How to Save Money on Your Next Purchase

Whether you plan to buy from a regular store or online, here are some tips that will help you save money on your next purchase:

photo via: weheartit

Shop around.  Different stores usually sell items at varying prices so it’s best to check your options first.  Use the internet to compare prices more conveniently or call up the store to inquire about their items.

Use coupons.  Don’t forget to use coupons.  Check out websites that offer online coupon codes that you can use at different merchants and establishments. Savings.com helps consumers find the best deals in the market.  For instance, if you need to buy a home appliance or gadget, you may look for a Savings.com Home Depot coupon. If you need to buy a particular brand of printer cartridge like HP, you must search for a Hewlett Packard coupon code.

Apply for a discount card.  If there’s a particular shop that you frequent, consider applying for a discount card.  While there is a fee to register for a privilege card, you can save a great deal from your purchases in the long run.

Haggle.  If you’re going to buy from an open market, do not be afraid to ask for a lower price.  Remember, no seller will volunteer to give you the lowest possible price unless you ask nicely.

Buy in bulk.  For items that are non-perishable or with a long shelf-life that you use frequently, you can save more if you will buy in bulk.

Buy second hand.  For certain items such as books or furniture, why not consider buying second hand instead of brand new?

Check out yard sales, thrift shops and flea markets. If you want good finds, you should definitely check out thrift shops and flea markets.  These places are often a haven for vintage pieces that are sold at a bargain.

Check out clearance sales.   Most shops hold a year-end clearance sale to get rid of their old stocks.  This is the best time when you can buy items at half-the-price or even cheaper.  However, remember to buy only the items that you need.

Moving House Tips

Are you moving to another city or State?  If yes, here are some moving house tips for you:


Investigate.  If you plan to get help from a moving company, be ready to do some research.  It’s a good idea to ask friends or relatives if they can recommend a specific company based from experience.  It’s important to understand how much the service would cost you right from the beginning. 

Price isn’t everything. Sure you want to compare prices and go with a reasonable one, however, keep in mind that a cheap service isn’t necessarily the best choice.  Some moving companies may offer a low service charge in exchange for a low quality service.  When deciding which company to hire, don’t forget to check the company’s track record or find out what customers have to say about it.

Be organized.  Organization is the key to a less stressful moving experience.  Pack your things according to categories and be sure to label each box correctly.  Make a list of your belongings as you pack them up to make sure that you will not misplace anything.  It is also a good idea to list down the boxes that you plan to unpack first on your new place.

Ask for help.  Moving house can be easier and more fun if you have friends to help out.  Be sure to invite friends or family members at least a week or two in advance so they can have time to organize their schedule.  Write down the specific tasks where you need a hand to avoid confusion, particularly if you will hire a moving company at the same time.

Enjoy the move.  Packing and unpacking things can be a tiresome task but if you take the time to enjoy the process, it can help relieve much of the stress.  Give yourself enough time to pack up to avoid rushing.  Instead of seeing the move as an ordeal, treat as an opportunity for you and your friends to bond together.

Billy.com has more practical moving house tips that you can check out.  The website also offers a tool that can help you find a professional mover in your city.  If you're moving to CA or moving to San Francisco or if you're looking for Fresno moving companies, just enter the zip code to get a free quote.

Checklist for Payday Loan Borrowers

When times get tough, most consumers think about getting a payday loan to get through. In many US, payday loans are legal so you can find legitimate lending companies that offer quick cash advances for those in need. But before you do, here are some questions that you should seriously consider:

Do you have other options? Is it possible for you to borrow money from a friend or a relative instead of getting a payday loan? Does the situation really require you to take out an immediate cash advance? Is it really an emergency?

Never get more than one payday loan at a time. Because they are fast and easy to acquire, payday loans are expected to have higher interest rates than secured loans. Taking out cash advances from different payday loan lenders could mean trouble later on when you find yourself struggling to catch up with repayment.

Know all the fees before signing up. The Federal Law mandates all lenders to disclose the interest rate, fees and possible penalties associated with the payday loan. Borrowers have every right to know their payment obligations. 

Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Make sure that the loan company is registered with the BBB and that there are no unresolved complaints filed against it from past and present borrowers.

Prepare your pay check. Be prepared to completely pay back the amount you borrowed on or before the due date to avoid additional charges.

Use the money wisely. If you really need a payday loan to survive a financial crisis, make sure that not a cent from your cash advance loan will go to waste. Furthermore, borrow only the amount you need and don’t try to take more than what the situation calls for.

Do's and Dont's of Regifting

In response to the recent economic slump, people are finding more creative ways (Buying online, debt consolidation, credit counselling) to save money, stretch their budget, and avoid bad credit.  What about regifting?

Have you thought of “regifting” a gift that was given to you?  Maybe it’s something that does not really suit your style or something that you already received twice, will you "regift" if you were tight on the budget?

I haven’t tried regifting but I wouldn’t mind being given a “regift” as long as the person giving it to me gave it lots of thoughts to make sure that I will like it, and has given the extra effort to wrap it nicely and with love.

Don’t mention it.  The other person does not need to know it.

Don’t regift a used item.  It doesn’t matter if you have only used it or worn it once.  If you want to give someone something that you already used, then don’t disguise it as a gift.

Don’t make it obvious.  Some things must never be re-gifted - items that are undeniably unwanted, cheap, old (has been in your closet for a  year) or obsolete. 

Remember who gave it.  Make sure that you are not giving it to the person who gave it to you.  Also, make sure that you will not give it to someone who KNOWS the person who gave it to you.

Wrap it nice.  Please don’t use the old box or wrapping paper even if it still looks new.  

Re-gift something of value.  A bottle of champagne for instance will always be a welcome gift even though it has been sitting on someone else’s bar for years.

Make sure that the next person will like it.  If you want to regift, see to it that the person you will give it to will sincerely like it, if not love it.

Ten Tips for First Time Student Credit Cardholders

Thinking about getting a credit card for college? Check out these ten tips:

1. Don’t sign up to get the freebie. Offers like free shirt, free cap, or free lunch may entice some young people to sign up and send an application. Before you know it, you could be stuck with a student credit card that does not match your needs.

2. Opt Out. Credit card companies may solicit names and contact information from campuses. If your mail box or inbox is flooded with marketing offers from various credit card issuers, you can minimize the number of offers you receive by calling (888) 5-OPT-OUT, or (888) 567-8688.

3. Shop around. You want to compare the rates, fees and the terms that each card offers. Use credit card comparison sites for easier evaluation. Choose a student credit card that will report your payments to the three major credit bureaus. See to it that it complements your lifestyle.

4. Watch out for misleading teaser rates. The interest rate may start out low or you may be offered 0% APR for the first few months, but what happens after that? How much will the regular interest rate cost you? Are there hidden charges? What’s the catch?

5. Study the fine print. Many people are lured to sign up for the “wrong” credit card because they do not take time to examine the Terms & Conditions. The small font and the length of the Agreement may be discouraging but it’s the only way you can know for sure if you made the right choice.

6. Keep it low. Going over your credit limit is bad. But if you want to stay out of bad debt and maintain good credit history, you need to keep your credit usage minimal. Do not charge more than 40% worth of debt to your credit.

7. Avoid the extra fees. You can avoid additional costs such as over-the-limit fees, late penalty fees and interest rates by being a responsible payer. Submit your payments on time. Make it a goal to pay off your charges in full each month or each billing period.

8. Pay more than the minimum. There may be times when you can’t pay off your full balance. In such instances, be sure to submit your payment on time. Instead of paying only the minimum due required, try to pay more so you can complete the rest of your payments more easily next time.

9. Think thrice. Before using your student credit card for any purchase, ask yourself, “Do I really need to buy this item now?”, “Can I afford to pay it back on my due date?” If you have any hesitations, it’s best to put off the purchase.

10. Look out for changes. Credit card issuers can change their rules and increase their fees at any time they wish as long as they provide an advanced 15-day notice. You need to be alert about the billing statements or notices sent to your mail. Review the fine print regularly. If you noticed some changes, call your issuer right away. Most companies will lower their rate or adjust their terms if you make the request, especially if you’re one of their best customers.

