Credit card advertisers have a uniquely difficult job – they are selling something that no one in the world wants, credit card debt. Therefore, many take the route of talking about anything and everything but the actual debt, repayments and interest rate, and the results are some very clever and quite funny commercials.

Following are 10 ads which are encouraging you to get into debt – hopefully you can see through them, and are able to use your credit card wisely. Have a laugh, but don’t be fooled:

1 Mastercard Priceless – Elephant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFNXwor69-U

The Mastercard ‘Priceless’ ads are quite well known in popular culture and they work well for credit card issuers as they are focussed on what you can do with the card, rather than what you will need to do to pay off the card. The Priceless elephant ad not only shows you how you can use your Mastercard, but also tugs on all the emotions associated with cute (and clever) animals, and feeling sick and wanting someone to take care of you. This ad is a clever and subtle mixture of humour and real emotions which you’ll be falling for before you know it.

2 Mastercard Priceless – The Simpsons

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ccv4dZHRDE

It is nothing new for credit card issuers to use celebrities in their advertising so it is no surprise to see one of the world’s most famous men in a Mastercard ad. Again humour plays a big part in the ad – as it does in the Simpsons TV series – but the ad is of course coupled with a moral too (again, much like the TV series). After using his Mastercard to run errands quickly and easily, Homer is now free to spend time with his family – but must be forcefully prodded by the ‘voice over guy’. So, in keeping with the TV series rule that the end of the show must finish in the same place it starts, Homer must be convinced to leave Moe’s, and still carelessly brushes aside the old man outside of the pub on his way home, without really learning his lesson.

3 American Express – Robert De Niro

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrzeP4TvzXc&feature=player_embedded

The American Express ‘My Life. My Card.’ campaign was a very successful one for the company because American Express is a lot about selling the prestige of the card, and the exclusivity of the brand and what better way to do that than to use a celebrity customer. In this ad however, we also see De Niro take us through his life, ‘my oldest friend…my first love…’ and he doesn’t show us his expensive cars or opulent hotel rooms, we instead see his roots and his everyday life. Therefore we can both relate, and aspire to the lifestyle, and to the card which facilitates this lifestyle for De Niro.

4 Visa – Mr Brosnan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJfVBYPxIWo&feature=player_embedded

In this commercial Visa are pointing out that they know we know they use celebrities in their ads to catch our attention – just as Pierce Brosnan has caught the attention of the taxi driver. However, they play down his importance, as Brosnan plays himself, and when he’s not playing James Bond, he faces disasters just like the rest of us – but with his Visa card, he can handle anything.

5 American Express – Making it Big

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOo0U-Zi0eQ&feature=player_embedded
This American Express ad doesn’t feature a super star or a high flyer – it’s about a girl and her band, working hard to make it big. The ad shows the band struggling but succeeding because they have the help of an American Express card, and as they succeed they are part of the prestigious life the card advertises – Nicole is able to fly her friends out to see her play, all because of her credit card.

6 Visa – Jaws

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BhLAWP7jGA&feature=player_embedded

For this ad to make sense, you have to know that the man in the ad is the actor who plays Jaws in the James Bond movies and as Jaws, he has a full mouth of metal entwined teeth. Regardless the ad still plays to humour and tells us we shouldn’t judge people by their appearances – ‘Jaws’ is polite and smiles despite his overbearing appearance, and the Visa Mini card can make large purchases despite its size.

7 Korean Big Debt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2tVORc7n-M&feature=player_embedded

You don’t need to be able to understand the words in this ad to know that the credit card provider is trying to tell you that with a bigger credit card limit, you’ll be the bigger man (or woman). The ad plays to natural insecurities about success in business, being able to buy nice clothes and eat in nice restaurants, not to mention the schadenfreude-like desire to enjoy the discomfort of others, in this case, those who are ‘beneath’ you.

8 Citibank – Rewards

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W36rqvcUD6E&feature=player_embedded

This Citibank simply makes you smile and when you’re smiling and laughing at the teens making up for not having a games console, you’re not thinking about how much they would have had to spend to earn the points for that reward.

