tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43460380956212318782024-03-04T20:44:27.599-08:00Tips on Money ManagementMiao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-77861161511056838182010-04-07T03:13:00.000-07:002010-04-07T03:15:49.112-07:00When to Use Emergency Debt Relief ProgramsIf you are on a debt crisis, an emergency debt relief plan can help you find solutions of all payments and credits. You may use an emergency debt relief plan if you are in a situation where you are no longer able to get out of the high cost of interest and high amount of debts.<br /><br />Those who use an emergency debt relief plan are those individuals who have very high credits. You may have overspent your credit card and have engaged yourself with high interest rates. You may be in the situation that you can no longer afford the high charges of interest on your credit cards.<br /><br />There are many ways on how you can get out of debt immediately using an emergency debt relief plan. They will provide you educational services on how you can manage your expenses wisely. They have promising goals for your financial stability. You will also be assisted with their credible information customer services on how you can be relieved with the headache of having a debt crisis.<br /><br />The debt settlement you will initiate with your financial institution will be handled properly by your emergency debt relief plan. It also handles the responsibility on choosing the right person to talk to in negotiating your credit problems. All your personal information is kept safe and protected properly under their policies.<br /><br />Getting out of your high debt can be challenging. However, using the right information on an emergency debt relief plan will let you find yourself debt free in just a short period. Here are some tips that can help you get out of overwhelming debts.<br /><br />1. You may cancel your credit lines and choose a plan that will offer a low cost of interest on your credit card.<br /><br />2. If possible, it is advisable that you use cash on your purchases. Make sure that you buy items that are within your budget.<br /><br />3. You may make additional payments on your next due date bills. You may add the previous debt payment on your current debt.<br /><br />4. You should pay all your bills on time. In this way, you will avoid penalties and charges on your credit card. <br /><br />5. It is advisable that you reduce the number of your credit cards. You may only use one credit card to avoid heavy interest rates for having many cards. Cancel cards that you are not using.<br /><br />Remember to find a credible emergency debt relief plan to ensure the safety of your personal account information. Now that you have been educated with the right things to do, you may expect freedom from debts and good credit ratings.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-48154055912685333732010-04-07T03:12:00.002-07:002010-04-07T03:13:13.264-07:00Tips on Choosing Debt Relief ProgramsNo matter what other people or even the media says, if you feel you need help with managing your debts, no one has the right to stop you from asking for help. No one understands your spending habits and the state of your finances better than you. So if you wish to enroll in a debt relief program, don’t feel guilty or foolish about it.<br /><br />There are two choices you have to make when in search of debt relief: which company to work with and which debt relief program to enroll in.<br /><br />Choosing the Right Debt Relief Company<br />Never do business with a debt relief company that’s less than one year old. The rules in the debt management industry are ever-changing and becoming more stringent every year. You need to work with a company that already knows its way in the world, and has built a solid network of contacts and a credible reputation.<br /><br />Always check with the Better Business Bureau and other similar institutions to know the present status and rating of the company. If possible, transact only with a company that has successfully aided an individual you personally know and trust.<br /><br />Choosing the Right Debt Relief Program<br />There are, strictly speaking, only two types of debt relief programs you can choose from: debt consolidation and debt settlement.<br /><br />Debt Consolidation – With this type of debt relief program, all your loans are merged into just one loan. You’re then only required by the company to make one payment every month for all of your loans. Because debts are less troublesome and easier to manage that way, debt consolidation loans have also become known as debt management loans. If the stress of being in constant contact with your creditors is your most pressing worry, this type of debt relief program is the optimal solution for you.<br /><br />Debt Settlement – This is trickier than its twin. Also known as debt negotiation and credit counseling, debt settlements require the debt relief company to work for an acceptable compromise between debtors – that’s you – and creditors (your so-called enemies). If you have a very large amount of debt, a debt settlement represents the wise choice because it significantly reduces the amount of your debt through lower rates and elimination of late fees and other similar charges.<br /><br />In the end, both types of debt relief programs have their own pros and cons. The right choice will depend on your personal characteristics – are you easily pressured? – and how indebted you are at the moment.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-7979244769627299082010-04-07T03:12:00.001-07:002010-04-07T03:12:31.203-07:00Valuable and Unbiased Tips on Debt Relief LoansMost articles written on the Internet serve only one purpose: they either urge you to obtain a debt relief loan or they warn you from getting one. The tips listed below are only to help you learn more about debt relief loans.<br /><br />Debt Relief Loans: Good or Bad?<br />That depends on whether you’re transacting with a legitimate and ethical company or not. If you’re not, then there’s naturally a good chance that you’ll just be even more heavily indebted. That’s why it’s always safe to research about a company first before signing any contract with them.<br /><br />Debt Relief Loans: Are They for Everyone?<br />Technically speaking, yes, but strictly speaking, we’d have to say no. Even if you’re working with the best debt relief company in the country, if you don’t have the right financial attitudes, you’ll only ignore the advice they’re giving you and still end up indebted in the future.<br /><br />Debt Relief Loans: When is it the Right Time to Obtain One?<br />That’s something only YOU can answer. If you feel you’re about to explode with the pressure to pay being exerted by your creditor, then yes, maybe it’s the right time to call for 911 and ask help from a debt relief company. Remember that it depends on you, and how you feel about your debts, and asking help.<br /><br />Debt Relief Loans: Can Obtaining Them Make Financial Worries Vanish Immediately?<br />Of course not! Honest debt relief companies will tell you as much. Their part is to make your debts as manageable as possible by lowering the total amount of debt through better interest rates and payment methods and extending the term. Your part is to save money and spend less. If you can’t do that, nothing, not even a debt relief loan, can save you from bankruptcy.<br /><br />It’s also better not to completely rely on debt relief loans to manage your finances. Consider letting go of some of your possessions, especially those that are of high value but are unnecessary.<br /><br />Debt Relief Loans: Should You Have Everything Consolidated?<br />No, or at least, not at the start. Let the debt relief company work with a portion of your debts first. If the results are positive, then that’s the time you can let them handle all your debts. If the results are negative, you can congratulate yourself for escaping without getting harmed too much then switch to another debt relief company immediately.<br /><br />What we’re simply hammering on for the most part that choosing to obtain a debt relief loan is always up to YOU. Never base your decision solely on the advice of someone else. That way, for better or for worse, there are no regrets later on.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-71975761756825781712010-04-07T03:10:00.000-07:002010-04-07T03:11:31.340-07:00Where to Get Helpful Debt Consolidation QuotesDebt consolidation is the process of combining all your debts into one. As a result, you will be paying only one company once every month for all your bills. This method is way more convenient than making countless trips to the bank every time a credit card bill or a mortgage payment is due.<br /><br />There are many debt consolidation companies out there who can help you with your bill payment problems. Debt consolidation comes in the form of a loan. The company whom you contracted for the service usually pays all your other bills in full. Then you will be paying them instead. They may have a different interest scheme than the rest of your bills, but that is always in proportion to the rate that you already are paying.<br /><br />Do you want to know where to get debt consolidation quotes? Here are the places and things you can check out.<br /><br />1. Online. The internet is filled with different firms offering this service. Some even provide a free quote. Others give trainings and informational materials to guide you with your decision. There are many of these companies online. Turn your computer on and check.<br /><br />2. Banks. Some banks are offering debt consolidation services nowadays. Debt consolidation is actually a good investment on the part of banks. And that is why they are embarking on this service as well.<br /><br />3. Financial Organizations. If you try to check a list of financial associations within your area, you will know, just by their names, which firm specifically caters to debt consolidation services. That way, you can personally go to their office address or call them immediately to request a quote.