6 Savvy Ways to Save Money From Your Next Online Purchase

Shopping online is said to be the "cheaper" way to shop. Here are 6 tips so you can save even more from your next online purchase:

Use vouchers and coupons. There are websites give away vouchers and coupons that you can use at different shops online. Enjoy great savings simply entering the discount code on your check out. For instance, Offers.com has a Search Tool that allows you to search for the exact merchant that offers the best deals. Aside from discounts, you can even find sellers that offer free trials and other special promos.

Use the correct code. To avail of the discount, you will be required to type in the exact code indicated in the coupon or voucher before you check out. A code can be a combination of numbers and letters so be sure that you will be entering the right characters. Also, discounts do expire so don't forget to check the Expiration Date to make sure that it's valid.

Shop early. Don't wait until the holidays before you start buying the items you need. Items that don't expire can be bought earlier as prices tend to go up during peak seasons. Plan your purchases ahead of time so you'll know exactly what to buy.

Compare prices. Use comparison shopping websites so you'll know the price tag that different sellers online offer for the same product. These sites often give out reviews about a merchant's reputation so you can be sure that you'll be purchasing from a reliable seller.

Shop in bulk. Again, planning your purchases gives you the chance to enjoy more savings. Merchants usually offer a much lower shipping cost if you buy more than 1 item from their shop. Also, you may be able to get a bigger discount if you buy in bulk from the same seller.

Avoid fraud. Getting a huge discount would be useless if you will purchase from an untrusted seller. Before buying, see to it that the merchant uses a secured website (URL must begin with https://) and secured shopping cart. Check the seller's reputation. Make sure that it is a licensed and legitimate online store.

Paying Post - A New Paid-to-Blog Site

Last year, I've posted my top 10 paid blogging sites. Now, there's a new paid-to-blog site on the web and it's Paying Post. I just signed up for it today and awaiting my blogs' approval.

GOOD POINTS about PAYING POST:

Registration is easy and you can register up to 10 blogs in your name. Now, I think that's wonderful =)

• Once approved, you can reserve up to 3 opportunities Per Blog Per day.

• They pay thru Pay Pal. (every 1st day of the month)
  

• Best post for the pay period has the chance to earn a $25 bonus! (sweet!)

NOT SO GOOD POINTS about PAYING POST:

• There are few opportunities (as it has just opened)
• It takes a while for your posts to be reviewed and approved.
  

The Top 10 Scams Online You Should Watch Out For

1. The Nigerian e-mail scam. Have you received an e-mail claiming to be from a Nigerian government official asking for help on transferring millions of dollars into your bank account? Don’t even bother replying, It’s a popular scam that has victimized thousands of people across the globe.

2. “Phishing”. Watch out if your inbox contains e-mails that seem to come from the IRS or other popular companies. These e-mails can be used to collect your SSN, credit card numbers and other personal details. The e-mail may disguise itself as genuine and lead you to a false website that “looks” like the original.


3. Get rich quick scams. “Get rich quick” offers abound online. Scammers entice people with the promise of earning thousands or even millions of dollars in no time simply by signing up. The catch? You’ll have to pay a membership fee or a processing fee to start getting paid. The thing is, you may wait a long time for nothing.


4. Work at home scams. Although there are indeed legitimate home based businesses or jobs on the web, there are also fraudulent ones. Watch out for job opportunities that require you to submit payment or invest a huge sum of money.


5. You’ve won the lottery. Don’t fall for e-mails that say you have won a big cash prize and all you have to do is give your bank account so they can transfer the money over to you. Yeah, right! Maybe they will transfer your money over to them is the better way to put it.

6. Take a dream get away. This offer will encourage you to go on a vacation in a spectacular place for just a low price. The catch? You have to make a reservation before the offer expires. Remember, scammers are always on the rush to get your money.

7. Earn money from your computer. Some scams would promise you to earn cash just by installing a program into your computer and you instantly start earning as you surf the web. Sounds good and harmless? This is actually just a tactic to spy on your activities online and steal your personal information.

