Any time of year can be the right time to plan your next vacation-and how to pay for it. Here are some tips for saving or earning extra money to help make this year's vacation special:
• Set up a vacation "piggy bank" and contribute regularly. Make coffee at home rather than buying it on your way to work, and bank the difference. When the kids break a house rule, deduct $1 from their allowances and set it aside for vacation.
• Arrange for a portion of your paycheck to be deposited automatically into a vacation savings account. An increasing number of employers offer direct deposits that can be split among different accounts.
• Book your vacation plans early. Most experts encourage families to make reservations for flights or hotels early, before seats and rooms start to fill up and prices rise. Also, look for special summer deals that many popular destinations offer on their Web sites.
• Look for additional sources of income. For example, you could become a direct selling representative. Direct selling involves the sale of products and services in the home or workplace (think Avon or Pampered Chef). A wide variety of products and services are sold this way, from cosmetics and clothing to pet supplies and cookware.
According to Amy Robinson at the Direct Selling Association (DSA), direct selling companies sell $30 billion worth of goods and services annually.
"Direct selling is a growing business and a flexible, family-friendly way to earn extra money for a family vacation," Robinson said.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Top 5 ways To Improve Your Credit
Your credit rating is extremely important to your financial future, and those with a low credit rating will often find it difficult to get any sort of finance until their credit improves. This could affect your abilities to get anything from a credit card or loan to a mortgage or car finance, and as a nation that relies heavily on credit this could spell disaster for many.
Your credit rating can be adversely affected in a number of ways. Most commonly is failure to make bill and finance repayments on time or defaulting on payments altogether. However, other factors such as association with those with bad credit or being the victim of identity theft can also affect your credit rating – as can a simple human or computer error by credit reporting agencies or agencies that register details with these companies.
There are a number of ways in which you can help to improve your credit or maintain good credit. This includes:
1. Always maintain timely repayments on bills and financial obligations, as this will help to maintain good credit. If you already have a tarnished credit history or rating make sure that you focus on making all of your repayments on time and for the amount s requested to try and start improving your credit.
2. Keep a check on your credit report. This can easily be ordered from the credit reporting agencies. Monitoring this will enable you to check that no errors have been made that could be affecting your credit rating, and will enable you to identify any cases of fraudulent activity that could also be affecting your credit.
3. If you already have poor credit consider taking out a credit card or loan that caters for those with bad credit. By taking out a bad credit loan or credit card, and making sure that you make the repayments on time and for the amounts requested, you can start to slowly bring your credit back up.
4. Focus on paying off your debts. If you have a high level of debt then you run the risk of falling behind with repayments and adversely affecting your credit. By clearing the debt as quickly as possible you can reduce this risk. If you already have bad credit and are in debt, you could see improvements in your credit rating by clearing the debts as quickly as possible and ensuring that you pay at least the requested amounts on loans and bills each month.
5. Look out for scams that offer fast solutions to repairing credit. These usually charge a fee and offer only a temporary reprieve by questioning any factors that may be affecting your credit. The best way to repair your credit is to be sensible and responsible about repaying your debts and paying your bills, and although it may take some time this is the most effective long term solution to credit repair.
Your credit rating can be adversely affected in a number of ways. Most commonly is failure to make bill and finance repayments on time or defaulting on payments altogether. However, other factors such as association with those with bad credit or being the victim of identity theft can also affect your credit rating – as can a simple human or computer error by credit reporting agencies or agencies that register details with these companies.
There are a number of ways in which you can help to improve your credit or maintain good credit. This includes:
1. Always maintain timely repayments on bills and financial obligations, as this will help to maintain good credit. If you already have a tarnished credit history or rating make sure that you focus on making all of your repayments on time and for the amount s requested to try and start improving your credit.
2. Keep a check on your credit report. This can easily be ordered from the credit reporting agencies. Monitoring this will enable you to check that no errors have been made that could be affecting your credit rating, and will enable you to identify any cases of fraudulent activity that could also be affecting your credit.
3. If you already have poor credit consider taking out a credit card or loan that caters for those with bad credit. By taking out a bad credit loan or credit card, and making sure that you make the repayments on time and for the amounts requested, you can start to slowly bring your credit back up.
4. Focus on paying off your debts. If you have a high level of debt then you run the risk of falling behind with repayments and adversely affecting your credit. By clearing the debt as quickly as possible you can reduce this risk. If you already have bad credit and are in debt, you could see improvements in your credit rating by clearing the debts as quickly as possible and ensuring that you pay at least the requested amounts on loans and bills each month.
5. Look out for scams that offer fast solutions to repairing credit. These usually charge a fee and offer only a temporary reprieve by questioning any factors that may be affecting your credit. The best way to repair your credit is to be sensible and responsible about repaying your debts and paying your bills, and although it may take some time this is the most effective long term solution to credit repair.
The IRS Owes You Money If You Have Paid Long Distance Phone Taxes
The IRS has decided to give up the fight on an ongoing legal issue regarding taxes it has collected on long distance telephone services. Here is the scoop.
The IRS Owes You Money If You Have Paid Long Distance Phone Taxes
Every one of us pays for some form of long distance telephone service. The more you use the service, the more you start hunting for better rates. Whatever choice you make, however, you are always stuck paying a federal tax on the bill. For those of you with large long distance phone bills, this tax can add up quickly given the fact it is calculated at three percent of your total bill.
The tax in question is known as the federal excise tax on long distance telephone service. It was created in 1898. Yes, this tax arose well over one hundred years ago. As you might image, a few people started to wonder how a tax established in 1898 could possibly apply today, particularly given the advancement of telephone technologies. Turns out it doesn’t apply! Given a chance to review the situation, five appellate courts have ruled the tax invalid.
After contemplating the situation, the IRS has decided not to challenge the legal rulings. Instead, it has voluntarily agreed to issue credits or refunds for the excise taxes paid the past three years. Specifically, you will be able to claim a refund of all taxes paid from February 28, 2003 till the date the IRS stopped collecting them.
To collect the refunds, the IRS will create a new box on all 1040 filing forms for the 2006 tax year. In practical terms, this means you will be able to check a box and get a refund when you prepare your 2006 tax return in 2007. The IRS will pay interest on these funds.
It should be noted the refund is applicable only to the long distance excise tax. You still must pay local service taxes and the refund does not apply to taxes collected by states and such. Still, any refund is a good refund in my opinion.
The IRS Owes You Money If You Have Paid Long Distance Phone Taxes
Every one of us pays for some form of long distance telephone service. The more you use the service, the more you start hunting for better rates. Whatever choice you make, however, you are always stuck paying a federal tax on the bill. For those of you with large long distance phone bills, this tax can add up quickly given the fact it is calculated at three percent of your total bill.
The tax in question is known as the federal excise tax on long distance telephone service. It was created in 1898. Yes, this tax arose well over one hundred years ago. As you might image, a few people started to wonder how a tax established in 1898 could possibly apply today, particularly given the advancement of telephone technologies. Turns out it doesn’t apply! Given a chance to review the situation, five appellate courts have ruled the tax invalid.
After contemplating the situation, the IRS has decided not to challenge the legal rulings. Instead, it has voluntarily agreed to issue credits or refunds for the excise taxes paid the past three years. Specifically, you will be able to claim a refund of all taxes paid from February 28, 2003 till the date the IRS stopped collecting them.
To collect the refunds, the IRS will create a new box on all 1040 filing forms for the 2006 tax year. In practical terms, this means you will be able to check a box and get a refund when you prepare your 2006 tax return in 2007. The IRS will pay interest on these funds.
It should be noted the refund is applicable only to the long distance excise tax. You still must pay local service taxes and the refund does not apply to taxes collected by states and such. Still, any refund is a good refund in my opinion.
The Benefits Of Saving For Your Child's School Finance
Defining your savings goals is the first thing to do before you invest, especially when that investment will have an impact on your child’s future.
It is after-all your child’s future that you are investing in--and school finance cannot be avoided, as babies will grow into adults who need to be given the best opportunities we can offer as parents.
The best advice that any parent can get is to start saving early. College tuition fees can cause a strain on your family's budget and lifestyle. You need to have a goal to keep you motivated to save. And what better motivation is there than knowing that the money you save will finance your child's education.
Normally the best stage to start saving for your child’s finance towards college tuition is at birth. If, however, you have not started, then the time to start saving is now. It is never too late to start saving.
The sooner you start saving, the more time there’ll be for compound interest to build up into a nice college fund for your child. Remember that each child should get his or her school finance savings fund.
You also need to decide the amount you intend to save by the time that your child reaches college age. There are many options available for you to choose from when it dollar amount. This means that you calculate the projected cost of public college tuition by the time your child is ready for college.
The other commonly used method, which many parents prefer, involves devoting a fixed percentage of income to their child's future college costs. The idea is this: whatever you do, you have to have a defined goal. You should save as much as you can, whether it be a large amount, like several hundred dollars a month or a more modest amount, such as $25 to $50 each month.
A college education is an investment in the future of your child. If you truly want to see your child succeed, as all parents do, what could possibly be a better investment?
It is after-all your child’s future that you are investing in--and school finance cannot be avoided, as babies will grow into adults who need to be given the best opportunities we can offer as parents.
The best advice that any parent can get is to start saving early. College tuition fees can cause a strain on your family's budget and lifestyle. You need to have a goal to keep you motivated to save. And what better motivation is there than knowing that the money you save will finance your child's education.
Normally the best stage to start saving for your child’s finance towards college tuition is at birth. If, however, you have not started, then the time to start saving is now. It is never too late to start saving.
The sooner you start saving, the more time there’ll be for compound interest to build up into a nice college fund for your child. Remember that each child should get his or her school finance savings fund.
You also need to decide the amount you intend to save by the time that your child reaches college age. There are many options available for you to choose from when it dollar amount. This means that you calculate the projected cost of public college tuition by the time your child is ready for college.
The other commonly used method, which many parents prefer, involves devoting a fixed percentage of income to their child's future college costs. The idea is this: whatever you do, you have to have a defined goal. You should save as much as you can, whether it be a large amount, like several hundred dollars a month or a more modest amount, such as $25 to $50 each month.
A college education is an investment in the future of your child. If you truly want to see your child succeed, as all parents do, what could possibly be a better investment?
Saving Money On Magazine Subscriptions
If you are interested in subscribing to a magazine or different magazines, you may be wondering how you can fit the costs of subscribing to a magazine or magazines into your overall budget. In this day and age, many people find it very difficult to make ends meet, to maintain a wise budget. They simply do not have a great deal of discretionary money to be used on such things as magazine subscriptions.
With that said, there are some ways in which you can save money on magazine subscriptions. One of the easiest ways you can save money on magazine subscriptions is through the Internet and World Wide Web. There are now many websites in operation that offer magazine subscriptions at reduced costs.
In addition to websites that market magazine subscriptions at reduced costs, there are also Internet websites that market magazine package deals. In other words, you can obtain a number of different magazine subscriptions that you might not otherwise be able to afford for a low cost.
In the brick and mortar world, you can stop by the local bookseller and visit the magazine section. By flipping through magazines, you can find subscription cards that offer reduced costs for subscriptions to these publications. For example, they might offer upwards to 75% off the regular price for these magazines.
Also keep in mind that by subscribing to a magazine for an extended period of time, the publication likely will knock a good deal of money off of the overall subscription cost. For example, you can save a great deal of money by subscribing to a magazine for a period of three years as opposed to a single year subscription.
Finally, there are some charities that sell magazine subscriptions to raise money for their work and causes. In this regard, these magazines are made available to people at a reduced cost. In addition, a part of what you pay for the subscription is donated to the charity in order to allow it to further its good works.
When all is said and done, by taking the time to shop around, you can save money on magazine subscriptions. You will be able to work the costs of receiving magazines into your overall budget. By keeping an open mind as to where to look for reduced costs magazine subscriptions you will be able to have the publications that you want at a price that you truly can afford.
With that said, there are some ways in which you can save money on magazine subscriptions. One of the easiest ways you can save money on magazine subscriptions is through the Internet and World Wide Web. There are now many websites in operation that offer magazine subscriptions at reduced costs.
In addition to websites that market magazine subscriptions at reduced costs, there are also Internet websites that market magazine package deals. In other words, you can obtain a number of different magazine subscriptions that you might not otherwise be able to afford for a low cost.
In the brick and mortar world, you can stop by the local bookseller and visit the magazine section. By flipping through magazines, you can find subscription cards that offer reduced costs for subscriptions to these publications. For example, they might offer upwards to 75% off the regular price for these magazines.
Also keep in mind that by subscribing to a magazine for an extended period of time, the publication likely will knock a good deal of money off of the overall subscription cost. For example, you can save a great deal of money by subscribing to a magazine for a period of three years as opposed to a single year subscription.
Finally, there are some charities that sell magazine subscriptions to raise money for their work and causes. In this regard, these magazines are made available to people at a reduced cost. In addition, a part of what you pay for the subscription is donated to the charity in order to allow it to further its good works.
When all is said and done, by taking the time to shop around, you can save money on magazine subscriptions. You will be able to work the costs of receiving magazines into your overall budget. By keeping an open mind as to where to look for reduced costs magazine subscriptions you will be able to have the publications that you want at a price that you truly can afford.
Retirement Calculator: How Much Will It Cost You to Retire?
Many people have imagined a secured future by the time they have reached their retirement age.
However, only a few have truly worked out the estimated amount of that they need to hit the sack happily. This is because most people are not aware about the importance of using retirement calculators.
With retirement calculators, you can easily foresee the probable amount that you will earn by the time you retire. In this way, you can easily plan the necessary savings that you have to make to achieve your desired amount in the future.
Getting to know how much to save to arrive at your desired amount is easily computed on a yearly investment. From there, you can work towards a more achievable goal.
The computation, however, is greatly dependent on several factors. It does not necessarily mean that using retirement calculators will guarantee your future. Here is the list of the items that you have to consider when using retirement calculator:
1. Your present age and your desired retirement age
This will greatly affect the results in the retirement calculator. The available years from your current age up to your desired retirement age will determine the amount of savings you have to accumulate in order to reach your goal.
For instance, if you have lesser years to save, then your retirement calculator will tell you that to invest more money if you want to retire with considerable amount of disbursements.
2. Life expectancy
Your expected life expectancy will also affect the result in your calculator.
3. Inflation rate
4. Total Social Security Disbursements
5. Rate of ROI (return of investment)
These are just some of the probable factors that you have to consider when using retirement calculators. All of these things will have individual effects on the results. In the end, people tend to mix everything up and errors on computations are expected.
Financial experts recommend some feasible solutions to avoid possible confusions and errors in using the retirement calculator. Here’s how:
1. Be careful in choosing factors
Some people tend to choose some factors when using retirement calculator. Any considerable errors in the selection will constitute clear negative effects on the results.
Hence, it is important to be cautious in choosing a particular factor. Try to give some allowances as well.
For instance, if you will be using the “rate of return of investment,” it would be better if you will use a lower rate than what the current or even the best possible rate available. Things like this will not put your computation in a negative light.