<br /><br />4. Local government. Your local government has a full listing of different companies holding office within their territory. You can call the public information service and get a list of debt consolidation companies operating in your area.<br /><br />5. Business Directories. During this time, the yellow pages can really help. All you have to do is to open the book to the heading of debt consolidation. You will then see big and small companies that are ready to serve you. All of them can give you a quote as you contact them.<br /><br />These are the common places where you can get a debt consolidation quote. Try one of these places and you are sure to get a quote in your hands in just a few days. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead. Call them. Act today.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-60656070621771659412008-08-12T18:48:00.000-07:002008-08-12T18:51:43.701-07:00What Is an Unsecured Debt Relief Program and How Does It WorkThe 2 Questions That Will Eradicate Financial Worries:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What Is an Unsecured Debt Relief Program and How Does It Work</span><br /><br />Asking these two questions is the first thing you did right. That represents Step 1 in solving your most pressing dilemma: how to get demanding creditors off your back. Step 2 is reading this and learning the answers to those all-important questions.<br /><br />Dividing the Question into 2 Parts: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Unsecured Debt and Debt Relief</span><br />Many of us are burdened with unsecured debts. An unsecured debt is any debt that isn't supported by collateral or any pledge of assets. Car and home loans are examples of secured debts; the car or home can easily be repossessed by the creditor if the debtor fails to pay on time or violates any part of their agreement. Credit card bills, emergency medical expenses, school loans, and utility bills are examples of unsecured debts. When you swipe your card to buy a dress, you don’t sign anything that says the dress can be confiscated if you fail to pay on time, do you? That’s why it’s unsecured!<br /><br />Debt relief on the other hand is the answer to your problems. When you have difficulties paying for unsecured debts, a debt relief company or program will assist in helping you pay for your debts for lower amounts of principal, better interest rates, and more flexible payment options.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Why Is It Important to Obtain Debt Relief?</span><br />Because the debts you’ve incurred are essentially unsecured, its creditors virtually have nothing against you to run after. For that reason, they’re more demanding and tougher to dismiss than other creditors. Being harassed by creditors isn't a good way to de-stress your life, that’s for certain. Also, they can approach the court and have a “writ of execution” issued against you before they can seek payment from you for the debts you owe to them, with or without your approval. When that happens, the creditor’s allowed to seize certain types of possessions – regardless of its sentimental value. Do you want to wait for that to happen before trying out a debt relief program?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How Does It Work?</span><br />Many debt relief companies have been sued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over the years of illegitimate and fraudulent practice. To avoid being yet another victim of a debt relief scam, make sure that you ask for suggestions from your local government credit counseling agency. If you already have a company in mind, just ask the Better Business Bureau if there has been any complaint filed against the company.<br /><br />Afterwards, all you have to do is provide information about yourself AND your unsecured debts, and the rest is up to them. Easy, isn’t it?Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-62071042565935850772008-08-12T18:40:00.000-07:002008-08-12T18:45:28.838-07:00Try These Debt Negotiation Tips<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWqpciB4zYvRP7OLKVtDkmrybDQaEsNwm0w_viYGmOTj0NUjBFauPJoDJN37qYM_M_pllyIOMBYaAbOkazW5_hAZFcKqI96bb-9lEnutC9BPeEze4jw0x785qXnlytJGjN0iGNylOcO4Y/s1600-h/debt_negotiation.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWqpciB4zYvRP7OLKVtDkmrybDQaEsNwm0w_viYGmOTj0NUjBFauPJoDJN37qYM_M_pllyIOMBYaAbOkazW5_hAZFcKqI96bb-9lEnutC9BPeEze4jw0x785qXnlytJGjN0iGNylOcO4Y/s320/debt_negotiation.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233811974032833874" border="0" /></a>You may try debt negotiation with your creditors if you have realized that you can't settle any due bills. In this way, you can find ways on how you can find the needed money before creditors start calling you.<br /><br />Before starting debt negotiations, you should be able to review and know what bills you should pay first. Identify the payments that are nearing their due dates. Then you can plan for your finances and determine how you can subdivide your payments.<br /><br />Many bank creditors are more than willing to negotiate with your financial problems rather than passing your account statements to collection agencies. They also don't prefer filing cases of bankruptcy against you. If in case you come across of creditors who don't want to have debt negotiations, make a communication plan that will allow yourself to take steps on how you can settle all your debt problems. Here are some debt negotiations tips that can help you arrange with your creditors.<br /><br />1. You may request for agreements with your creditor to pay your bills in installments or settle for a much lower cost. Make sure that you get a copy of the agreement before making any payments. You might end up realizing that your account is on a rolling late status. This means that you will be given negative points on your credit report because you are only settling your payments on a partial basis.<br /><br />2. You should also be aware on those spreading scams on credit cards. You may find some payment collectors that mislead payers on their credits and balances. It is recommended that you become cautious on the people you transact with. You shouldn't provide any personal information such as credit card numbers, bank account numbers, or employment information.<br /><br />3. One way to ensure the safety of your payments is to pay your debts via certified mail. Make sure that you should also be provided with a return receipt. You may request certified mail through a cashiers check or through money orders. Remember to keep all receipts and documents.<br /><br />4. It is recommended that you don't confirm any assurance that you can pay your bills on time. You should exert an extra effort to notify your creditor about your difficulties on settling your payments.<br /><br />You may ask your creditor if they can provide you with new payment terms. Never forget to inform your creditor about the changes in your plan before making any payments. Most importantly, stick to the promises that you will give your creditors to avoid future problems.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-34475935598732586962008-08-12T18:16:00.000-07:002008-08-12T18:37:30.154-07:00Student Loan Debt Consolidation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWtML-64l6qGMn2fTisV2TB3t0kxNDVcXCjQVjScM-lQlpbCzm8GjlnNk-X_KH32zkVH8RobAbiuMZm9eFzqocVMplm4F1KTix-RdwRT_7pb-Zh4j2iN49Xga9RmcQFlGxZ16yDdyDEwq/s1600-h/student_loan_debt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWtML-64l6qGMn2fTisV2TB3t0kxNDVcXCjQVjScM-lQlpbCzm8GjlnNk-X_KH32zkVH8RobAbiuMZm9eFzqocVMplm4F1KTix-RdwRT_7pb-Zh4j2iN49Xga9RmcQFlGxZ16yDdyDEwq/s320/student_loan_debt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233809815030844834" border="0" /></a>Students now have something else to bemoan besides cruel teachers, impossible assignments, and the pitiful amount of their school allowances. Since July 1, 2006, the rate for federal student loans had been officially increased making it the highest rate over the next 6 years.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Consolidating Student Loans: Good Choice or Bad Idea?</span><br />That depends on the type of student loan you presently have. If your loan makes use of a variable interest rate, you have more to lose when you consolidate your loan. With a fixed rate, however, you’ll be able to save more money since your loan rate won't be affected by the annual changes of student loan rates.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Advantages of Consolidating Student Loans</span><br />Single Transaction – No need to take out the calculator every end of the month; no matter how many loans and how much debt you’ve incurred, there’s only one single payment to make.<br /><br />Less Stress – The calls from your numerous creditors will cease. Now, you’ve only one call to worry about, and that’s from your parents, if they catch you doing something you’re not supposed to do.<br /><br />Less Time and Effort – Besides finally not having to fear answering the phone, you’ll also have the benefit of expending less time and effort in paying off your student loan.<br /><br />Increased Flexibility in Payment Options – Student loan consolidation is generally more lenient when it comes to payment options compared to others.<br /><br />Ready Access – Unlike other loan reduction methods, debt consolidation for student loans is easily accessible anytime, anywhere, and for anyone.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Disadvantages of Consolidating Student Loans</span><br />Overall Loan Increase – Consolidating your student loan might lengthen the time you’re allowed to pay off your debt and reduced amount of monthly due, but it will increase the cost of your loan in the long run.<br /><br />Tough Requirements – While it is easily acceptable, we didn’t say your application will be immediately approved. You’ve to meet several conditions before your student loan can be consolidated successfully.