8. Auction scams. Beware of sellers and buyers at online auctions who may try to entice you to place an order or accept an order. If you’re a buyer, you may end up sending money for an item that will never be shipped to you. If you’re seller, you may ship an order to a customer who really has no intention of paying you.

9. You’ve won a prize. You may be told that you won a prize like an iPod, an Xbox, a headset and other great stuff. The catch? Just provide them your credit card number and all you have to pay are the shipping costs.


10. Join an online contest. The contest may seem authentic and may offer fabulous prizes but be careful of joining online competitions that are not from reputable sources. You may be asked to give your credit card info, name, address and other personal details that are needed “in case” you won.

*REMINDER: If you encounter any of the above online scams, don’t hesitate to contact the Federal Trade Commission.

If you get an email from the IRS and if you doubt its authenticity, it is best to call the IRS and verify if they did send the correspondence. Call the IRS at 1-(800) 829-1040 to confirm if they are trying to contact you.

To report a fraudulent or suspicious email claiming to be from the IRS, call the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1 (800) 366-4484. Furthermore, report any cases of identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.gov/idtheft.

Top 10 Tips: How to Better Deal with Your Creditors

Here are top ten tips on how to deal more effectively with your creditors:

1) Don’t hide from your creditors. When you delay or miss payments, naturally your creditors will try to contact you. Never try to hide or ignore your creditors. Ignoring your debts will not solve anything and it can only make matters worse.

2) Contact your creditors. At the first sign of financial trouble, take the initiative to contact your creditors. Do you think you won’t be able to make your payment on time? Inform your creditors right away and don’t be afraid to ask for an adjustment. Usually, creditors would agree not to report your late payment if you notify them in advance and make it up within 30 days.

3) Be Polite. When communicating with your creditors, always exercise courtesy and professionalism. How you talk with your creditors can affect the result of your negotiation. Remember, you’re trying to appeal to your creditor’s consideration. It would not help if you raise your voice or use foul languages.

4) Be Open. It’s important for your creditors to know that there is a valid reason why you failed to keep up with your payments. Are you experiencing financial crisis? Have you been laid off from work? Is there an illness in the family? Are you going through a divorce? You don’t need to explain all the details of your personal life but you need to be honest about your situation. Don’t try to cover up things with lies or make up alibi for your debts.

5) Negotiate. Many borrowers do not even consider a negotiation with their creditors. The truth is, most creditors would be willing to work out a solution if you only ask. Show your creditors that you are willing to pay your debts and that you are taking responsibility over the problem.

6) Write it in a letter. Talking to your creditors by the phone is only the first step. Be sure to get everything in writing. Send your letter of request via registered post mail and keep a record of any form of correspondence between you and your creditor for future references.

7) Stay true to your promises. Do not make a promise that you know you can’t keep. Trust is crucial. Be honest about how much you can afford to pay back and  seriously consider the time frame you need before setting a repayment date.

8) Don’t fight with your creditors. Some debtors threaten their creditors with bankruptcy but this  may only aggravate the situation. Your goal should be to settle an agreement with your creditor, not a dispute.

9) Don’t keep your creditors waiting. Once a negotiation has been made, do your best to stay true to your agreement. Still, if things don’t go as expected, do not keep your creditor waiting for your action. Contact them in advance and inform them about your situation. Your best bet is to renegotiate.

10) Know your rights as a borrower. The Federal Trade Commission has made provisions for all consumers against creditor harassment and unfair debt collection practices. If you feel that a creditor is violating your rights, do the necessary action. Report them to the FTC.

*More tips: If you’re thinking about seeking debt consolidation or credit card debt consolidation, be cautious on choosing a debt consolidation agency. To be sure, find a government accredited credit counseling agency and ask for a recommendation.

Do you have your own tips to add about this topic? Please share it with everyone by leaving a comment. Thanks=)

10 Worst Budgeting Habits

Are you guilty of these top ten worst budgeting habits?

