Bank cards are used for most financial transactions these days and people are familiar with the technology. However, there are differences between check cards, debit cards and credit cards that need to be understood. Bank cards can be used for financial freedom and financial restraint, ultimately assisting with money management – but only when used wisely.

Each type of card has its pros and cons, although they are all versatile and almost universally accepted. There are occasions where cash payment is still preferred, but almost everyone carries a check card, debit card or credit card. In fact, it’s not uncommon to carry a range of bank cards for specific purposes and payment options. Understanding the difference between check cards, debit cards and credit cards is relatively easy, as check and debit cards perform similar functions. ... (read more)

Being young and in love is pretty much the closest we’ll ever come to feeling bulletproof. There’s an undeniable confidence that rises to the surface when you’ve got age on your side and a heart bursting with emotion. Colours seem brighter, food tastes better and risk is relegated to the back of your mind as you carry on with reckless abandon. Live in the moment, right? Wrong. Eventually the pitfalls will catch up with you and suddenly you’re partnered up but penniless. Rather than forget about your finances completely, a little bit of future proofing can be the perfect foundation for your happily ever after. Read on to find out the most common mistakes young people make – and you can avoid them. ... (read more)

The Bank of Japan has caught the attention for all stock markets. Their decision on monetary policy will have a lot of influence on global markets and economy as a whole. The Bank of Japan recently moved assets by the millions, causing changes in sovereign debt and trading funds. Seeing as this did not realise their goal of annihilating deflation, this bank went ahead to target the yield curve.

While working to maintain 10-year bond yields at zero, the bank also hopes to keep flattening rates at a minimum. This is a big decision that will most likely affect the bank’s profits, but what exactly does this mean for financial markets, and more specifically, for CFD traders? In case the plan drafted by the bank fails, is there a way that these traders can rise above the losses and find their ground again? ... (read more)