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Tips on Student Loan Debt Consolidation</span><br />If you want to consolidate your student loan, do so now. Don’t wait for interest rates to rise even further.<br /><br />Know the rules. Don’t waste time allowing yourself to “learn” from mistakes. If you’ve only 1 lender, for instance, you’re legally obliged to consolidate your loan with that lender, and no one else.<br /><br />Compare rates. Whenever money is involved, always compare rates!<br /><br />Lastly, don’t go for the lowest monthly payment. If you can afford to pay more, do so.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-74894859873434478832008-07-22T23:38:00.000-07:002008-07-22T23:41:30.209-07:00To Will or Not To Will, Do’s and Don’ts in Making A WillFirst things first, you should have a will. Wills not only do the obvious: distribute wealth and possessions to loved ones; they also leave an impression on how carefully one has managed his or her estate especially for those left behind.<br /><br />The following are things one should and should not do in making a will:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do update your will</span><br /><br />Everything changes. Possessions, money can increase or decrease. Estate tax laws change in a whim thanks to Congress. The IRS can just as well alter these laws depending on whose side they are on and how they interpret it. There are varying laws in each state. It is important to evaluate every major change in your life. Doing so could change your will for the better and your death a lot more peaceful.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do name the correct executor</span><br /><br />Executors should be ethical, honest, and efficient and be ready to give his or her service at the drop of a hat. Ensure that the potential executor has been properly briefed and that his or her consent has been received. It also helps to have one or two alternates. It is also suggested that one name an executor younger than yourself. The point is to lessen the chances of having an executor die before you do.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do not name the same person as guardian and trustee</span><br /><br />It helps to not name the person you entrust with your children with the same person you entrust with your money and finances. Having different people fulfill these varied responsibilities is important. It keeps the system in balance and each person doing the role he or she knows best what to do.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do not leave too much for a spouse</span><br /><br />Leaving money that is more than sufficient to your spouse is not a very good idea. It takes away wealth that your children should just as well have and you will not be able to monitor your finances if all of it is entrusted to your significant other. Depositing some of your financial wealth to a trust is one way to keep it growing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do not be too specific</span><br /><br />Some families fight as to who gets the blender and who gets the kitchen sink. It is important to not be too detailed in your will as to who gets what. Being too specific could result in unnecessary and costly problems later on. It is advisable to entrust a group of your possessions to a person than listing down which item will go to whom. It saves time and is more efficient, reasonable and sensible.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-91488348286801648012008-07-22T23:34:00.000-07:002008-07-22T23:35:15.208-07:00Tips on How to Save Money on TransportationPrices go higher every year, especially the cost of gas. Transportation is one big factor that makes the household budget difficult to cover all your expenses. Here are some guidelines to help you save money from transportation:<br /><br />1. To save money, you must always check on your vehicle regularly. A well-maintained vehicle can get you out of trouble on repair expenses. You can actually spend only $50 on maintaining your vehicle and save up to $800 on repair costs in a year. You can even save more if you do the maintenance yourself and not bring your car into an auto shop.<br /><br />2. If you want to save more money, it is recommended not to buy a new car. The value of a car depreciates automatically when you drive it out off the showroom of the car dealer shop. You may buy a car that is used at least one year. It will save you thousands of dollars to the actual worth of the car when it was new. The owner will then pay all the depreciated value of the car.<br /><br />3. Save money on buying used cars by comparing the prices of the car dealer and the actual price on the list of the used car dealer ads. To ensure the car that you buy is well conditioned, you may ask for the help of a mechanic to check if the car is good enough for its price. It is better to buy a used car from a person you know and trust. This will help you make sure that you have a good deal in acquiring a car.<br /><br />4. Try to compare gasoline rates. You may refuel your car with the gasoline station that offers the lowest price on gasoline. You can even save more by pumping gas yourself and use the lowest octane in your car’s manual. It is also recommended that you pay cash than credit cards that charge extra rates. Do not forget to check the gas cap if it is tightened to ensure no gas is spilled out.<br /><br />5. Always keep your engine tuned-up and have your tires inflated to their desired pressure to save you more money. A well-maintained engine consumes less gas. Keep your car’s trunk clean to save more fuel. Heavy loads in your vehicle can consume more fuel because of the excess weight it carries.<br /><br />6. Try to limit the use of your car on your daily route. You may take the bus or the subway to save gasoline. You can also save time by ignoring the traffic that you encounter everyday on the streets.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-36407959302178350052008-07-15T03:07:00.000-07:002008-07-15T03:08:36.359-07:00RBS Analyst Advises Clients to Brace for Crash in Global Stock and Credit MarketsThe Royal Bank of Scotland has advised clients to brace for a full-fledged crash in global stock and credit markets over the next three months as inflation paralyses the major central banks.<br /><br />"A very nasty period is soon to be upon us - be prepared," said Bob Janjuah, the bank's credit strategist.<br /><br />A report by the bank's research team warns that the S&P 500 index of Wall Street equities is likely to fall by more than 300 points to around 1050 by September as "all the chickens come home to roost" from the excesses of the global boom, with contagion spreading across Europe and emerging markets.<br /><br />Such a slide on world bourses would amount to one of the worst bear markets over the last century.<br /><br />RBS said the iTraxx index of high-grade corporate bonds could soar to 130/150 while the "Crossover" index of lower grade corporate bonds could reach 650/700 in a renewed bout of panic on the debt markets.<br /><br />"I do not think I can be much blunter. If you have to be in credit, focus on quality, short durations, non-cyclical defensive names.<br /><br />"Cash is the key safe haven. This is about not losing your money, and not losing your job," said Mr Janjuah, who became a City star after his grim warnings last year about the credit crisis proved all too accurate.<br /><br />RBS expects Wall Street to rally a little further into early July before short-lived momentum from America 's fiscal boost begins to fizzle out, and the delayed effects of the oil spike inflict their damage.<br /><br />"Globalisation was always going to risk putting G7 bankers into a dangerous corner at some point. We have got to that point," he said.<br /><br />US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank both face a Hobson's choice as workers start to lose their jobs in earnest and lenders cut off credit.<br /><br />The authorities cannot respond with easy money because oil and food costs continue to push headline inflation to levels that are unsettling the markets. "The ugly spoiler is that we may need to see much lower global growth in order to get lower "inflation," he said.<br /><br />"The Fed is in panic mode. The massive credibility chasms down which the Fed and maybe even the ECB will plummet when they fail to hike rates in the face of higher inflation will combine to give us a big sell-off in risky assets," he said.<br /><br />Kit Jukes, RBS's head of debt markets, said Europe would not be immune. "Economic weakness is spreading and the latest data on consumer demand and confidence are dire. The ECB is hell-bent on raising rates.<br /><br />"The political fall-out could be substantial as finance ministers from the weaker economies rail at the ECB. Wider spreads between the German Bunds and peripheral markets seem assured," he said.<br /><br />Ultimately, the bank expects the oil price spike to subside as the more powerful force of debt deflation takes hold next year.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-1997116867290371472008-06-16T02:00:00.000-07:002008-06-16T02:04:20.024-07:00Tips for Saving Money on ElectricityAccording to the United States Department of energy, the average household spends about $1,300 on electricity annually. This is a lot of money and things such as the weather; the types of lights used and the frequent use of appliances are the deciding factors.<br /><br />Can anything be done to make this go down? The answer is yes. By reading these tips, the money saved can be used for other expenses.<br /><br />1. The weather surely gets hot in the summer. It could go up to 90 degrees or higher and the only way to stay cool is using an air conditioner. People should use curtains and shades to reduce the effort of this appliance in cooling the room under these hot conditions.