Credit cards have become indispensable tools for the modern business. Not only do many online transactions require a credit card, but a business credit card also makes tracking expenses a piece of cake.

And if you have multiple employees who need the ability to efficiently make purchases, many card companies give you the option of having multiple cards with different spending limits and individual reports.

When searching for the best business credit cards, there are a few things you should look out for.

The first step is to determine what your business needs the credit card for. Here are some reasons you might be using a business credit card:

• Your business drives a lot and you’re looking for strong gas rewards
• Your business needs some extra purchasing power, but plan to pay off the balance within 12-15 months
• You make many common business purchases from companies like FedEx, Hertz and others and would like to earn rewards
• Your employees make many flights throughout the year and you want to earn airline miles
• You’re a new business looking to establish a good line of credit

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Just about every adult has credit cards. Every now and then, you come across people who don’t. Usually they don’t believe in credit and adamant that it leads to no good. While it’s admirable to pay for everything in cash, there are also good reasons for having and using at least one credit card.

1. Beats carrying all that money around - Why carry hundreds of dollars shopping for groceries or clothes. What if you lose your wad of cash at the mall? You’ll probably never replace your lost cash but you can replace a lost credit card. Moreover, it’s easier to manage and gets you through the line quicker.

2. Credit is good for you. Even if you only use your credit cards for a couple of purchases, as long as you pay it all back in a timely manner you’ll have good credit and a good credit report to show for it. This will come in handy when it’s time to buy a house or car or take out a loan.

3. Credit cards make it easier to return or repair items - If you purchase a defective item, it’s easier to replace or receive a refund with a credit card. If the manufacturer or shop owner refuses to issue a refund, you can contact your credit card company. They’ll retract the payment while investigating and if it appears you did indeed receive a lemon, will make sure you’re not charged the price of the item.

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Ever drive by a house and wonder what possessed the homeowner to purchase such an ugly house? Even worse, wonder who would use that bright pink or green paint and think it added curb appeal? Not sure what I’m talking about? Check out this gallery of truly ugly homes.

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Think you’re high end because you’re driving a CLK? That’s ok if you’re worth a couple of mil, but if you’re worth more you need the wheels to show it. Check out some of the world’s most expensive cars.
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Housing prices may be going down in most neighborhoods, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t people willing to spend a lot of money on real estate. In fact, for some home buyers, money is no object. Check out some of the most expensive homes in the world.

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APR or Annual Percentage Rate is the true interest rate you’re paying, on an annual basis, on your credit card contract or financial agreement.  This include hidden costs and fees. Knowing the APR should allow you to compare rates among lenders.

The APR includes:

• All fees
• Insurance
• Interest

Once you know the yearly amount of your interest and fees combined, you can do a comprehensive comparison. If you have good credit, you’ll most likely get a credit card with the lowest APR. If you’re applying for a credit card and you’ve never had one before, expect to pay a higher APR. Still, with all the numbers in one tidy APR figure, you’ll have an easier time finding the best rate.

People with money to burn can spend their money on some pretty silly things. Does a $2,000 bathtub work the same as a $54,000 bathtub? Would you buy a $75,000 French fry if it was shaped like a former President? What would you spend your millions on?

Here’s a look at some more of the world’s most expensive items.

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If you’re looking to purchase a house or car, your lender will probably want to look into your credit rating to make sure you’re not a risk.  Your credit rating details your spending habits, but more important, it tells about your payment habits. It should go without saying someone who pays off debts in a timely manner will have a higher credit rating than one who doesn’t always meet his obligations.

While a credit rating is a good indicator of who is a good candidate for a loan, if an applicant has no credit history at all, and therefore no credit rating ,he may also have problems applying for a loan - even if he’s never been in debt his life.

To get a credit history the best thing to do is to apply for a low interest credit card. Use it to make purchases and pay off your balance right away. Soon, you’ll have an excellent credit history, an excellent credit rating and all will be well when you apply for a loan.

Keep in mind that using a credit card to live beyond your means is the best way to ruin your credit history, so use it wisely and responsibly.

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Owning credit cards is a responsibility. They’re a convenience, not something to get you the good things in life you can’t afford. With this in mind, one should always enter into credit card ownership with knowledge and a sense of obligation. Here are some of the top credit card mistakes.

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At a loss over what to get Mom for Mother’s Day? Had enough of the same old flowers or earrings? Here’s a few Mother’s Day suggestions for the Mom who has everything….and trust me, she’s worth it.

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