When holidays take over, some people try to take advantage of others by coming up with scams and tactics to victimize unsuspecting consumers. Students and many young people are prone to these scams and the best thing you can do to protect yourself is to be aware of their tactics and always be on the alert.

In this article, let’s take a look at some of the most common tricks that scammers may try to pull off during this coming holiday – the Valentine’s Day.

Electronic Greeting Card Scams. Valentine’s Day greetings are expected during this day and although e-cards or greetings cards sent via internet is the trend, you want to watch out against e-card scams. Your inbox might be flodded with V-day e-cards on February 14^th, but before you click on each mail, check to see where the email is from.

An e-card sent by scammer may contain viruses or spyware. A malicious program can install itself in your computer and copy all your files and information saved in your computer system. This is an effective tactic that identity thieves use to steal personal information. To avoid getting scammed, the best thing to do is not to open any email or e-card from an unfamiliar sender.

Phishing Scams. Scammers try to do everything to steal information from the internet. One common strategy is by creating “fake” or “phishing” websites that are especially made to steal information. You may receive an email, claiming to be from a government agency or from a reputable merchant. The email may look like it came from the original resource, when in fact, it is “fake”.

You might be directed to provide some verifying information and click on a link embedded on the email. However, the link leads to a “phishing” website which is made to look like an online form where you can enter your personal information. Needless to say, the moment you type in your details and click on the submit button, you will be handing over your precious personal information to the hands of identity thieves.

Online Dating Scams. Are you planning to find a date on Valentine’s Day through the internet? If yes, you should be extra cautious. There are dating websites on the internet which are legitimate but there are also plenty of online dating websites which are fraudulent. You should particularly watch out online dating sites that require upfront credit card payment in exchange for their services.

Skimmers. If you plan to take your special someone on a dinner date in a fine-dining restaurant, don’t hand your credit card to the waiter. Scammers can use a “skimming” device which is small enough to fit inside the palm of a hand. The “skimming” device can stay hidden from your sight and in just a few seconds, it can instantly scan through your credit card’s magnet and steal all your credit card information.

Instead, volunteer to take your credit card to the cashier and keep an eye on your card. See to it that your credit card never leaves your sight. If the cashier needs to do verification steps, make sure that it is done where you can see your credit card.

Related Articles:

• Financial Tips for Students on Valentine s Day
• Save Money on Valentine’s Day Gift Giving

About the Author:

Samantha Wilson is a consultant for credit cards for students. For years she has written student credit card reviews articles that would help build student credits.

Sam Wilson

For many married couples and lovers, Valentine’s Day is a time to show their most romantic side and demonstrate their love for the other person. How do you plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day in 2012? Are you planning to surprise your other-half or your special someone with a gift? If yes, make sure that you don’t get yourself into debt trouble for the sake of that one-day celebration. Here are some Valentine’s Day gift-giving suggestions that can save your budget:

Make V-day a movie parade day. Instead of falling in line in the theaters to watch a single film, why not consider renting out your favorite movies on DVD and stay in, watch movies together, over popcorns and hotdogs? It can be a lot more fun than going out if both of you loves watching movies.

Prepare a home-cooked dinner. Have you tried cooking for your special someone? Being surprised with a dinner that your partner especially prepared just for you can be so romantic. If you’re not sure what dish to prepare, why not ask help from your parent or from a friend who loves cooking. Practice it at least a week in advance so you can be perfect it before Valentine’s Day. The time and effort you spent in putting together the dinner is enough to melt your partner’s heart.

Make something by hand. If you know a particular craft or if you know how to paint, why not give your partner something that you personally made? It will surely make your loved one feel more special than a gift that is readily bought from a store.

Book an early flight. If you’ve been dreaming of a getaway or a grand vacation with your partner, you can save a great deal of money by booking your flight early. Don’t wait until the month of February or until the week of Valentine’s Day to make reservations as the price of everything – flights and accommodations, are bound to be more expensive during this season. Plan your trip at least two months in advance to make sure that you can get discounts especially if you will book your flight and make hotel reservations online.