<br /><br />The doors and windows in the house must also be closed so the air doesn’t go out enabling it to circulate in the designated area. The filters of this household appliance should be cleaned every 3 months to keep it in good condition.<br /><br />2. The wattage of the bulbs determines how much electricity is consumed. These should be checked because there are some brands available that are just as bright as others that don’t use a lot of power.<br /><br />3. If there is no one in the room, the lights and other appliances such as the computer must be turned off. This can help prevent overloads or short circuits from happening that may start a fire in the home.<br /><br />4. Many households have washers and dryers. If the practice is to do the laundry every other day, perhaps doing this twice a week when the load is full is advisable. This can also save some money when paying for gallons of water used during the month.<br /><br />5. The refrigerator and freezer should be defrosted and cleaned every 2 weeks. This prevents the ice from getting too thick which may cause this machine to break down.<br /><br />6. People have to cook in order to eat. The person can try using range top burners instead of ovens that use up a lot of electricity.<br /><br />7. People who live in cold climates need a heater to warm the home. A blanket can be use to wrap around it to lessen the power used inside and while taking a shower.<br /><br />There are many things that people pay for when owning a home. The homeowner can monitor the electric bills the few past months and see if the steps taken has shown improvements when the next one arrives.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-7528404326326017322008-06-16T01:54:00.000-07:002008-12-12T12:17:30.256-08:00How to Save Money on Gas and Live to Tell About It<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWFrtPyDOcUVn6yaQ8ZZOss78ytMzJxb0Jo-pT-Da5jckLlWcRTzV0laOYPzPNY-VoqfUVb1ZeHoBYRENo_K464TSsMoow8YC6TNPuzJe-xxfvQp9HpagYVYPFU69h3W5w4jLBu9tjATX/s1600-h/save_fuel.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWFrtPyDOcUVn6yaQ8ZZOss78ytMzJxb0Jo-pT-Da5jckLlWcRTzV0laOYPzPNY-VoqfUVb1ZeHoBYRENo_K464TSsMoow8YC6TNPuzJe-xxfvQp9HpagYVYPFU69h3W5w4jLBu9tjATX/s320/save_fuel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212400924397815586" border="0" /></a>In today's day and age, it is easy to see why saving on gas is a great idea. For one, the price of gas has skyrocketed ridiculously high, making each trip around town almost too much to bear. However, there are many great days to save on gas and still be able to enjoy mobility around your town and to and from work. Here are a few tips so that you don't have to be dragged down with the oil increase so prevalent today.<br /><br />1. Get a fuel efficient car. If you are only beginning to save up for car, or are considering buying a car in the near future, look for models that are fuel-efficient. Cars drink up different amounts of fuel per mile, and you would want your car to have the best mileage per full tank.<br /><br />2. Schedule your trips. A great way to save on gas is to schedule your trips so that you don't end up going back and forth to a place because you forgot to string your appointments tightly enough to be efficient. For example you would want to schedule your trip to the grocers, and any other appointments one after the other so that you can go straight to your next appointment right after the last one.<br /><br />It would be terrible if you went to the grocers, then went back home because you had no other appointments left for another few hours. And then, you would have to make the trip to the next appointment from your home. Do you see the wasted fuel going from the last appointment to your home and from your home back to the next appointment? This could be avoided if you schedule your appointments properly.<br /><br />Just remember that it is best to get into your car to go to all the places you need to go to all on one trip.<br /><br />3. Travel with a friend. You could have your friends set up a carpool so that you can save on fuel costs. This is because you and your other friends-or your workmates-all travel to the same places in different cars. Imagine the waste that comes from having five cars all with one passenger each going to the same place.<br /><br />Those five people could all fit in one car and save on the gas costs of four other vehicles. This is why a carpool makes sense. You could take turns with your friends picking each other up and going to the same place. This would save tons on gas costs.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-53088554588655150382008-05-30T04:09:00.000-07:002008-05-30T04:13:55.464-07:00You’re in for Disappointment If You’re Looking for Nonprofit Debt Relief CompaniesIn recent years, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has slapped fines on numerous fraudulent companies masquerading as nonprofit debt negotiation and debt relief organizations. The promises these companies make are tempting…but consumers who fall for it, hook, line, and sinker, are in for a disappointment.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Claims Made by “Nonprofit” Debt Relief Companies</span><br /><br />Nonprofit Services – These organizations make a big show of helping you out of the goodness of their hearts.<br /><br />Reduce Debt – No matter what type of debt you’ve incurred, these organizations are willing to promise they can reduce the amount of debt by a certain percentage (approximately 10 to 50%).<br /><br />Better than Bankruptcy – Using frame psychology, these organizations give consumers the choice between do-or-die alternatives: work with them or risk bankruptcy.<br /><br />No Impact on Credit Rating – Working with a nonprofit debt relief company will supposedly have zero impact at all on an individual’s consumer rating.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What They’ll Ask You to Do</span><br /><br />In return, these companies will ask you to pay a specific amount of fee for periodic intervals. For that fee, you can ignore your bills and stop paying your creditors. For that fee, you’ll let them do all the worrying.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />The Truth about Nonprofit Debt Relief Companies</span><br /><br />Take a step back and ponder carefully on the claims made by these companies. Do they ring true? Do they sound too good to be true? If so, they probably are. These companies might be nonprofit on paper but that doesn’t mean they’re not earning from their clients. They can just as easily overstate their operating expenses to make their balance sheets reflect illusionary break-even margins.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">An Example of a Fraudulent Nonprofit Debt Relief Company</span><br />Early in 2005, the FTC had filed a complaint against the National Consumer Council, a front group of debt relief and negotiation companies, for deceiving almost 45,000 customers seeking instant freedom from debt. Under the NCC umbrella were other companies with nice-sounding names like London Financial Group and Financial Rescue Services. Falsely claiming that all their clients’ debt problems would be solved simply by depositing money into their accounts and getting their services aggravated the debt situation of their clients instead.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Are There Truly Legitimate Nonprofit Debt Relief Companies? </span><br /><br />Yes, although they’re very rare. The best way to personally determine whether a debt relief company is for real or not is to ask for information from the Better Business Bureau and other similar institutions. They’ll be able to tell you if there are already consumer complaints filed against the debt relief company you plan to transact with.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-83740468230985530282008-05-30T04:01:00.000-07:002008-05-30T04:07:48.923-07:00How the Internet changed the face of the stock marketThe Internet has affected the way we live our lives. It has made the world smaller. Now, information is at a person’s fingertips.<br /><br />It has elevated online transactions to greater heights. Goods and services can be purchased online via websites. Book a trip, order a take out, bid at an auction, all in the comfort of your own home.<br /><br />Financial services have also been improved greatly by the Internet. People no longer needed to queue in banks to affect a transfer, or to go to the nearest automated teller machines. Even stock trading has not escaped this assault by the Internet.<br /><br />Before, the only way to join the trading bandwagon was engaging the services of a broker and trusting them with your money and stock portfolio.<br /><br />This was both a complicated and harrowing experience for the average Joe.<br /><br />Today, virtually any ordinary person can trade stocks on their own, needing only an account which they can open with their preferred bank and an access point to the Internet. Only their financial skills and finances can limit them.<br /><br />Stock information usually limited to business programs in televisions and newsprint are now made available by several sources on the Internet. Large brokering firms now provide stock market reports, tips and forecasts to subscribers for a fee.<br /><br />Buying and selling stocks can now be made by a trader over the Internet using online exchanges. Banks now offer stock trading online to depositors as a way of investing and growing their money.<br /><br />Between May 1999 to January 2000, the number of US households trading stocks and shares online jumped 30 percent from 2.7 million to 3.5 million.<br /><br />Investment portfolios had also increased 32 percent from $100,000 to $132,000.<br /><br />Even stock brokers have gone online in the hopes of landing more clients.<br /><br />Already, 466 new online stock trading firms have opened in Sweden, 685 in the UK and 1178 in Germany.<br /><br />Even the face of the stock market has changed considerably with the entry of Internet-related businesses. Over the years, startup companies providing online services, web content and electronic commerce have also put up their stocks in the market.