Many people are in the market for prepaid cards because these cards are great for establishing good credit habits, are accepted everywhere major Credit Cards are, and are available for those who may be credit-challenged. The American Express Prepaid Card finds its own niche in this large market.

PerkStreet Financial is generally known for offering very competitive rewards programs, and they continue this trend with their PerkStreet Financial℠ Debit MasterCard®. This Debit Card offers up to 2% cash back on non-PIN purchases, when your account balance is greater than $5,000. PerkStreet advertises that the average American family can save up to $500-$600 per year by using this cash back card strategically. The card also comes with special offers and bonuses, like 5% cash back at select retailers, as well as the industry standard 1% on most purchases (regardless of account balance).

American Express Open is getting a lot of buzz from an application it has created called YourBuzz. The app, geared towards small business owners who want to monitor/control their online presence, offers to do several things....

On February 16th, Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Rules, and Rep. John Tierney (D-MA) introduced legislation that would amend the 2009 Credit Card Act by capping Credit Card Interest Rates at 16%. The lawmakers argue that, in these difficult economic times, consumers are being exploited by credit card companies allowed to assign sky-high interest rates.

The mPower™ Visa® Prepaid Card, issued by The Bancorp Bank, offers an easy solution for your everyday card uses. No minimum balance is required, nor are there any background credit Checks. Plus, when you sign up for direct deposit, a $25 bonus is rewarded to you on your next statement.

Unlike other cards, the mPower™ Visa® Prepaid Card guarantees approval upon identification confirmation when you sign up. There are NO credit checks – all that is required on your behalf is information, such as your date of birth and address, to identify you.

You also do not need to maintain a minimum balance, however, if you sign up for Direct Deposit you will be eligible to receive a $25 bonus into your account. An activation fee is also refunded to your account on the following statement when you sign up for Direct Deposit, thus essentially allowing you to enjoy free activation!

Leasing a car can often be more expensive than purchasing. In addition to incurring fees at lease end, there may be hidden or unanticipated costs at lease inception, and during the lease term. Knowing and understanding some of these potential financial pitfalls may help you avoid them completely.

Small actions can produce big outcomes when it comes to raising your Credit Score, and a little common sense goes a long way. 

If you find yourself in a situation of short-term financial hardship, running up that credit card is usually a quick and easy “solution”. However, being in possession of maxed-out and high-balance credit cards will weaken your ability to survive any looming financial storms.

There has never been a more suitable time to get your financial house in order. While most of us cannot control whether we will have a job in a year, and we can’t reduce the fluctuations in the Stock Market, lowering our consumer debt is one thing we can certainly work towards. Being financially stable tomorrow depends on our willingness to make financially sound decisions today. This is particularly true in these economic times, and for most of us, getting out of debt is now more important than ever before.

Get yourself, your family and your household ready for fall, while insulating your wallet with 5% cash back on:

1. Bed Bath & Beyond®
2. HomeGoods®
3. Pier 1 Imports®
4.  Marshalls®
5.  T.J. Maxx®

Do you have a financial question, but don't know whom to ask?

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Our Financial Expert just posted an article about sin Stocks an no-sin stocks.

Which ones are better to invest in?

Last week, Consumers Union (the Consumer Reports policy website), announced an initiative to create legislation requiring the credit bureaus to provide one free consumer credit score per year to American consumers.

Pay day advance Loans, additionally called emergency loans or a Cash Advances, are small-scale short-term Personal Loans meant to be paid back with a customer's future paycheck. The number of Cash Advance loans obtained by Americans has risen every year since 2006. In 2011, all but 13 states allow this kind of Loan, making the practice authorized and/or controlled in 37 states.

Each time you apply for a loan, new line of credit, an apartment, or job you can just about guarantee your credit score and report will get a look. The first step in knowing whether you’ll be approved for a loan, housing, or a job is to know what your FICO® score is, because this is the credit scoring model many creditors and lenders rely upon. In the United States, FICO® is considered the preeminent provider of Credit Scores. Its numerical system ranges from a low of 300 to a maximum score of 850. But Fair Isaac & Co. (the corporation behind the FICO® score) is not the only provider of credit scores, allthough FICO® is certainly the most popular and widely used.

GoalMine is an investment service that provides all consumers regardless of income level or investing experience the means and access to help build towards their financial goals. Start with as little as $25 and view your investments and savings goals anytime online. Goalmine offers an easy way to invest.

What should you do if you want to buy a home but cannot secure financing? Is trying to purchase a home via lease-to-own a good option?

Well, that depends. It is great if you need a quick cash loan, but it shouldn't be a permanent solution to your financial problems. Actually, loans in general shouldn't be a permanent solution. The interest adds up.

The 4 Year Ally Bank CD rates are changing.

What Citi Checking Offers Customers

Aside from an excellent personal banking experience from friendly, professional folks at Citibank, new Citi Checking customers benefit from over 29,000 fee-free ATMs across the country, free online bill payment services, free and secure mobile banking and more.

The November Ally Bank Rates, 9 Month, 1 Year and 18 Month High Yield CD rates are changing.

Discover Bank has updated its banking rates. Please see below for the latest Discover Bank rates, effective immediately.

View the new Ally Bank interest rates. The 6 Month High Yield CD rate is changing.