Avoid express shipping. You can save money by purchasing online. However, the shipping costs can prove to be steep especially during holidays. While some merchants may offer free shipping as part of their promotion, most online retailers will take advantage of the season to make profit. Thus, you can save a great deal on delivery costs by avoiding overnight or express shipping. Order early and make a special request to the merchant that you need the package to arrive at the recipient’s address by Valentine’s day.

Pay in cash. Many consumers today own at least one credit card. Even college students have their own credit cards so they can easily purchase in advance and worry about repayment later. However, if you’re planning to buy a gift or spend for your loved one on Valentine’s Day, see to it that you have the cash to spend. Start saving money as early as today to be sure that you won’t be short on cash. Student credit cards can come in handy during times of emergencies but should not be an excuse to spend lavishly on V-day or any holiday.

Related Resource:

• Financial Tips for Students on Valentine s Day

About the Author:

Samantha Wilson is a consultant for credit cards for students. For years she has written student credit card reviews articles that would help build student credits.

Sam Wilson

For merchants, Valentine’s Day is considered to be one of the most profitable seasons of the year. With couples, young and old, searching for that perfect gift item for their special one. For restaurant owners, Valentine’s Day is also a celebrated day, as many couples and even groups of friends choose to celebrate by dining out.

How do you plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day this coming year? How do you imagine spending the day with your boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse or partner in life? If you’re a student with limited cash, how do you plan to stretch that budget for V-day?

In this article, we present practical, money saving tips for students on V-day:

Take a walk together. When was the last time you’ve taken a relaxing walk with your special someone at the park or in a place with an amazing view? If you live near the beach or near a mountain park, spending Valentine’s Day with just the two of you, enjoying each other’s company and the beauty of nature is a budget-friendly, yet romantic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Cook for your loved one. They say that the best gift you can give someone is your time. Whether you’re still in the boyfriend, girlfriend stage or are already married, consider preparing a home-cooked dinner for your loved one.

Are you hesitant because you don’t know how to cook? In that case, you may want to ask a friend or perhaps your mother to teach you how to prepare a simple recipe that will surely warm the heart of your special someone. Even a simple dish and a uncomplicated desert can become amazing because it was you who spent time and effort putting it together.

Make Valentine’s Day a movie night. If you both enjoy watching movies, why not rent out all your favorite DVDs and watch all night together over popcorns and cupcakes? It can be so much cheaper and more fun than going out to the theaters to watch just one film.

Reminisce the past. If you’ve been married for a few years, why not look back when you’ve had your first day and do it all-over again for Valentine’s Day. Chances are, you did not spend a lot of money on that first date and reminiscing the past can be so romantic and bring back those sweet memories that will make both of your hearts melt.

Don’t get yourself into debt if you’re broke. If you are truly broke, don’t feel the need to borrow money or to use your credit card just to buy a gift or pay for a lavish restaurant dinner. What’s more important is to spend quality time together – whether it’s by taking a walk by the beach or sharing a meal together at home.

If you’re going to use your credit card without certainty that you can pay off your balance on time, you could find yourself struggling with debt, even months after Valentine’s Day is over. On the other hand, you can always surprise that person you love with a gift once you’ve saved enough cash.

Sam Wilson

Holiday months can be full of fun and celebrations. The month of December has been filled with a lot of holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year. As 2012 enters in, many people are gearing up for another celebration, especially young people and students. Yes, Valentine’s Day can be an exciting day for many youngsters but it can also be a debt magnet for some.

On this post, we present tips on how you can get through Valentine’s Day without falling into the debt trap:

Don’t be compelled to spend. Do you feel like the day will be lonely if you don’t have money to spend? If you do, it’s about time that you change your outlook and think about the things you can enjoy without spending a fortune.