<br /><br />Companies providing services over the Internet such as online search engines have posted some of the most profitable stocks in recent years.<br /><br />The effect of the Internet on stock trading over the years has been significant. Now, more than ever before, investors are taking control of their own investments, relying less and less on personal brokers.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-85524343607979429762008-05-29T04:51:00.000-07:002008-05-29T04:52:49.159-07:00"You, the dummy, and the stock market"Ok, so you want to dabble in the stock market. Unfortunately, you don’t know how and where to begin. So what do you do?<br /><br />Well, the first relevant thing to do is ask the basic question of what is a stock and its significance.<br /><br />A stock symbolizes ownership of a company. Some view stock as certificates. So the more stocks a person owns of a particular company, the more of the company they own. And the more the company they own, the bigger the influence they have in running the company. This is called equity investment.<br /><br />The next thing to do is familiarize yourself with financial terms such as ‘price-earnings ratio’, ‘margin’, ‘option’, ‘earnings per share’ and ‘leverage’.<br /><br />Then, it’s on to knowing where and how to actually buy stocks.<br /><br />There are two ways to buy stocks:<br /><br />1. brokerage service<br />2. online exchanges (e.g. banks)<br /><br />Exchanges are services that allow investors to access stocks all over the world. Here, they can buy and sell stocks without the need for a broker. Certain banks allow you to set up your own stock portfolio and buy and sell stocks online using the money you have in these banks.<br /><br />Brokerage services are rendered by brokers. These middlemen do all the work for you. They research the stock market, give advice, and buy and sell stocks according to the wishes of their clients. These brokers earn a commission from the stocks bought or sold.<br /><br />Once you have chosen how to buy and sell stocks, the next thing to do is to open an account. As stated earlier, exchanges allow you to monitor and control your stock portfolio personally. If you choose to enter the stock trade with a bank, then ask your bank the specifics of setting up your own account.<br /><br />If you choose to trade stocks via a broker, find a reputable broker and ask them to open and manage an account for you.<br /><br />After you have successfully set up an account, it’s time to study the stock market and plan your strategy: will you be conservative in investing your money? Or will you be aggressive? Are you in it for the long term? Or are you a day trader?<br /><br />After you have identified your plan, it’s time to do some research on the stocks offered in the market. Having a broker will significantly make it easier for you as they will do the research and give you advice. But, it is still best to study the market yourself.<br /><br />Be warned though, the stock market is volatile. Be prepared for a roller-coaster ride.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-23087459243361233562008-05-29T04:47:00.000-07:002008-05-29T04:48:23.684-07:00Refinancing: Choosing a Fixed or ARM OptionOne of the most important decisions a homeowner will have to make when deciding to re-finance their home is whether they want to refinance with a fixed mortgage, an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) or a hybrid loan which combines the two options. The names are pretty much self explanatory but basically a fixed rate mortgage is a mortgage where the interest rate remains constant and an ARM is a mortgage where the interest rate varies. The amount the interest rate varies is usually tied to an index such as the prime index. Additionally there are usually clauses which prevent the interest rate from rising or dropping dramatically during a specific period of time. This safety clause provides protection for both the homeowner and the lender.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Advantages of a Fixed Option</span><br /><br />A fixed re-financing option is ideal for homeowners with good credit who are able to lock in a favorable interest rate. For these homeowners the interest rate they are able to retain makes it worthwhile for the homeowner to re-finance at the new interest rate. The major advantage to this type of re-financing options is stability. Homeowners who re-finance with a fixed mortgage rate do not have to be concerned about how their payments may vary during the course of the loan period.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Disadvantages of a Fixed Option</span><br /><br />Although the ability to lock in a favorable interest rate is an advantage it can also be considered a disadvantage. This is because homeowners who re-finance to obtain a favorable interest rate will not be able to take advantage of subsequent interest rate drops unless they re-finance again in the future. This will result in the homeowner incurring additional closing costs when they re-finance again.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Advantages of an ARM Option</span><br /><br />An ARM re-finance option is favorable in situations where the interest rate is expected to drop in the near future. Homeowners who are skilled at predicting trends in the economy and interest rates may consider re-financing with an ARM if they expect the rates to drop during the course of the loan period. However, interest rates are tied to a number of different factors and may rise unexpectedly at any time despite the predictions by industry experts.<br /><br />A homeowner who can predict the future would be able to determine whether or not an ARM is the best re-financing option. However, since this is not possible homeowners have to either rely on their instincts and hope for the best or select a less risky option such as a fixed interest rate.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Disadvantages of an ARM Option</span><br /><br />The most obvious disadvantage to an ARM re-financing option is that the interest rate may rise significantly and unexpectedly. In these situations the homeowner may suddenly find themselves paying significantly more each month to compensate for the higher interest rates. While this is a disadvantage, there are some elements of protection for both the homeowner and the lender. This often comes in the form of a clause in the terms of the contract which prevents the interest rate from being raised or lowered by a certain percentage over a specific period of time.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Consider a Hybrid Re-Financing Option</span><br /><br />Homeowners who are undecided and find certain aspects of fixed rate mortgages as well as certain aspects of ARMs to be appealing might consider a hybrid re-financing option. A hybrid loans is one which combines both fixed interest rates and adjustable interest rates. This is often done by offering a fixed interest rate for an introductory period and then converting the mortgage to an ARM. In this option, lenders typically offer introductory interest rates which are extremely enticing to encourage homeowners to choose this option. A hybrid loan may also work in the opposite way by offering an ARM for a certain amount of time and then converting the mortgage to a fixed rate mortgage. This version can be quite risky as the homeowner may find the interest rates at the conclusion of the introductory period are not favorable to the homeowner.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-63348773645391829002008-05-15T05:25:00.000-07:002008-05-15T05:27:33.299-07:00Re-Financing with a Line of Credit LoanSome homeowners might consider re-financing with a home equity line of credit as opposed to a traditional loan. There are definite advantages and disadvantages to these types of situations. The key to understanding whether or not re-financing with a home equity line of credit is worthwhile involves understanding what a home equity line of credit is, how it differs from a home loan and how it can be used. I will briefly cover each of these topics to give the homeowner some useful information which may help them decide whether or not a home equity line of credit is ideal in their re-financing situation.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What is a Home Equity Line of Credit?</span><br /><br />A home equity line of credit, sometimes called a HELOC, is essentially a loan in which funds are made available to the homeowner based on the existing equity in the home. However, in this case, it is not really a loan but rather a line of credit. This means a certain amount of money is made available to the homeowner and the homeowner may draw on this line of credit as funds are needed. There is a specified period in which the homeowner is able to make these withdrawals. This is known as the draw period. Additionally there is a repayment period in which the homeowner must repay all of the funds they withdrew from the account during the draw period.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How Does a Home Equity Line of Credit Differ from a Home Equity Loan?</span><br /><br />The difference between a home equity line of credit and a home equity loan is really quite simple. While both loans are secured based on the existing equity in the home, the manner in which the funds are disbursed to the homeowner is rather quite different. In a home equity loan the homeowner is given all of the funds immediately. However in a home equity line of credit the funds are made available to the homeowner but are not immediately disbursed. The homeowner is able to draw against this line of credit as he sees fit. There are limits to the amount which can be withdrawn and there is also a limit on when funds can be withdrawn. A home equity has a draw period and a repayment period. Funds can be withdrawn during the draw period but must be repaid during the repayment period.