December 9th, 2009
Wednesday Trends in Credit Cards & Debt
Cash for…Caulkers? That’s the media’s catchy nickname–reminiscent of this year’s earlier successful Cash for Clunkers program–for Obama’s newest economic stimulus proposal aimed at creating jobs, encouraging home energy efficiency, and boosting the home construction sector. The program would reimburse homeowners 50%–up to $12,000– of the cost of installing energy-efficient appliances and insulation. This is the latest government-funded effort at reviving the economy. As more details on this plan roll out of Capitol Hill, check out this week’s round-up of credit card and debt advice.
Credit Card News
- Check out why Yahoo! Finance thinks its a good idea to ignore your credit card’s minimum payment.
- Bible Money Matters shares a few thoughts on something we can all relate to– a love-hate relationship with credit cards.
- Ever wish you could have a personal assistant at your fingertips? SmartMoney lists the top three elite credit cards that offer high-class credit card concierge customer service.
- New York Times reviews the American Express Zync credit card aimed at the twentysomething crowd. Will this charge card become all the rage with young adults?
- You’ve heard the case for cash and debit; now here’s Moolanomy Personal Finance’s case for the advantages of holiday shopping with credit cards.
Debt News
- Medical emergencies can be a devastating and unaviodable cause of sudden debt. Christian PF shares 5 tips for dealing with your medical debt.
- Ask Liz Weston answers a question on what happens when a spouse has terrible debt, and how to handle it.
- “You have three choices. Pay up, get an attorney or do nothing.” Read more on Bankrate’s strategies of dealing with an old debt.
- 6 powerful strategies for paying down debt from Wise Bread. The first one I’m going to start with? #6: Set aside some savings.
- Bookmark SmartMoney’s new Personal Coupon Clipper, a Friday feature you will want to revisit for coupon codes and the latest buzz on sales.
