Although most teenagers get some form of acne, adults in their twenties, thirties, forties, or even older, can develop acne. Men and women alike experience acne, but men get it more severely. There are many adult acne treatments to choose from.
All acne treatments work by preventing new breakouts, and must be used over a period of weeks or months. Even if you begin to see improvement, continue treatment. Follow the directions on the package or as prescribed by your dermatologist.
There are many over-the-counter adult acne treatments to unblock pores, reduce bacteria and dry out pimples. They contain the acids or antibiotics benzoyl peroxide (such as Neutrogena On-The-Spot), salicylic acid (such as Stri-dex), sulfur or resorcinol (such as Clearasil Adult Care).
Even more numerous are prescription drugs and topicals that curb oil build-up, skin cell shedding and bacteria growth - all while drying and peeling away old acne and stimulating healthy skin growth. For women, there are even drugs that decrease testosterone levels. In cases of unresponsive or severe acne, isotretinoin (Accutane) may be used. Talk to your dermatologist to find out what is appropriate for your case of acne.
Beyond oral and topical medications, there are a number of other options for adult acne treatment.
Microdermabrasion is basically a sand-blasting technique that can clear up minor blemishes caused by acne. Light chemical peels with salicylic acid or glycolic acid help to unblock the pores, open the blackheads and whiteheads, and stimulate new skin growth. Injections of corticosteroids may be used for treating large red bumps (nodules). Birth control pills have the desirable side effect of treating and reducing acne breakouts.
Laser resurfacing can be helpful in treating acne as well, by vaporizing the acne and clearing the way for new skin to grow.
To avoid scarring, you should never pick or squeeze acne, especially inflammatory acne or “pustules”. Squeezing forces infected material deeper into the skin, causing additional inflammation and possible scarring. Also, avoid scrubbing your skin. If you do get scars, acne scar treatment is available in many forms. Acne Treatment provides detailed information on the best acne treatments, including laser acne treatment, and scar treatment, as well as adult, natural, home treatment, and more. Acne Treatment is the sister site of Microdermabrasion Web.
Jumat, 22 Januari 2010
How Do I Deal With My Acne?
Acne can be caused in teenagers just from the hormonal aspect of being a teen and genetics (that stinks!)
Many products on the market just don't work. If they work, what I am going to tell you is probably some of the ingredients in acne products.
To clean your face:
You can use oatmeal and add water. Rub this on your face and let it sit for 15 minutes. Oatmeal is a natural astringent that dries the skin.
Rinse off with water. Get a spray bottle or dab your face with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Then if you want to, you can dab some hydrogen peroxide afterwards. By scratching pimples you can cause an infection so the hydrogen peroxide helps.
And stop touching your hair and face during the day. Do this treatment at least 2 x a day.
Here are other treatments you can try.
After you wash your face with a soap like Aveeno, use a cotton ball to clean oil from the skin with this cooling astringent.
Using Neosporin - Dad a little Neosporin on pimples and blemishes. The antibiotic helps clear up acne.
Phillips' Milk of Magnesia. Using this as a facial mask helps dry up the excess oils from your face, and dabbing it on pimples to reduce redness and to speed up healing.
Using ReaLemon. Rub the ReaLemon lemon juice over blackheads before going to bed. In the morning, wash of the juice with cool water. Repeat this for several nights and you should see a big improvement in the skin. Also dab ReaLemon on any blemish a few times during the day when you have a chance.
When you break out in pimples, mix 1 tsp of Corn Starch with 1 tsp of ReaLemon lemon juice to make a paste. Apply to the affected areas and then let dry. This treatment eliminates the redness and helps pimples dry up faster.
Many products on the market just don't work. If they work, what I am going to tell you is probably some of the ingredients in acne products.
To clean your face:
You can use oatmeal and add water. Rub this on your face and let it sit for 15 minutes. Oatmeal is a natural astringent that dries the skin.
Rinse off with water. Get a spray bottle or dab your face with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Then if you want to, you can dab some hydrogen peroxide afterwards. By scratching pimples you can cause an infection so the hydrogen peroxide helps.
And stop touching your hair and face during the day. Do this treatment at least 2 x a day.
Here are other treatments you can try.
After you wash your face with a soap like Aveeno, use a cotton ball to clean oil from the skin with this cooling astringent.
Using Neosporin - Dad a little Neosporin on pimples and blemishes. The antibiotic helps clear up acne.
Phillips' Milk of Magnesia. Using this as a facial mask helps dry up the excess oils from your face, and dabbing it on pimples to reduce redness and to speed up healing.