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How Can a Home Equity Line of Credit Be Used?</span><br /><br />One of the biggest advantages of a home equity line of credit is that the funds can be used for any purpose specified by the homeowner. While other loans such as an auto loan or even a traditional mortgage might have strict restrictions on how the money lent to the homeowner can be used, there are no such restrictions on a home equity line of credit. Common uses of a home equity line of credit include the following:<br /><br />* Home renovations or improvement projects<br />* Opening a small business<br />* Taking a dream vacation<br />* Pursuing higher educational goals<br />* Opening a small business<br /><br />In some cases the interest paid on a home equity line of credit may be considered tax deductible. This may apply in situations where the funds are used to make repairs or improvements to the home. However, these expenses are not always tax deductible and the homeowner should consult with a tax professional before making decisions regarding which interest payments can be deducted.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-30219611338996673532008-05-08T03:05:00.000-07:002008-05-08T03:09:26.494-07:00Small Business Credit CardsIn today’s economy, small businesses play an important role. These days, it is easier than it ever has been to start a new small business. There are all kinds of new businesses popping up all over the United States, from department stores to gas stations. With new businesses on the rise, the owners should be looking into small business credit cards - for numerous reasons.<br /><br />The best reason to get a small business credit card is for separating your personal finances from any business related finances. Once you have a small business credit card, you can start making all of your purchases via Internet, phone, or in person. Business credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere, which is great for those who need equipment or supplies in a hurry.<br /><br />If you own a small business, you’ve probably experimented with using your personal cash for company purposes. This can get ugly in a hurry, which is why you should invest in a credit card for your small business. You can make purchases without having to worry about cash, then pay it back later. You won’t need to keep track of everything either - as you statement will be mailed to you at the end of the month, letting you know exactly how much you spent.<br /><br />A small business credit card is also a great way to establish some credibility with your business as well. When you pay with your credit card, it looks a lot more professional than using cash to make your purchases. It will gain the respect of financial companies, and help your business build some credit as well. After you have had a credit card in good standing for a few months, you’ll be able to apply for a small business loan and get the best rates - along with the higher amounts.<br /><br />Even though your business may not have a 6 figure income or budget, small business credit cards can still help your business grow and prosper. Credit cards are always great to have, simply for the fact that you never know when you need money. Your office equipment may crash and need replacing, or another emergency may come up. If you don’t have a credit card for your business, the financing alone could shatter your daily operations.<br /><br />Small business credit cards will also give you plenty of rewards as well. Most cards will give you cash back and certain rewards on just about anything you purchase. From gas to equipment, you can get rewards simply for using your credit card. You can increase your profit margin as well, which is always a great thing. If you have other workers who are authorized to use your credit card, you’ll get more rewards - and much faster as well. This is also easier on your business, as your workers will be able to get what they need, when they need it.<br /><br />All in all, small business credit cards are always great to have around. They will provide your business with rewards and convenience, eliminating the need to use cash with each purchase you make. These cards will also protect the future of your business, and allow it to grow. If you own a small business, you shouldn’t hesitate to look into these credit cards. Once you have found the best credit card for your company, you shouldn’t hesitate to apply. Credit cards are always great to have around - even if your business is just getting started. Before you know it, your small business credit cards will more than pay for themselves.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-40625172770384524772008-05-08T02:51:00.000-07:002008-05-08T03:02:40.276-07:00Know Your Rights: What Every Consumer Needs to KnowBuilding good credit history is extremely important to one’s life. There are many things that you can be deprived of if you don't have a good credit history.<br /><br />The magnitude of building credit goes far beyond clothes and groceries. It is more than just those petty cash advances or cash back rewards. Building credit would appropriately mean building your life as well.<br /><br />Why? Simply because the way you handle your credit will put a great impact on your way of life, on your career, the way you transact business with other people, and even on the place where you live.<br /><br />Your credit history is one of the most important factors employers, lenders, property owners, or business owners will consider.<br /><br />For this reason, it is extremely important for you to learn how credit is bestowed or rejected. It is also imperative to know what to do in case you have been unduly cared for.<br /><br />In the United States, the Federal Government had provided its citizens certain major laws that control credit. These rights have been stated as provisions on Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Fair Credit Reporting Act.<br /><br />With these two particular laws, every consumer is entitled to such rights stated therein. It is extremely important that the consumers know these rights so as to bear witness on whatever maltreatments or unduly practices of debt collectors and lenders.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fair Debt Collection Practices Act</span><br /><br />The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is one of the written laws of the United States, which had been included in the United States Code as Title VIII of the “Consumer Credit Protection Act.”<br /><br />The main focus of this particular law is on the guaranteed “ethical practices” in the ways of collecting debts upon the consumers. It also seeks to present consumers with an opportunity to obtain and dispute legalization of any information regarding a particular debt so as to guarantee the data’s correctness.<br /><br />In essence, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act encourages just, rational, and non-discriminatory treatment of consumers by forbidding debt collectors from utilizing unjust, offensive, or misleading actions.<br /><br />The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is applicable to qualified debt collectors capable of collecting loans that they didn't create.<br /><br />However, this act doesn't theoretically pertain to department stores, banks, and other lending institutions that have their own debt collectors; no lending company of good reputation is allowed to make use of the said practices.<br /><br />Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the following provisions were made:<br /><br />1. Debt collectors are only allowed to contact other people, aside from the debtor himself, only to find out any whereabouts of the debtor.<br /><br />2. Debt collectors aren't allowed to contact the debtor before 8:00 a.m. and after 9:00 p.m. local time.<br /><br />3. Debt collectors aren't permitted to intimidate, pressure, or make threats to the consumer with legal action or arrest if it is not duly planned, considered, or made known to third parties, or at least talk about debts with them.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fair Credit Reporting Act</span><br /><br />The Fair Credit Reporting Act upholds the confidentiality, discretion, and truth of information as used in creating customer credit reports. It seeks to control the distribution, collection, and utilization of “consumer credit information.”<br /><br />Under this law, the credit reporting agencies are required to uphold absolute, full, and accurate files and information.<br /><br />With this act, consumers are entitled to receive their credit reports and to take actions to validate the correctness of information contested by a customer.<br /><br />The consumers are entitled to such actions under this law:<br /><br />1. Credit bureaus are permitted to provide credit reports only to those with a lawful business causes<br /><br />Credit bureaus are not allowed to disclose any information or credit report to institutions that have no legal basis as to their request for a particular credit report information. Only entities such as insurers, employers, creditors, and government agencies are allowed to receive an individual’s credit report as part of the evaluation process.<br /><br />2. The consumer’s right to know regarding denied credit<br /><br />In cases like denied credit, consumers have the right to know about the details of such report. With this, consumers can identify which credit bureau issued such report.<br /><br />In this way, the consumer will be able to check if there has been any discrepancy.<br /><br />These are just some of the rights consumers can enjoy under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.<br /><br />With these laws, the rights of the consumer to a just and fair treatment are upheld.