Credit Card Information(HOT HOT HOT)
We are all facing hard times right now with the state that the economy is in. Our hope is that we can all get through this and get back to work and continue the life style we have grown accustom to. Unfortunately most of us are not prepared when a life style change hits us, so we have to make some changes to get through the rough times. Below are a few tips that may help save you some money. I have done these things myself to get my bills manageable and so my family can still live comfortable. Also keep a checking back regularly for new updates.
In Solidarity Sally Menius, CSC Chair
If you are fore seeing that you may have problems paying your monthly bills Here are a few things you can do to prepare yourself.
1) Call all your utility company's,Phone,cable,Internet,cell phone etc. Let them know of your situation. They don't want to loose your business. They may be able to lower your payment for a period of time to help you adjust to your situation.Or help Taylor your plan to better serve your needs. The worse possible thing to do is not talk to them,They are less likely to be able to help if you are behind.
A) If you have a cell phone that is not being used or you can do with out,most company's will freeze that line so you don't have to pay a cancellation fee.
B) If you are in good standing with your auto.loan most lenders will defer up to 2 payments a year.
2) Call your credit card Company's (even if the card is in your spouses name)most protection covers household members if you are a user, not just the card holder.
A) If you have credit card protection they may cover your minimum payment in the event of involuntary layoff and even life style change such as going to school,getting good grades,getting married, moving,hospitalization etc.
B) If you don't have credit card protector and you have a life style change as stated above, you can still get coverage if the event hasn't occurred yet. So if you plan on attending school or being hospitalized and have not enrolled or set a surgery date yet,it may benefit you to check with your cc company's to see what kind of credit protection they offer..If the card is in your spouses name add yourself to the card as a user.
C) Ask your credit card company if they can lower you interest rate. If you have a good payment history with them,they will consider it,They don't want to loose your business.
D) Another option to keep in mind with credit card is to watch for 0% APR. you can transfer balances to avoid the interest and your payment goes directly to paying off your full balance. Be careful when doing this! If you don't get the balance paid by the end of the promotion you will be billed the interest that your account would have occurred.
Even if you do or do not have credit cards but you are facing a life style change such as hospitalization you can purchase insurance that will pay you directly. Combined Insurance has some relay good policy's for accidental,sickness,and 100 % income replacement. Contact Brenda Phelps 704-658-7010 or Bob Allen 704-213-1961.
I'm not advising anyone! I am not a credit advisor,These are things that I have done myself and they worked for me. I am just passing them along. I am NOT saying that all creditors do the things I stated, but The Company's I deal with where more the glad to help. Please feel free to contact me if you need more information. |