Don’t get into debt for the sake of celebration. Are you thinking of borrowing money to buy gift for that special someone? If you own a credit card, do you plan to charge that purchase to your credit and pay it back at a later time? If you presently don’t have cash to purchase, don’t get yourself into debt just for the sake of Valentine’s Day. Instead, find other ways to show your loved one that you care, without having to use your credit card.

The day can still be meaningful and memorable even with the absence of an expensive gift or an extravagant dinner date. What you need is imagination and creativity to work out plan to show your special someone how much they mean to you.

Plan credit card repayment. If you decide to use your student credit card to buy a gift anyways, you are free to do so. However, see to it that you will be able to pay off your full balance on or before your credit card’s due date. Thus, you don’t have to pay the extra interest rate fees or late penalty fees. More importantly, you can save yourself from the risk of debt build-up and protect your credit score.

Save up for Valentine’s Day. It’s still another month before Valentine’s Day and that’s more than 30 days to save money. If you can set aside at least $5 from your daily allowance, you will have at least $150 in your savings by the end of January, enough to buy that gift you want for your special someone.

Plan ahead. What would you like to give for your special someone on Valentine’s Day? If you plan to create something special, you will have plenty of time to finish it before Valentine’s Day comes. On the other hand, if you want to buy something, you will have more time to shop around and compare prices.

Are you planning to surprise your loved one with a romantic dinner? Even a candle light dinner by the garden can become amazing with the right plan and preparation. If you start putting together your ideas right now, you can surely make it extra wonderful.

About the Author:
Samantha Wilson is a consultant for credit cards for students. For years she has written student credit card reviews articles that would help build student credits.

Sam Wilson

In the United States, Americans observe the Martin Luther King Jr. day to celebrate the life of this patriot and icon. For young people and students, the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. day can be made even more special by pondering about the vision of the man himself. Why not start the year 2012 with resolutions inspired by Martin Luther King Jr? Consider the following ideals:

“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”

While Martin Luther King Jr. is primarily referring to the goal of justice, this same ideal can be applied on almost every aspect of life- including personal finances. If you came from a poor family, don’t let your financial situation dishearten you from pursuing your goals. You can improve your finances through hard work, starting from your college studies.

If you find yourself stuck in a problem such as bad credit, do not lose hope or become frustrated. DO not try to ignore the problem. Instead, begin working towards a solution by taking one small step at a time. Minimize your expenditures and save every possible cent you can. Use every cent you save to pay off your debts. Apply yourself in a part time job during school breaks and manage your earnings responsibly.

“The question is not whether we will be extremists but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate or for love? Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice?”

Youngsters can take inspiration from Martin Luther King on believing in love and justice and on pursuing acts that promote love and impartiality. As a student, do you show acts of love and kindness to your teachers, fellow schoolmates, peers, parents, neighbors and the people in your community? Pondering over this admirable ideal is the perfect way to begin the year. However, don’t stop with just pondering during the Martin Luther King Jr day. Everyone should exercise this ideal regardless of age, educational background or status in life.

“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.”

Martin Luther King Jr reminds us that changes in our situations and life are inevitable. However, we can choose to adapt to these changes and find ways to better our situations. Once again, this particular ideal can also apply to your personal finances.

When times get tough, we must recognize and accept the need for change even if it means giving up a lifestyle or something you’ve always enjoyed. For instance, if you used to go out with your friends every weekends, you may consider finding other ways to unwind that do not require spending. If you have not yet started building your personal savings, then perhaps it’s about time that you begin setting aside money for emergencies.

You may also like:

• Financial Student Tips on Martin Luther King Day

About the Author:
Samantha Wilson is a consultant for credit cards for students. For years she has written student credit card reviews articles that would help build student credits.

Sam Wilson

In the US, Americans celebrate the Martin Luther King Jr Day to promote equal rights among people, regardless of background or race. How can it affect you as a student, especially when it comes to your personal finances? Consider the following tips:

Think about your future plans. In honor of Martin Luther King day, ponder about your future plans. How can you make the most out of your college years, if you’re still in college? How can you make the most out of your studies if you’re a high school student?