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-17492328359631477582008-05-06T04:22:00.000-07:002008-05-06T04:24:07.062-07:00No Fret Family BudgetFor some, the idea of a budget is often a blur. It is frustrating to see how hard it is to do a budget and realizing that with one wrong purchase, you can actually ruin the entire thing. And this has been a perennial headache for most homemakers.<br /><br />It is about time to overhaul the way people look at budgeting. It can actually be a great way to keep track of your family's expenditures and help you evaluate the things that you spend the lion's share of the family's earnings on.<br /><br />What is a budget? A budget is a tool for handling your finances by controlling the family's expenditures in a way that money is enough for paying up bills, and still ensuring that savings are set aside for future expenses - vacations, or children's education, or even for retirement.<br /><br />Try these simple steps in preparing a no fret family budget, and see the benefits of intelligent spending.<br /><br />1. Gather three months of your pay stubs and get your average monthly earnings.<br /><br />2. Get out three months of your monthly bills. Do this for the fixed expenses like the rent, phone bill, car payments and other loans that come monthly. Add them up and get the average. Do the same for other expenses like groceries, and credit card bills.<br /><br />3. Evaluate the results of your computations. Looking at your average monthly earnings against your monthly fixed expenses and other monthly expenses, think of some ways to economize. Cut back on some items that are somehow unnecessary.<br /><br />4. Knowing the facts of your income and expenses, develop a family budget and try to stick to this monthly budget.<br /><br />5. Now that you have a monthly budget, set up a savings account. Save up by making regular deposits to this account.<br /><br />6. Keep track of this monthly family budget just to see if it is working for you. Try to fine-tune the "rough edges" of this budget as you go along.<br /><br />7. If you can get hold of a personal budgeting software or spreadsheet application to keep record of your budget, the better. This will make organizing your expenses very easy.<br /><br />These are the basic steps in developing and implementing a no fret, easy to stick to monthly family budget. Of course each family has diverse needs and wants. You have the freedom to develop your own monthly family budget, depending on your family’s financial background and needs. No matter how you do it, just focus on the end result, which is building a savings that leads to a bright and financially stable future for your family.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-33995761584188772332008-04-09T17:51:00.000-07:002008-12-12T12:17:30.665-08:00Credit Cards For High School Students<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxk_YVRPGxmZ94Asq6qSPu8aZw0psKcAWUcfusGilq49iQdm6Piq7sCmTFlBvV5XdC8XX6Mf4liDU1pHfJdtSDKfXH04MHECsgGKQDyf04XDmQOeZVOuVHAoJnVdyZSm2rlkIJz5N1HfW/s1600-h/+high_school_students.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxk_YVRPGxmZ94Asq6qSPu8aZw0psKcAWUcfusGilq49iQdm6Piq7sCmTFlBvV5XdC8XX6Mf4liDU1pHfJdtSDKfXH04MHECsgGKQDyf04XDmQOeZVOuVHAoJnVdyZSm2rlkIJz5N1HfW/s320/+high_school_students.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187413852108361362" border="0" /></a><br />Students in high school that are looking to start building their credit early can get high school student credit cards. These credits cards can help teach high school students responsibility, and how to manage their credit at an early age. These types of credit cards are issued to high school students, with a parent or guardian co-signing with the student. Students who have these credit cards also have a sense of responsibility as well.<br /><br />Before applying for a high school student credit card, both students and co-signers should always look at their available options. There are a lot of banks and credit card companies to choose from, which makes it in your best interest to look around. Some cards will come with high APR and a high annual fee, while some are more reasonable. With high school students not having any credit, some banks and companies will try to charge unreasonable rates - which is reason enough to do your research and know the best deal.<br /><br />Co-signers can normally help students to make the best decision. The co-signer will be going on the application with the student, and will be the individual that the bank or company will come to when the student is unable to pay the bill. Parents and co-signers will know the best deals for credit cards, which is students should always ask them for help when picking out the ideal credit card.<br /><br />For some students, prepaid credit cards can be an ideal investment. These cards hold absolutely no risk for students, while they help to teach financial management as well. With these high school student credit cards, the prepaid amount you have put on the card is your spending limit. To ensure that the application form is filled out correctly, students should always have a parent or guardian assist them with filling the information out.<br /><br />When a student gets their credit card, they should be instructed on how to properly use the credit card. Although some students will be tempted to run up their high school student credit card, they should save it for emergency situations. At the end of the month, they should try to pay their whole bill, to avoid getting into debt. If a student can pay the bill - it will also help boost their credit.<br /><br />If you are interested in a high school student credit card, you can always apply for one online. The applications are processed in a timely manner, normally giving you a response in a matter of minutes. Although credit cards are great to have, prepaid credit cards are sometimes the way to go with students. If you are unsure - make sure you look into all options available to you and compare what you find out.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-22312998078495804782008-04-01T01:00:00.000-07:002008-04-01T00:41:57.591-07:00Learning about Re-Financing OnlineMany homeowners find the Internet to be very useful during the re-financing process. The Internet may be useful because it provides the homeowner with a wealth of information, because it provides the ability to submit loan applications and receive estimates online and it makes it easy for homeowners to consider complicated mathematical equations for a variety of options with ease. While the Internet can be a homeowner’s best friend it can also be the homeowner’s worst enemy. Homeowners who are using the Internet to perform the majority of their re-financing research should be aware of the potential problems associated with finding information online.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Exploring the Internet</span><br /><br />Whether you refer to it as the Internet or the World Wide Web, there is no denying the way the Internet has changed our society. Just a few years ago, the process of re-financing was largely done during banking hours by meeting directly with financial advisors. However, this is no longer the case.<br /><br />The major advantage young homeowners have over their parents or grandparents is the ability to learn more about re-financing options quickly and even receive quotes online in a matter of minutes. While the process of re-financing still involves elaborate mathematical calculations, many of these calculations have been automated so the homeowner only has to enter in the known variables to solve for the unknowns. These calculators are readily available throughout the Internet. Each calculator may not be designed identically so homeowner should use a couple of calculators to determine an approximate range of answers.<br /><br />Besides finding information and utilizing mortgage calculators, the Internet can also be used to obtain quotes. Homeowners are able to fill out simple forms with only a few pieces or relevant information and lenders are able to contact the homeowner with information about the types of re-financing options and interest rates they may be able to offer to the homeowner.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Selecting Reliable Resources on the Internet</span><br /><br />The Internet is filled with useful information. However, the Internet is also filled with incorrect information. Homeowners should be aware of this fact and should avoid using the Internet exclusively in the research process. This will enable the homeowner to independently verify the information they find online.<br /><br />One way homeowners can avoid coming into contact with misinformation is to select only reputable websites on the subject of home mortgages. Determining which websites are reputable and which ones are not is not always easy. Website design is a fairly simple process and there are many people who can create a website which looks professional. However, the appearance of the website does not ensure the quality of the content provided on the website. Even the most professional looking website may contain inaccurate information. This may not be intentional but it often occurs when the website owner is quite knowledgeable about website design but is not very knowledgeable about the subject of re-financing.<br /><br />One way to avoid the possibility of being misinformed on the Internet is to rely solely on websites maintained by well known lenders or financial institution. Often the ownership of the website may be difficult to decipher but many well known financial institutions use their name as their domain name and optimize their website for keywords related to their name. This is done to ensure those who search for their name will be directed to their website.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Using Caution on the Internet</span><br /><br />It is always wise to use caution when participating in Internet activities. As previously discussed, this involves verifying the information obtained on a particular website. This may be done by using independent resources such as published books or consultations with financial advisors to confirm the Internet research.