Using ReaLemon. Rub the ReaLemon lemon juice over blackheads before going to bed. In the morning, wash of the juice with cool water. Repeat this for several nights and you should see a big improvement in the skin. Also dab ReaLemon on any blemish a few times during the day when you have a chance.
When you break out in pimples, mix 1 tsp of Corn Starch with 1 tsp of ReaLemon lemon juice to make a paste. Apply to the affected areas and then let dry. This treatment eliminates the redness and helps pimples dry up faster.
Clear your Acne and have Perfect Skin - Naturally!
Most people who suffer from acne go out and spend good money on common over-the-counter acne treatment products. The truth is, most of these products are full of chemicals that can actually slow down the healing of acne, and irritate your skin, causing farther breakouts.
When an acne product has 20 ingredients listed on it, it can be hard to know if one of those ingredients is actually stopping you from having success. It can be even harder when you can't pronounce the ingredient, much less know what it is and how it is going to affect your skin.
Most mainstream acne treatments are not only much more expensive than common household items, but they also don't always work as well either. With that in mind, I will list some basic household items that can work wonders on clearing up your skin.
Baking soda – A very cheap cooking ingredient that most people have in their homes already, baking soda can be used as a great scrub. The purpose of a scrub is to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin that can eventually clog pores and lead to acne spots.
To start off, you'll want to mix a small amount of baking soda with some water for form a paste. Baking soda is very effective as a scrub, so you want to be sure to be extra careful when applying it to your face. Gently massage the paste into your skin for ten to fifteen seconds. Then rinse the baking soda off, and pat your face dry with a clean towel.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Though most people that use vinegar to treat acne use the apple cider form of vinegar, you can also use plain old regular vinegar. Regardless of which type you use, vinegar can be very helpful with it comes to clearing up acne. It can kill off acne causing bacteria, balance your skin's pH, and absorb extra oil on your skin.
Starting with clean, dry skin, apply diluted vinegar (eight parts water to one part vinegar) directly to your skin with a cotton ball, and leave it on. If you want, you can also use a stronger vinegar solution (say, 2 or 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar), and apply it directly to problem areas, rinsing it off after ten minutes.
Lemon or lime juice can also be substituted for vinegar. Both of these juices are rich in citric acid, and can exfoliate your skin very well, halting the growth of acne spots, as well as fading previous, non-active acne quicker.
Egg Whites – Rich in protein, egg whites can be used as a mask to heal and rebuild your skin. It can also help to absorb excess oil from your skin.
To start off, crack an egg, removing the yolk so that just the egg whites are left behind. Beat these egg whites, and apply them directly to your face. Let it sit for fifteen minutes, and then rinse the egg off.
Oatmeal – As odd as it may seem, oatmeal can absorb unwanted oil and draw out impurities which reside deep in your skin. Cook some plain oatmeal like you would for consumption. Let it cool off, and rub it over your clean skin. Let it sit for a while, like you would a mask, and then rinse off. If you do this on a regular basis, you should begin to start noticing results soon.
Tea Tree Oil – TTO is a commonly used all-natural household antiseptic, which you can pick up at most drugstores or supermarkets. You can apply TTO directly to acne spots to kill bacteria, or, if you strongly dilute it with another oil (such as jojoba oil), over your entire face.
Tea tree gel can be easier to apply than the oil, and many are made for applying over large areas of skin, so they aren't quite as strong as straight TTO and do not need to be diluted.
Pantothenic Acid (Also known as Vit. B5) – Pantothenic acid can be taken in large quantities for the benefit of acne reduction. B5 works by helping your body to metabolize fats which would otherwise be later turned into sebum (oil) and excreted through the skin. Small amounts of B5 won't help though, and it has to be taken several times a day.
To help with acne, you will need to take 2.5 grams of pantothenic acid (the powder form is much easier to take), 4 times per day, for a total of 10 grams per day.
Aloe Vera – Aloe Vera has been used for many years in kitchens for topical application to burns. Another benefit of aloe is that it can prevent scaring, fade marks and help heal acne spots.
You now have an idea of some basic household items you can use on your skin, that work better than many OTC acne products, and are much cheaper to use. Since we have only really covered basic acne treatments, you can always take this to another level and take all natural, internal acne treatments.
This sums up our basic list of natural alternatives for chemical based acne treatment products. You can take this a step farther by attacking your acne from the inside out. Acne has been shown numerous times to be very closely affected by the digestive system, so keeping your entire digestive system working as smooth as possible can help reduce acne. I will help give you a basic idea of some all natural products you can take to help clear up acne.