1. Not saving emergency money. Do you set aside a portion of your monthly income for emergencies?

If you’re not, it is most likely that you’ll be spending every cent of your earnings on other things.

Aside from your savings account,you should have a separate personal fund easily within reach for emergencies.

2. Spending more than what you can afford. When you have cash, it’s too easy to find ways to spend it. Before buying anything, ask yourself, “do I really need this or do I just want it?"

3. Not following a monthly budget plan. If you’re really serious about making some changes in your financial style, create a budget plan. Prioritize your expenses. and debt repayment Make sure there is enough for your savings account and personal emergency fund.

4. Charging everything to your credit card. You run the risk of paying additional charges (High Interest Rates and Penalty Fees) each time you charge your purchases. It’s more tempting to buy more when you shop with a credit card.

5. Buying expensive gifts. When giving gifts, most of us have the tendency to spend lavishly. Realize that you don’t need to be extravagant just to make someone feel special. Be creative. There are a hundred ways to make someone feel happy and loved without spending a fortune.

6. Not cutting-back on costs. Some people tend to overlook small savings. Ask yourself, do you try to save on your electricity bills? Is it possible for you to subscribe to a lower cable plan? Are you paying too much on your long distance calls? Do you always eat out? How much do you spend on your personal luxuries? Even small changes can add up big together.

7. Spending too much on bargains. Just because an item’s on sale doesn’t mean you have to buy it. Everyone is prone to buying on impulse when they see an item sold on a bargain. But no matter how cheap you think it is, if it’s not in your plan to buy it then it’s not a necessity. Don’t buy it.

8. Not comparing prices. Shoppers have the tendency to get the first offer they see. However, merchants sell the same items at different prices. If you don’t compare shops, chances are you might be buying something more expensively. Don’t be on the rush. Shop around and compare.

9. Not asking for a better deal. Do you purchase without even negotiating? The retailer is most likely to give up the item at a lower price, if you only ask for it. Don’t be afraid to haggle. There’s really nothing to lose if you ask for a discount.

10. Not recognizing that the problem. Some people may think that they’re effectively managing their finances. But taking an objective look at your spending habits and lifestyle can make a big difference. When you realize that there is a problem, be determined to make changes.

*What's your worst budgeting habit?
What's your personal tip on smart shopping?

Stretch Your Budget in 10 Ways

On a limited budget? You’re not alone. Here are top ten practical tips on how you can stretch that budget to the fullest:

1. Cook your meals. Save a great deal of money by cooking your meals and preparing packed lunches and snacks for your family that they can bring to work or school. Not only will it save you money, you can be sure that their meals are healthy and clean.

You can also prepare dishes that can last for a week. Cook them in advance and save the other half for the next few days. When it’s time to serve it, take it out from the fridge a few hours before meal time to allow it to defrost and then reheat it.

Just make sure you store them in a sealed container in a freezer. Put a label on the container with the date on it so you can be sure to serve it before it gets stale. It is also a good idea to post a meal plan on your refrigerator door so you can be reminded of what meal to serve each day.

2. Buy what’s in season. Fruits and vegetables in season are cheaper so take advantage of it. Look for different recipes that use what’s abundant in your local market so you don’t have to spend more on produce that are hard to find or are expensive.

3. Pick from your own garden. It’s a great idea to grow herbs and vegetables that you often use in your cooking and are easy to plant even in pots. Examples are tomatoes, lemon grass, basil, parsley, mint, oregano, etc. Planting these is not just cost effective, it is an enjoyable and relaxing hobby.

4. Put it in a jar. You don’t have to spend big bucks on bread spreads as you can make your own sweet preserves like jams and marmalade. Check your local market on what fruits are in season so you can buy in bulk at a low price.

Making preserves is easy as you only need to cook the fruits in sugar in a very low heat until reduced. Afterwards put them in sterilized jars and seal the lids tightly. Store them in a dry and cool place. These preserves can last for months and make delicious bread spreads and desert toppings.

5. Go with the basics. When it comes to your wardrobe, you don’t have to spend a fortune to be fashionable. You can go a long way if you have the basic items of clothing.