2. Do not stop at a single computation
Experts recommend that you evaluate the factors that you have used during your first computation. Keep in mind that these factors may vary as the time pass by. Hence, it is best that you keep up with the flow.
3. Experiment
Do not stop from where you have started. In order to reach your desired retirement goal, it is best that you experiment on the variable factors that will greatly affect the results.
For example, inflation rate is highly changeable. Hence, experimenting on its different rates will provide you considerable low and high rates.
4. Always seek a professional
Do not depend on the tool alone. It is always important to seek the help of a professional. In this way, you can understand the use of retirement calculator better.
Knowing its pros and cons will help you understand the viability of retirement calculator. In turn, securing your future will be relatively easy.
However, only a few have truly worked out the estimated amount of that they need to hit the sack happily. This is because most people are not aware about the importance of using retirement calculators.
With retirement calculators, you can easily foresee the probable amount that you will earn by the time you retire. In this way, you can easily plan the necessary savings that you have to make to achieve your desired amount in the future.
Getting to know how much to save to arrive at your desired amount is easily computed on a yearly investment. From there, you can work towards a more achievable goal.
The computation, however, is greatly dependent on several factors. It does not necessarily mean that using retirement calculators will guarantee your future. Here is the list of the items that you have to consider when using retirement calculator:
1. Your present age and your desired retirement age
This will greatly affect the results in the retirement calculator. The available years from your current age up to your desired retirement age will determine the amount of savings you have to accumulate in order to reach your goal.
For instance, if you have lesser years to save, then your retirement calculator will tell you that to invest more money if you want to retire with considerable amount of disbursements.
2. Life expectancy
Your expected life expectancy will also affect the result in your calculator.
3. Inflation rate
4. Total Social Security Disbursements
5. Rate of ROI (return of investment)
These are just some of the probable factors that you have to consider when using retirement calculators. All of these things will have individual effects on the results. In the end, people tend to mix everything up and errors on computations are expected.
Financial experts recommend some feasible solutions to avoid possible confusions and errors in using the retirement calculator. Here’s how:
1. Be careful in choosing factors
Some people tend to choose some factors when using retirement calculator. Any considerable errors in the selection will constitute clear negative effects on the results.
Hence, it is important to be cautious in choosing a particular factor. Try to give some allowances as well.
For instance, if you will be using the “rate of return of investment,” it would be better if you will use a lower rate than what the current or even the best possible rate available. Things like this will not put your computation in a negative light.
2. Do not stop at a single computation
Experts recommend that you evaluate the factors that you have used during your first computation. Keep in mind that these factors may vary as the time pass by. Hence, it is best that you keep up with the flow.
3. Experiment
Do not stop from where you have started. In order to reach your desired retirement goal, it is best that you experiment on the variable factors that will greatly affect the results.
For example, inflation rate is highly changeable. Hence, experimenting on its different rates will provide you considerable low and high rates.
4. Always seek a professional
Do not depend on the tool alone. It is always important to seek the help of a professional. In this way, you can understand the use of retirement calculator better.
Knowing its pros and cons will help you understand the viability of retirement calculator. In turn, securing your future will be relatively easy.
Online Banking Made Easy
Here's a really simple way... to have your banking handled with no muss, no fuss... on the internet.
Traditionally you have been used to doing your banking by going in to a physical brick and mortar building and taking care of whatever banking business you had to take care of.
Whether it was opening an account, checking balances, depositing a paycheck, taking money out for living expenses, applying for a loan, paying a bill, moving money around from account to another or whatever.
Of course you had to make a special point of putting it into your schedule and arranging other tasks around it to accommodate your planned trip to the bank. Well, those days are over.
With the popularity of the internet during the last 5 years banking has never been easier or more convenient than it is today.
With the internet and online banking you can access your bank 24/7. Or as close to 24/7 as can be since there is always the time when the bank's website is not accessible due to website maintenance.
And you don't even have to get dressed to do your banking. I find this benefit very useful in the cold winter months when I can just sit in the warmth of my home and do my banking activities through my computer.
Nowadays, most large national banks, regional banks and even smaller local banks and credit unions have some form of online banking for both the convenience of their customers and for their convenience as well.
By allowing you to access their bank and your banking account they don't have to pay for someone to attend to your needs and they save money. They can pass that savings on to you through higher interest rates on your money.
In fact there are virtual banks that exist today that do not have a brick and mortar existence and exist solely online. Because of the great savings that they enjoy with that arrangement they offer some of the highest banking interest rates I have seen.
Another great benefit of online banking that I have been taking advantage of is online bill paying.
In the old days when I had to pay a bill I took the bill, wrote out a check, put it in the envelope, put a stamp on the envelopeand put it in the mail, hoping that it arrived on time so I wouldn't be assessed a late fee.
Now I can just get on the internet and get on the website of the place where I am paying the bill, hit a few keys on the keyboard of my computer and the bill is paid, saving a stamp and a lot of time and worry about the reliability of snail mail.
Another great advantage of internet banking is the concept of direct deposit.
Using direct deposit your employer can now take your paycheck and automatically deposit the money in whatever banking account you designate. That way you don't have to worry about getting the money into the bank in time to pay your big bill coming up. Now having the money in the bank and the paying of the bill can be done electronically.
And now dealing with the IRS has been made somewhat easier with the arrival of internet banking.
Now you can file your return and if it turns out you owe Uncle Sam some money you can pay it electronically by submitting your banking information with your return. If the IRS owes you a refund they can send it to you using that same banking information. And, it is all done more speedily than it was in the old days using snail mail. If you are due a refund you will be very happy to get your money sooner.
As you proceed into the 21st century you can take advantage of the progress that the banking industry has experienced in the
last few years. You will find many ways to make what used to be
considered a drudge or a necessary evil into some thing that is
more pleasant and less time-consuming to deal with.
So if you haven't experienced online banking, give it a try. You'll probably like it!
Traditionally you have been used to doing your banking by going in to a physical brick and mortar building and taking care of whatever banking business you had to take care of.
Whether it was opening an account, checking balances, depositing a paycheck, taking money out for living expenses, applying for a loan, paying a bill, moving money around from account to another or whatever.
Of course you had to make a special point of putting it into your schedule and arranging other tasks around it to accommodate your planned trip to the bank. Well, those days are over.
With the popularity of the internet during the last 5 years banking has never been easier or more convenient than it is today.
With the internet and online banking you can access your bank 24/7. Or as close to 24/7 as can be since there is always the time when the bank's website is not accessible due to website maintenance.
And you don't even have to get dressed to do your banking. I find this benefit very useful in the cold winter months when I can just sit in the warmth of my home and do my banking activities through my computer.
Nowadays, most large national banks, regional banks and even smaller local banks and credit unions have some form of online banking for both the convenience of their customers and for their convenience as well.
By allowing you to access their bank and your banking account they don't have to pay for someone to attend to your needs and they save money. They can pass that savings on to you through higher interest rates on your money.
In fact there are virtual banks that exist today that do not have a brick and mortar existence and exist solely online. Because of the great savings that they enjoy with that arrangement they offer some of the highest banking interest rates I have seen.
Another great benefit of online banking that I have been taking advantage of is online bill paying.
In the old days when I had to pay a bill I took the bill, wrote out a check, put it in the envelope, put a stamp on the envelopeand put it in the mail, hoping that it arrived on time so I wouldn't be assessed a late fee.
Now I can just get on the internet and get on the website of the place where I am paying the bill, hit a few keys on the keyboard of my computer and the bill is paid, saving a stamp and a lot of time and worry about the reliability of snail mail.
Another great advantage of internet banking is the concept of direct deposit.
Using direct deposit your employer can now take your paycheck and automatically deposit the money in whatever banking account you designate. That way you don't have to worry about getting the money into the bank in time to pay your big bill coming up. Now having the money in the bank and the paying of the bill can be done electronically.
And now dealing with the IRS has been made somewhat easier with the arrival of internet banking.
Now you can file your return and if it turns out you owe Uncle Sam some money you can pay it electronically by submitting your banking information with your return. If the IRS owes you a refund they can send it to you using that same banking information. And, it is all done more speedily than it was in the old days using snail mail. If you are due a refund you will be very happy to get your money sooner.
As you proceed into the 21st century you can take advantage of the progress that the banking industry has experienced in the
last few years. You will find many ways to make what used to be
considered a drudge or a necessary evil into some thing that is
more pleasant and less time-consuming to deal with.
So if you haven't experienced online banking, give it a try. You'll probably like it!
Multiple Streams Of Income Are Key To Staying Afloat
In today’s society it is practically impossible to stay on top of bills, increasing gas prices and extraneous financial obligations with just one job. What’s more, it is becoming increasingly scary to rely on one stream of income because the economy is so shaky. Who knows when that one lifeline will falter? Many people are discovering that the way to stay afloat in today’s rapidly fluctuating market is by using multiple streams of income. This simply means drawing funding from various venues.
One venue that many people find convenient to their schedules and their lives is taking part in an Internet business. Since lots of people are only using their Internet businesses as one of several streams of income, they only do it on a part time basis. There are lots of opportunities on the Internet to earn multiple streams of income, including starting an ebay business, taking part in an affiliate program, making contacts for freelance work, and writing and selling an ebook. The flexibility of working a business on the Internet is valuable for many people who also work other jobs, and especially for those with loved ones who need to be taken care of.
Other off-the-web venues that people use as multiple streams of income include real estate, starting a small independently owned business, mail and phone-based freelance work, and childcare. Many of these businesses are owned and operated out of people’s homes, which is time effective for people who are multi-tasking.
If you are planning on using multiple streams of income to stay on top of your growing pile of bills, remember that it is important to think about your personal needs as well. Make sure that you still have enough time to sleep, eat, and spend quality time with loved ones. Time efficiency is very important, so think about cutting down on commuting by multi-tasking from home, or by commuting only to one job. Though more complicated than relying on one job alone, using multiple streams of income can be an effective way to ensure your financial stability.
One venue that many people find convenient to their schedules and their lives is taking part in an Internet business. Since lots of people are only using their Internet businesses as one of several streams of income, they only do it on a part time basis. There are lots of opportunities on the Internet to earn multiple streams of income, including starting an ebay business, taking part in an affiliate program, making contacts for freelance work, and writing and selling an ebook. The flexibility of working a business on the Internet is valuable for many people who also work other jobs, and especially for those with loved ones who need to be taken care of.
Other off-the-web venues that people use as multiple streams of income include real estate, starting a small independently owned business, mail and phone-based freelance work, and childcare. Many of these businesses are owned and operated out of people’s homes, which is time effective for people who are multi-tasking.
If you are planning on using multiple streams of income to stay on top of your growing pile of bills, remember that it is important to think about your personal needs as well. Make sure that you still have enough time to sleep, eat, and spend quality time with loved ones. Time efficiency is very important, so think about cutting down on commuting by multi-tasking from home, or by commuting only to one job. Though more complicated than relying on one job alone, using multiple streams of income can be an effective way to ensure your financial stability.
How to manage your checking account
Protect yourself against the possibility of writing bad checks.
The most important thing that you need to do in order to manage your checking account is simple: keep track of all of your transactions. This might be annoying if you end up writing a lot of small checks for small things, but in the end it will definitely be worth it. By writing down each check you write and the amount that they were for, you'll know exactly how much money you have to spend, how much you have spent, and whether or not you can afford what you are buying.
There are a lot of good reasons to know where all of your money is going. However, they are not the only reasons why you should learn how to manage your checking account. Let's say you are not keeping track of the amount of money that is in your checking account. You know that you are getting close to the end of your money, due to it being near the end of the month, but you're not entirely sure. Therefore, you write your last check - and it bounces. Bounced checks are not only embarrassing, but they will result in a lot of lost money for no reason other than that you were careless. First of all, most establishments will charge you extra fees for bounced checks - and may not allow you to write checks in the future. Second, most banks have hefty overdraft fees - and you don't want to waste your money paying those.
The next thing that you should do if you're trying to learn how to manage your checking account, is to try and make sure that you always have a few hundred dollar buffer in your account. This is not just to pad against overdraft fees and bounced checks, but can actually come in handy. For instance, it's always possible that there could be an emergency situation in which you need some extra money - in which case having extra dollars in your checking account could be a life saver.
When it comes to managing checking accounts, these are really the most important things that you should do. Always make sure that you have extra money in your account - and keep track of your expenses!
The most important thing that you need to do in order to manage your checking account is simple: keep track of all of your transactions. This might be annoying if you end up writing a lot of small checks for small things, but in the end it will definitely be worth it. By writing down each check you write and the amount that they were for, you'll know exactly how much money you have to spend, how much you have spent, and whether or not you can afford what you are buying.
There are a lot of good reasons to know where all of your money is going. However, they are not the only reasons why you should learn how to manage your checking account. Let's say you are not keeping track of the amount of money that is in your checking account. You know that you are getting close to the end of your money, due to it being near the end of the month, but you're not entirely sure. Therefore, you write your last check - and it bounces. Bounced checks are not only embarrassing, but they will result in a lot of lost money for no reason other than that you were careless. First of all, most establishments will charge you extra fees for bounced checks - and may not allow you to write checks in the future. Second, most banks have hefty overdraft fees - and you don't want to waste your money paying those.
The next thing that you should do if you're trying to learn how to manage your checking account, is to try and make sure that you always have a few hundred dollar buffer in your account. This is not just to pad against overdraft fees and bounced checks, but can actually come in handy. For instance, it's always possible that there could be an emergency situation in which you need some extra money - in which case having extra dollars in your checking account could be a life saver.
When it comes to managing checking accounts, these are really the most important things that you should do. Always make sure that you have extra money in your account - and keep track of your expenses!
Getting A Credit Card With Bad Or No Credit
So you have decided that you want to get a credit card only you may have credit that is not so hot or even no credit history what so ever. Many consumers wonder how it is possible to build a credit history with no credit or credit that might not be so swell. Surprisingly enough it is very possible for consumers finding themselves in these two particular situations to begin building a solid credit history without having to have a traditional credit card.
A secured credit card would be quite simple for someone with no credit or less then perfect credit to be able to qualify for and receive. All you need to do is complete the application for the secured credit card and make the required security deposit. After those two steps are completed you are well on your way to building a solid credit history. Just keep in mind that you need to apply for a secured credit card that will report all of your credit activities to all three of the major credit reporting agencies.
Department Stores such as Sears and Macy’s will often take a chance on someone who may not have any credit and give them a credit card. So if your luck hasn’t been great in applying for traditional credit cards try your luck in applying for a department store card to use as a tool to start a solid credit history foundation.
Many gas stations will allow people with tarnished credit or no credit history to have a gas station credit card. If you are in either of these situations try applying for a card at your local gas station to begin building a credit history.
These are just a few suggestions of steps that you can take to start building a credit history if your credit record may not be so good (or non existent). With a little creative thought and research you will be well on the way to getting the credit and the credit cards that you deserve.
A secured credit card would be quite simple for someone with no credit or less then perfect credit to be able to qualify for and receive. All you need to do is complete the application for the secured credit card and make the required security deposit. After those two steps are completed you are well on your way to building a solid credit history. Just keep in mind that you need to apply for a secured credit card that will report all of your credit activities to all three of the major credit reporting agencies.
