Without further Ado, let's get started:
SECRET 1: I AM THE CONSUMER. AND I HAVE LOW-RATE SUPER-POWERS!
1) How would you like a zero interest credit card?
WHAT? Did you say ZERO interest? That's like 0.00%, or .0000000%, or nothing, or nada, or no interest? Tom! Can't be!!!
2) Actually, that's exactly what I mean.
You can have zero interest on a perfect day, or, can you live with 4% interest? I just received a credit card offer for 4% interest (which I turned down?), but if I needed it, that is completely reasonable, don't you think?
3) You see, you are the consumer, and you have Low-Rate Super Powers!
This is a hot, credit-hungry market we're in. There are banks and lending institutions that would do just about anything to entice you in to their little web of plastic loanery.
4) Here's Secret #1 revealed:
Credit Card companies are competing with each other, by offering consumers like us, low-interest, to no interest, balance transfers on already existing debt. Granted, these are usually (but not always?) limited to a time period like 6 months?
But, what do you care? 6 months of zero interest is certainly MUCH better than 6 months of 19% interest, RIGHT?
5) The first, most important thing you need to do, is examine if you have outstanding balances on other credit cards. If you do, then wisen up!
Let me be your Dad for a second?"Stop being lazy!" Go shop for a new credit card, and ask them if they offer balance transfer opportunities. Virtually ALL OF THEM DO! When you get the answer you're looking for, apply. They'll send you a nifty letter in the mail with a bunch of blank checks. Have a feel day! Go pay off your other credit cards, transfer the balances, and start enjoying zero to low interest! Pretty cool, huh?
6) But TOM, what do I do in six months?
Oh please. You know what you need to do. Mark your calendar, or your Franklin Covey, or your PDA, or whatever you use, and repeat the procedure again in 6 months (hot-tip: look for no-time limit zero interest balance transfers.)
This is easy stuff, folks. But it does take a couple extra steps.
That's why people AREN'T DOING IT, if you can believe that!
Well, it's your turn to be the smart consumer, right? Take this BIG, HUGE, sensible first step, and you are well on your way to the pearly gates of Credit Card Utopia!
We've enjoyed providing this information to you, and we wish you the best of luck in your pursuits. Remember to always seek out good advice from those you trust, and never turn your back on your own common sense.
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About The Author
Tom Levine provides a solid, common sense approach to solving problems and answering questions relating to consumer loan products. His website seeks to provide free online resources for the consumer, including rate-watch, tips and articles, financial communication, news, and links to products and services. You can check out Tom's website here: http://loanresource.org, or you can email Tom at info@loanresource.org.
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