least as far as the phone itself is concerned.

    That said, some prepaid mobile phone plans could cost you as little as a few cents a day — yes!

    Coverage

    The coverage that is available with prepaid mobile phone plans may vary from carrier to carrier but should be at par with contract phones. With some prepaid plans, you will have to pay for extra coverage. There are several wireless prepaid plan providers that have great reception in several different places, but there are some places that you may travel to where you have no reception at all.  This is what is known as a dead zone. While you are in the dead zone, you will not be able to send or receive calls or texts.  If any texts are sent, you will be able to retrieve them once you have left the dead zone area. You will not be notified of any missed calls unless a voicemail has been left.  Some wireless prepaid phone service providers offer international coverage for a flat rate each month.

    Plan features

    Plan features are an additional component that merit consideration when you compare prepaid mobile phone plans because this is yet another basis that you can use to find exactly what you need. There is no purpose of purchasing a phone if you are not able to use it and all of its features. There are several features that are associated with prepaid mobile plans. Most people use prepaid phones because they are a lot easier to manage than a contract version. A few prepaid mobile plan features include:

    • Unlimited texting
    • Unlimited voice calling
    • Free nights and weekend minutes
    • Mobile to mobile
    • Unlimited data
    • Free calling in the U.S.

    Each of these features may benefit you greatly.  When you are comparing prepaid plans, make sure that you acknowledge each of these features. There may be more features that are associated with certain prepaid plans, but these features are the basics and should be considered first.

    A lot of people decide to purchase unlimited prepaid plans so they will not have to worry about exceeding the minutes on their plan and having to pay extra money as a result. Prepaid plans come in both versions — per minute purchase plans and unlimited, flat rate plans as well.

    Click here to compare prepaid mobile phone plans

  • Avoid These Mistakes When You Compare Cellular Phone Plans

    Service Provider

    A lot of people make the mistake of selecting the most popular service provider. Just because a wireless provider is popular does not mean that they will be able to do you any justice. When you are choosing a service provider, the provider needs to meet most of your needs and requirements. Keep in mind that every service provider will not have all of the features and services that you require.

    Click here to compare cellular phone plans, including plans that offer a free phone

    The phone itself

    Some people can’t wait to get the newest, flashiest phone that just hit the shelves. This is a mistake because a new phone will have a lot of bugs and other issues that will need to be fixed. As one of the first people to purchase the new phone, you may be like being a “guinea pig” for phone testing. The first users will be the ones who provide the rates and reviews and other specifics for the manufacturer. It is better to wait at least two to three weeks before you purchase a new model phone, so that you will be able to have a better experience with the phone.

    By this time, other people who have purchased a new phone will have written reviews and given the phone an overall rating. Also during this time, the manufacturers will be able to fix a few issues that the phone may have.

    Features and other cool “wish list” items

    Features can be a good and a bad thing. If you don’t pay attention to the features that are and are not available, you could be paying more money than you intended to. A lot of wireless providers trick you into purchasing a plan that doesn’t suit your needs. If you buy into this particular plan, you will be stuck paying a ridiculous amount of money for a plan that doesn’t really benefit you. More bad news is that if you try to break the wireless contract, you may be subjected to penalties and other fees.

    Battery life hoarders

    Battery life is one detail that not too many people take into consideration, which is yet another mistake.  A lot of people invest in the coolest phone that has several different apps, features and services. Each of these details are great for entertainment, but terrible for battery life. Unless you keep your phone plugged in and charging everywhere you go, all of the apps, services and other features that are available will kill your battery life.

    Ouch! price

    The price is one of those factors that many people are aware of, but don’t mind overlooking it for an item that they want. If you are thinking of purchasing a new model phone, you could be paying some serious cash, but if you are looking for a simple but decent phone, you may be able to find several phones that are priced reasonably. Several people get caught up in the hype of a new, glamorous phone, not realizing how much money that they are actually paying and what they are paying for. Whether you have mega millions to spend or are on a strict budget, you need to know where your money goes and what you are paying for.

    Click here to compare cellular phone plans, including plans that offer a free phone

  • How to Compare Cell Phone Packages In Five Easy Steps

    By Susan

    When you want to compare cell phone packages, the wireless plans that are offered should be considered first. The plan itself is the most essential and basic feature due to the fact that it dictates all aspects of your cell phone use, from minutes to data consumption. Most of the time, the plan you choose will determine the types of phones that are available to you as well. Some plans include smartphones, while others don’t.

    Click here to compare cell phone packages from top wireless carriers

    As far as wireless plans are concerned, there are three primary plans that are available.  These include:

    • No contract plans
    • Single line plans
    • Family plans

    Contracts

    Whether you are on a single or a family plan, you may have to sign a contract unless you opt for the prepaid (no contract) option — technically, there is a contract but it is not long term (month-to-month).  If you decide that you don’t want to be bothered with the hassle of a contract, you have the option of a no contract plan. The no contract plan is often referred to as a prepaid plan as it is one that requires you to make a payment in advance.

    As far as family and individual contract plans are concerned, you will more than likely have to sign a one- or two-year contract. Before you sign and finalize your wireless agreement, make sure that you have all the features and services that you need. Making changes to your plan during the contract period could result in you having to pay more money, when this instance could have been avoided in the first place.

    When you decide to obtain a wireless contract, make sure that you pay close attention to the minutes, data, and text messaging services that are available. A set monthly limit kicks in for each of these features, unless you decide to pay extra for unlimited features and services.

    Carriers

    The carrier that you select also plays an important role when you are comparing cell phone packages.  Contrary to popular belief, the carrier that you select can benefit you greatly or set you back by several hundred dollars every year. There may be several different carriers available in your area, so choosing one may become a difficult task. When it comes to selecting carriers, the best way to choose one is to look at the coverage that the wireless carrier offers.

    When you are checking the coverage that is available, look at the places where you travel frequently and see if you have coverage there. Needless to say, the more coverage that is available, the better off you will be.

    Price

    The price of the entire plan package is what most people concern themselves with most. The price is yet another essential factor that needs to be considered. The starting price may or may not be more than the monthly bill. If you decide to go with the prepaid plan, the only thing that you have to do is refill your account in order to add more minutes to your account. In the event that you have chosen a contract plan, the price is important because you need to make sure that your bill is paid on time. If you miss payments and your wireless service is deactivated, it will affect your credit score. You may also have a more difficult time obtaining wireless service in the future.

    Perks

    You may receive discounts on the price of the phone, the cell phone package itself, or both. If your credit is good, you may qualify to have your wireless service activated without having to pay the activation fee as well. Although this benefit may vary from carrier to carrier. In addition to waiving the activation fee, some cell phone packages include other benefits such as extra minutes, unlimited plans, steep discounts, and other perks, some of which may be limited to the introductory period.

    Click here to compare cell phone packages from top wireless carriers