There's plenty of fine print in any credit card agreement. But this is actually one of the wins of a cash back card: However much cash you end up getting back, you know exactly what it came to. With a points-based rewards program, you never really know what your reward was worth.
Shawanda, I've been using a cash-back credit card for a few years now and have never had an issue with it. I've never paid a penny but have received hundreds of dollars in cash; they send me a check every time I reach $50.
What about tutoring? I know that's what I'm planning on doing this summer, and since I have my teaching cert, I can probably ask for $40 an hour at least.
I've written before about the idea that some of your money is different from other of your money. (In this case, that your money in the form of credit card rewards is different from your money in the form of your regular income.) I think that's the wrong way to think about it.
My take is that it's all your money. Of course, points are a pretty crappy form of money, but to the extent that they're money at all, they're your money. You should treat them just like the rest of your money. In particular, they should be part of your budget.
I feel the same! I will occasionally look through coupon books if they come with our paper or if I see them laying around. Then, I'll only cut them out if I know I'll use them. I have a couple coupons in my bag for things I'll need to buy: toothpaste, deodorant, other hygiene products, etc. Not much else.
These are all really great! I'm definitely going to save this article the next time I need to get a gift. I've always considered myself a pretty good gift giver but sometimes it's hard to just not ask the person, "What do you want??" This is so helpful.
Yes, with careful attention, it's possible to come out ahead. Essentially, the credit card company is riding on the backs of the people who end up not using their miles or points or whatever, and then giving you a taste.
But my experience is that these things don't work out well for me. My attention wanders. My plans change. My circumstances change. In the end, things don't work out such that my points or miles provide full value.
This is why I prefer cash. Cash always gives me full value.
If a merchant will give you a discount for cash, that's probably your best choice—you're not splitting any of the swipe fee with the bank or the credit card company. If not, you might as well use a credit card and get whatever kind of reward your card offers—cash or points. (But, as I say, I hate points.)
Thanks for the great round-up, Ashley. I especially like the tips about making some extra cash with a bike. Now, I'm really serious about buying one. I've not been able to justify such a purchase for a long time, but now I can :)
A GIFT EVERYONE CAN GIVE RICH OR POOR!
The Gift of Love during your graduates Transition.
You can give your college graduate substantive assistance and a real warm fuzzy feeling that you care by helping them transition into the real world. Here is a step by step way to do it.
Start off by giving them a "High Five!" or a nice pat on the back, shake their hand, and give them a hug. Connect with some physical energy and then follow it up with some positive talk. All you need to do is say something encouraging. We all could use a little more encouragement in this world. Try shaping your heartfelt praise around some of these examples: "Good job I know it took discipline, commitment, and work to accomplish this goal of graduating. Well done." or something as simple as "I'm really proud of you."
After that you can invest some time in them. Realize that your college graduate might be ready for a much needed break or he/she might be rearing to jump right in to their next goal. What ever their goal is spend some time with them and engage yourself with their new current objective. This can be done by just applying some thoughtfulness to where they are headed next. If you still don't know ask what they ask every SUPER BOWL CHAMPION except modify it for graduation, "So now that you've graduated college where do you want to go next?" Hopefully it is not, "I'm going to Disney World."
Now that you have given some of your precious time it's time for a hunt for a way to give a token that says I've been thinking of you and care. Here is what you need to know if you look for the perfect gift you'll find the perfect gift. This object should be something tangible that they can hold, see, or feel. But you may be wondering how can I find it and what should it be? Well remember you need to look for something that speaks to the recipient in one or all of the following ways: This token should be something to remember you by and something that gives them hope for the future. It should be something that says I love you, I'm thinking about you, and your going to make it. Try not to look for it in places where you have to spend money, but when it comes to the search everywhere is a possibility for this special gift. Think of it as a treasure hunt or an exploration.
Finally after you have done all that realize that the goal of everyone is to spend there days doing something they love. So ask your graduate what their career goal is and then help them. Here are some simple ways you can help: Point them in the right direction. Help them with their resume creation or distribution. Introduce them to people or your network. Help them get an interview or hire them.
Now some of you might find this guide a little overwhelming so just pick one that you connect with the most and give what you can. Remember it's the thought that counts. Happy GIVING!
