Pay Court Online

• Residents in the state of New York who have been issued a ticket can make payments online via the internet
• Alternatively the wrong-doer can pay by phone by dialing 1-888-912-1541
• Users will need a valid credit card number (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX) and the ticket number
• Paying a ticket online is the equivalent to admitting guilt or entering a no contest plea
• Failure to pay a ticket in the state of New York will led to a suspended license and possible jail time

From the Pay Court Online site:

“You have a couple online payment options, depending on your specific citation and county in which you were pulled over. If the county doesn’t offer online payment, check to see if your ticket reads “Traffic Violations Bureau” at the bottom. If so, you can pay your ticket online through the state DMV site… Generally, you can pay a ticket over the phone, through the mail, online, or in court; usually, it depends on where you live and the nature of your ticket.”

In the case of a lost or missing ticket please visit the “lost NY traffic tickets” service to help determine the best course of action.  The user might be able to find the ticket online if it reads Traffic Violations Bureau towards the bottom otherwise most users will have to request a TVB Substitute Traffic Ticket.  Only tickets issued in the following townships are eligible for this service: New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Babylon, Brookhaven, Huntington, Islip and Smithtown.

Other Random Facts In Regards To A New York Traffic Ticket

1. Two options when receiving a ticket; Pay It or Fight It
2. Paying a ticket could Incur points on a driving record and result in an increase in auto insurance rates
3. Fighting a ticket could result in plea bargain involving lesser penalties but could also be costly
4. Some tickets require the violator to appear in court such as Driving While Intoxicated
5. Points on a driving record may be reduced if the offender agrees to serve in the New York’s Point Insurance Reduction Program (aka state-approved defensive driving course)
6. Frequent offenders should read the New York Department of Motor Vehicles drivers manual
7. A default conviction isn’t necessarily permanent
8. The state of New York is one of the highest earning states in term of revenue from traffic tickets
9. Offenders can plea not guilty by mail or by showing up at the court in question between 9:00 am till 4:00 pm
10. Most New York counties accept Cash, VISA, MasterCard, money order or certified check when paying a ticket

Any general questions in regards to a ticket in the state of New York can be directed to the court listed in the given ticket.  Offenders should not contact the DMV offices in the state of New York in relation to a simple traffic ticket.

References:

1. paycourtonline.com
2. NY Courts
3. Courts of New York

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Ace Card Survey

• Customer can take a survey in relation to their ACE card purchase
• The date of purchase is required
• Conducted by ACE Hardware

From the ACE Rewards Card site:

“Earn Rewards faster with the Ace Rewards Visa Card! It’s the only Visa credit card that earns you Ace Rewards points when you make purchases at your favorite Ace store and everywhere else Visa is accepted. Receive a $25 Ace Reward for every 12,500 points earned.”

Any questions about the ACE Card Survey site Servicing ^[1] or the program in general can be directed to Ace Rewards Visa Card @ 866-951-3870 or by mail by writing to: PO Box 6339 Fargo, ND 58125-6339.

Online Banking with the Ace Rewards Visa Card (making a payment)

• Login to online banking services
• Under the “Transfers and Payments” tab, select “Pay My Account”
• Fill out the payment information
• Click on the continue box

Please make all payments before 5pm Central Time to guarantee the payment will post that day.^[2] Sometimes the customer can make a payment up until 8pm Central Time and still post but this is not guaranteed.

References:

1. acecardsurvey.com
2. ACE Rewards About Online Banking

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Chase Auto Servicing

• Allows Chase auto customer to sign up or log in to their account online
• Provides auto online account services as well as helpful demonstration videos
• Current existing Chase Auto account customers can dial 1-800-336-6675 in regards to any account related questions or concerns

From the Chase Auto Servicing ^[1] site:

“With Chase Online, you’re in control of managing your auto account. Use Chase Online to make a payment, view account activity, get a payoff quote, enroll in Chase Mobile® and sign up for paperless statements!”