Apply for a Martin Luther King, Jr. college scholarship. If you’re about to enter college soon check if you are eligible to apply for the Martin Luther King scholarship. Request for an honest assessment from your high school teacher and check out your options.

Celebrate with friends but don’t get into debt. Do you plan to celebrate with your friends by dining out or partying? If yes, see to it that you don’t get stuck in debt by not using your credit card to pay your restaurant bills or to purchase things. Keep in mind that credit cards carry interest rates and if you fail to pay off your full balance for the month, you will end up spending more on APR charges.

When faced with an obstacle, find your way around. Martin Luther King is known for his courage despite being faced with harsh realities and obstacles along the way, he did not give up on his dreams. Instead, he found a way around the problem and successfully prevailed.

You can apply this positive principle in your daily life, even with your personal finances. When stuck in financial crisis, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your parents or guardian instead of taking out high interest loan right away.

Work on building good credit. When it comes to your personal finances, what can you do to establish credit history or build good credit? How can you strengthen your personal finances even through you’re still pursuing higher education?

One way to build solid credit history and a high credit score is to apply for credit and manage it efficiently. Using a student credit card regularly to pay for small purchases is a good strategy so long as you can submit full payment on time. Keep in mind that you don’t need to continuously carry a balance to boost your credit score. What’s more important is for you utilize your credit responsibly and to submit your payments on time.

Believe in what’s possible and work towards your goal. Martin Luther King strongly believed in the power of the dream and working hard to achieve that dream. With regards to personal finance, it’s important to set definite goals even while in college and believe that you can make them happen by taking positive actions.

For instance, you can start building your personal savings now even while in college so that when you are confronted with emergencies or unexpected expenses, you won’t need to rely on commercial lenders or private lenders that offer short term loans.

About the Author:

Samantha Wilson is a consultant for student bad credit cards. For years she has written student credit card reviews that would help build student credits.

Sam Wilson

Keeping your personal credit score in good shape should not just be a part of the New Year’s Resolution. It should be a regular regimen that everyone must follow. On this post, let’s take a closer look at the specific steps that you can do to build and maintain good credit.

Monitor your personal credit report. Consumers have the right to receive one free report from each major credit bureau (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) once each year. You can request your free report at www.annualcreditreport.com, the only resource authorized by the government to distribute free credit reports. You can request all your three reports at once or order one copy from each bureau at different times throughout the year.

If you plan to apply for a new credit card or a loan at any time soon, it is recommended that you check your credit report prior to submitting your application. Thus, you can have the chance to correct errors in your report by sending a letter of dispute to the bureau that issued your credit report. The process of disputing errors can take up to 30 days to complete which is why you need to check your credit report at least a month in advance.

There are other instances when consumers are allowed to request for their credit reports for free such as if you are unemployed and plans to search for a job within the next 60 days, if you have been denied credit, or if you think you have been a victim of identity theft.

Pay attention to your due dates. Are you aware of all your payment due dates? It’s very important to pay all your creditors on time – whether it’s a credit card, a loan, or a utility service provider (cable, internet, electricity, etc). If you are currently in the middle of your mortgage repayment, keep in mind that missing your home loan payments can lead to foreclosure. Hence, if you are experiencing financial crisis and will not be able to submit your payment on time, the best thing to do is speak with your creditor.

Don’t borrow more than what you can afford. Having a credit card brings a lot of convenience but it also involves serious responsibility. If you own a credit card, you need to be particularly aware of how you utilize your credit. Before paying with a credit card, seriously consider if you can afford to pay off your full balance on time.

Do not borrow short term loans unless it is an absolute emergency. Furthermore, you should consider if there are alternative solutions to your problem. Avoid taking out payday loans as much as possible since these loans carry very steep interest rates. If you fail to pay back the full amount of loan by your next pay check, you will be forced to pay 100% to 300% of interest rate.