Department Stores such as Sears and Macy’s will often take a chance on someone who may not have any credit and give them a credit card. So if your luck hasn’t been great in applying for traditional credit cards try your luck in applying for a department store card to use as a tool to start a solid credit history foundation.
Many gas stations will allow people with tarnished credit or no credit history to have a gas station credit card. If you are in either of these situations try applying for a card at your local gas station to begin building a credit history.
These are just a few suggestions of steps that you can take to start building a credit history if your credit record may not be so good (or non existent). With a little creative thought and research you will be well on the way to getting the credit and the credit cards that you deserve.
Developing a Successful Home Budget
This is probably the most requested topic that I receive, normally after someone gets a large unexpected expense, or they start thinking about retirement and realize that they have saved a woefully inadequate amount of money.
I recommend using a monthly time-frame to look at your cash inflows and outflows, because most bills are monthly and four weeks is a short planning period that most people can manage. The first thing to do is determine your monthly after-tax income. Usually, this is the amount of money from your paycheck that gets deposited into your checking account. If your income is variable, then use an average of the last three months. (Any savings account interest income would be a bonus.) Next, list out your fixed monthly expenses, such as rent, mortgage, car payment, phone, electric bill, etc. All of these numbers can be changed in the long-term, but first you need to determine a baseline budget of where you are right now.
Make sure you include all of your utilities; some are only paid quarterly or annually, like car insurance, the water bill, or an association fee. Take these expenses and calculate what they would be on a monthly basis. For example, if your water bill comes quarterly, divide it by 3. If you have semi-annual car insurance, then divide it by 6.
So now you have your fixed monthly income and your fixed monthly expenses. Deduct one from the other, and you have the variable amount of money that you are free to spend any way you want for the remainder of the month. From this remaining amount of money, start listing out your main categories of variable spending: groceries, entertainment, medical expenses, clothing, dry cleaning, personal care (haircut, nails, etc.), and gifts. Take each of these variable expenses and put an amount next to them that you think represents your average monthly spending for that category.
Make as many subcategories as you need to make an accurate estimate. The more precise it is for your spending habits, the more effective it will be for you. For example, food can be broken down by grocery store/fast food/dining out/work lunch/etc. Then go through the last few months of your checkbook and credit card statement looking for any spending that hasn’t been covered so far that you need to include for your situation.
Now you should have a total number for your monthly income, total monthly fixed expenses, and total monthly variable expenses. The moment of truth is when you deduct the two expenses from your income to see if there is anything left over. Don’t panic if it is a negative number – it is far better to discover this out now, rather than building up credit card debt later. Most people comment somewhere along this process, “Oh, so that is where my money is going. I had no idea I spent so much on that!”
Seeing all the numbers in black & white can help you prioritize (and negotiate with all the other spenders in the family). From this beginning budget, you can start to set monthly targets for spending categories, you can focus on reducing the largest expenses, and find areas where you should start doing some price-comparison shopping. And did I mention that saving a 5-15% of your income should be an additional fixed expense? Yes, you need to pay yourself first!
Having a budget is the critical first tool in managing your money. Wielding this tool allows you to finally start making financial decisions based on the facts instead of fiction. You can plan for expenses instead of being caught by surprise. And most importantly, figure out how to move forward with goals like a big vacation, a new car, or investing.
I recommend using a monthly time-frame to look at your cash inflows and outflows, because most bills are monthly and four weeks is a short planning period that most people can manage. The first thing to do is determine your monthly after-tax income. Usually, this is the amount of money from your paycheck that gets deposited into your checking account. If your income is variable, then use an average of the last three months. (Any savings account interest income would be a bonus.) Next, list out your fixed monthly expenses, such as rent, mortgage, car payment, phone, electric bill, etc. All of these numbers can be changed in the long-term, but first you need to determine a baseline budget of where you are right now.
Make sure you include all of your utilities; some are only paid quarterly or annually, like car insurance, the water bill, or an association fee. Take these expenses and calculate what they would be on a monthly basis. For example, if your water bill comes quarterly, divide it by 3. If you have semi-annual car insurance, then divide it by 6.
So now you have your fixed monthly income and your fixed monthly expenses. Deduct one from the other, and you have the variable amount of money that you are free to spend any way you want for the remainder of the month. From this remaining amount of money, start listing out your main categories of variable spending: groceries, entertainment, medical expenses, clothing, dry cleaning, personal care (haircut, nails, etc.), and gifts. Take each of these variable expenses and put an amount next to them that you think represents your average monthly spending for that category.
Make as many subcategories as you need to make an accurate estimate. The more precise it is for your spending habits, the more effective it will be for you. For example, food can be broken down by grocery store/fast food/dining out/work lunch/etc. Then go through the last few months of your checkbook and credit card statement looking for any spending that hasn’t been covered so far that you need to include for your situation.
Now you should have a total number for your monthly income, total monthly fixed expenses, and total monthly variable expenses. The moment of truth is when you deduct the two expenses from your income to see if there is anything left over. Don’t panic if it is a negative number – it is far better to discover this out now, rather than building up credit card debt later. Most people comment somewhere along this process, “Oh, so that is where my money is going. I had no idea I spent so much on that!”
Seeing all the numbers in black & white can help you prioritize (and negotiate with all the other spenders in the family). From this beginning budget, you can start to set monthly targets for spending categories, you can focus on reducing the largest expenses, and find areas where you should start doing some price-comparison shopping. And did I mention that saving a 5-15% of your income should be an additional fixed expense? Yes, you need to pay yourself first!
Having a budget is the critical first tool in managing your money. Wielding this tool allows you to finally start making financial decisions based on the facts instead of fiction. You can plan for expenses instead of being caught by surprise. And most importantly, figure out how to move forward with goals like a big vacation, a new car, or investing.
Check Your Bank Statements Every Month, If You Don't You May Be Losing Money In Unexpected Ways.
Awhile back I got the dreaded letter from the bank saying you are overdrawn. I couldn't believe it, I wondered what the heck did I do?
Then I opened it up and I was overdrawn by over a thousand dollars and I was real concerned.
I called the bank and they told me the $3000 dollar check that I had written was insufficient. Well I did not write a check for that amount but they assured me I did and told me where to.
I couldn't believe I could do something so foolish but I called the company that I had written the check to and they said yep, that was what I wrote it for, and I was overpaid on my account.
Then we had to start the process of me getting the money back that I had overpaid, in the meantime I needed to do a quick transfer or I would have more insufficient checks.
After I got the check covered and started the return process of getting my money back I got to thinking I couldn't have done anything that dumb.
So I called the bank and asked them if they were sure I had wrote it for that amount and she assured me they check those kinds of things, I still didn't believe her so I went down there and said I wanted a copy of the check.
Low and behold I HADN'T been stupid and wrote a 300 dollar check for 3000. The company I wrote it to had encoded it wrong and the bank didn't catch it.
So after apologies from the bank and their assurance they would fix things right up for me I called the other company back and asked them if they were sure I had made the mistake. She also assured me they always check these kinds of things. Then I said then how come I am holding the check and it is obviously written for only 300.00. She didn't have much to say then and they assured me they would fix things right up.
In talking to her she said she just assumed the fault was mine because even if they had made the mistake one of our banks would have caught it, yeah right.
So while most of you would notice a 2700 difference like I sure did, we may not notice those pennies and nickels if we don't check every month.
Because the only one looking after your account carefully will be you!!
Then I opened it up and I was overdrawn by over a thousand dollars and I was real concerned.
I called the bank and they told me the $3000 dollar check that I had written was insufficient. Well I did not write a check for that amount but they assured me I did and told me where to.
I couldn't believe I could do something so foolish but I called the company that I had written the check to and they said yep, that was what I wrote it for, and I was overpaid on my account.
Then we had to start the process of me getting the money back that I had overpaid, in the meantime I needed to do a quick transfer or I would have more insufficient checks.
After I got the check covered and started the return process of getting my money back I got to thinking I couldn't have done anything that dumb.
So I called the bank and asked them if they were sure I had wrote it for that amount and she assured me they check those kinds of things, I still didn't believe her so I went down there and said I wanted a copy of the check.
Low and behold I HADN'T been stupid and wrote a 300 dollar check for 3000. The company I wrote it to had encoded it wrong and the bank didn't catch it.
So after apologies from the bank and their assurance they would fix things right up for me I called the other company back and asked them if they were sure I had made the mistake. She also assured me they always check these kinds of things. Then I said then how come I am holding the check and it is obviously written for only 300.00. She didn't have much to say then and they assured me they would fix things right up.
In talking to her she said she just assumed the fault was mine because even if they had made the mistake one of our banks would have caught it, yeah right.
So while most of you would notice a 2700 difference like I sure did, we may not notice those pennies and nickels if we don't check every month.
Because the only one looking after your account carefully will be you!!
Budgeting For Emergency Funds?
Emergency funds are considered to be a necessity as far as financial security is concerned, since it can provide one with financial resources that one can resort to and depend on when an emergency arises such that when one is sick and have the burden of paying huge medical bills, or unexpected home or major car repair.
When one has no emergency fund, one can be obliged to acquire debt on your credit card that might take several years to repay with interest that would later cost so much more.
However by putting an extra thirty to fifty dollars every month in an individual “emergency savings account” one can be secured with what emergency the future may bring. In doing this, it is recommended that one regards the emergency fund as an additional bill, to be punctually paid each month.
Yes, one can and should budget and allocate the extra money for emergency fund, as this is very significant when one refers to his “financial future”. Here, the goal is to create savings from budgeting your income; the emergency savings should ideally be equal to at least three months your living expenditures.
What's important is that you should steadily put a certain amount of money aside, and only use it for real emergencies.
Not like an investment, the success of one’s long-term savings funds does not really count on the amount of return or interests but on placing a fixed amount of money away constantly and steadily so to have immediate access to it at all times.
In spite of one’s financial status, the initial step in the process of constructing an emergency fund is by knowing where your money is presently being consumed or spent.
When one recognizes and determines where one’s earnings are spent, then it will be easy for one to choose and make a decision where to trim down expenses. In other words, budget.
Budgeting is putting or setting aside money for anticipated and unanticipated future use. It is here that one sets up a goal so as to save. So set an emergency fund as your goal.
Checking, savings, money market accounts and “certificates of deposits”, are great places to keep one’s cash that might be needed on quick notice.
The amount saved from budgeting can either go to your savings goal, emergency fund or both. One could utilize the money saved from budgeting financial expenses by saving half of it to your savings account and half of it for emergencies. This way, you achieve your goals in savings and at the same time put in funds for emergency use. It’s your choice.
When one has no emergency fund, one can be obliged to acquire debt on your credit card that might take several years to repay with interest that would later cost so much more.
However by putting an extra thirty to fifty dollars every month in an individual “emergency savings account” one can be secured with what emergency the future may bring. In doing this, it is recommended that one regards the emergency fund as an additional bill, to be punctually paid each month.
Yes, one can and should budget and allocate the extra money for emergency fund, as this is very significant when one refers to his “financial future”. Here, the goal is to create savings from budgeting your income; the emergency savings should ideally be equal to at least three months your living expenditures.
What's important is that you should steadily put a certain amount of money aside, and only use it for real emergencies.
Not like an investment, the success of one’s long-term savings funds does not really count on the amount of return or interests but on placing a fixed amount of money away constantly and steadily so to have immediate access to it at all times.
In spite of one’s financial status, the initial step in the process of constructing an emergency fund is by knowing where your money is presently being consumed or spent.
When one recognizes and determines where one’s earnings are spent, then it will be easy for one to choose and make a decision where to trim down expenses. In other words, budget.
Budgeting is putting or setting aside money for anticipated and unanticipated future use. It is here that one sets up a goal so as to save. So set an emergency fund as your goal.
Checking, savings, money market accounts and “certificates of deposits”, are great places to keep one’s cash that might be needed on quick notice.
The amount saved from budgeting can either go to your savings goal, emergency fund or both. One could utilize the money saved from budgeting financial expenses by saving half of it to your savings account and half of it for emergencies. This way, you achieve your goals in savings and at the same time put in funds for emergency use. It’s your choice.
Bad Credit Personal Loans - What Are Your Options
Bad Credit Personal Loans are readily available across the country even if you have experienced bad credit problems such as in bankruptcies, delinquencies, foreclosures, repossessions or other adverse credit problems. Bad credit personal loans are usually easy to qualify for and re-payments can be flexible and even affordable. Bad credit personal loans are classified into two groups, secured and unsecured, with the intention to make it even easier to get the loan you need. Personal loans are to suppose be used for personal needs, not for business related needs, but other than that they do not have any specific requirements.
Secured Personal Loans
Secured bad credit personal loans usually have lower monthly payments and will generally have lower rates of interest. If the value of the property that is used for collateral for the loan is more than your loan amount, then the interest rate can be very low. Lenders have much less risk since the loan will be secured by the customers property, so they think it will be less likely the borrower will miss payments or default on the loan.
Unsecured Personal Loans
An unsecured bad credit personal loan lender is one who provides lending without requiring any form of collateral. Unsecured personal loans can take less time to get the cash you need but if you have bad credit it can be much more expensive due to high interest rates. Unsecured personal loans are readily available for both renters or home owners. An unsecured loan requires no property owner-ship or collateral for approvals.
Two things about bad credit personal loans are sure, the high rate of interest that will be charged on the loan, and the requirement of a down payment or collateral if you have a bad credit history . If used wisely bad credit personal loans can be the first step for those in financial troubles to get back on their feet. Compare lenders today and see what type of bad credit personal loan is right for you.
Secured Personal Loans
Secured bad credit personal loans usually have lower monthly payments and will generally have lower rates of interest. If the value of the property that is used for collateral for the loan is more than your loan amount, then the interest rate can be very low. Lenders have much less risk since the loan will be secured by the customers property, so they think it will be less likely the borrower will miss payments or default on the loan.
Unsecured Personal Loans
An unsecured bad credit personal loan lender is one who provides lending without requiring any form of collateral. Unsecured personal loans can take less time to get the cash you need but if you have bad credit it can be much more expensive due to high interest rates. Unsecured personal loans are readily available for both renters or home owners. An unsecured loan requires no property owner-ship or collateral for approvals.
Two things about bad credit personal loans are sure, the high rate of interest that will be charged on the loan, and the requirement of a down payment or collateral if you have a bad credit history . If used wisely bad credit personal loans can be the first step for those in financial troubles to get back on their feet. Compare lenders today and see what type of bad credit personal loan is right for you.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Credit Cards For People With Bad Credit- Facts
Credit cards for bad credit are certainly not going to be the best credit deals, but credit cards for people with bad credit might be your only option available. The interest on credit cards for people with bad credit are usually much higher than on a regular credit card. These types of credit cards are especially designed for people with a bad credit history and don't qualify for a regular credit card. If you are a young person just starting to build credit, or if you've had circumstances that has damaged your credit history, you usually can qualify for credit cards for bad credit.