In addition to calling the number shown above Chase Auto Finance customers can direct all mail to P.O. Box 901076, Fort Worth, TX 76101-2076.  A few days after the customer finances their card through Chase it is recommended they set up online recurring payments.  To set up a recurring payment through a transfer from any checking or savings account please follow these steps:

1. Log in to the customer account and click on the Payments & Transfers tab, then the Auto Payments tab
2. Click on Schedule an Auto Payment
3. Complete the steps provided (5 minutes or less)

Customer can also request a change in payment due date by accessing their account details page, select “Change My Due Date” from the links and follow the instructions.  Please note a customer is not allowed to request a change in payment due date on the 29th, 30th and 31st of the month and ALL request must be received at least 20 days prior to the next due date.

Other Services

• Chase Account Alerts: Always make a payment on time with a text or email alert.  It may take up to 24 hours before your changes will take effect and There is no charge from Chase, but message and data rates may apply.
• Chase Mobile: Offers a FREE Mobile App that allows a customer to perform all their Chase banking from the comfort of their mobile phone.
• Paperless Statements: Provides monthly Chase Auto Servicing statement via email instead of by snail mail.

Chase Bank N.A. is considered one of the largest consumer and commercial banking firms in the United States and is a subsidiary of JP Morgan Chase.  Chase branches are popular in the states of California, Texas, New York, Illinois and Florida (mostly in the Miami area).  Chase Bank is based at 1111 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH, 43240 United States.^[2]

References:

1. chase.com/autoservicing
2. Jpmorgan Chase Bank, National Association Company Information

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Your credit card is one of the most sensitive pieces of documentation that you can carry on your person. Since it can dictate or supplement your finances, it deserves to be protected from theft, just like real cash. Some unscrupulous individuals have taken advantage of the vulnerabilities within the credit card system, to steal money from unsuspecting victims. Here are some essential tips that you should take to protect your credit card from fraud.

#1. Beware of Internet Scammers

Never submit your personal information, especially credit card information, to people whom you have never met. Some ‘sale representatives’ may call you and give you offers, which could be enticing enough to warrant purchasing them – hence may require you to give out your account information. This is very risky, since the sales representative could be anyone who is just talented at being persuasive. The bottom line: do your research first.

#2. Keep Your Cards Safe

Never carry all your cards in a single wallet. This practice minimizes the risk of losing all of them at once, especially to theft. If possible, you should carry only the credit card that is required for the activity that you are attending. Another way of keeping the cards safe is by making sure that they are not used out of your sight while undertaking transactions.

#3. Always Sign Your Cards

The moment you receive the credit card, it is very important to sign on the dedicated space, since this shows everybody that the card is indeed yours. Whenever you are carrying out a transaction, this will come in handy because if anyone tries to switch it with another card, it will be easily noticeable.
In addition, you should cut up expired credit cards as soon as they are replaced, to minimize the chance of the information getting into the wrong hands.

#4. Keep Your Transaction Receipts Safe

Ensure that all the receipts are filed in a safe place, since they may contain information that could be used to defraud you. Some people have had their credit cards maxed due to negligent approach that they take in safeguarding their receipts.

#5. Report all forms of Fraud

Perhaps it is already too late, and you have been defrauded of your money. Sometimes, it is easier to stop further loss of money by simply reporting the incident to your credit card provider. Similarly, cancel all lost cards immediately you establish that you cannot find them.

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Credit cards, no matter what you think of them, are important financial documents in this day and age. Want to rent a car? Pay for online purchases? Buy a smartphone plan? Then you need to have a credit card. Having an excellent credit history also helps you in acquiring bigger loans in the future- like in getting a loan from a bank for a house or a car.

So now you’ve just made a major financial milestone and got yourself your first credit card. Now what? What are the things that you need to know about that piece of plastic in your hands?

What is a credit card?

A credit card gives authority to the person using it to purchase goods and services on account, to be paid after a certain time period has passed (usually a month). Think of it like a month-long loan from a bank; the bank pays for your purchases in the meantime, and you pay back the bank after a month.

What are the charges that a credit card user should expect?

Most credit cards have an annual fee, a flat charge that a credit card user has to pay yearly to keep his or her card active. Next you have a finance charge; this is like a credit card usage fee- it’s the money that you need to pay to the bank every time you use the card for purchases or cash advances. If you’re late in your monthly payments (credit card issuers usually allot a grace period for payments), then you may also be charged with penalties too.