9 Citibank – Security

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGPBRXKuoMc&feature=player_embedded

Credit card fraud and identity theft is not a funny issue, but it is one which most people dismiss with ‘that will never happen to me’. This ad is clever and funny, but it also gets your attention and shows you how easy it is to have your credit card details used fraudulently, and how important it is to have a credit card with fraud protection. Citibank are making you focus on the security features of the card, making you think you really can’t do without it – ‘Help getting your life back – that’s using your card wisely.’ You don’t want to use your credit card irresponsibly now do you?

10 Citibank – Big Boy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE4AgLGLUaM&feature=player_embedded

This ad is for a Citibank Simplicity credit card, but the voice activation scenario could be applied to any number of banking, financial, phone or services business as voice activation systems are used more and more, and they seem to be getting harder to use. Therefore, Citibank are doing what ads do best – relating to your life, to a situation which bothers you and you wish you could change, and offering you a solution.

Fred writes for Credit Card Finder, where is he offers advice on the best credit cards

My news years resolutions just fade away into no-where land, however I lowered my spending habbits in 2009 and now intend to do better in 2010. This a new years resolution that I think I can keep it.

In 2009 I paid off about 15,000.00 worth of debt, not including the home mortgage so I am very pleased with myself. What I did is I kept chipping away at it all every week…Even if I could only pay a small amount, I would still do it. Trust me, it really does all add up in the end. I was shocked when I added up the amount I had managed to pay in one year. By the way one of these was a credit card that was costing me at least $75 on month in interest alone. So now I have less bills to pay now too….

My problem was that I had too many things to pay off which created too many bills for me to pay every month. This year I have eliminated at least 3 monthly bills that were strangling me. And the thing is…now that I have achieved this, I want more… I do not want to give anyone my money by paying late fees, unecessary bank fees, and interest fees…Why should they have my money.

So my 2010 new years resolution is to cut down on spending money a bit more and save more money in order to pay more bills…
I am actually good at not spending money but its my family that wear me down.

The hardest part for me is that I have two children that expect everything. In this day and age they have not done without anything and unfortunately they are not grateful for this either. So along with the wanting, spending, expecting, their attitude is terrible.

Maybe my new years resolution isn’t about saving money, but more about knocking that terrible attitude out of my children.

I am sure there are plenty of people out there with the same problem. How can I get them to appreciate what they have around them and stop spending money on things they don’t need.

You know I was always bad at collecting stuff, and I guess I still am!!  I have all my kids school books – from PREP!!! but they are put away in archive boxes!!  I used to buy stuff for my kids that they really didn’t want but I told myself that they would want it – I would’ve when I was a kid.  Colouring-in books, paint-with-water books, small nic-nak plush toys from Disney movies – you know all `stuff’ that isn’t necessary and that the kids play with on the day and then never play with them again!!

I saw a program once that said that just before Christmas this lady got her kids to empty out their rooms and toy boxes to dontate to charity and to make room for the new toys they would be getting.  I tried this and it did give the kids more room but it didn’t help me with buying those little things that weren’t necessary (even if they were on special!!).

My friend finally got me set up to sell things on ebay and although I didn’t make a fortune (I think you get more bargains on ebay then actually making big money – but every little bit helps right?!)  I found that by putting all those barbies, jigsaws, books and what not together to photo, descripe and sell actually helped me to stop buying unnecessary goods from the shop.

When seeing a Christmas teddy in Target for only $2.01 since it was now June I didn’t feel tempted to `get it for the kids!!’.  They really wouldn’t want it, I would just be upset that they didn’t think it was as great as I did and inthe end I would have to donate it or try and sell it!  Not to mention that $2.01 could stay in my pocket and buy me a lettuce that would be used!!

So use something like ebay to de-clutter your house, collect it all together and what ever you don’t sell donate.  The experience will give you more room in your house and hopefully, like me, it will help with reducing future spending!!

Good luck!!

No one wants to waste money, however now days, we just can’t help it. Unfortunately all the progress and innovative gadgets we have in our everyday lives increases our living expenses ten fold. Below I have listed a mere 10 items that you can easily waste money on.

