Posts Tagged ‘bargains’

If you have a credit card with Chase, then this month you may have received a statement with a minimum payment of $0. You may have been given this option on car payments, credit card balances and even a mortgage around the holidays as special holiday bonus. At first glance this may seem like a good idea, but is it really?

Let me ask you this…why are these companies in business? It is to make money or be nice to everyone in tough economic times or during the holidays? Clearly they are in it to make money and would not do ANYTHING if they were not going to make money with it. They are financial institutions. We are not a charity in receipt of their generosity. We are their business.

In many cases the skip-a-payment feature actually costs you a fee (typical fee is around $20). The reality is they still come out ahead because not only will they get your money eventually, but now they have collected an extra $20, plus they still acrue interest on the balance so they are collecting interest on interest for the duration.

In the long run this actually increases the income for the financial institutions. So it really is not a bargain for us. However, and I truly hesitate to say this because there are so many other options, if you feel like your back is against the wall, and it’s either take advantage of this skip-a-payment offer or skip-a-meal. you are pulling your hair tryign to figure out how to provide for your new baby or be late on another payment and get late charges. Well then maybe, just maybe it might make sense for you. But before you do anything make sure you get ALL the information. Find out what fees are involved, how interest acrues, what impact this has on your finance rate for the credit card balance and future charges. Make sure you know what you are getting into before you even think about skipping this payment.

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Sometimes in the midst of all the bargain shopping, especially around the holiday time, we really feel the pressure of a bad year financially. Maybe you’ve been laid off. Maybe you are just frustrated with where you are in life. Maybe you want so much more for that new baby that it hurts and you are upset that you cannot provide it. Sometimes these feelings can be overwhelming and lead to the holiday blues.

In my opinion, the very best way to beat the holiday blues it to take the focus off your self; let’s be truthful – if you look at the source of your blues it is because you are depressed about how little YOU have or how little YOU can afford, or how YOUR life isn’t what you want, etc., etc. Take the focus of your self and look at those less fortunate than you. No, don’t scoff at their misfortune to make you feel better. Go help someone else. It takes your mind off yourself plus it really does make the human soul feel better when helping another. Call a nursing home and see who doesn’t have any visitors for Christmas. Even though times are tight, there are probably a few things in the closet or in storage that don’t fit that could be of use to someone else. Help with the local shelter or soup kitchen. If you don’t go to church, then find a Christmas Eve Candlelight service.

If you want to be notified when our Ultimate Guide to the Best Baby Bargains is available please send an email to josh@mommydaddysavers.com

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