Business December 7, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 13 If you are like most people, your mailbox is overflowing with credit card offers. Before you shred the next batch, see what the credit card companies are offering these days. You might find a deal that is better than what you already have. Companies are offering everything from airline miles to groceries to electronics as incentives for using their particular credit card, say personal financial planning experts at the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants. Find the card and benefits that are right for you, and you can rack up some really nice rewards. A few tips for success: Find the perfect card. So which card is going to be “your” card? That depends. What benefits are you looking for? Do you want to collect airline miles for a trip? Do you want to receive rewards from a particular store or vendor? Maybe you want cash back on each purchase instead. Fortunately, Tips to make your credit card work for you there are many choices out there, and with a little research you can find a card that suits your needs. Compare offers. Don’t jump to sign up for the first offer that looks good. Be sure to read the fine print because interest rates, annual fees, payment terms, and reward redemption will vary widely from company to company. Know what you’re getting. Skinny down your wallet. Once you have added a new card you might want to consider closing older accounts. Closing accounts that have higher fees or interest rates can save money. However, there can be drawbacks to closing established credit card accounts. Understand the potential impact on your credit score before you close old accounts that have a good history. Access low-interest funds. If you need ready access to cash, many credit card companies offer no interest, or very low interest rates called teaser rates, for a certain length of time on cash advances. Carefully check the terms on your card, but don’t overlook this option for accessing funds when you need them. Get fringe benefits. Many credit cards come with extra benefits most people don’t use or even know about. Some offer additional car or accident insurance when you travel. Others provide an extended warranty on certain purchases. Know the details so you can take full advantage. Don’t forget to redeem. As you start piling up points, don’t forget to use them. Some rewards will have an expiration date. Don’t lose out on the very benefits you signed up for in the first place. While you are enjoying the benefits and rewards of your credit card, be sure to heed these additional tips: (continued on page 21) Nearly 300 guests attended Children’s Aid and Family Services’ Eleventh Annual Wine and Food Tasting Event held at the Woman’s Club of Ridgewood. Marion and Dr. Robert Jones were honored for 25 years of dedication to vulnerable foster children. Dr. Jones has served as president and CEO of the agency since 1986. Under his leadership, the agency has served thousands of foster children and families. The agency is Marion and Bob Jones honored at by Children’s Aid recognized as a premier non-profit human services organization serving northern New Jersey. Sponsors of the event included TD Bank, United Water, Atlantic Stewardship Bank, Sobel & Co., LLC, Ellen and Michael Jacobs, and Deborah and Donald Aronson. Children’s Aid and Family Services is a leading nonprofit human services organization serving northern New Jersey. The agency is fully accredited and has served the community for more than 110 years. Its mission is to preserve, protect and, when needed, provide families. Motivated by compassion for vulnerable children, young adults, frail elderly and their families, it provides high-quality and innovative services that meet their social, educational and emotional needs. For additional information, call (201) 261-2800 or visit www.cafsnj.org.