Home Mortgage:
Of course this is the big killer. Considering most home loans run for around 20 years, this adds up to a huge amount of interest. If you can pay your home mortgage off quickly, you can save thousands.
Shopping:
Avoid shopping at all costs. Even grocery shopping can be detrimental to any budget. Stick to your list of what you need. Do not go shopping for fun!!! You will often buy items you do not need.
Telephone bills:
Now that everyone has a mobile phone, it is almost impossible to avoid extra phone bills. They are convenient and always have specials deals, but could you do without it? How about just receiving calls and not making them?
Pay TV:
Get rid of it! There is enough to do and see in the world, why spend your time watching TV.
Eating out:
You can feed a family of four for around $200 a week, however one meal at McDonald’s for the family can cost over $30. So 3 meals a day for a week is $530. If you like the cafes and restaurants you can double or triple that cost.
Lottery tickets:
I have heard of people spending $20 a week for twenty years on the same numbers hoping they would come up. Some people are lucky and some are not. If only those people had invested that money and compounded the interest. They would nearly be millionaires.
Movie Tickets:
I cannot get over the price of a movie ticket. I like to wait until the movie comes out on DVD and hire it out. Then everyone can watch it for a mere $6.
Car washes:
Why can’t people wash their own cars? You can turn it into a bit of fun with the family..
Bank Fees:
The banks have really got the fees covered. Interest on borrowed money, transaction fees, monthly account keeping fees, and the list goes on. Find out what fees you pay and then figure out how to reduce them.. Its as simple as that!
Utilities:
We can all save money on our utilities, especially the electricity bill. Turn off un-used electrical items and lights.

Mitz Pantic writes articles for various sites including Fill Your Money Box, Free Computer Help, Tips4pc, Brisbane Computers and more.

The biggest and most advertised temptations are the special occasions that were originally invented to entice people to buy items. Christmas, Easter, Fathers Day, Mothers day, and Valentines Day are just a few I can recall. I am not saying that they are not celebrating worthy causes, however are they necessary. Most people feel obligated to buy Christmas presents for more than just their family. And now days the gifts people give are not small either.

On Sale or a gimmick?

Sometimes, if you research your product, an item that says it is on special, isn’t actually a bargain at all. There is a huge sign saying that it has been reduced by 50%..People instantly ask themselves in their mind…”hmmm do I need one of those, because it is so cheap now, and won’t be the same price tomorrow.” Have you ever said that to yourself?

The supermarket isle.

Supermarket isles are stuffed with special price tags which over egaderate how much you actually save. There are also items placed around and at the checkouts to satisfy your last minute impulse buying. Sometimes you can’t help but spend more money by purchasing a little magazine or maybe some breath mints. And those of us with children, it can become a nightmare to get your child to pass these items without wanting something.

How big are the shopping carts and trolly’s?

Big shopping carts are now in all the big department stores that sell everything from electrical to clothing and underwear. They are definitely there to entice you to spend more money, as some people do almost feel guilty for not filling it up with items. What are they implying?

Cash is available 24-7

Gone are the days, when you used to have to wait for the bank to open to get your money. Automatic Teller Machines scattered on the streets, in the shops and even the pubs, make it very easy to grab that extra bit of cash when needed. How easy is it to buy what ever you want and pay with a credit card or debit card. Who needs to have cash in their pocket when almost everyone has a card of some sort.

No wonder people spend more money than they have. I hope these simple facts will help you realise that you may not need what you are buying. Open your eyes to these misconceptions and you will save money easily.

Why is everyone keeping up with the Jones’s.

15 Quick Tips On How To Save Money

Mitz Pantic writes articles for various sites including Fill Your Money Box, Free Computer Help, Tips4pc, and more.

If spending money, frequent shopping sprees, and the sound of a cash register ringing makes you happy, then you have a problem. If you actually like handing money over to the shop assistant to see them smile, then you have a problem. If you are constantly buying items that you had no intention of buying, then you have a problem. Here are a few sure signs to confirm that your money spending habits are out of control.

Do you have a shopping and spending problem?

1. You are constantly trying to justify what you have spent on the most recent spending sprees with new excuses..

2. You hide things such as bank statements, credit card statements, purchase receipts.

3. You have clothes in our cupboard that still have prices tags on them. Some are even in the shopping bag they came in.

4. You are always redecorating your house in order to justify shopping sprees and spending money.

5. You were always an honest person, until someone started to get curious about you spending money, and you had to lie.

6. You remove price tags and say you got the item on sale.

7. You see things when you are shopping, then decide you desperately need it? There was no plan to spend money on something you actually need.