How can I keep my credit card costs down?

Read and follow your credit card payment guidelines to a “T.” These guidelines are usually printed at the back of your card.

Always pay your balance in full, every month. This practice will help drastically reduce interest costs.

Take note of your cards’ fees. Each transaction that you make on your card has a corresponding fee. Over time, all of these extra fees can add up and you might be surprised with how much you have to pay come billing time.

Religiously pay on-time. Don’t even wait for the grace period to come along. Set up email alerts or an automated credit card payment scheme with your bank, if necessary.

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When one applies to a credit card company, they willingly give out all of their personal information in good faith that the company is honest and responsible. Upon receiving a credit card, there are many who will responsibly use it to pay bills or other expenses, trusting that the credit card company will in turn treat them with dignity and integrity. The sad truth is that these companies are constantly looking for new ways to make money off of unsuspecting, vulnerable customers. Through the stealthy use of hidden charges, rules, and fees a credit card company will do anything and everything possible to squeeze every last dollar out of a customer. However, by becoming aware of the many common, sneaky tactics that these companies use, one can become more protected from the dishonest actions of a credit card company.

Changing Due Dates

Many companies will change the due date on a credit card payment every single month, in hopes that through the confusion and chaos the customer will miss a payment. Since the dawn of online banking and automatic payment systems, this sneaky tactic has become much more common, and can really mess someone up when they can not seem to create a consistent budget. They love nothing more than to tack on late charges, and by changing payment dates every month, this opportunity is more possible.

Selling Fraud Protection

This is a highly unnecessary service that credit card companies will try to sell, because every basic credit card agreement already involves fraud protection. They might try to convince someone that by purchasing fraud protection, they are getting stronger protection and better service than initially, however customers are never liable for over $50 of a fraudulent transaction. Simply put, this service is just another way for them to make money.

Raising Interest Rates Unexpectedly

In most credit card’s terms of service, this is a completely lawful and acceptable method that they can use to make more money. They can raise the interest rates at any given time, and are especially obliged to do so if one’s balance is considerably high, or if their credit score is lowered. They have full access to a customer’s credit report, and can research personal information such as housing, other credit cards used, and other loans. If they discover that a customer is behind on payments with another company, they will see this as a great opportunity to raise interest rates. Credit card companies will do everything in their power to generate extra income.

Lowering the Credit Limit

This is another dirty, sneaky trick that credit card companies will implement, and can actually negatively impact a customer’s credit score by making their card appeared to be maxed out. Credit limits are unfortunately not permanent, and companies can really put a customer in a money draining loop by lowering the credit limit beneath their account balance, in turn triggering overdraft fees, resulting in a lowered credit score and finally raising the interest rates. This dirty tactic can really trap a customer, and greatly hurt their credit.

Cascading Fees

One must be extremely careful when using their credit card, because just one late payment or overcharge can result in an avalanche of cascading penalties. The bank could have lowered a customer’s limit, resulting in overcharge, however that does not stop them from charging fees and penalties for every month that is over. By cleverly implementing this strategy, a credit card company can make considerably more money from a customer through raising interest rates and affecting their account in multiple ways, even after one simple mistake from the customer.

It is extremely important to keep all documents and agreements from credit card companies, and especially read the fine print because this is where they trick the customer. They are also required to notify customers when there is a change in service, and if they do not then they are breaking the law. One can always dispute a change in service by calling the customer service hotline and explaining the issue. Remember that the credit card companies want to keep their customers, and will actually negotiate with a customer if they call and address their concern. Always research a credit card before making a decision to get one, and become well familiarized with the sneaky tactics they could use. When one takes this information into consideration, they can protect their credit and themselves from dishonest companies.

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Nordstrom Card Services

• Allows a Nordstrom card customer to access their account online
• A username and password is required for returning users while new customers will have to enroll with a Nordstrom card account number and the name on the card
• Nordstrom credit or debit card online account access technical issues can  be addressed by dialing 1-866-491-7860 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

From the Nordstrom Card^[1] site:

“conveniently download your most recent transactions and/or interactively manage your Nordstrom credit or debit card account(s). Plus, you can view your current transaction information, see your account due dates, and even make a payment online – all at no charge!”