I agree with your article. I have a cash back card that I use for nearly every expense. The credit card company is also a bank with a high yield savings account where I can transfer the rewards directly into my savings account. I have never deposited anything other than my rewards. As of this writing, I have over $4,500 in that account.
I love that nachos at the bake sale idea (probably because, well, I just love nachos).
I haven't tried this myself, but I'm wondering if it would work well to sell items that people could serve for a quick dinner when they got home -- for example, fresh corn muffins to go with chili that they might have in the freezer.
I honestly only have one credit card and it is a "cash back" card. It is strictly a business card and is only used on business purchases. I like using a credit card for business purchases as the accounting is done for me and I get the cash rewards.
I also never thought too much about this. I found the best cash back offer and went with it.
Like you, I would never opt for airline miles or partner gift cards. Give me the cash and give it to me as soon as I have accumulated enough points.
It seems it does work. My lawn is a little greener than before, although I still worry about the mouthwash would kill the microbes in the soil. BTW, I live in Toronto, Ontario Canada.
I can use my Frequent Flier miles for a first class trip to Asia and the value per point is about $.10 a point. Some points received thru spending MANY points received thru VERY GENEROUS sign up bonuses - 30,000 to 50,000 a card.
I received the United credit card bonus on 5 occassions over the years - 150,000 points in total good for a First Class flight woth over $14,000.
It real easy to get the trip you want - pay some else to do it - $150 for 1 and $250 for 2 - for a long distance trip to Asia - money well spent!
I'm suspicious of the cash back rewards cards. Since they're promising actual money, I figure they're more inclined to find ways of weaseling out of the deal with misleading assertions and fine print. I've been pretty happy with my American Express Hilton Honors card. I've never had a problem using the points when I need them. My Amazon Visa Card ain't bad either.
Yikes!
There's plenty of fine print in any credit card agreement. But this is actually one of the wins of a cash back card: However much cash you end up getting back, you know exactly what it came to. With a points-based rewards program, you never really know what your reward was worth.
Shawanda, I've been using a cash-back credit card for a few years now and have never had an issue with it. I've never paid a penny but have received hundreds of dollars in cash; they send me a check every time I reach $50.
What about tutoring? I know that's what I'm planning on doing this summer, and since I have my teaching cert, I can probably ask for $40 an hour at least.
I've written before about the idea that some of your money is different from other of your money. (In this case, that your money in the form of credit card rewards is different from your money in the form of your regular income.) I think that's the wrong way to think about it.
My take is that it's all your money. Of course, points are a pretty crappy form of money, but to the extent that they're money at all, they're your money. You should treat them just like the rest of your money. In particular, they should be part of your budget.
Here's the post I'm talking about:
http://www.wisebread.com/its-all-your-money
I feel the same! I will occasionally look through coupon books if they come with our paper or if I see them laying around. Then, I'll only cut them out if I know I'll use them. I have a couple coupons in my bag for things I'll need to buy: toothpaste, deodorant, other hygiene products, etc. Not much else.
These are all really great! I'm definitely going to save this article the next time I need to get a gift. I've always considered myself a pretty good gift giver but sometimes it's hard to just not ask the person, "What do you want??" This is so helpful.
Yes, with careful attention, it's possible to come out ahead. Essentially, the credit card company is riding on the backs of the people who end up not using their miles or points or whatever, and then giving you a taste.
But my experience is that these things don't work out well for me. My attention wanders. My plans change. My circumstances change. In the end, things don't work out such that my points or miles provide full value.
This is why I prefer cash. Cash always gives me full value.
I have a handful of bobby pins in every room of my house! I use them for a lot of these but mostly just pinning down flyaways...
These are two good points.
If a merchant will give you a discount for cash, that's probably your best choice—you're not splitting any of the swipe fee with the bank or the credit card company. If not, you might as well use a credit card and get whatever kind of reward your card offers—cash or points. (But, as I say, I hate points.)
Thanks for the great round-up, Ashley. I especially like the tips about making some extra cash with a bike. Now, I'm really serious about buying one. I've not been able to justify such a purchase for a long time, but now I can :)
A GIFT EVERYONE CAN GIVE RICH OR POOR!
The Gift of Love during your graduates Transition.
You can give your college graduate substantive assistance and a real warm fuzzy feeling that you care by helping them transition into the real world. Here is a step by step way to do it.
