 TITLE: How to Save Money With a 0% APR or Balance Transfer Credit Card CONTENT: Make a Balance Transfer Card Part of a Savings Plan\n---------------------------------------------------\nBalance transfer cards have the potential to help you save money—but they can also cost you more money in the long run if you're not careful. The key is to follow a few simple rules:\n**Rule 1: Update your budget.** Carrying a balance on a credit card is often a sign that you're living above your income. Your first step to cutting costs: Examine your budget for ways you can trim your discretionary spending. Cutting back on non-essential expenses such as subscriptions, entertainment or clothing will help you save money that you can put toward paying down credit card balances and other debt.\n**Rule 2: Avoid new spending.** Unless you're faced with a true emergency, avoid the temptation to use your 0% intro APR credit card for new purchases. (A broken pipe flooding your kitchen is an emergency; a 50% off sale at your favorite retailer isn't.) If you must use the card for an emergency purchase, commit to paying off that purchase before your introductory period ends.\n**Rule 3: Pay down other debt.** You've been paying $200 a month toward your balance transfer credit card, and that balance is finally paid off. Start putting the $200 toward other debt each month or, if you don't have other debt, into savings as an emergency fund. Because you've grown accustomed to paying $200 toward a credit card every month, you won't miss the money.\n**Rule 4: Keep an eye on your credit.** Getting a balance transfer credit card can reduce your overall credit utilization ratio, or amount of available credit you're using, which can help increase your credit score. Paying the bill on time each month can improve your credit score too. Just be sure you're staying on top of any other credit card and debt payments. Using a credit monitoring service can help you keep tabs on your credit—and you'll get a thrill from seeing your credit score rise. END