This service is administered by Nordstrom, Inc. and is an excellent alternative to receiving paper statements by mail.  The enrollment process should take less than 3 minutes and a valid email address will be required.

Nordstrom Card Benefits^[2] 

• Earn 2 points for every dollar spent at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack and HauteLook
• 2,000 points gets you a $20 Nordstrom Note which is essentially a $20 off coupon
• A applicant will receive a $20 bonus note (aka discount) when spending $100 or more at Nordstrom with the Nordstrom card the day of application

*Please note there are 4 levels of benefits based on annual net Nordstrom purchases on a Nordstrom credit card or debit card.

Forgotten Password?

If the customer has misplaced their password when trying to access the Nordstrom card site please follow these instructions:

1. Click on Forgot your password?, located in the Already Enrolled section
2. Type in your User Name and Email address
3. Click Next and this will take the customer to another page requesting additional validation information

The Nordstrom card website utilizes advanced security features that allow only the true card holder by recognizing not only the customers unique password but also the computer(s) log in from regularly.

Having Sign In Problems?

It could be one of three items:

1. Name and password entered incorrectly
2. Three failed sign in attempts in a row which will result in the users being locked out of the system
3. Internet connection issues

When signing to a Nordstrom card account online always double-check that the correct username and password are being imputed and make sure the caps lock is turned off.  If the user becomes locked out please follow the forgot password instructions as previously mentioned.  If the customers Internet connection is not working please dial the service providers toll-free customer support number for guidance.

Nordstrom, Inc. is a high-end US-based department store the caters to the rich and upper class.  It is not unusual for a pair of jeans to cost well over $150 at this high fashion retailer.  According to a recent survey there are 271 stores operating in 36 states, which includes 117 Full-Line stores and 151 Nordstrom Racks.  The Nordstrom business address can be found at 1617 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101-1707 or reached by phone by dialing (206) 628-2111.even ten-times points.^[3]

References:

1. nordstromcard.com
2. Shop Nordstrom Rewards
3. Nordstrom (JWN) annual SEC income statement filing via Wikinvest

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Do you know that credit cards can be like a blessing from above? If you consciously pay your bills early, they can serve as an interest-free loan in the short term. Credit card companies help you to monitor your spending better than when you use cash only. When you use cash, you must make sure you record all your transactions by yourself – and sometimes, this can be really tedious. In fact, using a credit card allows you to retrieve your credit report for free. And you can easily track, categorize and monitor your expenses.

Although credit cards can become subtle enemies when you don’t pay back early or you overspend, there is a bright side of using credit cards. Let’s dive in and get more details about the perks you can enjoy when you own and use a credit card.

Pre-loaded Goodies

Several perks come with most popular credit cards. You’re probably not aware of them. Or you are not making full use of them.

Dedicated Personal Concierge Staff: When you travel to any part of the world, you can enjoy a dedicated local concierge service. Someone will be attached to you for 24 hours to assist with dinner reservations, buying tickets for events, organizing business arrangements, and find gift items.

Different Types of Insurance and Protection: You enjoy car rental insurance against theft or collision when you decline the rental company’s loss/damage or collision waiver insurance. And you charge the car rental to your credit card. Some companies offer up to $50,000 for secondary coverage.

Most credit cards also come with protection for the retail purchases you make with the card against accident, theft and fire. This protection lasts for 90 days from the date you buy the item. This is great for electronic items like iphones and flat screen TVs etc. You can also enjoy extended warranties. So instead of the normal 1-year warranty or less offered by U.S. manufacturers, the warranty period will be doubled for you when you buy the item with your credit card.

• Trip Interruption/Cancellation Coverage: You are entitled to a consolation fee when you are not allowed to take or continue a trip that was billed to your credit card account. Companies offer at least $1,000 or more as trip interruption/cancellation coverage.
• Coverage for Lost Luggage: Just charge your common carrier fare to your credit card and you will enjoy a cover of at least $2,500 (amount may vary depending on the card company) on lost luggage for the entire family. This covers stolen or lost baggage and any personal items checked in with the same carrier.
• Protection Against Unauthorized Use: You are not liable for any unauthorized purchases either offline or online. And you will be notified if there is any suspicious activity on your account. This is one advantage you can’t enjoy when you use a debit card.