Bad Credit Deals
Bad credit, credit card deals are readily available online with easy, secure applications. Bad credit deals are often divided into secured credit cards for bad credit that need a deposit and bad credit unsecured credit cards, a bad credit card with much higher fees. These types of bad credit offers people with a poor credit score or no previous credit history a quick and easy way to re-gain a good credit history with bad credit cards. If you keep your credit balance under the limit and make your payments on time, you'll become eligible for much better deals on your credit card rates and improve your credit score.
Interest
There are many temptations by having credit cards and while using bad credit cards to hold you over in tight situations, remember it is only temporary relief as the interest rates on credit cards for bad credit are extremely high. Shop around and look for credit cards for bad credit with an interest rate that you are absolutely sure you will be able to pay. Probably the single most important part of picking credit cards is the interest rate, especially for people who will be rolling over balances from month to month.
Tips
A person must always keep in mind that credit cards for bad credit are very easy to use so don't go overboard or you might find yourself in a much worse situation. Check out the interest rates and fees before you start applying for credit cards for bad credit. Don't apply for every bad credit card there is as this will effect your credit score, only choose two of the best bad credit deals you can find.
Bad Credit Deals
Bad credit, credit card deals are readily available online with easy, secure applications. Bad credit deals are often divided into secured credit cards for bad credit that need a deposit and bad credit unsecured credit cards, a bad credit card with much higher fees. These types of bad credit offers people with a poor credit score or no previous credit history a quick and easy way to re-gain a good credit history with bad credit cards. If you keep your credit balance under the limit and make your payments on time, you'll become eligible for much better deals on your credit card rates and improve your credit score.
Interest
There are many temptations by having credit cards and while using bad credit cards to hold you over in tight situations, remember it is only temporary relief as the interest rates on credit cards for bad credit are extremely high. Shop around and look for credit cards for bad credit with an interest rate that you are absolutely sure you will be able to pay. Probably the single most important part of picking credit cards is the interest rate, especially for people who will be rolling over balances from month to month.
Tips
A person must always keep in mind that credit cards for bad credit are very easy to use so don't go overboard or you might find yourself in a much worse situation. Check out the interest rates and fees before you start applying for credit cards for bad credit. Don't apply for every bad credit card there is as this will effect your credit score, only choose two of the best bad credit deals you can find.
Cost-Effective Ways to Cool Your Home
As the temperature rises, so does the cost of cooling your home. But a new federal law may help keep your home both cool and cost-effective.
In January, the U.S. Department of Energy raised the minimum efficiency standards for air conditioners and heat pumps from 10 to 13 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). Although homeowners aren't required to replace systems that are less than 13 SEER, doing so could shave 23 percent off energy bills.
Think of SEER ratings like gas mileage: The higher the SEER or miles per gallon, the more energy "mileage" you get. So as SEER levels rise, your cooling and heating products use less energy, giving you more bang for your buck while providing real environmental benefits through decreased energy consumption.
"The new 13 SEER standard not only conserves energy but it also reduces associated carbon dioxide emissions," says Rick Roetken, director of marketing at Indianapolis-based Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems.
Bryant recently introduced a new line of 13 SEER models that provide superb savings, efficiency and comfort. The improved top-of-the-line Evolution System reaches levels of up to 20 SEER while allowing users to control heating, cooling, humidity, indoor air quality, schedules and maintenance reminders from a single, easy-to-navigate source.
To keep your home cooling system at peak efficiency, Roetken recommends having it inspected at least once a year by a trained service technician. Here are some additional tips:
* Install more attic insulation. Upgrading from 3 inches to 12 inches can cut cooling costs by 10 percent.
* Plant a tree. One well-placed shade tree can reduce your cooling costs by 25 percent. Place leafy shade trees to the south and west and evergreens to the north.
* Use ceiling and box fans to help circulate air throughout the house.
* Set the fan on your central air conditioner to "on" rather than "auto." This will circulate air continuously, keeping the temperature constant throughout the house and aiding in dehumidification.
* If you use a window air conditioning unit, make sure it's the proper size. It's better to get one that's too small rather than too large. A larger unit will start up and turn off more frequently and won't do as good a job dehumidifying the air.
* Invest in a programmable thermostat.
* If you don't have central air conditioning, try a whole-house attic fan. This device pushes hot air out through the attic vents, lowering the temperature throughout your home by about 5 degrees in less than 10 minutes.
In January, the U.S. Department of Energy raised the minimum efficiency standards for air conditioners and heat pumps from 10 to 13 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). Although homeowners aren't required to replace systems that are less than 13 SEER, doing so could shave 23 percent off energy bills.
Think of SEER ratings like gas mileage: The higher the SEER or miles per gallon, the more energy "mileage" you get. So as SEER levels rise, your cooling and heating products use less energy, giving you more bang for your buck while providing real environmental benefits through decreased energy consumption.
"The new 13 SEER standard not only conserves energy but it also reduces associated carbon dioxide emissions," says Rick Roetken, director of marketing at Indianapolis-based Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems.
Bryant recently introduced a new line of 13 SEER models that provide superb savings, efficiency and comfort. The improved top-of-the-line Evolution System reaches levels of up to 20 SEER while allowing users to control heating, cooling, humidity, indoor air quality, schedules and maintenance reminders from a single, easy-to-navigate source.
To keep your home cooling system at peak efficiency, Roetken recommends having it inspected at least once a year by a trained service technician. Here are some additional tips:
* Install more attic insulation. Upgrading from 3 inches to 12 inches can cut cooling costs by 10 percent.
* Plant a tree. One well-placed shade tree can reduce your cooling costs by 25 percent. Place leafy shade trees to the south and west and evergreens to the north.
* Use ceiling and box fans to help circulate air throughout the house.
* Set the fan on your central air conditioner to "on" rather than "auto." This will circulate air continuously, keeping the temperature constant throughout the house and aiding in dehumidification.
* If you use a window air conditioning unit, make sure it's the proper size. It's better to get one that's too small rather than too large. A larger unit will start up and turn off more frequently and won't do as good a job dehumidifying the air.
* Invest in a programmable thermostat.
* If you don't have central air conditioning, try a whole-house attic fan. This device pushes hot air out through the attic vents, lowering the temperature throughout your home by about 5 degrees in less than 10 minutes.
Bankruptcy Lawyer Dirty Secrets
The field of bankruptcy law has exploded in recent years, even though the process of filing for bankruptcy really only involves filling out a few forms. Misconceptions, frightening news articles, and misleading advertisements put out by many of the firms now specializing solely in bankruptcy law have convinced the average consumer that they absolutely must hire an expensive attorney in order to get rid of the money they owe.
Even if the client has an above-average number of questions or a combination of income, debt, and assets that are more complicated than most, an experienced lawyer should be able to handle a bankruptcy claim from start to finish in a matter of hours. Some honest legal professionals only bill their clients for this small amount of work, but the majority charges a minimum of $2,000 for a basic filing. In fact, in some areas, rates can skyrocket as high as $10,000 for a single case!
These inflated prices have actually driven many of the honest attorneys out of bankruptcy altogether, because once a client has been convinced that bankruptcy should cost them thousands of dollars, they are naturally wary of hiring anyone who charges much less.
Filling out bankruptcy paperwork is so simple in many cases that attorneys have their secretaries fill it out. Yet the field has created so much money for certain greedy lawyers that instead of letting their clients know this, they instead pocket the cash and stand back and watch while bankruptcy filings needlessly get out of control.
No matter what circumstances brought you into your current financial situation, declaring bankruptcy should never be a first choice when trying to deal with high levels of debt. Especially after taking into account high attorney fees and new credit-card-friendly laws, it would be much better for you in both the short-and long-term if your financial difficulties are handled out of court.
Even if the client has an above-average number of questions or a combination of income, debt, and assets that are more complicated than most, an experienced lawyer should be able to handle a bankruptcy claim from start to finish in a matter of hours. Some honest legal professionals only bill their clients for this small amount of work, but the majority charges a minimum of $2,000 for a basic filing. In fact, in some areas, rates can skyrocket as high as $10,000 for a single case!
These inflated prices have actually driven many of the honest attorneys out of bankruptcy altogether, because once a client has been convinced that bankruptcy should cost them thousands of dollars, they are naturally wary of hiring anyone who charges much less.
Filling out bankruptcy paperwork is so simple in many cases that attorneys have their secretaries fill it out. Yet the field has created so much money for certain greedy lawyers that instead of letting their clients know this, they instead pocket the cash and stand back and watch while bankruptcy filings needlessly get out of control.
No matter what circumstances brought you into your current financial situation, declaring bankruptcy should never be a first choice when trying to deal with high levels of debt. Especially after taking into account high attorney fees and new credit-card-friendly laws, it would be much better for you in both the short-and long-term if your financial difficulties are handled out of court.
Be Cool, Feel Good And Save On Utility Bills
Besides staying cool when the warm weather rolls in, not getting hot under the collar when the utility bills arrive can be a challenge. The goal is to find an air-conditioning system that looks nice, makes you feel good and operates efficiently.
How To Measure
Cooling Efficiency
Recently enacted federal legislation helps with the efficiency issue. All central air conditioners manufactured after January 23, 2006, must have a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of at least 13 SEER. This increase in the measure of cooling efficiency from 10 to 13 SEER means savings on your utility bills.
As manufacturers of air-conditioning systems work to meet this new efficiency standard, some are also incorporating improved comfort features in their designs. For example, the Acclimate™ Series of air conditioners from Luxaireฎ Heating and Cooling, a brand of the Unitary Products Group of York-a Johnson Controls company, meets or exceeds the efficiency challenge with 13 and 15 SEER units that also address important comfort issues.
These air conditioners are available with two-stage compressor technology to reduce operating cost without sacrificing comfort. On-off cycles are kept to a minimum for even, quiet, more comfortable cooling.
Cool And Quiet
The unit's exclusive SilentDrive™ System further reduces sound. A swept-wing fan design enables air to flow smoothly off the blade, reducing air turbulence and significantly reducing noise. The system also incorporates an isolated compressor compartment and a composite base pan for more quiet operation. In fact, an Acclimate air conditioner records sound levels as low as 69 decibels (dB). This is quieter than competitive units and much quieter than a typical hair dryer, which operates in the range of 76 dB.
Acclimate's quiet, comfortable, efficient operation is easy on the ears and easy on the pocketbook. The unit is also easy on the eyes, with a sleek contemporary look that brings style to home cooling.
How To Measure
Cooling Efficiency
Recently enacted federal legislation helps with the efficiency issue. All central air conditioners manufactured after January 23, 2006, must have a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of at least 13 SEER. This increase in the measure of cooling efficiency from 10 to 13 SEER means savings on your utility bills.
As manufacturers of air-conditioning systems work to meet this new efficiency standard, some are also incorporating improved comfort features in their designs. For example, the Acclimate™ Series of air conditioners from Luxaireฎ Heating and Cooling, a brand of the Unitary Products Group of York-a Johnson Controls company, meets or exceeds the efficiency challenge with 13 and 15 SEER units that also address important comfort issues.
These air conditioners are available with two-stage compressor technology to reduce operating cost without sacrificing comfort. On-off cycles are kept to a minimum for even, quiet, more comfortable cooling.
Cool And Quiet
The unit's exclusive SilentDrive™ System further reduces sound. A swept-wing fan design enables air to flow smoothly off the blade, reducing air turbulence and significantly reducing noise. The system also incorporates an isolated compressor compartment and a composite base pan for more quiet operation. In fact, an Acclimate air conditioner records sound levels as low as 69 decibels (dB). This is quieter than competitive units and much quieter than a typical hair dryer, which operates in the range of 76 dB.
Acclimate's quiet, comfortable, efficient operation is easy on the ears and easy on the pocketbook. The unit is also easy on the eyes, with a sleek contemporary look that brings style to home cooling.
Learning The Value Of Money
This article describes how my father taught me the value of money and at the same time also showed me how to reach and attain the goals I had in my life.
I have a friend called Peter and for his seventeenth birthday his parents bought him a very impressive car which would have cost them around ฃ2000. He was very happy and showed off this car to all of his friends including myself. At this stage he was unable to even drive, however it was still a great present to receive.
Peter lived a couple of doors away from me and I showed my father the car and stated that I would love a car for my seventeenth birthday which was only three weeks away. He responded with words like, I bet you would. Despite this remark I felt sure that he would purchase a car for me as he certainly could have afforded to, in my opinion anyway.
My birthday arrived but no car was presented to me, the main present I received was a pair of trainers. I must admit even though I now feel embarrassed to say it, that I was quite disappointed.
Around eight months later, I managed to pass my driving test and my father was very pleased and congratulated me on my success. I told him that I was very happy, however, what was the point of passing my test if I had no car to drive. He seemed to agree but two months later he still had not bought me a car.
It was now nearing my eighteenth birthday and my father asked me what I would like for my birthday. He explained that your eighteenth is a special birthday and that he would be spending slightly more on me this year. I told him that I would like a car and he started laughing. Despit this I felt sure that he would oblige.
My birthday arrived and yet again no car, the main present I received was a watch, a very nice watch I must add but again I was disappointed.
I waited a further two months and then decided to use the head on approach. I went to talk to my father and told him that I needed a car. He agreed so I asked him, so what are we going to do then? If you want a car, go and buy a car, he responded. I pointed out to him that I was spending per week more than I was earning, socialising, buying clothes etc. He stated that I really wanted a car that I would make sacrifices to get it but also stated that whatever I saved he would match.
This very much annoyed me at the time, but something I am now grateful for as it has taught me that if you want something, you have to work hard and make sacrifices to obtain it.
I have a friend called Peter and for his seventeenth birthday his parents bought him a very impressive car which would have cost them around ฃ2000. He was very happy and showed off this car to all of his friends including myself. At this stage he was unable to even drive, however it was still a great present to receive.
Peter lived a couple of doors away from me and I showed my father the car and stated that I would love a car for my seventeenth birthday which was only three weeks away. He responded with words like, I bet you would. Despite this remark I felt sure that he would purchase a car for me as he certainly could have afforded to, in my opinion anyway.
My birthday arrived but no car was presented to me, the main present I received was a pair of trainers. I must admit even though I now feel embarrassed to say it, that I was quite disappointed.
Around eight months later, I managed to pass my driving test and my father was very pleased and congratulated me on my success. I told him that I was very happy, however, what was the point of passing my test if I had no car to drive. He seemed to agree but two months later he still had not bought me a car.
It was now nearing my eighteenth birthday and my father asked me what I would like for my birthday. He explained that your eighteenth is a special birthday and that he would be spending slightly more on me this year. I told him that I would like a car and he started laughing. Despit this I felt sure that he would oblige.
My birthday arrived and yet again no car, the main present I received was a watch, a very nice watch I must add but again I was disappointed.
I waited a further two months and then decided to use the head on approach. I went to talk to my father and told him that I needed a car. He agreed so I asked him, so what are we going to do then? If you want a car, go and buy a car, he responded. I pointed out to him that I was spending per week more than I was earning, socialising, buying clothes etc. He stated that I really wanted a car that I would make sacrifices to get it but also stated that whatever I saved he would match.