Cucumber, lemon and carrot juice, brewer's yeast, and active charcoal pills are all capable of helping the digestive system function normally. Since the digestive system is closely related with the health of the skin, they should help reduce acne breakouts. Flax seed can also be wonderful for helping your skin heal faster.
When an acne product has 20 ingredients listed on it, it can be hard to know if one of those ingredients is actually stopping you from having success. It can be even harder when you can't pronounce the ingredient, much less know what it is and how it is going to affect your skin.
Most mainstream acne treatments are not only much more expensive than common household items, but they also don't always work as well either. With that in mind, I will list some basic household items that can work wonders on clearing up your skin.
Baking soda – A very cheap cooking ingredient that most people have in their homes already, baking soda can be used as a great scrub. The purpose of a scrub is to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin that can eventually clog pores and lead to acne spots.
To start off, you'll want to mix a small amount of baking soda with some water for form a paste. Baking soda is very effective as a scrub, so you want to be sure to be extra careful when applying it to your face. Gently massage the paste into your skin for ten to fifteen seconds. Then rinse the baking soda off, and pat your face dry with a clean towel.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Though most people that use vinegar to treat acne use the apple cider form of vinegar, you can also use plain old regular vinegar. Regardless of which type you use, vinegar can be very helpful with it comes to clearing up acne. It can kill off acne causing bacteria, balance your skin's pH, and absorb extra oil on your skin.
Starting with clean, dry skin, apply diluted vinegar (eight parts water to one part vinegar) directly to your skin with a cotton ball, and leave it on. If you want, you can also use a stronger vinegar solution (say, 2 or 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar), and apply it directly to problem areas, rinsing it off after ten minutes.
Lemon or lime juice can also be substituted for vinegar. Both of these juices are rich in citric acid, and can exfoliate your skin very well, halting the growth of acne spots, as well as fading previous, non-active acne quicker.
Egg Whites – Rich in protein, egg whites can be used as a mask to heal and rebuild your skin. It can also help to absorb excess oil from your skin.
To start off, crack an egg, removing the yolk so that just the egg whites are left behind. Beat these egg whites, and apply them directly to your face. Let it sit for fifteen minutes, and then rinse the egg off.
Oatmeal – As odd as it may seem, oatmeal can absorb unwanted oil and draw out impurities which reside deep in your skin. Cook some plain oatmeal like you would for consumption. Let it cool off, and rub it over your clean skin. Let it sit for a while, like you would a mask, and then rinse off. If you do this on a regular basis, you should begin to start noticing results soon.
Tea Tree Oil – TTO is a commonly used all-natural household antiseptic, which you can pick up at most drugstores or supermarkets. You can apply TTO directly to acne spots to kill bacteria, or, if you strongly dilute it with another oil (such as jojoba oil), over your entire face.
Tea tree gel can be easier to apply than the oil, and many are made for applying over large areas of skin, so they aren't quite as strong as straight TTO and do not need to be diluted.
Pantothenic Acid (Also known as Vit. B5) – Pantothenic acid can be taken in large quantities for the benefit of acne reduction. B5 works by helping your body to metabolize fats which would otherwise be later turned into sebum (oil) and excreted through the skin. Small amounts of B5 won't help though, and it has to be taken several times a day.
To help with acne, you will need to take 2.5 grams of pantothenic acid (the powder form is much easier to take), 4 times per day, for a total of 10 grams per day.
Aloe Vera – Aloe Vera has been used for many years in kitchens for topical application to burns. Another benefit of aloe is that it can prevent scaring, fade marks and help heal acne spots.
You now have an idea of some basic household items you can use on your skin, that work better than many OTC acne products, and are much cheaper to use. Since we have only really covered basic acne treatments, you can always take this to another level and take all natural, internal acne treatments.
This sums up our basic list of natural alternatives for chemical based acne treatment products. You can take this a step farther by attacking your acne from the inside out. Acne has been shown numerous times to be very closely affected by the digestive system, so keeping your entire digestive system working as smooth as possible can help reduce acne. I will help give you a basic idea of some all natural products you can take to help clear up acne.
Cucumber, lemon and carrot juice, brewer's yeast, and active charcoal pills are all capable of helping the digestive system function normally. Since the digestive system is closely related with the health of the skin, they should help reduce acne breakouts. Flax seed can also be wonderful for helping your skin heal faster.
Selasa, 12 Januari 2010
Cash Back Credit Cards: The Deal is in the Details
Cash back credit cards: do they really work? The simple answer is yes; the longer answer is that in order to make the most of them, you’ll have to pay attention to the details. If you can stay on top of your credit card payments, and use the card wisely, you will definitely benefit from a cash back credit card. The key is to look at the fine print. Here are some tips to help you get a good amount of cash back.