Build up your personal savings. See to it that you have enough funds stored for the rainy days This way, you do not need to rely on private or commercial lenders for help during times when budget is tight.

STUDENT CREDIT CARD RESOURCES

•Instant Approval
•Good Credit Cards
•Bad Credit Cards
•Rewards Credit Cards
•Car Loans for Student

About the Author:

Samantha Wilson is a consultant for student bad credit cards. For years she has written student credit card reviews that would help build student credits.

Sam Wilson

Having bad credit can be a huge disadvantage not only when applying for a new credit card or a new loan, but also when it comes to applying for a job or employment. What bad habits should you avoid to keep your credit score in great shape? Consider these tips:

1. Not following a monthly spending plan. Do you have a written budget plan that you follow each month? Without a budget plan, you will not be able to keep track of your spending. Creating a plan that suits your situation will enable you to manage your finances more and stretch your budget more effectively.
2. Not living within your means. Are you guilty of splurging or buying expensive things even if it means borrowing against your credit? Are you often out partying with friends using only your credit cards to pay your bills? If you find yourself struggling with your credit card payments as well as your other bills, then it might be time to evaluate your situation and make the necessary changes. If the cost of your expenses is way more than what you earn each month, then don’t delay. Find practical ways to cut back on your expenses today.
3. Missing your due dates. Are you often late in paying off your credit card balances? Missing your due date of payment even just for one day will cost you late fees. Furthermore, not paying off your full balance each month would also mean paying additional interest rate charges. If you want to protect your credit score, you should be prompt in submitting payments to all your creditors regardless of the type of debt you owe.
4. Acquiring retail store credit cards just to get a discount. Did you apply for a retail store card just to get a 10% discount on a $500 worth of purchase? Although store cardholders can enjoy exclusive discounts, you should be careful about acquiring store cards unless you intend to use it regularly. The maintenance fees and penalty fees can prove to be a burden.
5. Chasing credit card rewards. Do you own a reward credit card? If yes, using it to purchase things can be tempting but if you’re not sure whether you can pay off your full balance or not, it’s best to skip the purchase. Do not use your reward credit card just for the sake of earning points because the interest rate fees can be steep, ranging anywhere from 15% to 20%.
6. Not checking your personal credit report regularly. Checking your credit report at least twice a year is your best way to protect yourself against identity theft. Identity thieves can try to open accounts in your name and it can take months before you discover that you’ve been a victim of fraud. Checking your report gives you the opportunity to correct errors in your report which can be pulling down your score. More importantly, you can detect unfamiliar charges and alert the credit bureaus immediately.

Sam Wilson

Are you ready to face the year 2012? It’s always good to start the year right, particularly when it comes to financing. Consider the following tips:

Shop around and compare. If you plan to buy anything, spend a little more time shopping. Compare prices online and don’t forget to check the merchant’s reputation. The same rule applies for consumers who plan to apply for a credit card or a loan. Never sign up for the first offer you see, no matter how attractive the deal seems to be. Use the internet to compare credit cards and loan deals from various lenders.

Start building an emergency fund. It’s the year 2012 and if you have not yet started building your personal fund for emergencies, then it’s about time that you do. An emergency fund is easily accessible when unexpected expenses arise. This way, you don’t have to rely on short term loans or payday loans with high interest rates when in need of immediate cash.

Set a monthly spending limit and stick to it. Create a definite budget plan that you can follow each month to make sure that you do not spend more than what you can afford. See to it that you will have sufficient cash to pay off all your monthly bills along with your personal expenses.

Do not use your credit card for unplanned purchases. Avoid using your credit card to pay for unimportant purchases. If you fail to pay off your monthly balance in full, you will incur the additional interest rate charges plus the late fees which can quickly lead to debt build-up.Monitor your credit report regularly. Consumers are entitled to receive free credit reports from the three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) once each year. If you would like to order your free report for 2012, all you have to do is visit www.annualcreditreport.com – the only resource authorized by the government to distribute free consumer credit reports.