Start off by giving them a "High Five!" or a nice pat on the back, shake their hand, and give them a hug. Connect with some physical energy and then follow it up with some positive talk. All you need to do is say something encouraging. We all could use a little more encouragement in this world. Try shaping your heartfelt praise around some of these examples: "Good job I know it took discipline, commitment, and work to accomplish this goal of graduating. Well done." or something as simple as "I'm really proud of you."
After that you can invest some time in them. Realize that your college graduate might be ready for a much needed break or he/she might be rearing to jump right in to their next goal. What ever their goal is spend some time with them and engage yourself with their new current objective. This can be done by just applying some thoughtfulness to where they are headed next. If you still don't know ask what they ask every SUPER BOWL CHAMPION except modify it for graduation, "So now that you've graduated college where do you want to go next?" Hopefully it is not, "I'm going to Disney World."
Now that you have given some of your precious time it's time for a hunt for a way to give a token that says I've been thinking of you and care. Here is what you need to know if you look for the perfect gift you'll find the perfect gift. This object should be something tangible that they can hold, see, or feel. But you may be wondering how can I find it and what should it be? Well remember you need to look for something that speaks to the recipient in one or all of the following ways: This token should be something to remember you by and something that gives them hope for the future. It should be something that says I love you, I'm thinking about you, and your going to make it. Try not to look for it in places where you have to spend money, but when it comes to the search everywhere is a possibility for this special gift. Think of it as a treasure hunt or an exploration.
Finally after you have done all that realize that the goal of everyone is to spend there days doing something they love. So ask your graduate what their career goal is and then help them. Here are some simple ways you can help: Point them in the right direction. Help them with their resume creation or distribution. Introduce them to people or your network. Help them get an interview or hire them.
Now some of you might find this guide a little overwhelming so just pick one that you connect with the most and give what you can. Remember it's the thought that counts. Happy GIVING!
I agree with your article. I have a cash back card that I use for nearly every expense. The credit card company is also a bank with a high yield savings account where I can transfer the rewards directly into my savings account. I have never deposited anything other than my rewards. As of this writing, I have over $4,500 in that account.
wow! I assumed that espresso had more caffeine than regular drip coffee! AND drip coffee is cheaper. awesome
THANK YOU! Finally someone FOR coffee. I love coffee. <3
I love that nachos at the bake sale idea (probably because, well, I just love nachos).
I haven't tried this myself, but I'm wondering if it would work well to sell items that people could serve for a quick dinner when they got home -- for example, fresh corn muffins to go with chili that they might have in the freezer.
If you make sure it's clean, you can also use a bobby pin to press patterns into cake or cookie frosting.
Now I want to bake a cake.
I honestly only have one credit card and it is a "cash back" card. It is strictly a business card and is only used on business purchases. I like using a credit card for business purchases as the accounting is done for me and I get the cash rewards.
I also never thought too much about this. I found the best cash back offer and went with it.
Like you, I would never opt for airline miles or partner gift cards. Give me the cash and give it to me as soon as I have accumulated enough points.
It seems it does work. My lawn is a little greener than before, although I still worry about the mouthwash would kill the microbes in the soil. BTW, I live in Toronto, Ontario Canada.
Points are better than cash!
I can use my Frequent Flier miles for a first class trip to Asia and the value per point is about $.10 a point. Some points received thru spending MANY points received thru VERY GENEROUS sign up bonuses - 30,000 to 50,000 a card.
I received the United credit card bonus on 5 occassions over the years - 150,000 points in total good for a First Class flight woth over $14,000.
It real easy to get the trip you want - pay some else to do it - $150 for 1 and $250 for 2 - for a long distance trip to Asia - money well spent!
Actually, Dave Ramsey quotes a statistic that 70% of airline miles don't get used. So that makes it even worse.
i don't understand why people want to be negative all of the time.
Unless you know the person very well and can choose a meaningful gift, money is always the best bet.
I'm suspicious of the cash back rewards cards. Since they're promising actual money, I figure they're more inclined to find ways of weaseling out of the deal with misleading assertions and fine print. I've been pretty happy with my American Express Hilton Honors card. I've never had a problem using the points when I need them. My Amazon Visa Card ain't bad either.
http://www.shinyshinydeals.com is my favorite. they feature latest deals on clothes and accessories.