Take the time to compare automotive interest rates. While most auto dealerships offer their own auto loans to customers, they may not provide the lowest rate. Research all major lenders to see what types of rates are available. If you have an account with a bank or credit union, see if they can offer you a better loan rate because you're their customer. You should also get an auto insurance quote from top companies beforehand since it'll impact your monthly vehicle cost.

Always get the final approval for the loan in writing. Many auto loan lenders, especially dealerships, promise customers a great loan with low interest but it only applies to people with high credit scores. Before buying a vehicle make sure you have the loan approved and in writing. A pre-approved loan may still not get you the loan at the rate discussed if interest rates have risen since the quote was made.

At Vehix.com, you can search new and used cars for sale, get new car prices and dealer quotes, read automobile reviews, view crash tests and sell your existing vehicle. You can also compare and apply for automobile financing and use their auto insurance section to request quotes from thousands of insurance agents.

A 2008 J.D. Power and Associates survey of credit card user happiness found the following satisfaction rates among major credit card issuers. With an industry average of 724 out of a possible 1,000, American Express received 783, Discover 751, National City 721, Chase 719, U.S. Bank 716, Washington Mutual (now Chase) 712, Citi 710, Wells Fargo 709, and Bank of America 692.

Many credit card companies offer incentives, such as low introductory rates for balance transfers (moving the balance from your current issuer). One of the most aggressive credit card brands in this area is Discover Card. To compare rates from leading banks and financial institutions, including those that do not charge a balance transfer fee, visit CreditCardBanks.com.

Those who have no credit history or who have had credit card applications rejected due to poor credit should consider a prepaid card. UPside Prepaid Visa offers free direct deposit and cash loads at 50,000 retailers. Only $1/month. FDIC. No credit check.

Investors have a dizzying array of choices. Investment options include U.S. and oversees stocks, real estate purchases, bonds issued by stable companies, riskier bonds that offer higher yields, forex trading, and the purchase of precious metals such as gold, titanium, and palladium bullion. Since before the 2008 stock market crash, gold value has risen sharply.

Smart investing requires research. Learn what types of investments make the most sense in the areas of expenses and financial risks involved. Are financial goals five years, ten years, or thirty years in the future? If retirement is far away, stocks have outperformed other investment types, including bonds, as a whole over time. While stocks fluctuate in the short term, and may even decline by 25% in a single year, historically they yield an investment return of about 10% annually.

According to U.S. equity strategists, Standard & Poor’s downgrade of the long-term sovereign credit rating of the U.S. from AAAA to AA+ won't keep the nation’s stocks down in the long term. Investors should consider buying large companies and dividend-paying stocks in the short run. TradeKing has flat fees of $4.95 per trade or $.65 per options contract.

No personal investment strategy is complete without diversification. Put money in a combination of stable investments such as bonds and CD's, more variable types, such as mutual funds, along with money in individual stocks. Consider purchasing a life insurance policy for the future security of loved ones. Click here to get a free life insurance quote. In addition, try to set aside a certain amount of money for a secondary retirement fund and keep some money in a personal savings account for emergencies. Fixed annuities are interest based vehicles similar to bank issued CDs, but geared specifically towards retirement savings.

Invest as much as you can spare in an IRA or 401(k), even if it's not the maximum allowed by law. You don't have to contribute $5,000 every year to start building assets tax-deferred. Even $100 a month will make a large impact over time. If your employer offers a match based on your retirement plan contributions and you are not participating, you're missing out on extra money. It's also easy to rollover a 401k or transfer funds from your current IRA to a No Fee IRA.

If you're tempted to take a cash distribution from your retirement plan, keep in mind you'll lose a substantial portion of it to taxes and penalties. Among these is a 10% early withdrawal penalty if you're under the age of 59½ and additional federal income taxes depending on your tax bracket.

It's vital for every investor to review asset allocation (the mix of stocks, bonds, and cash) in their portfolio once a year to make sure it's still appropriate for their current needs.