Check the Percentage Rates
When cash back cards first began, banks usually offered customers 1 percent back from the amount they spent. So if you spent $500, it seemed like you could expect to get $5 back. Many cardholders did not realize, however, that the full 1 percent usually did not start until a certain amount had been spent on the card. Many of these cards worked on a tiered basis, meaning that you would not actually receive the entire 1 percent cash back until you had piled a few thousand dollars on to the card.
Fast forward to today, and you’ll still find that many credit cards operate on this system. If you read through the fine print, you can find out the limits involved before applying. You can also check for special deals. Some cards will give you 5 percent cash back every time you use the card at the grocery store, or for gas, or for online shopping. So make sure you know what you really will be getting back in cash before you sign up.
Look for Fees
Many cash back credit cards do not come with an annual fee. Even so, you’ll want to check to see if there are any extra fees involved. Some of these cards come with a higher interest rate than most cards. If this is the case, check to see if you’ll be paying off the balance each month. If you can pay off the balance each month, you’ll greatly benefit from the card. If you can’t, you might want to look for a low interest card instead.
Set up a System
Using a cash back credit card works best when you keep track of your purchases, make sure you get the highest percent of cash back possible, and pay off the balance each month. To add one more step to your benefit plan, think about what you want to spend your rewards on. Check each month to see how much money you have accumulated, and plan what you will use those rewards for. Then when you receive a rebate check, you’ll know right where to put it.
For those that can carefully manage a credit card, the cash back system is a great find. It gives you all of the benefits of a regular card, and lets you get a little cash back at the same time. So if you apply for one, think about using the card, and the rewards that come from it, as best as you can. You’ll find that the deal with cash back credit cards is really in the details.
Check the Percentage Rates
When cash back cards first began, banks usually offered customers 1 percent back from the amount they spent. So if you spent $500, it seemed like you could expect to get $5 back. Many cardholders did not realize, however, that the full 1 percent usually did not start until a certain amount had been spent on the card. Many of these cards worked on a tiered basis, meaning that you would not actually receive the entire 1 percent cash back until you had piled a few thousand dollars on to the card.
Fast forward to today, and you’ll still find that many credit cards operate on this system. If you read through the fine print, you can find out the limits involved before applying. You can also check for special deals. Some cards will give you 5 percent cash back every time you use the card at the grocery store, or for gas, or for online shopping. So make sure you know what you really will be getting back in cash before you sign up.
Look for Fees
Many cash back credit cards do not come with an annual fee. Even so, you’ll want to check to see if there are any extra fees involved. Some of these cards come with a higher interest rate than most cards. If this is the case, check to see if you’ll be paying off the balance each month. If you can pay off the balance each month, you’ll greatly benefit from the card. If you can’t, you might want to look for a low interest card instead.
Set up a System
Using a cash back credit card works best when you keep track of your purchases, make sure you get the highest percent of cash back possible, and pay off the balance each month. To add one more step to your benefit plan, think about what you want to spend your rewards on. Check each month to see how much money you have accumulated, and plan what you will use those rewards for. Then when you receive a rebate check, you’ll know right where to put it.
For those that can carefully manage a credit card, the cash back system is a great find. It gives you all of the benefits of a regular card, and lets you get a little cash back at the same time. So if you apply for one, think about using the card, and the rewards that come from it, as best as you can. You’ll find that the deal with cash back credit cards is really in the details.
Preventing Identity Theft and Credit Card Fraud: How to Protect your Credit Information
According to a recent poll by Experian, one in five Americans has reported they have experienced some form of identity theft. If it happens to you, and your identity is stolen, you might be in for a lengthy hassle that could cost you your credit rating and leave a permanent blight on your financial records.
How Credit Card Theft Starts
Thieves start by targeting your personal information: Social security numbers, bank statements, tax reports, credit card debit information and passwords, or even your checkbook. Don’t leave this valuable information lying around at your office, or in your car. Be aware that you are leaving a door open for anyone to get access to your bank account or credit card information. Question anyone who asks for your credit information, including employers; find out what their privacy policy is and get a copy of it. Shred all documents no matter how insignificant they may seem to you. In addition, don’t ever lend your credit card to ANYONE, including family members, unless you are willing to take on their debt personally. Many family arguments have ended up in court with bitter feelings from one time casual credit card or debit card lending that got out of hand. When you apply for a credit card, be certain that their online application is secured, and the privacy notice is posted.
