Pay close attention to the Annual Percentage Rate (APR). The APR is extremely useful as a comparison tool.
Always try to beat 13% APR. Usually you can beat it by a lot (if you keep your credit good)!
Each state has different laws about interest rate ceilings. Check your state to see what the maximum interest is that can be charged.
Easy loans are available with outrageous costs. Avoid them like the plague!
If you arent in the habit of paying off your credit cards each month, get in the habit!
When you do pay off your cards each month, you pay no interest (most credit cards). If you’re accustomed to the dangerous reasoning: I still have unused limit, get over it! Use the wise reasoning: “I don’t charge things with my credit card unless I have the money lined up.”
Watch out for exceptionally low or no interest offers. Pay close attention to the fine-print terms and costs. Beware: artificially low rates are often offset by increases in other costs.
Beware of advertisers’ claims:
a. Cash out your equity also means: Get deeper in debt, risk losing your home.
b. Put your equity to work...