Good Credit

Tip # 6 for getting and keeping good credit:

#6. Avoid offers to open several different credit cards, and never use one credit card to make payments on another.

A reminder: Americans are eligible for Medicare at age 65, so take this into consideration if you plan to retire at an earlier age.

Good Credit

Tip # 5 on your path to credit quality:

#5. Use debit and credit cards for convenience and safety, but not to overspend. Monitor the activity on your account and review statements carefully. Be sure that you understand the terms and any fees that may apply.

Want a map of some interesting side trips in Dane County? Send e-mail.

Good Credit

Tip # 4 to establishing good credit and a solid financial future:

4. Pay all your bills on time, including utilities and even gym fees and parking tickets.

Tip # 3

Tip # 3 for building a solid financail future:

3. Develop and follow a budget. Make sure to account for both fixed and non-monthly expenses, such as insurance and taxes.

More Financial Tips

The second tip for good credit and a solid financial future is:

Open a savings account and contribute to it regularly. One process I have followed is to open a savings account; build it to $1,000. Then buy a bank certificate of deposit with a higher interest rate. Rebuild savings to $1,000 and do again. An alternative to the bank certificates, depending on your age, would be to put the $1,000 into a broad based mutual fund; like Vanguard 500 or Russell 2000.

Good Credit

Beginning with this posting, I am going to offer some tips for those whose resolution for 2010 is to establish and maintain good credti. Having a good credit history is key to any financial plan. Establishing good spending and saving habits, and sticking with them, is critical when times are tough and can go a long way toward helping you achieve your financial goals.

Tip # 1: If you are just beginning to establish your credit history, open a checking account and keep careful track of your balance.

Congress Looking Out For Us

I have to smile everytime I get a "Privacy Policy" mailing from a company. Have you ever taken time to read one? I haven't and I doubt if more than 1% do. But it makes someone in Washington feel good. These legalese documents are a waste of time and money.