Spotting Signs of Identity Theft
* If you’ve frequently been missing your credit card bill, or your mail keeps getting “lost” contact the post office immediately. If you live in an apartment complex , find out from your superintendent or manager if you can change your mailbox key. A missing bill could mean that an identity theft has occurred and the billing address has been changed.
* If you’re suddenly getting credit cards (not just a credit card offer) from companies that you didn’t apply. Call these companies and find out if you are the account holder; if not verbally cancel the account and follow up with a written letter.
* If you’re being denied credit, or your credit card terms are suddenly being changed to higher interest terms, for no obvious reason.
* You’re suddenly getting phone calls and letters from creditors about purchases you did not make.
How to Protect Your Credit Information
The best protection is constant awareness of the use of your credit information. Credit monitoring services such as Citi® Credit Monitoring Service, provide these services for a fee, which may be well worth it. Choose your passwords carefully. Avoid using any easily available information, such as your mother’s maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your SS#, or your phone number. If you must use this type of identifier in opening an account, request a password change immediately after opening the account before it slips your mind. Secure your credit information at all times, even around your house--if you’re having work done on your home, or if you’re having a big party, or your roommate brings home guests. Don’t give out any information unless you know exactly how it will be used and by whom.
The Best Defense for Your Credit Security:
Stay vigilant. Review your credit card statements every month, and question any suspected purchases by contacting your credit card issuer directly. If you suspect an unauthorized purchase, send a letter to your credit card issuer detailing the item in question and any reference numbers. The credit card issuer is required to investigate your claim and report back to you, in writing, of their findings. You can also request a free annual monitoring report from each of the major consumer reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. A recent amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that these credit reporting companies provide these reports to you at your request, every 12 months.
It’s your credit. Protect it!
How Credit Card Theft Starts
Thieves start by targeting your personal information: Social security numbers, bank statements, tax reports, credit card debit information and passwords, or even your checkbook. Don’t leave this valuable information lying around at your office, or in your car. Be aware that you are leaving a door open for anyone to get access to your bank account or credit card information. Question anyone who asks for your credit information, including employers; find out what their privacy policy is and get a copy of it. Shred all documents no matter how insignificant they may seem to you. In addition, don’t ever lend your credit card to ANYONE, including family members, unless you are willing to take on their debt personally. Many family arguments have ended up in court with bitter feelings from one time casual credit card or debit card lending that got out of hand. When you apply for a credit card, be certain that their online application is secured, and the privacy notice is posted.
Spotting Signs of Identity Theft
* If you’ve frequently been missing your credit card bill, or your mail keeps getting “lost” contact the post office immediately. If you live in an apartment complex , find out from your superintendent or manager if you can change your mailbox key. A missing bill could mean that an identity theft has occurred and the billing address has been changed.
* If you’re suddenly getting credit cards (not just a credit card offer) from companies that you didn’t apply. Call these companies and find out if you are the account holder; if not verbally cancel the account and follow up with a written letter.
* If you’re being denied credit, or your credit card terms are suddenly being changed to higher interest terms, for no obvious reason.
* You’re suddenly getting phone calls and letters from creditors about purchases you did not make.
How to Protect Your Credit Information
The best protection is constant awareness of the use of your credit information. Credit monitoring services such as Citi® Credit Monitoring Service, provide these services for a fee, which may be well worth it. Choose your passwords carefully. Avoid using any easily available information, such as your mother’s maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your SS#, or your phone number. If you must use this type of identifier in opening an account, request a password change immediately after opening the account before it slips your mind. Secure your credit information at all times, even around your house--if you’re having work done on your home, or if you’re having a big party, or your roommate brings home guests. Don’t give out any information unless you know exactly how it will be used and by whom.
The Best Defense for Your Credit Security:
Stay vigilant. Review your credit card statements every month, and question any suspected purchases by contacting your credit card issuer directly. If you suspect an unauthorized purchase, send a letter to your credit card issuer detailing the item in question and any reference numbers. The credit card issuer is required to investigate your claim and report back to you, in writing, of their findings. You can also request a free annual monitoring report from each of the major consumer reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. A recent amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that these credit reporting companies provide these reports to you at your request, every 12 months.
It’s your credit. Protect it!
Cash Back Credit Cards: How To Play The Cash Back Game
You have seen them advertised on your television. Likely, you have gotten their solicitations in your mailbox. Your neighbor has one and he just got a brand new gas grille for free! So, what am I talking about? Cash back credit cards, of course. Millions of consumers are making the switch over from plain credit cards to cash back cards. They have learned that a game can be played that guarantees that they will be a winner. Do you know how to play the cash back game? If not, read on for some helpful tips that can help you get started down the road to free money.