8. You juggle your families finances to hide the fact that you have spent so much money shopping.

9. You buy things for other people and then convince them that they need it.

10. You are the happiest when you are shopping and spending money.

Here’s some ideas to help you stop spending money.

1. Stop the secrets. Tell people you have a problem and they will help you.

2. Find out why you feel the need to go spending money even though you cannot afford it.

3. Get your spouse or a friend to do your shopping for you. Don’t go to the shops until you can control yourself.

4. Cut up your credit cards. Do not carry cash in your pockets.

5. Write a list of all your purchases so you can see clearly what you have spent.

6. Stop and think about it. Do you want to end up in debt up to your ears, risking everything you have.

7. Get some self control. Do not let yourself get into financial trouble.

Having $100 in your pocket always will make you feel better than just having spent it on something you really didn’t want? Curve your shopping habits and stop spending money. If you can’t possibly stop spending money and going shopping then you should probably seek professional help.

Have you ever noticed that the things you buy every week at the grocery and hardware stores go up a few cents between shopping trips? Not by much?just by a little each week but they continue to creep up and up.

All it takes for the price to jump up by a lot is a little hiccup in the world wide market, note the price of gasoline as it relates to world affairs.

There is a way that we can keep these price increases from impacting our personal finances so much and that is by buying in quantity and finding the best possible prices for the things we use and will continue to use everyday? things that will keep just as well on the shelves in our homes as it does on the shelves at the grocery store or hardware store.

For instance, dog food and cat food costs about 10% less when bought by the case than it does when bought at the single can price and if you wait for close out prices you save a lot more than that.

Set aside some space in your home and make a list of things that you use regularly which will not spoil. Any grain or grain products will need to be stored in airtight containers that rats can’t get into so keep that in mind.

Then set out to find the best prices you can get on quantity purchases of such things as bathroom items and dry and canned food.

You will be surprised at how much you can save by buying a twenty pound bag of rice as opposed to a one pound bag but don’t forget that it must be kept in a rat proof container.

You can buy some clothing items such as men’s socks and underwear because those styles don’t change, avoid buying children’s and women’s clothing, those styles change and sizes change too drastically.

Try to acquire and keep a two year supply of these items and you can save hundreds of dollars.

Go here for information on easy Insurance Articles ?Insurance- Read more : Insurance Articles

However you can get yourself in to real money trouble if you do not admit that you cannot afford to socialize with certain well off friends. They can probably afford to go to eat out in restaurants every night and stay in motels on the weekends but have you told them that you can’t.. Here are my tips to help you avoid this peer pressure and stop spending what you can’t afford.

Don’t go shopping with your friends - Sometimes my friends go shopping for no reason at all. Even if they did have an item in mind to purchase, they always end up buying a lot more. And I find myself spending money on things that I can’t afford and didn’t want because, at the time, we were just having fun. Therefore when a friend asks you to go shopping, make up an excuse, or say no. You will be much happier when you do not spend your hard earned money on junk you do not need!

When they are all out having fun, create your own fun - When all of your friends are going out to the pictures or maybe to a concert, which can cost a small fortune, do something to keep your mind off it. Don’t feel left out or lonely. Find another friend to watch a dvd movie with or to a social chat and nibble session. Remember that your friends are not ignoring you or leaving you out, they are just doing what they want to do.

Let your friends know that you are trying to stop spending money - This is a good way to avoid the peer pressure. Be honest, but don’t cry poor because no one likes a whinger. Just tell them that you are trying to save money, as this is a positive statement. Don’t tell your friends that they are sending you broke and that you feel pressured to keep up with their elaborate spending habits.

Plan events with your friends in advance that don’t involve spending money - You can invite your friends to a picnic at the beach, a bbq at your home, or even walk along the beach. This way you will get to see your friends on your terms, not theirs. This doesn’t mean you have to go out and spend money, because some activities can be pursued cheaply.

Get rid of your rich bludging friends - How do you think they got rich? You know those friends that you always end up paying for, or eat all your food, and never return the favour. Get rid of them! How are you ever going to stop spending money when they are around. I have a friend that just drops in for a minute and stays all day.