This very much annoyed me at the time, but something I am now grateful for as it has taught me that if you want something, you have to work hard and make sacrifices to obtain it.
Top 5 Reasons To Opt For An Internet Bank Account
Over recent years online banking has become increasingly popular, and many consumers have started to enjoy the benefits of banking online. There are many different reasons why people decide to opt for an online bank account, and in the space of around six years the number of consumers using online banking has more than doubled. Here are some of the top reasons for opting for online banking.
1. Convenience and ease. With online banking you do not have to even leave the house or pick up the phone in order to conduct your banking transactions. Thanks to the Internet you can now perform these transactions from the comfort and privacy of your own home, and at any time of the day or night, so there are no time constraints to worry about.
2. No queuing or rushing necessary. Many people with full time jobs have had to rely on their lunch hour to try and get to the bank and conduct a transaction in the past. Often this resulted in lengthy queues and rushing around, with little time to actually enjoy your break and have a bite to eat. With online banking this becomes a thing of the past.
3. Choice of transactions. With online banking you can perform most transaction that you would be able to perform by visiting the branch or calling the bank. This includes setting up or calling standing orders or direct debits, transferring cash, making bill payments, checking your statement, and even ordering a new check book or card. You can also apply for other services such as a credit card via the Internet.
4. Special offers and incentives. Often you will find that online banks offer special incentives and offers to those that open up a bank account or savings account with them, such as a sum of cash credited into the account once you have been a customers and met the necessary requirements for a specified amount of time.
5. Saving valuable time. In this day and age time is of the essence, and people simply don’t have much time to dedicate to their finances. With online banking you can conduct your transactions or check your statement at the touch of a button, saving you time and hassle when it comes to managing your bank account.
1. Convenience and ease. With online banking you do not have to even leave the house or pick up the phone in order to conduct your banking transactions. Thanks to the Internet you can now perform these transactions from the comfort and privacy of your own home, and at any time of the day or night, so there are no time constraints to worry about.
2. No queuing or rushing necessary. Many people with full time jobs have had to rely on their lunch hour to try and get to the bank and conduct a transaction in the past. Often this resulted in lengthy queues and rushing around, with little time to actually enjoy your break and have a bite to eat. With online banking this becomes a thing of the past.
3. Choice of transactions. With online banking you can perform most transaction that you would be able to perform by visiting the branch or calling the bank. This includes setting up or calling standing orders or direct debits, transferring cash, making bill payments, checking your statement, and even ordering a new check book or card. You can also apply for other services such as a credit card via the Internet.
4. Special offers and incentives. Often you will find that online banks offer special incentives and offers to those that open up a bank account or savings account with them, such as a sum of cash credited into the account once you have been a customers and met the necessary requirements for a specified amount of time.
5. Saving valuable time. In this day and age time is of the essence, and people simply don’t have much time to dedicate to their finances. With online banking you can conduct your transactions or check your statement at the touch of a button, saving you time and hassle when it comes to managing your bank account.
Bankruptcy Law: Some Important Facts
As applying for loans, credit cards and other forms of credit are easier to come by, so are the bankruptcy rates in the United States. In a ten year period, between 1994 and 2004, bankruptcy rates in the United States nearly doubled. The government’s reaction was to take a closer look at reasons parties were filing for bankruptcy, new laws were instated to ensure that individuals and businesses had valid reasons for applying for bankruptcy.
One of the primary laws regarding bankruptcy that was passed in the United States in 2004 is the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act. This law just went into effect in October 2005, but has already caused quite a stir in the financial and bankruptcy law arenas. Besides making it more difficult to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or complete bankruptcy, the law imposes stricter rules and budgets on Chapter 13 debtors.
A major change the law makes throughout the United States is the need for debtors to have filed tax returns for four years in a row before qualifying for bankruptcy. As well, dischargeable debts, or those debts where personal liability is taken away by the court system, is more difficult to come by. The Act requires that debtors prove good reason for dischargeable debt and is even requiring more debtors to take responsibility with non-dischargeable debt budgets.
As far as the two major types of bankruptcy laws are concerned, Chapter 13 bankruptcy is that which allows the debtor to keep some assets upon proving only limited debt and a steady income. This bankruptcy is excellent for those debtors who have gotten themselves into major financial difficulty but still have means of paying for some assets. The court will set up a repayment schedule and budget that allows for full repayment of mortgages or cars within three to five years.
If repayment is simply not an option, the bankruptcy law requires that a debtor will file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This is often referred to as complete liquidation of assets, except for exempt items. Exempt items in a bankruptcy hearing are determined by the court and are usually items that are a necessity, such as a car or work related items. As well, the courts will distribute debts into two categories: non-dischargeable and dischargeable debt.
Non-dischargeable debts also fall into two categories: non-dischargeable due to wrongful conduct on the debtor and non-dischargeable due to public policy. Wrongful misconduct by the debtor could mean theft or laundering money while public policy could include child support payment or court related judgments.
Keep in mind that in either type of bankruptcy, an individual is almost always required to still pay for taxes, student loans, alimony, child support or court related fees. This is the place where many bankrupt parties are misled in the Chapter 7 bankruptcy, as it is often referred to as "a fresh start". While the court can set up payment plans to help the debtor repay public policy debts, even Chapter 7 debtors will still be required to make payments.
Another major point regarding bankruptcy law is that a bankruptcy will stay on a credit report for approximately ten years. This will make it extremely difficult to become eligible for any type of credit, even a credit card, but especially for a car loan or a house mortgage. While some creditors will still offer limited credit to bankrupt individuals, the interest rates and finance charges are usually through the roof. This makes it even more difficult for debtors to get back on their feet.
Last but not least, keep in mind that bankruptcy law will require any co-signers to be responsible for debt payments. If mom or dad signed for a car loan when you were young and you still owe on that car, they are liable for payments. These friends or family members who were once doing you a favor may be brought into the bankruptcy law court proceedings, which can put a strain on friendships and family relations.
For specific bankruptcy law questions it is best to contact a bankruptcy attorney or legal aide in your county or state. Bankruptcy laws and proceedings may vary slightly from state to state, so be sure to make contacts in the state where you plan to file for bankruptcy.
One of the primary laws regarding bankruptcy that was passed in the United States in 2004 is the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act. This law just went into effect in October 2005, but has already caused quite a stir in the financial and bankruptcy law arenas. Besides making it more difficult to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or complete bankruptcy, the law imposes stricter rules and budgets on Chapter 13 debtors.
A major change the law makes throughout the United States is the need for debtors to have filed tax returns for four years in a row before qualifying for bankruptcy. As well, dischargeable debts, or those debts where personal liability is taken away by the court system, is more difficult to come by. The Act requires that debtors prove good reason for dischargeable debt and is even requiring more debtors to take responsibility with non-dischargeable debt budgets.
As far as the two major types of bankruptcy laws are concerned, Chapter 13 bankruptcy is that which allows the debtor to keep some assets upon proving only limited debt and a steady income. This bankruptcy is excellent for those debtors who have gotten themselves into major financial difficulty but still have means of paying for some assets. The court will set up a repayment schedule and budget that allows for full repayment of mortgages or cars within three to five years.
If repayment is simply not an option, the bankruptcy law requires that a debtor will file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This is often referred to as complete liquidation of assets, except for exempt items. Exempt items in a bankruptcy hearing are determined by the court and are usually items that are a necessity, such as a car or work related items. As well, the courts will distribute debts into two categories: non-dischargeable and dischargeable debt.
Non-dischargeable debts also fall into two categories: non-dischargeable due to wrongful conduct on the debtor and non-dischargeable due to public policy. Wrongful misconduct by the debtor could mean theft or laundering money while public policy could include child support payment or court related judgments.
Keep in mind that in either type of bankruptcy, an individual is almost always required to still pay for taxes, student loans, alimony, child support or court related fees. This is the place where many bankrupt parties are misled in the Chapter 7 bankruptcy, as it is often referred to as "a fresh start". While the court can set up payment plans to help the debtor repay public policy debts, even Chapter 7 debtors will still be required to make payments.
Another major point regarding bankruptcy law is that a bankruptcy will stay on a credit report for approximately ten years. This will make it extremely difficult to become eligible for any type of credit, even a credit card, but especially for a car loan or a house mortgage. While some creditors will still offer limited credit to bankrupt individuals, the interest rates and finance charges are usually through the roof. This makes it even more difficult for debtors to get back on their feet.
Last but not least, keep in mind that bankruptcy law will require any co-signers to be responsible for debt payments. If mom or dad signed for a car loan when you were young and you still owe on that car, they are liable for payments. These friends or family members who were once doing you a favor may be brought into the bankruptcy law court proceedings, which can put a strain on friendships and family relations.
For specific bankruptcy law questions it is best to contact a bankruptcy attorney or legal aide in your county or state. Bankruptcy laws and proceedings may vary slightly from state to state, so be sure to make contacts in the state where you plan to file for bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy Lawyer: Your Final Solution When Running Out Of Options
Before rushing to a lawyer to assist you in filing for bankruptcy, you have to make sure what is bankruptcy and what is not. Only then will you have to find a bankruptcy lawyer that you can work with in filing your case. Many people rush to file for bankruptcy thinking that it will solve their financial problems. The opposite is often true.
Declaring your business to be legally bankrupt, only mean that you have done everything you could and there is no way for recovery. It means being deep in debt that it will already be impossible for you to sustain the business.
There are kinds and variations to bankruptcy and the legal process will depend very much on where you are coming from but the purpose is the same. Bankruptcy cases will take years to resolve. The court will determine what debts do not have to be repaid and what will be directly deducted from your income.
In the interim, credit lines will be closed to you. Your credit history will be tainted and no credit institution will want to do business with you. Back taxes that you owe will still have to be paid and obligations will still be enforced like alimony and child support.
When there is no resolution that is possible, finding a good bankruptcy lawyer will then be the only recourse.
A good bankruptcy lawyer should be someone you can be comfortable talking with. Someone you can trust and someone who has displayed competence in handling bankruptcy. This is very important as communication between you and the lawyer must be based on trust. There have been so many instances when the client holds back on information that he thinks is not so significant only to learn later on that the piece of information that was withheld posed additional complication to the case. Withholding information from your bankruptcy lawyer pose problems where non existed before. Bankruptcy lawyers can only help the client to the extent of the knowledge that the lawyer has. It is crucial then that the client works with the lawyer. This is in the first place the client’s future that is at stake.
Do not hesitate to interview the lawyer prior to retaining him. Ask the lawyer questions and a good lawyer must answer you in a language that you can understand. If you don’t, do not be afraid to clarify statements that could be ambiguous to you. Find out a bankruptcy lawyer that already has an extensive experience in handling bankruptcy cases. Whenever possible find a bankruptcy lawyer who is a specialist. Avoid the generalist, as they may not be able to help you as much.
If you feel uncomfortable talking with a particular bankruptcy lawyer, find another one. You can visit the local bar association to find out their recommendation.
When you visit your bankruptcy lawyer, bring a list of all the creditors that you owe, including payments to personal loans that you are not left behind and a list of all your assets and liabilities. The more information you provide the bankruptcy lawyer, the better and more accurate the recommendations he will give you. Remember that lawyers can only work as good as the information that you provide.
Cooperate well in giving your lawyer the data regarding your case because you are in the best position to give those to him. You also will be the person that will either suffer or benefit from the outcome.
Declaring your business to be legally bankrupt, only mean that you have done everything you could and there is no way for recovery. It means being deep in debt that it will already be impossible for you to sustain the business.
There are kinds and variations to bankruptcy and the legal process will depend very much on where you are coming from but the purpose is the same. Bankruptcy cases will take years to resolve. The court will determine what debts do not have to be repaid and what will be directly deducted from your income.
In the interim, credit lines will be closed to you. Your credit history will be tainted and no credit institution will want to do business with you. Back taxes that you owe will still have to be paid and obligations will still be enforced like alimony and child support.
When there is no resolution that is possible, finding a good bankruptcy lawyer will then be the only recourse.
A good bankruptcy lawyer should be someone you can be comfortable talking with. Someone you can trust and someone who has displayed competence in handling bankruptcy. This is very important as communication between you and the lawyer must be based on trust. There have been so many instances when the client holds back on information that he thinks is not so significant only to learn later on that the piece of information that was withheld posed additional complication to the case. Withholding information from your bankruptcy lawyer pose problems where non existed before. Bankruptcy lawyers can only help the client to the extent of the knowledge that the lawyer has. It is crucial then that the client works with the lawyer. This is in the first place the client’s future that is at stake.
Do not hesitate to interview the lawyer prior to retaining him. Ask the lawyer questions and a good lawyer must answer you in a language that you can understand. If you don’t, do not be afraid to clarify statements that could be ambiguous to you. Find out a bankruptcy lawyer that already has an extensive experience in handling bankruptcy cases. Whenever possible find a bankruptcy lawyer who is a specialist. Avoid the generalist, as they may not be able to help you as much.
If you feel uncomfortable talking with a particular bankruptcy lawyer, find another one. You can visit the local bar association to find out their recommendation.
When you visit your bankruptcy lawyer, bring a list of all the creditors that you owe, including payments to personal loans that you are not left behind and a list of all your assets and liabilities. The more information you provide the bankruptcy lawyer, the better and more accurate the recommendations he will give you. Remember that lawyers can only work as good as the information that you provide.
Cooperate well in giving your lawyer the data regarding your case because you are in the best position to give those to him. You also will be the person that will either suffer or benefit from the outcome.
Avoid Financial Disaster with Good Planning
It's tough to get by financially in today's fast-paced life. With mortgages, car notes and massive amounts of credit card debt, most people struggle to get by from month to month. With most people doing what they can just to pay their bills, few people are prepared for the unlikely event of a financial disaster. They come in many forms; a storm like Hurricane Katrina, a loss of job, or a sudden illness can break anyone who isn't prepared for an unexpected interruption in their financial life. But it isn't all that difficult to make preparations that will help you in times of a money crisis. All it takes is a bit of planning ahead of time.
Here are a few things that will help you be prepared for the unexpected:
Get an ATM/Debit card - You may not regularly use cash or have a need for a debit card, but there are some circumstances where it may be necessary. People from New Orleans who were temporarily displaced by Hurricane Katrina would have benefited from having access to cash even while away from home. If you don't use one regularly, get one anyway and keep it in a safe place.
Sign up for direct deposit - With direct deposit, you will know that your paycheck will be in your bank account even if you cannot, for whatever reason, physically get to your bank. This will help you in the event of illness or natural disaster that may have your local bank temporarily closed.
Sign up for online bill paying - You can pay bills even if you aren't at home via the Internet. You don't have to use the service, but it may come in handy at a time when you least expect it.
Save some emergency cash - Financial experts recommend that you save at least three months' worth of financial expenses. That's difficult, but every little bit can help. Try to cut back on a few unnecessary items, such as that tall latte you buy every day. It adds up, and you never know when you may need to access that emergency cash.
