Use caution when giving your credit card number out on phone or on Internet. Only give out your credit card number on telephone calls you initiate to business or organizations you trust. Never give your number out to callers who call unannounced, no matter how legitimate call sounds.

On Internet, look for an Internet address that begins https:. The “s” indicates that it is a secure connection and a small padlock symbol should appear in bottom right hand corner of your screen, indicating it is safe to transmit your credit card number.

Call your credit card company instantly if you suspect trouble. All credit card companies have 24 hour lost and stolen help lines. If you lose your wallet or purse or have it stolen, call without delay! Much fraud happens within first hour or two, before victim realizes cards are missing. Your credit card company will block your cards from being used and stop you from being responsible for any charges thieves incur.

Take advantage of any security features your card offers. Many newer cards have option of including your photograph on card. This is excellent protection and is highly recommended.

Review your credit history regularly

After you have obtained best credit card, and are using it wisely, review your credit history on a regular basis. This helps ensure your history is accurate and that any issues have been resolved to your satisfaction.

North America has three national credit-reporting bureaus. Your credit rating is held at one or more of these bureaus. When checking on your rating, be sure to contact all three, as your rating may be held on file at more than one bureau. The three national credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union. Check Yellow Pages, under Credit to find numbers in your area.

Get right card

With all choices in cards available, chances are good,very good, you can find a better card for your needs. Today’s cards can save you money, offer better features, and even support a cause you believe in. Here are some tips on finding right card and where to check that you have best card for your needs.

Tips:

4 Be alert for companies offering a great interest rate for transferring your existing balance to their card. Usually these rates are only in effect for a short time, often six months. At end of this time, rate can revert to a much higher permanent rate. Keep your eye on Annual Percentage Rate (APR); this is figure that counts in long run.

Lower is better: read fine print and find Annual Percentage Rate (APR). This is interest rate companies charge you if you carry a balance. You want lowest rate possible; as each percentage point drop will save you money on months you have an outstanding balance.

Nothing can be better: Try for a credit card that does not charge an annual fee. Many credit cards charge you a fee each year to use their cards. While this may be offset by other benefits card may offer, you can find cards that do not charge this annual fee. Why pay for privilege of using a credit card when you don’t have to?

Explore options: Today’s cards offer a wide range of excellent features, including frequent flier points, programs that bank points toward a new car, and cards that support charitable organizations. Other options worth having include car rental insurance coverage, trip cancellation coverage, and extended warranty coverage.

Colin McDougall is editor of personal finance websites offering credit cards, student credit cardsand other personal & mortgage loans.

How long does it take to build a Modular Home?

Modular home construction is much faster than site built homes. The typical rule of thumb for building of a site built home is 4-6 months from ground breaking. A modular home can be completed in 1-2 months. There are several reasons for this. All of trades required to build a site built home are employed at factory so there is a reduced number of tradesman. Secondly many different tasks can be going on simultaneously in factory. Lastly, some of site work, like excavation and pouring of foundation are done prior to time house is delivered to construction site.Compare this to site built home where most tasks must be done sequentially. In total a few weeks is all that will be required to complete modules that comprise a modular home. Once delivered on site builder may have another few weeks to complete finish work. Typically, customers can expect that it will take 4-6 weeks from time of order to time of delivery, and from time of delivery to completion, another 4-6 weeks.

Are modular homes difficult to finance?

No. That used to be case, but sheer number of modular homes being constructed, as well as lending community’s understanding of quality of modular homes has all but eliminated any previously existing prejudice.

Do modular homes offer energy efficiency?

Modular homes are often able to achieve extremely high energy efficiency ratings, with some manufacturer’s offering extremely high standards in their products. Expect to see R-19 to R-21 or better in walls, R-38 to R50 in roofs, and Low-E windows are almost standard in modular industry. Talk to your builder to find out what features are standard, and which are options.

Are there differences in permit requirements between site built and modular homes?

No, there are no differences. A modular home must conform or comply with local building requirements of where home will be placed. Mobile homes, in contrast, do have substantially different permit or code requirements - but these do not pertain to modular homes. Modular homes may cost less for permits because they are pre-inspected at factory before ever arriving on construction site. When you are looking at new homes, talk to a company that specializes in modular homes. They can answer questions as they pertain to your community and local codes.

Conclusion

There are many good reasons why you should explore option of a modular home. These reasons include: time savings, design flexibility, quality, cost savings, shorter-term construction loans (less interest paid) and brand name products. With decreasing pool of skilled laborers, modular homes are appearing in subdivisions nationwide in larger and larger numbers. Seek a builder with expertise in modular homes, and you’ll find quality, beauty and affordability in less time, often with warranties of up to ten years. It’s an option you are seeing more and more.