Credit Basics

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Credit Basics

• Learning About Debt
  Getting a free hat, Frisbee, or t-shirt to sign up for a credit card may end up costing you more than you expect.
  
• Becoming Credit Smart
  A checklist of factors to help you make smart decisions when chooing a credit card.
• Credit Card Cash Advance Pitfalls
  Credit card cash advances can provide easy, instant access to cash in tough timea, but besides high fees and interest rates, there are other risks.
• Credit Insurance Basics
  Credit insurance is designed to pay off the minimum monthly payment in the event that you cannot make your payments. Critics warn that it a can be bad deal for consumers.
• How Do I Calculate My Debt-to-Income Ratio?
  Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio when they consider whether you are creditworthy. Here's how you can calculate your own debt-to-income ratio.
• How Well Do I Know My Credit Statement?
  Your credit card statement is more than just a bill. Understanding and monitoring the following five items on your credit card statements can help control your use of credit.
• Just The Facts: What You Need To Know BEFORE Paying With Plastic
  Individually, they may add up to only a few dollars a month, but collectively these factors can add up to a bundle over time, especially if you have numerous credit cards.
• Organize Your Credit Card Statements
  Do you find yourself paying late fees on your credit card bills? Or trouble finding your statements when you know bills are due? The solution is simple: organize your bills!
• Which Credit Card Is Right for You?
  You've seen the ads and been tempted by the giveaways -- but how much do you really know about credit cards? Here's a crash course....