Home

Having a MasterCard: Priceless

Remember when your mailbox was stuffed with so many credit card offers that you considered them junk mail?

Well, hold on to the cards you have. The credit crunch has turned credit card issuers into far more selective marketers.

A report today from Mintel Comperemedia says the volume of mailed credit card offers has been declining steadily since 2006 and dropped another 13 percent from the second to third quarter this year alone.

That means many consumers have to be smarter about managing existing debt and planning major purchases. It might not be as easy to snap up another card to make a big buy.

Mintel trend spotters say card issuers are using more sophisticated market research and focusing on a narrower target audience.

If you're in your own personal credit crunch, check out the Consumer Credit Counseling Services. The nonprofit counseling agencies offer a motherload of debt and credit advice.

Submitted by Diane Stafford on November 6, 2008 - 10:14am.
| | add new comment

User login

Hire Me!

As layoffs mount, Dollars & Sense is pulling together some resources to help you through these rough times.

Jobstart

These Companies Are Currently Hiring

Job Clubs

Click here for job transition support groups.

Kansas City Metro Networking Job Club

Job Club link

Dollars & Sense is offering a free forum for job seekers through a partnership with the Kansas City Metro Networking Job Club. Check out job openings, tout your talents and post your resumes. Just register on the networking site and check out the resources.

How I Got the Job

  • Sarah AllisonSarah Allison
    The job: Rehab specialist.
    The employer: Progressive Medical Equipment LLC in Lenexa provides a wide range of home medical and rehabilitation equipment. The company specializes in proper seating and positioning for wheelchairs and wheelchair users.

more




Dollars & Sense TV




Navigation

Free Financial Advice

4/9/09

Question:

BRB asks

Who do I talk to for financial advice that does not involve them trying to sell me something? We are 60 and 59, have a 200,000 annuity, are 60-70,000 credit card debt, have a house that is half paid for,own a condo in fl that is not paying for itself, have a good credit rating, not behind on anything, not facing foreclosure, wife on disability, husband still working, Want to pay off credit cards, but don't know how. Should we use part of annuity? I just want to know who to ask for help. Thanks

Answer:

It looks like you would be well served by a comprehensive financial plan which would address your concerns and give you a clear picture of where you are at financially. Financial advisors are paid in two different ways. Some receive commissions for the products they sell you. There are also fee only financial planners who work for you for a set fee and sell no products. In their case you know exactly how much it will cost you up front. It would also be preferable to use a financial planner who is a Certified Financial Planner.

Best Regards,
G. Douglas Dunham

READ MORE...

Submitted by FPA on April 9, 2009 - 2:00pm.
| 1 comment

To read our answer, click here.

To ask a question, click here.

Recent comments