Determine how finance charge is actually calculated. The finance charge is dollar amount you pay to use credit. And that amount depends on your outstanding balance and APR. Credit card companies used several methods to calculate your outstanding balance, and method can make a BIG difference in finance charge you'll pay.

Your outstanding balance may be calculated over one billing cycle or two; using adjusted balance, average daily balance, or previous balance; and it may include or exclude new purchases in balance. Depending of balance you carry and timing of your purchases and payments, you will usually have a lower finance charge with one-cycle billing and average daily balance method excluding new purchases.

Other concerns to take into account include possibility of a minimum finance charge and additional fees which may be tacked on to your credit card. Fees such as annual fee, cash advance fees, late-payment fees, over-the-credit-limit fees, credit-limit-increase fees and set-up fees (charged when a new account is opened) are some examples of additional credit card charges. Read information in your credit card agreement to see if there are other fees or charges.

You should also known your credit limit up front so you do not end up paying "over-the-credit-limit fees" and penalties. In addition you should know whether your card is a secured card (usually requiring a security deposit), a regular card which have few extra features and lower credit limits, or a premium card (gold, platinum, titanium) which offers higher limits and extra features like travel insurance or emergency services.

If your credit card is ever lost or stolen--and then used by someone without your permission--you are NOT responsible to pay more than $50 of those charges. This protection is provided by federal Truth in Lending Act and you do not need to buy "credit card insurance" to cover amounts over $50.

Make a list of your account numbers and companies' phone numbers. Keep list in a safe place--not your wallet or purse. If you discover your card is lost or stolen, report it immediately to credit card company by calling toll-free number listed on your monthly statements.

FOne final tip--take list of phone numbers (not account numbers) with you when you travel, just in case a card is lost or stolen.

You also run risk of not getting best mortgage deal possible if you are forced to rush into accepting first offer that you get.

6. Failure to get it all in writing

Buyers who accept verbal agreements or promises made on a handshake often find that no one remembers that conversation at closing time. If it’s important to you then get it in writing.

7. Not finding defects before you buy.

While new homes come with specific warranties and guarantees, you’re usually on your own when you’re not buying new. Don’t rely on word of seller or agent when it comes to ascertaining physical condition of home. Protect yourself by writing “Subject to satisfactory property inspection results” on any offer you make and then hire a professional property inspection company.

Another word of advice is to find your own property inspector and do not reply on one that is recommended by seller or agent. Make sure you are there when inspector arrives and don’t let agent or seller have any conversations with inspector outside of your presence.

8. Losing control of transaction.

This is going to be your home and buying it is your decision. When you let agents, friends or family persuade you for or against a particular piece of property then you are losing control of transaction. Just stop, relax, take a deep breath and remember who is in control. It’s you.

9. Failure to do your own due diligence

The chances are your visit to home of your dreams occurred during best time of day, but you’ll be living in that home 24/7. Visit neighborhood during rush hour, late at night and at other random times. Can you deal with getting in and out of your neighborhood during your commuting times? Does sound of nearby NASCAR track drown out backyard conversation on Sunday afternoons?

Also make sure that schools and community amenities suit your needs and lifestyles. Check property taxes and utility bills to make sure that you can afford cost of living in your chosen community. If you are subject to deed restrictions or homeowner/condo rules then make sure you can live with them. Even automobile insurance rates are affected by zip code so more you know about a community better off you are.

10. Buying more house than you can afford.

Just because lender approved you for a certain amount doesn’t mean that you can handle payments. This is especially true if you have a life-changing event on horizon such as having a baby or changing jobs. Be especially wary of your payment thresholds if you have an Adjustable Rate Mortgage because you can bet those payments will be going up a lot sooner that you want them to. Don’t forget to factor condo fees or homeowner association dues into your monthly expenses.

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