thanksgiving-2015-financial-prospects

You are often thankful for various things like good health, promising relationship, etc. But, why not thank those financial prospects that come your way? I’m not talking about the promotion that you’ve got this year or the biggest trip that you’ve enjoyed with your family. Apart from these, there are still some other reasons that you should be thankful for. What are those? Last night, I searched on Google about some financial opportunities/benefits, which were introduced in 2015. There were many, but these 4 were really helpful for all common people. Maybe you've already taken advantage of these opportunities. However, I'm really thankful and can’t stop myself from writing brief notes on them.

1. Introduced EMV technology (Chip credit card)

Credit card fraud has been a rising problem in the US. To fight with this problem, chip-enabled credit cards were launched on October 1, 2015. All credit cards got a replacement with a chip in this year. Credit cards with a chip are made with the EMV technology that provide transaction security and other advantages, which a traditional magnetic stripe card can’t provide. There are many advantages of an EMV chip card, such as:

  • EMV technology helps to reduce fraud
  • A consumer can use EMV chip payment card on any EMV compatible payment terminal
  • It supports advanced cardholder verification methods
  • It provides security for online payment transactions

It is one of the biggest financial opportunities that you’ve got in 2015. Now you’re safe from credit card fraud. To know more about this new feature, visit http://www.emv-connection.com/ or https://www.gochipcard.com/. You can get useful resources to understand the basics of this technology and other related details.

2. PWC offered $1,200 a year to the employee

PWC announced $1,200 a year for each employee to pay off their student loan debts. This benefit will start in the year of 2016 and continue for up to 6 years. PWC is hiring many fresh grads directly from college campuses. Loan repayment benefit is certainly one of the most attracting perks as so many millennials are struggling with student loan debt. So, it's a great opportunity to get the benefit from PWC once you get hired this year. You can get other opportunities such as flexible hours, chances to work abroad, etc.

3. Lower gas price

The year 2015 is good for all drivers to fill up gas with a lower price. In the southwest Ohio, you’ll be charged less than $2 per gallon for gas. How long will it continue? As per the experts, fuel prices will remain low throughout the holiday season. The price tracker website gasbuddy.com recently reported, regular unleaded fuel is available at $1.85 per gallon in Fairfield, Sharonville and West Chester. Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) claimed, last time in April 2009 local gas prices were low. The US Energy Information Administration forecast that the prices of crude oil will remain low for this year and 2016 as well. A typical driver can save almost $50 per month for this cheaper rate. However, it’s the biggest good news for people who drive more. Lower gas prices mean chances to save more money in bank account. It also gives a chance to save money on fuel during holiday travel season, which is an extra benefit for you. Isn't it?

4. The comeback of Layaway to beat holiday credit card debts

Layaway policy is back just before the holiday season. This is absolutely a great opportunity to take advantage of Black Friday and Thanksgiving shopping. You can save money on electronics, toys, and other supplies. Walmart has already launched a layaway plan on August 28, 2015. Other big retailers will also offer the layaway plan for their customers. However, layaway policy can vary from one retailer to another. But, as per the experts, with layaway, consumers can reduce holiday credit card debts. The biggest retailer Walmart claimed that layaway plan will help their customers get every item they want. Walmart is hoping its popularity among their customers. Kmart is also offering attractive holiday layaway plans for their customers.

One of the biggest advantages of layaway is, a customer can add the items to layaway and can buy them on Black Friday at Black Friday prices. Some other features are as follows:

Features

  • There is no opening fee for layaway
  • The items must be at least $10 and your total purchase must be at least $50
  • You can buy toys, electronics, automotive electronics, furniture, small appliances, and jewelry
  • You need to pick the items and pay for them within the stipulated time period
  • You can do layaway online

Advantages

  • It helps to beat the holiday rush.
  • It helps to avoid January credit card debts.
  • It ensures the latest trend of the season.
  • It doesn’t require payments for the items all at once.
  • It helps to focus on the budget.
  • It allows advance payment.

Final words

In addition, people took advantage of the tax breaks on their home buying at the beginning of the year 2015. There was a great chance to buy a house, taking significant tax breaks. Rent has been rising for the past few years. So, there was a golden opportunity for the first time homebuyers to maximize their tax deduction on the home earlier in the year. Problem are a part of our life. We all have different types of issues to worry about. But we should be thankful for each and every phase that have come to our life. Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers out there. Do share your own reason to be thankful for.

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