Set up a home equity line of credit - Unlike a home equity loan, which provides you with a lump sum of cash right away, a home equity line of credit provides you with cash that you can use a little at a time, and only when you need it. If you don't actually take any money out, you don't have monthly payments. But if an emergency strikes, you'll have cash available. This can be particularly helpful if you find yourself out of work for a short period of time. Your bank won't lend you money when you are out of work, so plan ahead of time and the money will be ready when you are.
A little bit of planning can go a long way when a financial emergency strikes. If you plan for it now, you will have fewer worries later.
Here are a few things that will help you be prepared for the unexpected:
Get an ATM/Debit card - You may not regularly use cash or have a need for a debit card, but there are some circumstances where it may be necessary. People from New Orleans who were temporarily displaced by Hurricane Katrina would have benefited from having access to cash even while away from home. If you don't use one regularly, get one anyway and keep it in a safe place.
Sign up for direct deposit - With direct deposit, you will know that your paycheck will be in your bank account even if you cannot, for whatever reason, physically get to your bank. This will help you in the event of illness or natural disaster that may have your local bank temporarily closed.
Sign up for online bill paying - You can pay bills even if you aren't at home via the Internet. You don't have to use the service, but it may come in handy at a time when you least expect it.
Save some emergency cash - Financial experts recommend that you save at least three months' worth of financial expenses. That's difficult, but every little bit can help. Try to cut back on a few unnecessary items, such as that tall latte you buy every day. It adds up, and you never know when you may need to access that emergency cash.
Set up a home equity line of credit - Unlike a home equity loan, which provides you with a lump sum of cash right away, a home equity line of credit provides you with cash that you can use a little at a time, and only when you need it. If you don't actually take any money out, you don't have monthly payments. But if an emergency strikes, you'll have cash available. This can be particularly helpful if you find yourself out of work for a short period of time. Your bank won't lend you money when you are out of work, so plan ahead of time and the money will be ready when you are.
A little bit of planning can go a long way when a financial emergency strikes. If you plan for it now, you will have fewer worries later.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Why Gas Prices Go Up and Down
There are five primary factors that effect the price you pay for gas at the pump. Prices generally increase when the world crude oil market lowers their inventories. Also, when demand exceeds refinery capacity gas prices increase.
The first factor that makes up the price of gas at your local station is crude oil suppliers. This makes up about 59% of the price you pay for gas and it is determined by the world's oil-exporting countries, particularly OPEC, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. The amount of crude oil that these countries produce determines the price per barrel of oil.
The next factor that effects gas prices is the cost of refining the crude oil. This makes up about 10% of the total price of gas.
The third factor is the cost of transporting the crude oil to a refinery, then the refined gas to a distribution point and finally to your local gas station. If you are buying a brand name of gasoline, the cost that company spends in
marketing the or brand will also be added to the price you pay to buy from that brand. This makes up around 11% of the total price.
The forth factor accounts for about 20% of the total cost of gas, and it includes federal and local taxes. State, local and city taxes vary, accounting for some of the fluctuation you may see in gas prices in different geographical areas.
The fifth factor is the markup at your local gas station. Obviously your local gas station is in business to make money and has employees to pay. So you know that they must make money on every gallon of gas they sell. You may be surprised however to learn that the amount is generally not more than 10 cent and may be as low as a penny per gallon! Some states do have laws governing station markup and require a minimum percentage markup to protect small stations from being put out of business by larger companies
who may want to undercut them.
The first factor that makes up the price of gas at your local station is crude oil suppliers. This makes up about 59% of the price you pay for gas and it is determined by the world's oil-exporting countries, particularly OPEC, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. The amount of crude oil that these countries produce determines the price per barrel of oil.
The next factor that effects gas prices is the cost of refining the crude oil. This makes up about 10% of the total price of gas.
The third factor is the cost of transporting the crude oil to a refinery, then the refined gas to a distribution point and finally to your local gas station. If you are buying a brand name of gasoline, the cost that company spends in
marketing the or brand will also be added to the price you pay to buy from that brand. This makes up around 11% of the total price.
The forth factor accounts for about 20% of the total cost of gas, and it includes federal and local taxes. State, local and city taxes vary, accounting for some of the fluctuation you may see in gas prices in different geographical areas.
The fifth factor is the markup at your local gas station. Obviously your local gas station is in business to make money and has employees to pay. So you know that they must make money on every gallon of gas they sell. You may be surprised however to learn that the amount is generally not more than 10 cent and may be as low as a penny per gallon! Some states do have laws governing station markup and require a minimum percentage markup to protect small stations from being put out of business by larger companies
who may want to undercut them.
Utilizing Your Financial Safety Net
A good place to put funds for infrequent payments or for possible emergencies is in a money market account where interest rates are most often higher than savings accounts and are more accessible. With a little self-discipline, you can give yourself some efficient financial security by enabling your money to work for you in several ways.
Where do you keep your money that you set aside for annual or semi-annual payments or for emergencies where you need extra cash quickly? You don’t want to draw funds from any of your savings or investment accounts – there may be a penalty for early withdrawal or it might be financially disadvantageous at that time.
Most people just keep what they have in their checking accounts where it earns nothing or next to nothing. Some don’t keep funds for emergencies and just hope for the best or depend on luck.
“Luck always seems to be against the man who depends on it.”
-Unknown
Here’s another question. Do you set anything aside in case you need to pay the deductible on an insurance claim?
A good place to put funds for infrequent payments or for possible emergencies is in a money market account where interest rates are most often higher than savings accounts and are more accessible. Some banks offer even higher rates on Internet money market accounts. You really need to check your bank’s rates on various types of accounts to see which would be best. It’s good to compare banks. There can be a big difference. Money market accounts require a higher balance, but the amount you will need to keep in it will more than meet that.
The good thing about money market accounts is that even though there is a limited number of checks you can write on it in a given time period, it is usually more than enough for most people.
When you plan your budget, you will need to make payments to this account until the balance is sufficient to cover your home and auto annual or bi-annual payments and cover all your deductibles for your home, auto, medical and dental policies. Once this account is fully funded, the interest earned will be able to reduce your monthly budget payments that go to replace that which was used for insurance payments or for emergencies.
With this account in place, you will be able to take the highest deductible allowed thereby reducing your monthly insurance payment. If you pay your auto insurance quarterly or twice a year, you now will be able to make an annual payment, saving on the service charges.
Money market accounts may not earn the kind of return as a mutual fund or other types of investments but it is definitely better than most savings and checking account interest rates. Money market accounts have the advantage of easy access for your infrequent financial needs.
With a little self-discipline, you can give yourself some efficient financial security by enabling your money to work for you in several ways.
Where do you keep your money that you set aside for annual or semi-annual payments or for emergencies where you need extra cash quickly? You don’t want to draw funds from any of your savings or investment accounts – there may be a penalty for early withdrawal or it might be financially disadvantageous at that time.
Most people just keep what they have in their checking accounts where it earns nothing or next to nothing. Some don’t keep funds for emergencies and just hope for the best or depend on luck.
“Luck always seems to be against the man who depends on it.”
-Unknown
Here’s another question. Do you set anything aside in case you need to pay the deductible on an insurance claim?
A good place to put funds for infrequent payments or for possible emergencies is in a money market account where interest rates are most often higher than savings accounts and are more accessible. Some banks offer even higher rates on Internet money market accounts. You really need to check your bank’s rates on various types of accounts to see which would be best. It’s good to compare banks. There can be a big difference. Money market accounts require a higher balance, but the amount you will need to keep in it will more than meet that.
The good thing about money market accounts is that even though there is a limited number of checks you can write on it in a given time period, it is usually more than enough for most people.
When you plan your budget, you will need to make payments to this account until the balance is sufficient to cover your home and auto annual or bi-annual payments and cover all your deductibles for your home, auto, medical and dental policies. Once this account is fully funded, the interest earned will be able to reduce your monthly budget payments that go to replace that which was used for insurance payments or for emergencies.
With this account in place, you will be able to take the highest deductible allowed thereby reducing your monthly insurance payment. If you pay your auto insurance quarterly or twice a year, you now will be able to make an annual payment, saving on the service charges.
Money market accounts may not earn the kind of return as a mutual fund or other types of investments but it is definitely better than most savings and checking account interest rates. Money market accounts have the advantage of easy access for your infrequent financial needs.
With a little self-discipline, you can give yourself some efficient financial security by enabling your money to work for you in several ways.
Tips for Future Financial Planning Portfolio for Retirement Employee
After Retirement Employee will require to plan about future life. Different Financial Planning in which some planning options described same as Mutual Funds, Fixed Income, PPF and other Life Insurance.
Have you ever thought that how you should do future planning for your children? We are now discussing related to the opportunity that you should deploy your future planning. Opportunity means life insurance, mutual funds, equities and fixed deposit should all features are Financial Planning options for your children. And also you make plan for your retirement and other objectives, like as buying property, investment in various industries area and so on.
Mutual Fund:
Nowadays; mutual Fund is the most popular option. Mutual fund is the best option to make money from difference financial services. Investors can invest money in the different segments like gold, equities, debt and also property and various mutual fund schemes. Important thing is that investing and managing your money is need expertise skill. For example: The Fund Manager: Investors can get bunch of benefits by using experience of fund manager by paying a little fee at one time or annually.
Fixed Income:
Fixed income or Fixed Deposit, name itself suggests that fixed income, Get secure return on the maturity of the deposit. Positive point of Fixed Deposit is that investor will get fixed income at the time of maturity. This option is also very popular in different financial services. Fixed income has the capacity to convey a degree of constancy to the Objectives.
PPF:
Usually, Fixed Deposit by Banks has been well-known investment avenues in this part. Same, small investment schemes like PPF (Public Provident Fund) can also aspect in the group.
Life insurance is the one of the basic saving system of this type of portfolio. It is the essential requirement of Every Human being.
After retirement there are the most thing activities Financial Planning will acquire. If you don’t know where the money is coming from once you have established working, you won’t have a very pleasurable life.
Retirement from the any services which is makes considerable changes in employee’s life style. Different Occupations have different retirement ages. There are many reasons behind the employee’s leaving the jobs.
There are many person get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of their daily lives that they don’t even consider having a retirement plan until it is too late. This is the main reason to lack of financial planning behind it.
Employees must need to start planning for this important thing. Now in these days, there are many finance company interested to help to employee for their retirement plan through different choices. And also they give much opportunity by conducting seminar for more information on this area. Because of financial companies have made research on the same and make database by gathering sophisticated data. These all companies have a lot of idea behind employees retirement planning.
And finally, we hope these article will give you more finance technique, more investment criteria and tips for financial planning. We hope your future after retirement is bright and your remaining golden year pass with enjoy.
Have you ever thought that how you should do future planning for your children? We are now discussing related to the opportunity that you should deploy your future planning. Opportunity means life insurance, mutual funds, equities and fixed deposit should all features are Financial Planning options for your children. And also you make plan for your retirement and other objectives, like as buying property, investment in various industries area and so on.
Mutual Fund:
Nowadays; mutual Fund is the most popular option. Mutual fund is the best option to make money from difference financial services. Investors can invest money in the different segments like gold, equities, debt and also property and various mutual fund schemes. Important thing is that investing and managing your money is need expertise skill. For example: The Fund Manager: Investors can get bunch of benefits by using experience of fund manager by paying a little fee at one time or annually.
Fixed Income:
Fixed income or Fixed Deposit, name itself suggests that fixed income, Get secure return on the maturity of the deposit. Positive point of Fixed Deposit is that investor will get fixed income at the time of maturity. This option is also very popular in different financial services. Fixed income has the capacity to convey a degree of constancy to the Objectives.
PPF:
Usually, Fixed Deposit by Banks has been well-known investment avenues in this part. Same, small investment schemes like PPF (Public Provident Fund) can also aspect in the group.
Life insurance is the one of the basic saving system of this type of portfolio. It is the essential requirement of Every Human being.
After retirement there are the most thing activities Financial Planning will acquire. If you don’t know where the money is coming from once you have established working, you won’t have a very pleasurable life.
Retirement from the any services which is makes considerable changes in employee’s life style. Different Occupations have different retirement ages. There are many reasons behind the employee’s leaving the jobs.
There are many person get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of their daily lives that they don’t even consider having a retirement plan until it is too late. This is the main reason to lack of financial planning behind it.
Employees must need to start planning for this important thing. Now in these days, there are many finance company interested to help to employee for their retirement plan through different choices. And also they give much opportunity by conducting seminar for more information on this area. Because of financial companies have made research on the same and make database by gathering sophisticated data. These all companies have a lot of idea behind employees retirement planning.
And finally, we hope these article will give you more finance technique, more investment criteria and tips for financial planning. We hope your future after retirement is bright and your remaining golden year pass with enjoy.
Spreading Your Investment And Savings Risks
The world stock markets are going through quite a turbulent period at present and on average around ten percent has been wiped off some of the leading markets over the last month. In this article I write about how on a personal note I try to save in a series of different financial products which helps me to spread the risk, including when we have these stock market falls.
I started saving money on a regular basis about five years ago. At this stage the stock market in the UK had just had some dramatic falls after the terrorist attacks in New York. I wanted to build up a kind of rainy day fund and decided to invest monthly premiums into a unit trust. I started saving ฃ50 a month and over time I increased this figure.
I have to say that I have been very lucky as my investment has done very well, I have even over the last couple of years cashed in some of the units to pay for our family holidays. At the start of this year the stock market in the UK was showing its highest levels in five and a half years.
In the five years that I have been investing, I have bought and now own a large number of units in this unit trust fund. What it now means however, is that if the stock markets have a period just like the one it has had, it costs me financially on paper quite a lot of money.
I now believe that my exposure to the stock markets is high enough and have decided that I will leave the units that I have invested in the fund as they are, but that I will not be adding to them. Instead I am going to put my regular savings into one of the high interest regular savings online bank accounts. This of course is a way of spreading the risk.
I have no idea which way the world stock markets are going to go over the next few months. Many people are saying that the United States interest rates may rise and that this could have a damaging affect on world markets. There could well be another major terrorist attack which could of course result in dramatic stock market falls.
I am hoping that the stock markets will continue to rise in the same way that they have over the last five years and that the falls over the last few weeks are just a blip. I just think that I have enough money invested and would like to start building some form of other savings in a safer type of environment.
I started saving money on a regular basis about five years ago. At this stage the stock market in the UK had just had some dramatic falls after the terrorist attacks in New York. I wanted to build up a kind of rainy day fund and decided to invest monthly premiums into a unit trust. I started saving ฃ50 a month and over time I increased this figure.
I have to say that I have been very lucky as my investment has done very well, I have even over the last couple of years cashed in some of the units to pay for our family holidays. At the start of this year the stock market in the UK was showing its highest levels in five and a half years.
In the five years that I have been investing, I have bought and now own a large number of units in this unit trust fund. What it now means however, is that if the stock markets have a period just like the one it has had, it costs me financially on paper quite a lot of money.
I now believe that my exposure to the stock markets is high enough and have decided that I will leave the units that I have invested in the fund as they are, but that I will not be adding to them. Instead I am going to put my regular savings into one of the high interest regular savings online bank accounts. This of course is a way of spreading the risk.