<br /><br />Additionally, homeowners should be cautious about divulging sensitive information such as full name, address or social security number. This type of information should only be given to sources which are deemed to be reputable.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-73155429500444513302008-03-16T17:55:00.000-07:002008-12-12T12:17:30.941-08:00Preparing For Retirement<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQvGmedJ8g7oOIbcwPkA_KQvbAxffFxG1RFPFcUvAldMAMQU4CTcKIcM3tvSapJ1rNHBmsKvUf1zj0SbJqFQyfZhqRl-2io_kJVDYqHHHHVq929jmlLF2uwDTu-z-lgwj5dyGJEQ_iJ8Y/s1600-h/+retire.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQvGmedJ8g7oOIbcwPkA_KQvbAxffFxG1RFPFcUvAldMAMQU4CTcKIcM3tvSapJ1rNHBmsKvUf1zj0SbJqFQyfZhqRl-2io_kJVDYqHHHHVq929jmlLF2uwDTu-z-lgwj5dyGJEQ_iJ8Y/s320/+retire.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178510354813367794" border="0" /></a>Certain questions arise whenever an employee starts to think about retiring. Sadly, many reach retirement age unprepared. Some started planning late because of ignorance or lack of information. Some had a mindset that getting ready for retirement should be done when you're nearing the age of retirement.<br /><br />The following list some information on retirement that should be helpful to employees of all ages.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. RETIREMENT AGE</span><br /><br />One's full retirement age varies but one can start receiving benefits at age 62 regardless of that. Full details can be found at <a href="http://www.ssa.gov/">Social Security Online Retirement Planner</a> (http://www.ssa.gov/).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. COST OF LIVING</span><br /><br />Note the basic expenses you will continue to shell out regularly after retirement. Note also the probable expenses that might come up once you retire, like taxes and insurance for example. List needed or desired purchases that would come up by that time, like a vacation house. Knowing these probable costs now gives you the basic amount you should be able to save before retirement day comes.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. RETIREMENT BENEFITS</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">a. SOCIAL SECURITY</span><br /><a href="http://www.socialsecurity.org/">www.SocialSecurity.org</a> can provide you with an estimate. Getting an estimate of your retirement benefits will help you as you plan how much of your income should be set aside for retirement savings and or how much of your income should be used for other investments.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">b. PENSION PLANS.</span><br />Here, a monthly premium is paid for a specified time frame. With pension plans you can know how much you'd be receiving when the plan matures. Some companies get pension plans for their employees. But for those who don't, the employee can either request it or he himself can secure his own pension plan from a pre-need company.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. INVESTMENT OPTIONS</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">a. SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS.</span><br />Examples of these are bank deposits. You can save small amounts of money plus you have security because these deposits are insured.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">b. LONG TERM INVESTMENTS.</span><br />Examples of these are stocks and bonds. You can save larger amounts of money here. These investments however, are not insured.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. LIFE AFTER RETIREMENT</span><br /><br />It helps to know now how your living conditions will be after you retire. This helps you set a targeted amount of total savings in order to achieve that lifestyle you plan to have in the future.<br /><br />Would you be taking it easy by that time? Then you must start planning and saving much now. Would you be seeking other employment opportunities? That would mean additional funds for you. Would you want to have a fixed source of income after retiring? Then plan and save up for an affordable real estate investment now.<br /><br />Yes, retirement comes later. But retirement planning is not for the old, it’s for the young. Start planning now.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-2189914683708862102008-03-16T17:50:00.000-07:002008-03-16T17:52:55.969-07:00The Four Classifications of a Public Retirement SystemIt is that time in life that we all look forward to. It is time to sit and relax and no longer have to worry about catching the bus or missing lunch just to beat the deadline. It is that point in our lives that the challenges of a planned working schedule is modified into a more relaxing pace, away from the hustle and bustle of the everyday struggle to work.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">It is the day of retirement.</span><br /><br />Basically, retirement systems refer to the methods or processes, in which the employees can begin use of their retirement benefits depending on the nature of their job and the amount of their take home pay.<br /><br />In the United States, the retirement system may vary from one state to another state. However, every retirement system functions and operates just the same.<br /><br />The retirement system is categorically divided into four different retirement systems. These are the Judges Retirement System, State Employees, School Employees, and the State Police Employees Retirement Systems. Every category has it own system and each of them has its functions as well as restrictions.<br /><br />To know more about the four retirement systems, here are some facts that are very helpful to those who need it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Judges Retirement System</span><br /><br />This type of retirement system refers to the retirement benefits entitled to judges. The rules and regulations stipulated within the provisions of Judges Retirement System are in conformity with the services rendered by the judges to their work.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. State Employees Retirement System</span><br /><br />This particular retirement system aims to provide those who have rendered adequate services to the state, thus, they are entitled to special privileges that are only applicable to state employees.<br /><br />These retirement benefits are exclusive for people in the state government.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. School Employees Retirement System</span><br /><br />Any benefits that are entitled to teacher and educators are those that fall under the School Employees System. Benefits and profits are gained during the retirement.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. State Police Employees Retirement System</span><br /><br />This retirement system refers to the system that is responsible in organizing the appropriate services and benefits that are entitled for people who have sufficiently tendered services as a police officer until such time that the concerned person has already reached retirement stage.<br /><br />Boiled down, retirement systems are specially made to make life more meaningful when people are already on their retirement age.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346038095621231878.post-58301935778120925692008-03-14T20:48:00.000-07:002008-03-14T20:51:07.787-07:00The Cost Of Credit CardsAlthough some choose to rush into getting a credit card, they normally do so without being aware of the costs. A lot of credit cards out there come with hidden costs and charges, and you should always be aware of this before you apply. In most cases, these fees and charges won’t get noticed by the user until it is too late.<br /><br />Credit card holders who aren’t aware of any hidden costs could easily end up paying possibly thousands of dollars at the end of the year - and not even realize it. If you have a reward credit card, your rewards could easily be destroyed by these hidden costs. Although some credit card users may realize it, there are many out there who aren’t aware of these costs at all.<br /><br />The first factor for hidden costs is found in the grace period. The grace period is the extra time you have to pay your bill without having extra fees added to your bill. Even though this can be great for paying your bill, it can quickly lead to a pitfall if you let it. To avoid any type of costs or hidden fees, you should pay your bill as soon as it arrives. This way, you won’t have to worry about your grace period or the interest that can accrue from letting your bill get later and later.<br /><br />The late fee is another factor with credit cards that is often overlooked by credit card users. Late fees are common with credit cards, although their potential for costs is often overlooked. Some people choose to pay it and be done with it, unaware of the fact that these costs can indeed add up in no time at all. To be on the safe side, you should always know what the late charges are and how fast they can add up.<br /><br />The easiest way to avoid any type of hidden fees or costs is to pay your bill on time - as soon as you receive your bill. You should also pay more than the minimum, as this helps to pay your bill off faster and ensure that you pay the bill and not just the interest. Paying your bill late is never a good thing, as it can easily destroy your credit report. If you continue to make late payments, your company or bank can increase your interest rates.<br /><br />No matter what you do, you should always pay your credit card bill on time. Hidden fees and costs are out there - it’s up to you to avoid them. Credit card companies and banks won’t tell you what the hidden fees are, unless you ask them. To protect yourself and your credit - you should always be aware of the costs - and how to prevent them from happening to you.Miao Miaohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692762929123388663noreply@blogger.com0