Survey Results: Splitting the bill
by Scott Bilker
I'm sure you've all gone out to diner with friends and have been in the situation of splitting the bill. I usually charge it and the other party has given me the cash. Thus giving me a no-fee cash advance on my credit card. However, it was just brought to my attention that the waitress can split the bill using your credit cards.
Payoff and close?
by Scott Bilker
Scott, I heard you this morning on the radio and didn't get a chance to call in. I had a quick question. Once I pay off my credit cards, does it help my credit to leave that account open, or should I close this account? Thanks. --Nathan
Household Math™: Punch Me for Gas
by Scott Bilker
Out of the three gas stations in as many blocks, the middle price ranged gas station offers a punch card. For every two gallons of gas purchased, you earn one punch on the card. When you reach 100 punches, you are entitled to your choice from a variety of free goods from their store including...
Credit and Marriage
by Scott Bilker
Scott, I was 36 when I married. I have excellent credit. However, the man I married went through a messy divorce and his credit is moderate at best. If I apply for credit, such as a new car, am I obligated to list my husband's debts or can I still obtain credit in my own name? --Vicky
Household Math™: What is APR?
by Scott Bilker
If the monthly rate of interest is 2 percent, then the APR is 24 percent. What is the daily rate (one day is the period) if the APR is 14.6 percent?
10 financial questions you should ask yourself today!
by Scott Bilker
To quote the very well know motivational speaker, Anthony Robbins, "Questions are the answer." What exactly does he mean? Tony believes, as do I, that you have the ability to find the answer to any question. They key is to ask the right questions.
Household Math™: Is biweekly better?
by Scott Bilker
Here are two mortgages: (Loan 1) Standard mortgage for $166,792 at 6% for 30 years with monthly payments of $1,000.00 or (Loan 2) A biweekly mortgage for $166,792 at 6.1% for 25 years with biweekly payments (once every two weeks) of $500. Which mortgage is better?
Household Math™: Timing Is Everything
by Scott Bilker
Out-of-pocket cost versus payment timing; what is the effect? Here are three $2,000 loans that are paid off in exactly one year: (1) payments of $180 per month for 12 months; (2) eleven monthly payments of $100 and a final payment of $1,060; (3) monthly payments one through five are $100, the 6th payment is $1,060, and the remaining monthly payments are $100. Which loan is best (i.e. has the lowest interest rate)?
Household Math™: Which Mortgage is Better?
by Scott Bilker
I am trying to decide whether to refinance my home mortgage (again). We would like to reduce the time to payoff and are considering a 15-year loan at 4.75% APR. We currently owe $166,312 with 341 payments of $1,060 left at 6.375%. The new loan generates 180 payments of $1,293. If I just took the extra $233 and paid toward my current loan would I be better off?
Survey Results: Debt Perception
by Scott Bilker
Good debt/bad debt, is there such a thing? I don't think so, but many experts do. What do you think? In this survey you're going to be asked to judge whether a debt is good or bad. How good is your Debt Perception?
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