So, you think that there aren’t free things in life, right? Well, in the case of cash back credit cards there are. You just need to know how to play the game.
For starters, there are a few rules for you to remember. If you carefully follow these rules you can profit handsomely and come away with money...not just a few dollars, but hundreds of dollars annually…even more. All for just using your cash back credit card!
Rule #1 – You have to be in it to win it. Yes, your card must be a cash back card in order to accumulate points that can be redeemed for money. Many credit cards offer rewards or other “come ons” to get you to use your card, but not too many give you money back. You can choose one of the numerous cash back credit card deals offered online to begin playing the game today.
Rule #2 – To maximize potential earnings, you must charge everything. That’s right, in order to receive the most points – redeemable for money – you must get in the habit of charging all of your purchases. Not just clothing and not just household items. Charge your gas, your groceries, your visit to Burger King, you name it. The more your charge, the quicker you accumulate points. The more points you accumulate, the more money back in your pocket.
Rule #3 – Pay off your cash back credit card monthly. Okay, so there is a catch! In order to make this type of card work for you, you need to pay off your balance every month. If you don’t, then the points you accumulate will easily be offset by interest charges and then some!
Rule #4 – Redeem and have fun. Yes, sooner than you know it, you will have accumulated enough points to redeem for money. Once you hit the threshold you want [check your credit card provider’s redemption book] you can cash your points in for money or receive it as a credit toward your current balance. Either way, you have money in your pocket!
Do cash back credit cards sound too good to be true? They can seem as if they are, especially when you know that no one gives away free money without a hitch to it. What the credit card companies do to give money back to you is to set aside some of the money they collect from merchants and turn around and give that money to you. Merchants win because you buy their product, credit card providers win because you use their card and they get merchant fees with every purchase you make, and you win because you chose the correct card. A true win-win-win situation for everyone, but you must be “in it, to win it” in order to reap your reward. You’d be surprised how many people do not play “the game” or they break the rules, costing them money in the long run.
Like your neighbor enjoying his free $450 Weber grille, you can be a winner too. Select the right cash back credit card today and you’ll soon be enjoying your free money too!
So, you think that there aren’t free things in life, right? Well, in the case of cash back credit cards there are. You just need to know how to play the game.
For starters, there are a few rules for you to remember. If you carefully follow these rules you can profit handsomely and come away with money...not just a few dollars, but hundreds of dollars annually…even more. All for just using your cash back credit card!
Rule #1 – You have to be in it to win it. Yes, your card must be a cash back card in order to accumulate points that can be redeemed for money. Many credit cards offer rewards or other “come ons” to get you to use your card, but not too many give you money back. You can choose one of the numerous cash back credit card deals offered online to begin playing the game today.
Rule #2 – To maximize potential earnings, you must charge everything. That’s right, in order to receive the most points – redeemable for money – you must get in the habit of charging all of your purchases. Not just clothing and not just household items. Charge your gas, your groceries, your visit to Burger King, you name it. The more your charge, the quicker you accumulate points. The more points you accumulate, the more money back in your pocket.
Rule #3 – Pay off your cash back credit card monthly. Okay, so there is a catch! In order to make this type of card work for you, you need to pay off your balance every month. If you don’t, then the points you accumulate will easily be offset by interest charges and then some!
Rule #4 – Redeem and have fun. Yes, sooner than you know it, you will have accumulated enough points to redeem for money. Once you hit the threshold you want [check your credit card provider’s redemption book] you can cash your points in for money or receive it as a credit toward your current balance. Either way, you have money in your pocket!
Do cash back credit cards sound too good to be true? They can seem as if they are, especially when you know that no one gives away free money without a hitch to it. What the credit card companies do to give money back to you is to set aside some of the money they collect from merchants and turn around and give that money to you. Merchants win because you buy their product, credit card providers win because you use their card and they get merchant fees with every purchase you make, and you win because you chose the correct card. A true win-win-win situation for everyone, but you must be “in it, to win it” in order to reap your reward. You’d be surprised how many people do not play “the game” or they break the rules, costing them money in the long run.
Like your neighbor enjoying his free $450 Weber grille, you can be a winner too. Select the right cash back credit card today and you’ll soon be enjoying your free money too!
Balance Transfer Credit Cards: Are They Right for You?
If you are carrying a balance on one or more credit cards you already have, you may want to think seriously about applying for a new 0% balance transfer credit card offer.