Additional Benefits

Other benefits you will enjoy when you use your credit card properly include: a high credit score which qualifies you for lower interest rates on mortgage and car loans. You also enjoy the convenience of paying for emergencies with ease anytime they arise. In fact you can make purchases online or offline anytime you want whether or not you have cash or access to an ATM machine.

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When you are getting married it’s natural to want to spend as much as you possibly can on a wedding ring. However, there are actually plenty of reasons why someone should consider buying a cheaper ring that is easier to afford. Whether you are shopping for an engagement ring, or a wedding band, there are plenty of reasons why you might want to buy a less expensive ring. There’s no need to feel tight though, read through this guide to put your mind at ease.

It’s Just a Ring

Rings are a symbol of your never ending love for one another, but that’s all they are. A wedding or engagement ring doesn’t have any particular purpose other than looking nice. For this reason, many people are shopping around for cheaper rings.

It’s not an Investment

Many people think that it doesn’t matter that they’re spending a fortune buying a wedding ring because it can be seen as an investment. While it is true you are buying precious metal and precious stones, normally you won’t be able to sell these for as much as you paid for them. This is simply because when you sell most old jewellery it is scrapped and melted down. Never treat fine jewellery as an investment, as normally it won’t pay off.

Divorce

When you are just getting married it might seem like you will be together forever. While that’s a lovely thought, nothing is certain in life. In recent years the divorce rates of couples in the US has gone up a lot. According to a survey conducted in 2002 29% of marriages ended in a divorce within 10 years from the date of the marriage. This is quite a high proportion of marriages within just 10 years. Spending a lot of money on someone that you might only stay married to for a couple of years could be seen as a waste.

Not Worried about Losing it

A wedding ring to many people is just a symbol to show other people that you are in a relationship and that you are taken. For this reason you might wear it every day. If you lost an expensive wedding ring then it could be very upsetting and traumatic. However, if you have a cheaper wedding ring which is just a symbol of your marriage then it can be replaced quite easily should it be lost.

Not worried about Damage

Gold and Platinum are the most common materials for wedding rings. The problem with both of these precious metals is that they are quite soft. Few people remove their rings when they are washing up and washing clothes. This can cause scratches and damage to the precious metals. A cheaper wedding ring made from a harder metal would stand up better to this abuse. Even cheaper gold wedding rings will be made from 8 carat gold which will be much more durable.

Blood Diamonds

Diamonds might look beautiful, but by buying them it’s also possible you are helping to fund an unfair war. Many diamonds are found in conflict areas such as Sierra Leone and Angola. These can be mined and sold by warlords to raise money for their military campaign. Although the US and many other developed countries have strict policies regarding the importing of blood diamonds, the large numbers of conflict diamonds means that some will slip through the net.

The high value of diamonds also means that it’s worth someone concealing the true source of diamonds. This is a very good reason not to buy an expensive diamond ring for your wedding.

Not Environmentally Friendly

Because of the high value of gold, platinum and diamonds they are often mined extensively. Sometimes at a cost to the planet. For example, gold is mined in the Amazon rainforest by using mercury as a way to get the gold dust to stick together. This is poured out into the forest which results in serious damage to the ecosystem. Diamonds can also be mined in an unsustainable fashion which can be damaging to the earth.

It’s a Fairly new Concept

While wedding rings themselves are quite an old tradition, using diamonds in engagement rings is relatively new. This was dreamt up by an advertising campaign for De Beers, the very same companies that control most of the diamond mines around the world. They simply created the concept of the engagement ring as a way to sell their products. The concept of diamond engagement rings is only around 100 years old.

You don’t need an Expensive Ring to show Love

The main reason people buy an expensive ring is to show that they really love someone. This doesn’t really mean a lot. The only way you can show you truly love someone is to stick with them no matter what. In other words, only time will tell.

Money is more Valuable

Spending thousands of dollars on a wedding ring might seem great at the time. However, when you buy your first home together, or try to start a family you will wish you kept the money in savings. There will always be a time when you will be desperate for more money, but a wedding ring is an inanimate object which can’t help achieve anything.

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