Credit offers might be real deal
If you see an envelope in your mail that announces “change in terms enclosed,” don’t throw it away.
Credit card issuers are lowering charge limits, raising minimum payments, changing standards for qualifying for the best rates, and altering other terms of agreements with cardholders – early indications of how the credit crunch could play out in typical households, according to Newhouse News Service.
It’s easy to overlook the notices, which can look like junk mail or solicitations. Sometimes, the changes are announced in a slip that comes with your bill. And understanding what’s changed can be hard, because the notices will only point out what the new terms are – not how they’ve changed. You’ll need to get an old statement to compare, or call the issuer.
Look for changes to your annual percentage rate or interest rate on balances, as well as your credit limit. If your credit line goes down, it means your credit report will show you’re using more of your line, which can hurt your credit score.
The current changes are coming from computerized programs, so it’s worth calling the issuer of your card to ask for a better rate or improved terms.
You can order a free credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com to see how banks look at you. Check out www.myfico.com/crediteducation/ to learn about financial behaviors that have impact on credit scores.
Fast and cheap
As the holidays approach, fast shipping becomes a high priority for shoppers. Consumer Reports put three services – the U.S. Postal Service, UPS and FedEx – to the test recently to see which was the best buy.
All three shippers came through with next-day delivery, and the post office was the cheapest by far – up to 281 percent less. But when shippers needed a package to arrive even faster than next-day – by first thing in the morning or at a specific time – the two private companies had the edge.
Making up is hard to do
The Associated Press, reporting from the front lines of the economic crisis, offers this advice for a frugal, if somewhat extreme, hygiene routine.
You can make your own deodorant using baking soda – try dusting some under your arms. To get fancy, add one drop of essential oil to the powder before applying.
Use olive oil to moisturize. At night, apply olive oil to your hands and feet and then cover them with gloves and socks. You’ll wake up to smooth skin.
If you have very dry skin, use Crisco as a moisturizer, whether it’s the hands, feet or face. Too biscuit-like? Try Vaseline.
Do your own waxes. Drug stores boast an array of home waxing kits for the face and body.
On the Web: Find previous Everyday Economy coverage with these stories at s-r.com