However, it is recommended that you check your personal credit report at least twice a year or every six months. Furthermore, you should check your report at least a month in advance if you plan to apply for a credit card or a loan. Checking your credit history gives you the opportunity to correct credit report errors by sending a letter to the bureau that issued your report.

Pay all your creditors on time. Timely payment is very important regardless of the type of credit or account you own. See to it that you pay all your monthly utility bills on time such as your cable, internet, electricity and other service providers. Of course, you need to pay close attention to your credit card due dates as well as your monthly loan payments.

If you are presently in the middle of a personal loan, car loan or mortgage loan repayment, you should be particularly aware of your schedule. Take note that missing your mortgage payments for two or three consecutive months can lead to foreclosure.

You may also like:

Good Credit Cards – for people who already have established credit with at least 1 credit card or loan.

Bad Credit Cards – Apply for your chosen Bad Credit Card through a secured online application

Instant Approval – Browse from our selection of prepaid, merchant and secured credit cards.

Rewards Credit Cards – Enjoy rewards from Airlines, Hotels, Gas, Cash, Merchandise and many more!

Car Loans for Student –Do you plan to buy a car any time soon?

About the Author:

Samantha Wilson is a consultant for student bad credit cards. For years she has written student credit card reviews that would help build student credits.

Sam Wilson

The start of the year is always a good time to reflect on the previous events and make plans for the better. If you own a student credit card, consider the following tips that you can include in your list of New Year’s Resolutions.

Zero in your credit card debt before 2012. Do you still have unpaid balances in your credit card accounts? If possible, pay off your full balance before the New Year begins. Thus, you can start the year fresh without unpaid charges to worry about.

Consolidate your credit card debt. If you have unpaid balances on a number of credit cards, consider debt consolidation by transferring your balances from a high rate credit card to a card with a low rate. You can also apply for a new student credit card with zero balance transfer interest rate. This way, you can concentrate on paying off your original balance without incurring additional APR charges each month.

Pay off your monthly balance in full. Make it a habit to pay off your credit card balance in full each month to avoid interest rate charges. If you’re not sure whether or not you can afford full payment on time, it’s best to skip using your credit card and pay with cash instead.

Start building your savings account. If you have not yet started building your own savings account, then it’s about time to think about building one. Open a savings account with your local bank or ask your parent to assist you in opening an account.

Get a part time job. College years are the perfect time for you to train yourself in the ways of life. Owning a student credit card is a good way to practice control and credit management. Acquiring part time jobs during school breaks gives you a chance to develop your skills and earn your own income at the same time. Use the money you earn to build up your personal savings and to pay off your credit card debt as well.

Pay off your student loans. You do not need to wait until you graduate before starting to pay down your student loans. You can use your earnings from part time jobs to pay off even the interest rate of your student loan. Hence, you can reduce your student loan debt so you can have much less debt when you graduate.

Monitor your personal credit report. Consumers have the right to receive one free credit report from each major credit bureau (Experian, Equifax,TransUnion) once each year. You can order your free report online at www.annualcreditreport.com.

Carefully check your report if there are any errors, inaccurate detail or outdated information. Keep in mind that even a single error can badly pull down your credit score. It is also your consumer right to dispute credit report errors. If you notice any detail that needs to be corrected, you should send a letter to the bureau that issued your report. Disputing credit report errors can take up to 30 days to complete.

Top Related Stories:

• Financial New Year’s Resolutions Tips for Students

• Manage Your Student Credit Card This Holiday Season

• Credit Card Guide for Students This Holiday Season

• Should You Get a New Student Credit Card for the New Year?

• Students Start Building Good Credit This New Year

STUDENT CREDIT CARD RESOURCES

•Instant Approval
•Good Credit Cards
•Bad Credit Cards
•Rewards Credit Cards
•Car Loans for Student

About the Author:

Samantha Wilson is a consultant for student bad credit cards. For years she has written student credit card reviews that would help build student credits.

Sam Wilson