Invest on a good pair of flat shoes and stillettos or boots. Black would go well with everything so you want to make sure that you have these two black pairs in your closet. You can use the flat shoes for casual events and the pair with heels for business or formal functions. You’ll also want to invest on a pair of comfortable sneakers for exercising and running errands.

For clothing, these are the basic pieces that you want to start with: a classic cut of slacks, a pair of jeans, a knee-length skirt, blazer and a little black dress. Go for plain and neutral colors so you can match them with anything and wear them frequently without being obvious.

To add colors and spice up your look, mix them with the right accessories such as bags, belts, neck tie or scarves in prints and colors.

6. Unsubscribe from unnecessary expenses. Check your subscriptions. Do you really need to receive those magazines regularly or do you just stack them in a corner without being read? If you need information, you can easily find them over the internet and print as you need them.

Also, are you subscribed to a more costly cable or internet plan when the only time you get to watch television or surf the web is when you get home in the evenings? Maybe you can live without these things. You’ve just been subscribed to them for a long time that you never even bothered to cancel out the service.

7. Buy in bulk. This is obvious as wholesalers really give away goods at a cheaper price. Just be wise when you purchase items in bulk. Make sure they do not get stale if stacked for a long time.

You’ll also want to keep stack only of important items and that you use frequently. Otherwise, you may only be spending more on unnecessary things. Items such as detergents, soap bars, dish washers, dish sponges, toothbrush, toothpaste, and the like are great wholesale buys.

8. Use coupons. Don’t underestimate the value of coupons. You can find them in magazines or from online coupon sites where you can choose from a list of merchants and print them out. Before you go and do your shopping check out which coupons you can use to save more.

*Tip: Double your savings by using coupons on items on sale.

Warning: Don’t sacrifice quality for savings. Make sure that it’s worth buying. Don’t forget to check the expiration date.

9. Learn DIY skills. Stretch your budget to the fullest by learning basic skills so you don’t have to hire a handyman all the time. For instance, learning basic PC troubleshooting, sewing, how to fix leaks, or painting can save you thousands of dollars in a year.

10. Turn it off. Don’t take for granted what you can save from your electricity bills. Be sure to turn off lights and unplug electrical devices when not in use. Teach your kids to be aware of this practice so they’ll know the value of energy conservation as well. The few cents you save from your electricity use each day can total into a hundred of dollars or even more in a year.

*How about you? How do you personally S-T-R-E-T-C-H your budget?

10 Ways to Make Money from Your Blog

Blogging was first introduced to me by Jo and those extra few bucks I earned from paid blogging has certainly been a great help. Blogging has also helped me improve my writing skills and has introduced me to the world of internet marketing. Here are 10 paid to blog websites that I signed up with!

Sponsored Reviews. One of my most favorite Paid to Blog sites because it allows you to choose reviews that are related to your blog. It is also one of the most generous - with pays from $5 to as much as $100 and up.

Approval from the advertiser would depend on your blog's rating and page rank. With each successful review, 35% goes to SR. They pay through PayPal (which is the most convenient mode of payment) on a bi-weekly basis.

Blogsvertise My first paid blog post was from Blogsvertise. Although not as hyped as other paid blogging sites, this is one of my most reliable sources. I grab a task (you're allowed to grab 1 task each day) whenever it's available.

Payment isn't as high either but if you're a new blogger, $10 per post for a minimum of 100 words per review is not bad at all. They send payment thru PayPal 1 month after the review has been approved.


Review Me Only 2 of my blogs were approved as of this moment. They approve blogs based on its Alexa ranking and visits. They send payments via check, Pay Pal, or Prepaid Debit MasterCard® by Payoneer. Your reviews must be at least 200 words and relevant to the advertiser.


Payu2Blog. Once approved, you'll be sent weekly assignments for $5 each (100 words minimum) but you can't choose tasks. You're required to complete all tasks assigned to you. Payment is sent every 2 weeks through PayPal.


Smorty. I haven't made any post for Smorty for quite some time but I was able to make a few bucks from it, too. It recently launched its Post Exchange program where bloggers can review each other's blogs to help increase their page ranking.

