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Unless you’re a super-rich tycoon, you’ll be more than worried about the credit card bills at this time of year. Christmas, as always, is enjoyable but highly expensive, and seems to become more stressful every time. As the new year ushers in new hope, time will tell how long it will take people to recover from the excesses.

The trouble with keeping a credit card for a number of years is that the interest rates remain high, while, if you can only afford to pay the minimum amount, you’re barely clearing the balance at all. It’s a frustrating business, because the effect on morale is sometimes devastating. But there is, mercifully, a way of helping this difficult situation.

Many credit card companies offer an extremely generous zero per cent interest rate on balance transfers. And it’s even more tempting when you realise they’ll hold that rate for many months, sometimes even more than a year. The remedy is so obvious, it’s almost staring you in the face.

Simply take out a zero per cent card, then move your existing balance onto the new account. If you currently owe five thousand pounds, for example, at standard rates, your interest charges are likely to be well over a hundred pounds every month. The new one will save you far in excess of a thousand pounds in a year.

In these technological times, we use the worldwide web more and more often, for a huge variety of applications. As well as business and pleasure, an increasing amount of people find it the perfect place to save money.

Comparison websites hold details of numerous credit cards, and are the first stop for bargain hunters who are in the know. They’re packed with every bit of information you could ever possibly need, and are ready and waiting to find you a great deal. All you ever need to do is scan a list of available accounts and pick one; it’s simple.

For anyone who’s planning some forthcoming retail therapy, they should consider taking out a card that offers 0% on new purchases. Paying no interest on major items is obviously a highly attractive proposition, so if you’re looking for electrical equipment, carpets, kitchen appliances or any major items, the answer is clear.

If you’re looking for more from your credit cards, there are reward schemes available with many of them. Some offer vouchers for well-known high street stores, while others entitle the user to discounts on selected household bills. For the keen traveller, there are also Air Miles to be had.

There are a bewildering amount of accounts on offer, so a little time should be taken when making the selection. Thankfully, there really is something for everyone, and one visit to the sites will find the perfect card with a minimum of effort.

We rely less and less on cash these days, and that’s mainly thanks to the convenience of using credit cards. An increasing amount of people have come to realise that using them is far easier, and safer, than carrying large amounts of money.