I have no idea which way the world stock markets are going to go over the next few months. Many people are saying that the United States interest rates may rise and that this could have a damaging affect on world markets. There could well be another major terrorist attack which could of course result in dramatic stock market falls.
I am hoping that the stock markets will continue to rise in the same way that they have over the last five years and that the falls over the last few weeks are just a blip. I just think that I have enough money invested and would like to start building some form of other savings in a safer type of environment.
Reward Credit Cards - Finding the Best Available
Reward credit cards come in a variety of forms. Specifically how points toward rewards are earned and the types of rewards that can be earned with a reward credit card varies from card to card.
The rewards offered by reward credit cards are generally related to a special area. For example, some reward credit cards allow cardholders to earn points when making purchases at gas station, supermarkets, or drugstores. The rewards earned are often related to this in some way, such as the cardholder may receive gift certificates to the same types of stores. Similarly, the reward credit card may be related to airline travel. Every time the cardholder makes purchases with a specific airline, he or she earns airline miles or free travel. In addition, these airline reward credit cards also generally offer the cardholder free companion tickets.
When it comes to choosing the best reward credit cards, the consumer needs to assess his or her lifestyle and determine which rewards are most attractive - and most profitable - for his or her needs. A reward credit card that provides specialized rewards, such as gift certificates to a specific restaurant, may not be useful to a cardholder that does not have a need for that reward.
Reward credit cards can provide credit cardholders with fantastic rewards for their purchases. At the same time, the consumer needs to be sure he or she is not actually paying for the reward in the form of finance charges and annual fees. Many reward credit cards assess an annual fee. If this annual fee costs more than it would cost to simply purchase the reward, it is certainly not worth paying for.
The same holds true when looking at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR). A cardholder who pays the balance of his or her credit card in full each month need not worry about the APR. One that intends to carry a balance from billing cycle to billing cycle, however, must consider the amount of money that will be spent in the form of finance charges. Once again, if the finance charges will be too great, the rewards of the credit card are not really rewards - they are items the cardholder is paying for.
Several reward credit cards have expiration dates. For those cardholders that will not be able to collect enough reward points before they expire, these reward credit cards may not be the best option. Similarly, some reward credit cards have limitations to how many points can be acquired each year. Cardholders need to consider these limitations in order to ensure they are receiving the greatest amount of rewards possible. If a cardholder spends $15,000 per year on a credit card, but a rewards credit card only rewards up to the first $10,000, that is $5,000 that is going unrewarded. The answer may be to select a different reward credit card, or to simply stop spending on this particular credit card once the limit has been reached. After all, every dollar spent on a credit card deserves to be rewarded.
A good place for consumers to look for the best reward credit cards is at the businesses they frequent. For example, a consumer that routinely purchases gas from a specific type of gas station should enquire with that business to learn if it has a rewards credit card. The same is true for a consumer that frequents certain restaurants, stores, and airlines. It is becoming increasingly commonplace for businesses to pair up with major credit cards to offer special reward cards.
The rewards offered by reward credit cards are generally related to a special area. For example, some reward credit cards allow cardholders to earn points when making purchases at gas station, supermarkets, or drugstores. The rewards earned are often related to this in some way, such as the cardholder may receive gift certificates to the same types of stores. Similarly, the reward credit card may be related to airline travel. Every time the cardholder makes purchases with a specific airline, he or she earns airline miles or free travel. In addition, these airline reward credit cards also generally offer the cardholder free companion tickets.
When it comes to choosing the best reward credit cards, the consumer needs to assess his or her lifestyle and determine which rewards are most attractive - and most profitable - for his or her needs. A reward credit card that provides specialized rewards, such as gift certificates to a specific restaurant, may not be useful to a cardholder that does not have a need for that reward.
Reward credit cards can provide credit cardholders with fantastic rewards for their purchases. At the same time, the consumer needs to be sure he or she is not actually paying for the reward in the form of finance charges and annual fees. Many reward credit cards assess an annual fee. If this annual fee costs more than it would cost to simply purchase the reward, it is certainly not worth paying for.
The same holds true when looking at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR). A cardholder who pays the balance of his or her credit card in full each month need not worry about the APR. One that intends to carry a balance from billing cycle to billing cycle, however, must consider the amount of money that will be spent in the form of finance charges. Once again, if the finance charges will be too great, the rewards of the credit card are not really rewards - they are items the cardholder is paying for.
Several reward credit cards have expiration dates. For those cardholders that will not be able to collect enough reward points before they expire, these reward credit cards may not be the best option. Similarly, some reward credit cards have limitations to how many points can be acquired each year. Cardholders need to consider these limitations in order to ensure they are receiving the greatest amount of rewards possible. If a cardholder spends $15,000 per year on a credit card, but a rewards credit card only rewards up to the first $10,000, that is $5,000 that is going unrewarded. The answer may be to select a different reward credit card, or to simply stop spending on this particular credit card once the limit has been reached. After all, every dollar spent on a credit card deserves to be rewarded.
A good place for consumers to look for the best reward credit cards is at the businesses they frequent. For example, a consumer that routinely purchases gas from a specific type of gas station should enquire with that business to learn if it has a rewards credit card. The same is true for a consumer that frequents certain restaurants, stores, and airlines. It is becoming increasingly commonplace for businesses to pair up with major credit cards to offer special reward cards.
Point and Click to Your Financial Plan
You've organized the contents of that bulging shoebox and tracked down the stray receipts lurking in jacket pockets. Now you're ready to point and click your way to what you hope will be a generous tax refund.
But while your records are still organized and your computer's still on, why not look beyond that refund to your financial future?
Using do-it-yourself online financial tools, planning ahead is easier and more convenient than you may think.
"The purpose of creating a financial plan is to define what you hope to achieve in terms of financial success," says Peter J. Rossi, director of financial planning for NetBank. "If you take the time to write down what you want to achieve, you're much more likely to achieve it."
For NetBank customers, it's as easy as clicking on your mouse.
The bank's online interactive planning tools include an Express Planner that provides an overview of the customer's current finances; plans for specific goals, like retirement, education and insurance; and a Comprehensive Planner that integrates all the others for setting multiple goals.
In addition, the bank offers access to brokerage services and other investment and insurance products.
Dedicated financial advisers are available to help analyze the plan, answer any questions and help put the plan into action.
Financial planning isn't just for people with excess wealth. Financial planners recommend that everyone have a plan in place for their financial future.
The experts at NetBank recommend taking control of spending by tracking expenses over two to three months. After you get a clear idea of your expenses, develop a plan to spend less and save more.
For instance, you could consolidate your high-interest debt by refinancing your home or getting a home equity credit line.
They also suggest reviewing the asset allocation in your investment portfolio to confirm that it's in alignment with your goals. And make sure your insurance coverage is enough for your financial position.
With an online plan, you can complete it on your own time and update it as often as you like.
But while your records are still organized and your computer's still on, why not look beyond that refund to your financial future?
Using do-it-yourself online financial tools, planning ahead is easier and more convenient than you may think.
"The purpose of creating a financial plan is to define what you hope to achieve in terms of financial success," says Peter J. Rossi, director of financial planning for NetBank. "If you take the time to write down what you want to achieve, you're much more likely to achieve it."
For NetBank customers, it's as easy as clicking on your mouse.
The bank's online interactive planning tools include an Express Planner that provides an overview of the customer's current finances; plans for specific goals, like retirement, education and insurance; and a Comprehensive Planner that integrates all the others for setting multiple goals.
In addition, the bank offers access to brokerage services and other investment and insurance products.
Dedicated financial advisers are available to help analyze the plan, answer any questions and help put the plan into action.
Financial planning isn't just for people with excess wealth. Financial planners recommend that everyone have a plan in place for their financial future.
The experts at NetBank recommend taking control of spending by tracking expenses over two to three months. After you get a clear idea of your expenses, develop a plan to spend less and save more.
For instance, you could consolidate your high-interest debt by refinancing your home or getting a home equity credit line.
They also suggest reviewing the asset allocation in your investment portfolio to confirm that it's in alignment with your goals. And make sure your insurance coverage is enough for your financial position.
With an online plan, you can complete it on your own time and update it as often as you like.
Money is About Life: Life is About Mastering Money
The way we live our lives and the daily decisions we make, are all decisions about money. Yet, few of us actually take the time to think and plan for what is important to us.
Too often we get caught up in our lives to worry about finances. The problem is that finances are in many cases why our lives are so hectic. This phenomenon is all too common. I say "we" because I face the very same difficulties - even though I am a financial advisor.
I like most people would like to live a life where someone else did the things around the house and at the office that I don't want to do, I would like to be able to spend time at an emotionally meaningful and challenging profession, I would like to spend time with my wife and kids, and I would like some down time to do whatever I opt to do.
Given these financial goals I often wonder what I (and my clients) are doing to work towards those goals. I (and most of my clients) spend a lot of time around the house and office doing things I (we) don't want to do. I find excuses for not hiring someone to do those things.
Instead of focusing my energies at work on things that are emotionally meaningful (such as stewarding money towards charitable causes) and challenging (such as structuring complex partnership agreements), I tend to spend my days pushing paperwork and setting up accounts. Yet, I have spent very little time thinking about how to remedy this situation. When I start thinking about these issues, I often make excuses (such as "if I want it done right, I have to do it myself").
I spend a lot of hours in the office and even when I am at home I end up doing tasks that are away from my wife and children (such as mowing the lawn or repairing a leaky faucet). I could easily hire this type of work out, but somehow I always end up just doing it myself.
I have a lot of interests, such as coaching my son's soccer team, reading classic literature (especially 18th century thrillers), and restoring old run down Volvos. Other than the coaching, I never seem to find time to do these things that I enjoy.
At this point you might be thinking, "so what does that have to do with finances?" The answer is that it has everything to do with finances. Each decision is predicated on either earning more money or spending less money. That is the rub. The dirty secret that is all too taboo in our society. Money, if used properly, can in fact make your life better.
In all of the financial advice I give my clients, one message remains the same: your money is your happiness. Secure your money and you will secure your life. Of course this advice means different things to different people. The "do-it-yourselfer" may read this to mean that they should be frugal and save every penny, to have a brighter tomorrow. The "fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants" kind of person might read it to mean that they should spend everything to have a brighter today.
Luckily they are both right. Each individual can and should examine what is important to them. They should set out (I mean by actually writing it down) a plan in light of what is important to them. They should take steps over time to fully implement that plan and they should review the plan periodically to ensure that they are still pursuing goals that are important to them. This is what I teach clients and this is what I try to implement in my own life.
I spend more time at home with my family and I hire rather than do some things myself. In short I force myself to do what is not what I would normally do. After exploring my (and my wife's) goals, that was what was important to us. Having made a lot of progress towards these goals, I can tell you that my life is a thousand times better today than when I started. I fully expect it to be a thousand times greater in the future.
This is what true financial planning is all about. If you have not explored your goals, I urge you to do so now. If you haven't met with a financial professional to discuss your goals, I urge you to do so today. Once you start making progress towards your goals, you will wonder why you didn't do so sooner.
Too often we get caught up in our lives to worry about finances. The problem is that finances are in many cases why our lives are so hectic. This phenomenon is all too common. I say "we" because I face the very same difficulties - even though I am a financial advisor.
I like most people would like to live a life where someone else did the things around the house and at the office that I don't want to do, I would like to be able to spend time at an emotionally meaningful and challenging profession, I would like to spend time with my wife and kids, and I would like some down time to do whatever I opt to do.
Given these financial goals I often wonder what I (and my clients) are doing to work towards those goals. I (and most of my clients) spend a lot of time around the house and office doing things I (we) don't want to do. I find excuses for not hiring someone to do those things.
Instead of focusing my energies at work on things that are emotionally meaningful (such as stewarding money towards charitable causes) and challenging (such as structuring complex partnership agreements), I tend to spend my days pushing paperwork and setting up accounts. Yet, I have spent very little time thinking about how to remedy this situation. When I start thinking about these issues, I often make excuses (such as "if I want it done right, I have to do it myself").
I spend a lot of hours in the office and even when I am at home I end up doing tasks that are away from my wife and children (such as mowing the lawn or repairing a leaky faucet). I could easily hire this type of work out, but somehow I always end up just doing it myself.
I have a lot of interests, such as coaching my son's soccer team, reading classic literature (especially 18th century thrillers), and restoring old run down Volvos. Other than the coaching, I never seem to find time to do these things that I enjoy.
At this point you might be thinking, "so what does that have to do with finances?" The answer is that it has everything to do with finances. Each decision is predicated on either earning more money or spending less money. That is the rub. The dirty secret that is all too taboo in our society. Money, if used properly, can in fact make your life better.
In all of the financial advice I give my clients, one message remains the same: your money is your happiness. Secure your money and you will secure your life. Of course this advice means different things to different people. The "do-it-yourselfer" may read this to mean that they should be frugal and save every penny, to have a brighter tomorrow. The "fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants" kind of person might read it to mean that they should spend everything to have a brighter today.
Luckily they are both right. Each individual can and should examine what is important to them. They should set out (I mean by actually writing it down) a plan in light of what is important to them. They should take steps over time to fully implement that plan and they should review the plan periodically to ensure that they are still pursuing goals that are important to them. This is what I teach clients and this is what I try to implement in my own life.
I spend more time at home with my family and I hire rather than do some things myself. In short I force myself to do what is not what I would normally do. After exploring my (and my wife's) goals, that was what was important to us. Having made a lot of progress towards these goals, I can tell you that my life is a thousand times better today than when I started. I fully expect it to be a thousand times greater in the future.
This is what true financial planning is all about. If you have not explored your goals, I urge you to do so now. If you haven't met with a financial professional to discuss your goals, I urge you to do so today. Once you start making progress towards your goals, you will wonder why you didn't do so sooner.
Instant Payday Loans: Fast Cash to Tide Over Pay Day
Instant payday loans are short-term money provisions. These money provisions provide instant cash direct into your account in less than 24 hours. You can apply for such loans online and offline, though online applying is preferred these days.
The problem is that you borrow money for a reason – the reason to tide over to payday, to fund a holiday, some home improvement etc. the focus on what the way we want to get the fast cash. For Instant Payday Loans has given a good answer to the spending question and suggested to spend now and repay the amount tomorrow. Altogether, it has become an ethos of the day.
Here is certain eligibility criteria that you need to fulfill in order to qualify for these payday loans. For example, it is must for you to be at least 18 years of age and to be permanent citizen of the UK. Besides that, the most important factor is that, you must have a stable employment and an active checking account. Your present job should be at least three months old. As older your job, the more your chances of securing instant approval gets brighter. A checking account is a bank account, in which your monthly salary is credited every month on the payday.
Before you hit the shops you should start with a planning of your expenses. You know that borrowing will almost always cost you money. Is saving is a possibility instead? You should think also about what you would do if interest rates rise again. Most people will look no further than their own bank or building society, but a variety of providers now offers instant payday loans. It is certainly pays to shop around. Do not assume that your bank will offer you the best deal. Go to a name that you can trust and steer clear of dubious-looking adverting sections.
