Some Ways to Earn Money Online

There are many Paid-To sites nowadays. I have to admit many are scams (been there before... lost some money) and there are also those that do Pay (if i burned some, i also earned some). I've tried paid to surf sites, review writing sites, paid to click sites, hyip sites, and others That I can't remember now.

Now I see some other PTC sites and I guess I wanna try my luck again. 

Here are some sites I've signed up so far (Just click the links):

ClixSense


Bux.to (ALERTPAY payout)

International Online Shopping Feedback Needed!

I'm planning to buy some things in YesAsia since they also offer free shipping for orders over $25. Before I take the plunge and use my card, I want to ask if any of you here have tried purchasing items from that online site or any int'l online store will do. What's your feedback regarding shipping, delays, quality of the items, etc..? The most pressing matter for me when thinking of purchasing items from another country is -- Will there be customs charges? I hate dealing with customs people as I already had a very negative experience with them... so corrupt!

BTW, I'm planning to just buy magazines, comics, and probably some cds/dvds.

From Yahoo!: 10 credit card rip-offs to avoid

When I logged out of my Yahoo! Mail Account earlier, I noticed this Article title: 10 credit card rip-offs to avoid. Since I have my share of credit cards, I decided to read this. Here's what on the list:

1. Credit card cheques
2. Cash withdrawals
3. Minimum monthly repayments
4. Low-use fees
5. Enormous APR
6. Shorter interest-free periods
7. Wandering statement dates
8. Balance transfer fees
9. In-credit fees
10. Payment protection insurance (PPI)

Source: Yahoo! Finance

1. Credit card cheques

Well, I can say I did avail of this ONCE only. It was issued against my credit limit for a 1 yr. (minimum) term at a certain interest rate. Bank charge was minimal and rates were lower. Hehe... My resolution almost wavered when I was offered a 0.79% rate. I still get offers but when the rate is higher than that 0.79% I firmly say NO. The thing with this is that when you pay the amount in full, you get charged a PHP300-400 termination fee. I had mine terminated when I paid in full on the 6th month 'coz I got tired paying monthly.

My officemate before got a Cheque in the mail from one of her CC companies and she was not even informed of this. I told her not to accept... the rates were quite high.

2. Cash withdrawals

Otherwise known here as Cash Advances. I really do not avail of CAs but some friends needed money and asked if they can borrow from my card and will just pay the amount in full before due date as well as pay the corresponding charges. I agreed. I just collected the amount and the cash advance fee thinking that I paid the full amount (CA, CA fee, other bills) charged to my card before due date. This happened for like 3x. One time I went to a 1week seminar. I paid my bills beforehand and I forgot to recheck. When I got back to work, I checked the bill again and to my horror, I paid less than what was due. I thought there might be a mistake... why did I incur finance charges when I always pay my bills in full? I was later informed that CAs have finance charges starting from the day you got the money even if you pay in full. Needless to say when I checked my previous bills that I paid Finance Charges also which I didn't notice since I paid more than I was billed.

I won't avail of CAs next time (rather, I won't let others avail of CAs on my cards)... I did not notice I even paid for the charges. *sigh*

3. Minimum monthly repayments

I used to do this before -- the first time I ever had a credit card. Why? Because my friends told me that I only have to pay the minimum amount due or higher if I can afford it. After around three months of paying 2x my minimum amount due, I realized that paying this way most of the money go to the charges. I paid in full the following month even if I have no more money left. Now I always pay in full and swipe only when I can afford to pay for the item(s).

Lesson learned: Do not listen to what others say and never be tempted by the words MINIMUM AMOUNT DUE.

4. Low-use fees

From the source, I think they're referring to the Annual Fee. Some waive the first year annual fee. Others waive for like 3-5 years. Others never waive the fees. On some cards I do not pay any annual fee. On other cards, I have to pay less a certain discount. Just recently, I had my card downgraded 'coz they won't waive the AF saying they don't have a promo for it. I told them to downgrade the card instead since I'm not using/don't need the perks that come with an upgraded card. They did not even increase my CL. The other card is up for termination next month. I'm paying more for annual fees than the rebates I get.

5. Enormous APR

Well, if you compute the APRs here, CC APRs are really high compared to CCs in other countries. APRs range from 30-40+% per year. That's why I always make it a point to pay my bills in full to avoid these rates.

6. Shorter interest-free periods

Typical grace period for paying after the billing date is 15-24 days depending on the card issuer.

7. Wandering statement dates

The article says that banks move the date earlier if the billing date falls on a weekend or holiday. Thank God I haven't experienced this yet. What I experienced was having my billing date moved to a later date if it falls on a weekend/holiday.

8. Balance transfer fees

Availed of a bank transfer once only (a couple of years ago)-- when I wanted to terminate a certain CC. With the current rates being offered now (0.79%/mo being the lowest) I realized that the rates I got that time were quite high. So far, I haven't encountered a bank which offered 0% for balance transfer.

9. In-credit fees

I don't think I've encountered this yet.

10. Payment protection insurance (PPI)

My CC company calls this as credit shield. I availed of this... after reading that article, I'm seriously rethinking If I should have that type of insurance cut off.

Well, seems like I've fallen victim to some of those things even if I try not to. Better think a number of times before availing of credit card promos. Read the fine-print clearly. 

What I should consider instead: Find ways to earn money from my CCs.