Easy Debt Management

For many young people, getting a credit card is a rite of passage into adulthood. Unfortunately, many people are never taught how to properly handle money and end up struggling to keep up with mounting credit card debt. Here are three of the most common mistakes people make with credit cards:

1. Signing up for a credit card with no real income. Many college students and adults with limited incomes fall into this trap. They think that having a credit card is a smart way to pay for books, food, personal items and other expenses they have. But the truth is that unless you have an income, it makes absolutely no sense to sign up for a credit card because it won’t take long to fall behind on bills.
2. Co-signing for family or friends. When you co-sign for a card, you’re agreeing to be responsible for all credit card debt in the event your loved one can’t continue making the payments. Are y

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A consumer group has criticised a number of councils and local authorities for imposing surcharges for people who wish to pay tax bills or other costs by credit card.

‘Which?’ magazine, using Freedom of Information legislation, found that 55 councils in the UK are imposing additional fees for those who chose to pay by credit card, with 12 adding 2% or more to the cost of services.

Two councils were also found to be charging for debit card transactions, which attract a much lower fee for the retailer than a credit card transaction.

Bath and North East Somerset Council were named amongst the worst culprits, imposing a surcharge of 3% on council tax payments, planning applications and many other services, if a credit card is used.

Credit card companies impose a fee on retailers, known as merchants, for handling a credit card transaction and it is that fee that councils claim is the reason behind these charges. The

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