Free From Broke

A Personal Finance Blog for Regular Folks

Credit Card Use and Reviews

Credit cards can be a gateway to debt but can also be a powerful personal finance tool. See articles that will teach you about credit cards,keep you up to date on credit card rules, show you the best credit cards, as well as show you reviews.

Paying Taxes with a Credit Card: Pros and Cons

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Are you thinking of paying taxes with a credit card?

The thought of clearing a debt with the IRS in one fell swoop is certainly appealing, and if your credit rating is not in good standing in order to obtain a bank loan, that credit card can sure look good.

But is using a credit card to pay taxes a wise decision?

Before we explore the pros and cons of paying taxes with a credit card, let’s examine paying taxes through an installment agreement with the IRS.

First things first, contacting the IRS and working out an installment agreement is one possible option to manage your debt.  Complete the IRS Installment Agreement Request Form 9465.  If you owe $25,000 or less this process can be completed online.  The IRS may allow you up to 60 months to pay your tax debt.  Within 30 days, the IRS should let you know if your request has been approved and what you will be required to pay.
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Five Ways to Use Credit Cards Without Getting Buried in Debt

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Everyone knows the importance of using credit cards responsibly; the issue comes down to actually using them.

How do you use your credit cards to your advantage without also over using them to the point where they become a problem?

Let’s face it, credit cards are extremely user friendly!

Everything about them tempts you to use them even more.

From generous (and often rising) credit limits, to zero-interest introductory rates, to cash rebates and rewards, to the completely self-directed nature of the credit arrangement pull us into what is probably the most cozy relationship with any kind of debt we’ll ever have.

But credit cards are loans—as in debts that are required to be paid back.

If we ever lose sight of that we’re at risk of becoming credit card junkies or bankruptcy candidates.

How do we stay on the safe side of credit cards?

Read on and you’ll learn five techniques for credit cards to make sure you don’t get buried in debt. Remember, credit cards are a tool that can help us but only if we use them wisely.

5 Ways to Use Credit Cards Without Getting Buried in Debt

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Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard – Review: 40k Bonus Miles, 2x Rewards, and More

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When you use a credit card wisely it’s a great tool to have in your pocket.  But it’s even better when you can earn some nice, juicy rewards that can help you travel!

That’s what the Barclaycard Arrival PlusTM World Elite MasterCard® does.

Stick around and keep reading our review and I’ll show you why the Arrival Plus World Elite is aching to be part of your credit card tool set.  You’ll also see what’s it’s a great all-around travel rewards card.

The Barclaycard Arrival PlusTM World Elite MasterCard® – Rewards That Are Easy and Keep Coming Back

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Your Guide to College Student Credit Cards and the Best Cards Out There

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Should a college student get a credit card?  That’s certainly a heated question.

One the one hand, it’s terribly easy for a young adult to get themselves into credit card debt they may regret years after they graduate. Students loans are bad enough without other debt looming over you.

On the other hand, a credit card can be a great tool to help a college student with their cash flow as well as be a means to build up their credit history early on.  Used wisely a credit card can help a student achieve an excellent credit history and score by the time they graduate.

Sure a student can use cash or a debit card to make payments.  It’s probably a good idea most of the time.  But neither of those options help a student build up a credit history.

Once a college student hits the “real world,” and maybe even before, they may find that their credit score can be used for things as diverse as getting a job, getting a cell phone, or renting an apartment.  Building up excellent credit early on is a clear incentive to have a credit card in college.

It’s Tougher for Students to Get Credit Cards These Days

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Discover it® Chrome Review – A Good On-The-Road Travel Card, and Still Good to the Consumer

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A while back Discover decided to re-brand their cards.

They essentially started from scratch to create credit cards that were fair for the consumer.

The Discover it® series of cards was born.

They recently tinkered around with their cards again and have released some new additions to the “it” family: Discover it® Chrome.  These new cards make cash back a little simpler, especially if you eat out and drive often.  Follow along below and I’ll tell you all you need to know about the Discover it Chrome cards.

Discover it Chrome Card – Eating Out, Driving, and Still Fair to the Consumer

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