To be approved, blogs must be older than 30 days with at least 10 unpaid posts. Reviews must range from 150-400 words and must be an OPINION.


Linkworth. Linkworth offers a variety of options for bloggers to make money - Linkpost (reviews); LinkWords (PPC ads in your content); LinkInText (in-text link ads); LinkSura (single URL rotating ad link); LinkMura (multiple URL rotating ad link); LinkBB (hosted advertorial links); LinkPack; LinkDirect; and LinkArt. I'm currently just using the Linkpost option and still have to explore how the other options work.


Pay Per Post. One of the oldest blogging sites on the web and is now a partner of Izea. To be approved, your blog must be at least 30 days old with 10 existing posts within the last 30 days. Opps range from $5 to $100 and up. However, once you've accepted an opportunity, you need to finish and submit it within 6 hours!



Social Spark. This new paid-to-blog site by Izea offers bloggers 3 ways to get more from blogging - through paid posts, sponsored posts, and sparks! Paid posts are usual reviews with fixed prices, sponsored posts are paid based on the number of days a post is live on your blog, and sparks give you exposure for your blog and a chance to win prices or freebies from advertisers. Bonuses are given to outstanding bloggers based on the quality, exposure and ROI that their post generated.


Loudlaunch. Just recently signed up for this one. Signing up is quite is easy but they're quite strict about approving blogs. They said you can get approved if your blog is at least 2 months old,
but I think it's really all about PR.

Linknerve. This one is the latest from Blogitive where bloggers can submit their pages from their blog for possible link ad offers.

Do you know other paid-to-blog sites that are not listed here? Please, share it with us by leaving a comment (don't forget the links) Thanks=)

Top 10 Tips on Choosing the Right Credit Card

Planning on getting a new credit card? Here are tips on how to make the right choice:

1. Read online reviews. There are so many types of credit cards in the market and credit card review websites are great tools to help you narrow down your choices. These sites arrange credit cards based on specific categories. You can also read about the best and the worst features of each card without the need to hop from one website to another.

2. Check the interest rate. Of course, you want a credit card with a low interest rate. But watch out for zero interest or low interest rate promos. Before you sign up make sure that the interest rate will still stay reasonable when the introductory period expires.

3. Compare all costs. Remember, the interest rate isn't the only highlight of a credit card. Be sure to check out the other fees as well (annual fees, late fees, transfer fees, currency conversion rates, transaction charges, etc.)

4. Read the fine print. To compare credit cards better, take the time to read the Terms and Conditions page, after you've narrowed down your choices. Here, you'll see all the costs associated with your card as well as the rules and disclosures.

5. Understand the rules of your card. If you're applying for a reward credit card, make sure that you're clear about the specific rules of the reward program. For example, most reward credit cards forfeit rewards if you're late or if you missed even a single payment.

6. Choose a card that matches your lifestyle. Different credit cards are created to match different lifestyles. This is especially true with rewards credit cards. For example, if you're often on travels, you may want to consider a travel rewards card. If you own a car, maybe you'll want to get a credit card with gasoline rewards. If you're not a traveler and you don't own a car, perhaps a cash back rewards card is the more practical choice for you.

7. Don't base your decision on the ads. Don't choose a credit card because the ads say it's the best for you. Remember that the ads only present the best features of the card. The weakest points are often hidden in the fine print.

8. Know what others say. Before choosing, you'll also want to find out what other people think. Based from their experiences, what do card holders have to say about it? Would they recommend it to their friends or family?

9. Don't send many applications at once. Some people send in online applications just to get the free shirt or free mug. But sending out many applications to different credit card companies at one time can pull down your credit score. This is especially true if one of your applications get declined.

10. Make sure that you're ready for it. Do you really need a it? If you already own one or two cards, do you really need to get another one? Are you ready for the responsibilities of being a cardholder? Remember that owning a credit card isn't a ticket for spending. Being a credit card holder comes with the obligation of paying back what you owe on time at all times.

*Do you have a credit card? Which one would you recommend? Do you have other tips to add to the list?