Finding (and Getting) The Best Prepaid Debit Card By Scott McQuarrie

One tremendous advantage of prepaid credit and debit cards is that they are available even to people with poor credit histories. Even though they are easily obtained because of the pre-payment requirements, it is not wise to get a prepaid card if you are unable to keep track of purchases or hold to a budget. On the other hand, when you are ready to start learning responsible financial behavior, a prepaid debit card, specifically, can be a real help.

The terms "credit" and "debit" actually become moot when discussing prepaid cards, because whether there is a Visa or MasterCard logo, or some other company name one them, they all operate the same way. You deposit funds, and those funds are what are available for you to spend. One card, the All-Access Prepaid MasterCard, is ideal for occasional use with no monthly fee, no minimum balance to maintain and no bank account required. It is "reloadable" via various means, up to a high deposit amount of $10,000.

Various features distinguish the best cards

Like most prepaid cards, the All-Access Card also safeguards the user from overdrafts and bounced checks because of the prepayment requirements. And as with all modern credit and debit cards, there is complete protection against unauthorized use. If you are building your credit back up following some financial reversals, the All-Access card is one your should definitely consider, as it has all the benefits you need for spending flexibility, without the pitfalls of high interest or spending limits.

The Wired Plastic Prepaid Visa has very modern features, and is even usable nationwide on the new :"tap-n-pay" payment terminals. As opposed to basic, stripped down prepaid cards, the Wired Card has a rewards program that earns you a point for every dollar spent, redeemable for wireless airtime, music downloads and long-distance phone calls. You can even set this youth-oriented card up to receive mobile or email alerts about your balance, purchase history and reward point accruals.

Big names enter the card games

America's best-know "money sending" company is just one of many large, recognizable names that has entered the prepaid segment of the credit card market. After a short, easy application-with no credit check and no bank account required-the card can be loaded with cash at any of over 48,000 company locations nationwide. You can even deposit your paycheck directly to your card, keep in touch with your balance via phone and Internet and receive corroborating text messages to your mobile device following every purchase you make. Now that's security, especially for those who need to learn stricter financial habits.

There are many prepaid cards, with and without the major Visa, MasterCard and Discover logos, and they offer a sometimes confusing range of options and services. It definitely pays to do your homework on these kinds of credit cards, but a little shopping around-and a decent amount of number-crunching-you should be able to get into a prepaid debit (or credit) card that has the best array of services and features for you.

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After founding his first security firm in 1990, Scott McQuarrie built several security-related companies into regional and national powerhouses over the ensuing years. Since 2000 he has focused his sales and marketing efforts on the Internet, which opened up a virtually unlimited, international market for his flagship product line, EZWatch Pro.

The EZWatch Pro brand has come to stand for world-class expertise in electronic security, video surveillance and the myriad technologies involved in both fields. From small houses to gigantic international airports, there is an EZWatch Pro solution to meet any and every residential, business, commercial and government security challenge.

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Sample Late Payment Explanation Letter By Lyn Collier

When you write a creditor to explain your late payments (mortgage, car, or credit card), the letter should state:why you are late, (see paragraph 1 of the letter below)

• how serious you are about fulfilling your commitment to them (paragraph 2 of the letter below), and

• when you expect to be able to resume full and regular payments, (paragraph 3 of the letter below),
• what you want from them (paragraph 4 of the letter below)
• the financial details of your hardship (paragraph 5 of the letter below)

Below is a sample late payment explanation letter. Change it to describe your own circumstances, but make sure that you enclose copies of financial documents like: checking account statements, tax returns (past two years), all bills from creditors, all late notices, pink slip, anything else that will prove your hardship.

Cindy R. Williams

9 Turnbill Ct.

Anywhere, USA 55555

To: ABC Mortgage

Re: Late Payments; Account # 12345678

Daytime phone number: (555)555-5555

I am writing to inform you of my recent financial hardship. I was laid off from my job at XYZ Company just before Christmas of 2008. I am diligently seeking other employment, but as you know, jobs are scarce in today's economy. I have not found anything yet. Being out of work has caused me to be late on my bills.

I believe in hard work and have never been without a job for more than a few months. Until this unfortunate event, I have maintained a solid payment history with you.

My goal is to pay everything I owe. I take my financial obligations very seriously and plan to continue regular and full payments as soon as I find a job.

I expect my situation to be temporary and would like to discuss loan forbearance. I would also appreciate any suggestions you might have that would help me get back on track.

Please find the enclosed spreadsheet of my monthly expenses, as well as copies of financial documents, my pink slip from XYZ Co, and late notices I have received during my financial setback. I'm sending these to show that I am indeed experiencing financial hardship. This letter and all documents attached are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Thank you for your time. I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Signature/Date

Forbearance is an agreement by a creditor to reduce or delay payments for a specified period of time. Interest accrues during forbearance and will increase your loan amount. The good thing is that you will not have to pay late fees and penalties. There is no negative affect on your credit either.

Learn from Lyn Collier's years of Real Estate experience.

Read simple, to-the-point articles about avoiding costly mistakes and how to get the best loan modification at http://www.e-home-mortgage-loans.com/index.html

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