Curb your credit card spending. We know how easy it can be to plunk down a credit card and figure: "I'll just pay it off tomorrow." But somehow tomorrow never comes. Here are 6 smart moves to help you keep the "urge to splurge" under control. Manage your cards like a pro. If your wallet is jammed with bank cards, store cards and gas cards, you've got too many. Our plan to carry only the best plastic will save you money, time and aggravation.
The best reward cards. If you pay off your credit cards every month, you should be getting more than a bill. You should be earning great stuff like cash rebates or airline tickets. That's why we checked out dozens of cards to find the best reward cards for you.
Pay the lowest possible interest rate. If you carry a balance on your cards, you shouldn't be paying 14% or more. Our credit card comparison charts can help you find a new one that charges half that much.
Sign-up for an affordable secured credit card. These cards are designed for consumers with no credit history -- or a terrible credit history -- who can't qualify for a standard credit card. But outrageous fees can cost you hundreds of dollars if you apply for the wrong one.
The best credit cards for teens. Credit card debt is a huge problem for college students. But you can do a lot to prepare your teen for the temptations of credit while they're still at home under your watchful eye.
The smart owner's guide to debit cards. Avoid the fees. Enjoy the perks. Here's everything the banks never tell you.
Avoid your credit card's most costly penalty. It's called universal default and many consumers don't even know it exists. Yet it allows most cards to raise your interest rate to painful heights if you miss a payment -- any payment, not just your credit card payment -- or commit any number of other financial sins.
How to escape universal default. If you're suddenly paying 25% or more on your credit card debt, this should be your top financial priority. You'll have to call and negotiate with your credit card company -- never an easy task. But we can help you get ready, ask the right questions and anticipate how the customer service representative will respond.
Protect yourself from identity theft. Our checklist will make more difficult for anyone to steal your account numbers and other personal information -- saving you a lot of time and money. How much? One survey says the average victim spent 40 hours and $442 straightening everything out.
Stop unwanted applications. You shouldn't have to worry about thieves stealing your mail or trash and opening fraudulent accounts in your name. We'll show you how to eliminate this dangerous junk mail.
Pre-paid debit cards. They aren't a good substitute for traditional credit and debit cards no matter what the advertising may say. The fees are so outrageous they overwhelm almost every advantage the cards may have. The only one we can recommend is the new Wal-Mart MoneyCard,
Wave-and-pay credit cards. You probably don't need one of these high-tech cards right now. But you'll almost certainly have one in the future and some amazing new uses could make your life a little easier.
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