Now you may be wondering how an issuer can possibly offer 0% balance transfers on credit cards, but it’s true. Many leading banks offer interest free balance transfers. That’s right, you can transfer balances from your current credit cards onto the new card that you apply for and pay 0% interest on the balance for up to 12 months. What’s more, some programs have absolutely NO fees to make the transfer, though you must qualify by having excellent credit. Other programs charge a 3% fee of the amount you transfer, but many banks commonly cap the fee at $75. That means that transferring more than $2500 will not cost you any additional fees.
Determining If a Balance Transfer Credit Card is Right for You
There may be a few cases when some consumers do not benefit by transferring to a zero interest rate card. For example, if you carry only a small balance from month to month and you intend to pay it off soon, it may be better to choose another credit card that offers a different benefit such as frequent flyer miles or bonus points good for merchandise, since the 0% interest savings are minimal for you.
But in most cases, taking advantage of a 0% credit card offer is a great deal. After all, why continue paying interest on your credit card balance with one bank when another bank is offering you 0% interest? There is no logical reason not to save yourself money.
The Benefits of a 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card
1. Paying 0% interest for 12 months can provide relief if you need to devote your cash to other expenses. With 0% interest, your monthly minimum payment is actually less than a credit card that charges interest, because more of your payment goes to paying off your principal each month rather than to paying the interest fees.
2. Alternatively, a 0% interest credit card allows you to pay down your debt more quickly because you might be able to increase your monthly payment since you no longer are paying interest for one year. For example, if you transfer $5000 to a 0% card, and your previous card had a 12% APR interest rate and a 3% minimum balance due payment, you would have spent $538 in interest fees over the year. But with the 0% card, you can choose to pay that extra $40 - $50 per month towards your principal, and thereby reduce a sizeable chunk of your debt.
3. Similarly, a 0% interest credit card might even allow you to pay off your balance with less each month if you chose to do this. For example, if you transferred $5000 and intended to pay if off over 1 year, you would need to pay $444 / month with a 12% interest card, but only $416/ month with a 0% interest card, a savings of $28 per month.
An Important Caveat
Please note that with any of the 0% balance transfer credit card offers, you must commit to making your payment on time each month. If you miss a payment or are late, you risk losing the 0% rate and you may find yourself paying a higher penalty interest rate on balances owed, so pay attention to your credit card statements and make your payments on time.
All in all, the savvy consumer should take advantage of the best 0% balance transfer credit card offer he or she can find. The best course of action is to look on the Internet for 0% card offers and assess the best choice for yourself, such as the Citibank Platinum Select Visa (with no transfer fees), or the Chase Platinum Visa, or HSBC Platinum MasterCard to name a few. It is recommended that you apply for the best card your credit history can qualify for and transfer as many balances as you can to take maximum advantage of these offers.
Now you may be wondering how an issuer can possibly offer 0% balance transfers on credit cards, but it’s true. Many leading banks offer interest free balance transfers. That’s right, you can transfer balances from your current credit cards onto the new card that you apply for and pay 0% interest on the balance for up to 12 months. What’s more, some programs have absolutely NO fees to make the transfer, though you must qualify by having excellent credit. Other programs charge a 3% fee of the amount you transfer, but many banks commonly cap the fee at $75. That means that transferring more than $2500 will not cost you any additional fees.
Determining If a Balance Transfer Credit Card is Right for You
There may be a few cases when some consumers do not benefit by transferring to a zero interest rate card. For example, if you carry only a small balance from month to month and you intend to pay it off soon, it may be better to choose another credit card that offers a different benefit such as frequent flyer miles or bonus points good for merchandise, since the 0% interest savings are minimal for you.
But in most cases, taking advantage of a 0% credit card offer is a great deal. After all, why continue paying interest on your credit card balance with one bank when another bank is offering you 0% interest? There is no logical reason not to save yourself money.
The Benefits of a 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card
1. Paying 0% interest for 12 months can provide relief if you need to devote your cash to other expenses. With 0% interest, your monthly minimum payment is actually less than a credit card that charges interest, because more of your payment goes to paying off your principal each month rather than to paying the interest fees.
2. Alternatively, a 0% interest credit card allows you to pay down your debt more quickly because you might be able to increase your monthly payment since you no longer are paying interest for one year. For example, if you transfer $5000 to a 0% card, and your previous card had a 12% APR interest rate and a 3% minimum balance due payment, you would have spent $538 in interest fees over the year. But with the 0% card, you can choose to pay that extra $40 - $50 per month towards your principal, and thereby reduce a sizeable chunk of your debt.