Gather at someone else’s house - Having people come to your house all the time can become expensive and makes a mess that you have to clean up later. Time is also money, therefore, saving time saves money. Instead of cleaning the house after the guests have disappeared, you could be doing something constructive. Share the weekly gathering venue around amongst your friends.

When they ask “Have you got one of these yet?” you say – Friends often say things like “have you seen the new gadget, are you going to get one?” Well why would I get one, as its just been invented and I have done without it in the past. In a year or so it will be so cheap that I could buy 10 of the same product for the price of one now. Sometimes my friends also mention that I might need a new car because it is not flash, by anyone’s standards. My answer is that I cannot have a new car because I do not look after them. (Which is true) The real main reason is that I cannot afford it and do not believe in getting a loan for a car. Why go out spending money on a new car when I will end up in debt up to my ears, and it will be wrecked within the first 12 months.

I am wondering if succumbing to peer pressure and spending money is related to keeping up with the Jones’s. Why do people want to spend money on items when they see that someone else has it. You can read my article on Why is everyone keeping up with the Jones’s. Who cares what your friends are doing. Stop going out to expensive places just because everyone else is. Real friends will respect anything that you decide to do.

Mitz Pantic writes articles for various sites including Fill Your Money Box, Free Computer Help, Tips4pc, Brisbane Computers and more.

Americans get more and more in debt each year. Debt begins to pile up from credit cards and loans. This high interest debt can quickly turn into a seemingly insurmountable problem forcing you to live from paycheck to paycheck. The tips listed below will help you stop the urge to splurge and enable you to actually start saving money every month.

*Create a monthly budget and stick to it. This way you can keep track of where your money is actually going and apply it to where it is needed. Putting the numbers down on paper will show you just where all your money is going!

*Keep a journal for a week of everything you spend money on. Keep a running tally of how much you spend for a week. Then multiply this times twelve and you have your total for roughly three months.

*Get your last three months of pay stubs and determine your average monthly income by adding the totals, after taxes, together. Then gather three months of bills, add them up and divide by three to calculate your monthly fixed expenses such as rent or mortgage, utilities and phone, car payment, insurance and student loan payments. Add together three months of other monthly expenses, including groceries, clothing, credit card expenses, medical bills and the total from your weekly journal above. Divide by three and add the result to your monthly expense total.

*Evaluate your expenses. What can you cut back on? That morning cup of coffee can be skipped if you make your own at home. Small priced expenses add up and burden us. Choose one or two things you can skip from your journal and then add one item to the list every week.

*Make more meals at home. Take-out is not only fattening, but it is expensive. Pack your own lunch to take to work. Make meals ahead of time and freeze them if you don’t have time to cook a dinner every night. Keep in mind that not every meal needs to be a feast. Have a salad, sandwich, or other small meal for dinners, instead of the five-course meal.

*Set up a savings plan such as a passbook account, certificate of deposit (CD) or individual retirement account (IRA), and begin making regular deposits. Check with your local bank to see what the best option is for you.

*Cut up all credit cards except one (you need one for emergencies). Transfer all credit card debt to that one card (make sure it’s the card with the lowest interest!). One bill is easier to manage, especially at low-interest.

*Overpay your minimum credit card payments as much as possible. A good rule to follow is to add whatever your interest fee is for the month to your minimum payment. This way you will be paying on top of your interest and your balance can actually go down instead of just being marginally affected.

*Realize that things come up in life that are completely unexpected and unplanned for. Car problems or health problems can and will occur at the moment you think you’re ahead. Keep plugging away at debt and stick to your budget as much as possible.

*Watch less T.V. (no home shopping channels) and no buying online, no catalogs. All of these increase the temptation to spend your hard-earned money!

*Buy generic, clip coupons, pinch those pennies!!! (roll them, too!)

*Cook large amounts of food at a time from scratch, as well as several different meals. Pre-packaged stuff costs a lot more and it’s not as healthy, anyway. Freeze portions for meals later, during the week or when things in the pantry are scarce. This will also save time, and energy.

*Grow your own! Create a garden! Not only is it fun for the whole family, you can save a lot of money on food.

Once you have paid off most of your debt, you will begin to feel more in control and can start pooling more of your money into savings, college and retirement funds. Try to have an emergency fund that could carry your household for at least two months in case your income stops. That way, your debt will not begin to pile up again.