3. Similarly, a 0% interest credit card might even allow you to pay off your balance with less each month if you chose to do this. For example, if you transferred $5000 and intended to pay if off over 1 year, you would need to pay $444 / month with a 12% interest card, but only $416/ month with a 0% interest card, a savings of $28 per month.
An Important Caveat
Please note that with any of the 0% balance transfer credit card offers, you must commit to making your payment on time each month. If you miss a payment or are late, you risk losing the 0% rate and you may find yourself paying a higher penalty interest rate on balances owed, so pay attention to your credit card statements and make your payments on time.
All in all, the savvy consumer should take advantage of the best 0% balance transfer credit card offer he or she can find. The best course of action is to look on the Internet for 0% card offers and assess the best choice for yourself, such as the Citibank Platinum Select Visa (with no transfer fees), or the Chase Platinum Visa, or HSBC Platinum MasterCard to name a few. It is recommended that you apply for the best card your credit history can qualify for and transfer as many balances as you can to take maximum advantage of these offers.
The Best Ways To Build Credit: How Credit Cards Can Help
If you have not yet established a credit record for yourself or you are in the process of rebuilding your credit, getting a credit card can greatly help you. The fact is, credit cards are one of the best ways to build a credit history and increase your credit worthiness.
If you wondering why you need to build your credit, consider the following reasons:
1. Having a credit history makes it far easier to obtain utilities like gas, electricity and phone services in your personal residence. Without a credit history, you may be asked to put down a large cash deposit to ensure that you will pay all your bills on time.
2. If you plan to ever buy a house or condo, the higher and more extensive your credit history is, the better the rate you will obtain for your mortgage.
3. If you ever want to get a degree and borrow money to pay for it, having a credit history will make it far easier to qualify for a good loan.
4. If you ever want to open your own business, you need a positive credit history in order to obtain a business loan or line of credit.
In short, you have much to gain by establishing credit for yourself as soon as you can. The earlier you begin building your credit history, the more advantages you will create for yourself for any future plans you may have.
You can build credit in many ways, such as having a department store credit card, or taking out a small loan at a bank and paying it off, but having a credit card is actually a far more effective way to build your credit. The simple reason for this is that you can use a credit card to pay for all your regular and ordinary expenses for which you might be paying cash, and in the process, you are literally building your credit record.
For example, at the very minimum, you might as well use a card to pay for all your grocery purchases, gas station fill-ups, and clothing purchases. By paying off these purchases in full when you receive your credit card statement each month for as little as two years, you can be taking advantage of hundreds of simple opportunities to build yourself a credit history without any risk or pain.
So if you do not yet have a credit history or if are trying to improve your credit, don’t wait any longer to apply for a credit card and begin using it as often as you can on your ordinary daily purchases. Many banking institutions are seeking new credit card business and are eager to find new applicants who need to build their credit history. They are especially interested in college students, young professionals, and people seeking cards in order to get special benefits such as airline miles or bonus points, and so you can find many attractive deals online from banks catering to your needs.
If you wondering why you need to build your credit, consider the following reasons:
1. Having a credit history makes it far easier to obtain utilities like gas, electricity and phone services in your personal residence. Without a credit history, you may be asked to put down a large cash deposit to ensure that you will pay all your bills on time.
2. If you plan to ever buy a house or condo, the higher and more extensive your credit history is, the better the rate you will obtain for your mortgage.
3. If you ever want to get a degree and borrow money to pay for it, having a credit history will make it far easier to qualify for a good loan.
4. If you ever want to open your own business, you need a positive credit history in order to obtain a business loan or line of credit.
In short, you have much to gain by establishing credit for yourself as soon as you can. The earlier you begin building your credit history, the more advantages you will create for yourself for any future plans you may have.
You can build credit in many ways, such as having a department store credit card, or taking out a small loan at a bank and paying it off, but having a credit card is actually a far more effective way to build your credit. The simple reason for this is that you can use a credit card to pay for all your regular and ordinary expenses for which you might be paying cash, and in the process, you are literally building your credit record.
For example, at the very minimum, you might as well use a card to pay for all your grocery purchases, gas station fill-ups, and clothing purchases. By paying off these purchases in full when you receive your credit card statement each month for as little as two years, you can be taking advantage of hundreds of simple opportunities to build yourself a credit history without any risk or pain.
So if you do not yet have a credit history or if are trying to improve your credit, don’t wait any longer to apply for a credit card and begin using it as often as you can on your ordinary daily purchases. Many banking institutions are seeking new credit card business and are eager to find new applicants who need to build their credit history. They are especially interested in college students, young professionals, and people seeking cards in order to get special benefits such as airline miles or bonus points, and so you can find many attractive deals online from banks catering to your needs.
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