Using Internet, many lenders have gone online to provide payday loans. Gone are the days when you had to submit supporting documents to apply for a cash loan. All you need to do now is simply login to a lender’s website, complete online application form, and wait for them to do verification. The whole process can take as quick as one hour or so. And a little later, you will get the money deposited directly into your bank account.
The problem is that you borrow money for a reason – the reason to tide over to payday, to fund a holiday, some home improvement etc. the focus on what the way we want to get the fast cash. For Instant Payday Loans has given a good answer to the spending question and suggested to spend now and repay the amount tomorrow. Altogether, it has become an ethos of the day.
Here is certain eligibility criteria that you need to fulfill in order to qualify for these payday loans. For example, it is must for you to be at least 18 years of age and to be permanent citizen of the UK. Besides that, the most important factor is that, you must have a stable employment and an active checking account. Your present job should be at least three months old. As older your job, the more your chances of securing instant approval gets brighter. A checking account is a bank account, in which your monthly salary is credited every month on the payday.
Before you hit the shops you should start with a planning of your expenses. You know that borrowing will almost always cost you money. Is saving is a possibility instead? You should think also about what you would do if interest rates rise again. Most people will look no further than their own bank or building society, but a variety of providers now offers instant payday loans. It is certainly pays to shop around. Do not assume that your bank will offer you the best deal. Go to a name that you can trust and steer clear of dubious-looking adverting sections.
Using Internet, many lenders have gone online to provide payday loans. Gone are the days when you had to submit supporting documents to apply for a cash loan. All you need to do now is simply login to a lender’s website, complete online application form, and wait for them to do verification. The whole process can take as quick as one hour or so. And a little later, you will get the money deposited directly into your bank account.
How to transfer a retirement account
As you probably know, an individual retirement account requires that you decide where your money is going to be invested in order to work with the retirement account.
Make sure you know where you intend on moving your money in advance!
As you probably know, an individual retirement account requires that you decide where your money is going to be invested in order to work with the retirement account. Essentially this is called a "custodian" for your investments. You should generally chose a safe custodian - some of the most common ones are mutual funds, savings accounts, and bonds. While you should definitely be careful as to which custodian you choose for your retirement account, don't worry! You are not stuck with the same investment until you retire.
However, unlike a normal investment, you should keep in mind that you are only allowed to transfer or "roll over" your retirement account once a year. Also, there are some very specific rules that you need to follow. It is generally a good idea to find out how to transfer a retirement account before you even begin to invest in one. That way if you ever need to do a roll over in the future, you'll be ready.
First of all, you should probably have a good idea of where you want to invest the money before you start the rollover process. The reason for this is that after you take the money out of your original IRA custodian, you'll only have 60 days to put it into the new custodian fund. If you take too long, then you will be subject to a large penalty tax - and penalties are definitely not worth the few extra days that you take!
Something to keep in mind is that if you do a roll over, you will need to report that at the end of the year. Just like anything else that is involved with your finances, you should make sure that you keep track of which custodians go with your individual retirement accounts and how much money is in each account.
If you are going to do a smaller transfer from one existing IRA to another, then it is possible that you won't even have to report your transfer. These transfers are also tax-free. This is a good idea if you do not want to change all of your money from one custodian to another, but you think that it would be a good idea to change how much money you have in each IRA.
Make sure you know where you intend on moving your money in advance!
As you probably know, an individual retirement account requires that you decide where your money is going to be invested in order to work with the retirement account. Essentially this is called a "custodian" for your investments. You should generally chose a safe custodian - some of the most common ones are mutual funds, savings accounts, and bonds. While you should definitely be careful as to which custodian you choose for your retirement account, don't worry! You are not stuck with the same investment until you retire.
However, unlike a normal investment, you should keep in mind that you are only allowed to transfer or "roll over" your retirement account once a year. Also, there are some very specific rules that you need to follow. It is generally a good idea to find out how to transfer a retirement account before you even begin to invest in one. That way if you ever need to do a roll over in the future, you'll be ready.
First of all, you should probably have a good idea of where you want to invest the money before you start the rollover process. The reason for this is that after you take the money out of your original IRA custodian, you'll only have 60 days to put it into the new custodian fund. If you take too long, then you will be subject to a large penalty tax - and penalties are definitely not worth the few extra days that you take!
Something to keep in mind is that if you do a roll over, you will need to report that at the end of the year. Just like anything else that is involved with your finances, you should make sure that you keep track of which custodians go with your individual retirement accounts and how much money is in each account.
If you are going to do a smaller transfer from one existing IRA to another, then it is possible that you won't even have to report your transfer. These transfers are also tax-free. This is a good idea if you do not want to change all of your money from one custodian to another, but you think that it would be a good idea to change how much money you have in each IRA.
Here’s a secret: expenses can mean more income!
Find me a person who doesn’t want to make more money. It’s nearly impossible to find! Everyone wants to make money and there’s nothing wrong with that because money makes the world go ‘round! But many people don’t know that you can actually make money with a loan! Did you know that? It’s true! One way that you can get more money is with a secured loan.
Wait a minute, you’re saying. How can a loan give me more money? Doesn’t a loan, by its very nature, reduce the amount of money I have?
It’s true that it may seem like that, but a secured loan is an ideal way to make money. Here’s how:
A secured loan is a loan that provides some kind of asset as a guarantee to a lending agency. So when you apply for a loan, you also suggest that if you cannot pay, you have some kind of asset that will cover the default amount. For some people, it’s their car. For others, it may be their jewelry or some stock certificates.
Whatever it is, lending institutes like secured loans because it reduces the risk they have when lending money. Unsecured loans are high risk endeavours for them because if someone defaults on the loan, there is little they can do to get their money back. On the other hand, secured loans have some kind of guarantee which makes them a risk-free investment for the lending agency. And because there is little risk to them, they are willing to pass some of that savings on to you in the form of reduced interest rates and longer repayment terms.
So here’s how you can make money from it. First, collect all of your credit card bills together. Add up how much you own. Many people owe in the thousands and are shocked to discover that the interest rate is abysmally high. Second, find an asset that you can use to get a secured loan. Third, shop around and find a loan provider.
Collect those debts together and consolidate them under one secured loan. That way, you’ll reduce the amount of interest you pay on each debt because secured loans have lower interest rates than credit cards. And, you’ll stretch out your repayment period beyond the short term that credit cards give you. And, even better, you’ll have a fixed amount of money you know you have to pay each month, rather than get surprised every few days with another bill from a credit card company.
Since people often pay half as much above the purchase price in interest on credit cards, you’ll make money you would have spent by consolidating your loan into a UK secured credit card consolidation loan.
Wait a minute, you’re saying. How can a loan give me more money? Doesn’t a loan, by its very nature, reduce the amount of money I have?
It’s true that it may seem like that, but a secured loan is an ideal way to make money. Here’s how:
A secured loan is a loan that provides some kind of asset as a guarantee to a lending agency. So when you apply for a loan, you also suggest that if you cannot pay, you have some kind of asset that will cover the default amount. For some people, it’s their car. For others, it may be their jewelry or some stock certificates.
Whatever it is, lending institutes like secured loans because it reduces the risk they have when lending money. Unsecured loans are high risk endeavours for them because if someone defaults on the loan, there is little they can do to get their money back. On the other hand, secured loans have some kind of guarantee which makes them a risk-free investment for the lending agency. And because there is little risk to them, they are willing to pass some of that savings on to you in the form of reduced interest rates and longer repayment terms.
So here’s how you can make money from it. First, collect all of your credit card bills together. Add up how much you own. Many people owe in the thousands and are shocked to discover that the interest rate is abysmally high. Second, find an asset that you can use to get a secured loan. Third, shop around and find a loan provider.
Collect those debts together and consolidate them under one secured loan. That way, you’ll reduce the amount of interest you pay on each debt because secured loans have lower interest rates than credit cards. And, you’ll stretch out your repayment period beyond the short term that credit cards give you. And, even better, you’ll have a fixed amount of money you know you have to pay each month, rather than get surprised every few days with another bill from a credit card company.
Since people often pay half as much above the purchase price in interest on credit cards, you’ll make money you would have spent by consolidating your loan into a UK secured credit card consolidation loan.
Five Steps to a Comfy Retirement
Building a comfortable retirement nest egg is easier than you think. Here are five steps to help you build a comfortable retirement.
You’ve probably heard about the Nebraska meatpackers who won the largest lottery jackpot in the United States last week. One winner replied “I’ve been retired for about four days now” when asked what he would do with his winnings. His response did not surprise me; I’m sure my reaction would be similar!
What does surprise me is that many Americans believe that they cannot retire comfortably unless they win the lottery. A survey by the Consumer Federation of America shows that 27% of Americans believe that their best chance to gain $500,000 in their lifetime is to win a sweepstakes or lottery.
Fortunately, building a comfortable retirement nest egg is easier than you think. Here are five steps to help you build a comfortable retirement:
1. Start early! If you started saving $100 a month beginning at age 18, you would have over $500,000 by age 65. The power of compounding is great, and the earlier you start saving, the greater the benefit.
2. Have a plan. The best way to ensure that you will have a comfortable retirement is to plan how much you will need to retire. You can’t reach your destination if you don’t know where you’re going.
3. Participate in company sponsored retirement plans. Many companies offer matching contributions to your 401K or other retirement plan contributions. This is free money – take it!
4. Invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds, that fits your goals and risk tolerance. Studies show that your investment return is determined primarily by the allocation of your assets, not the individual investment selections you make.
5. Keep your costs down. Invest in no-load, low cost mutual funds (or other investments). Lowering the expenses in your portfolio by just 1% can equate to 20% more money in your portfolio after 20 years.
Although winning a large lottery certainly can’t hurt, following the steps above should send you well on your way to a comfortable retirement.
You’ve probably heard about the Nebraska meatpackers who won the largest lottery jackpot in the United States last week. One winner replied “I’ve been retired for about four days now” when asked what he would do with his winnings. His response did not surprise me; I’m sure my reaction would be similar!
What does surprise me is that many Americans believe that they cannot retire comfortably unless they win the lottery. A survey by the Consumer Federation of America shows that 27% of Americans believe that their best chance to gain $500,000 in their lifetime is to win a sweepstakes or lottery.
Fortunately, building a comfortable retirement nest egg is easier than you think. Here are five steps to help you build a comfortable retirement:
1. Start early! If you started saving $100 a month beginning at age 18, you would have over $500,000 by age 65. The power of compounding is great, and the earlier you start saving, the greater the benefit.
2. Have a plan. The best way to ensure that you will have a comfortable retirement is to plan how much you will need to retire. You can’t reach your destination if you don’t know where you’re going.
3. Participate in company sponsored retirement plans. Many companies offer matching contributions to your 401K or other retirement plan contributions. This is free money – take it!
4. Invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds, that fits your goals and risk tolerance. Studies show that your investment return is determined primarily by the allocation of your assets, not the individual investment selections you make.
5. Keep your costs down. Invest in no-load, low cost mutual funds (or other investments). Lowering the expenses in your portfolio by just 1% can equate to 20% more money in your portfolio after 20 years.
Although winning a large lottery certainly can’t hurt, following the steps above should send you well on your way to a comfortable retirement.
Doorway to Quick Cash Immediate Approval Loans!
In case of an immediate approval loan, you do not provide any guarantee, so there is more risk for the lender and less for you.
Financial matters are crucial one and you need to be extra careful while opting for any kind of loan. One more thing, in financial matters you should remember that a stitch in time saves nine. Therefore, always consider whether you will receive instant cash to meet your needs from that particular loan or not. One such loan in financial crisis is immediate approval loans.
Have you missed few monthly payments on your home loan? Are you a discharged bankrupt? Do you have arrears to clear? You have probably convinced yourself that loan market has no options for you and the few options available are way beyond your reach.
In case of an immediate approval loan, you do not provide any guarantee, so there is more risk for the lender and less for you - but you still have some risk because you have to pay the loan back, and lenders can still take some action against you to recover their money. The amount of money you can borrow on them is usually limited by your ability to repay.
Prior to applying for a personal loan against next pay cheque, note that such a short duration of loan, prompts the lenders to charge exorbitant fees. These immediate personal loans therefore may even result in debts for the borrowers. So be careful in finding a suitable lender who has lower fee charged on instant personal loans.
The lenders do not insist any security for instant approval loans. So much time would have been otherwise spent on evaluation of the residential property is now saved. It facilitates for the instant approval of these loans. These loans are slightly expensive compared to other loans. As they are short term loans, lenders charge very high interest rate on these loans.
Lenders usually have no hesitation in approving the loan amount within a short span of applying for it, if the borrower enjoys a constant source of income to repay the loan amount. The loan approval process is very easy. Apart from the identification and employment status of the borrower, another factor that needs consideration is borrower's regular monthly income. If the monthly salary of the person is in accordance with the amount to be borrowed then it cuts down the risk of the lender. Lender therefore can quickly approve your Fast approval home financing loan plan. Find out from experts which loan serves you right, try now!
Financial matters are crucial one and you need to be extra careful while opting for any kind of loan. One more thing, in financial matters you should remember that a stitch in time saves nine. Therefore, always consider whether you will receive instant cash to meet your needs from that particular loan or not. One such loan in financial crisis is immediate approval loans.
Have you missed few monthly payments on your home loan? Are you a discharged bankrupt? Do you have arrears to clear? You have probably convinced yourself that loan market has no options for you and the few options available are way beyond your reach.
In case of an immediate approval loan, you do not provide any guarantee, so there is more risk for the lender and less for you - but you still have some risk because you have to pay the loan back, and lenders can still take some action against you to recover their money. The amount of money you can borrow on them is usually limited by your ability to repay.
Prior to applying for a personal loan against next pay cheque, note that such a short duration of loan, prompts the lenders to charge exorbitant fees. These immediate personal loans therefore may even result in debts for the borrowers. So be careful in finding a suitable lender who has lower fee charged on instant personal loans.
The lenders do not insist any security for instant approval loans. So much time would have been otherwise spent on evaluation of the residential property is now saved. It facilitates for the instant approval of these loans. These loans are slightly expensive compared to other loans. As they are short term loans, lenders charge very high interest rate on these loans.
Lenders usually have no hesitation in approving the loan amount within a short span of applying for it, if the borrower enjoys a constant source of income to repay the loan amount. The loan approval process is very easy. Apart from the identification and employment status of the borrower, another factor that needs consideration is borrower's regular monthly income. If the monthly salary of the person is in accordance with the amount to be borrowed then it cuts down the risk of the lender. Lender therefore can quickly approve your Fast approval home financing loan plan. Find out from experts which loan serves you right, try now!
Debt: Self-Help or a Credit Lawyer?
“Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen pounds nineteen shillings and sixpence, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds and sixpence, result misery”. Mr. Micawber's remarks on debt remain just as true today, perhaps more so with the explosion of credit cards, as they did when Dickens wrote them. We might, like Mr. Micawber, indulge in wishful thinking and try to convince ourselves that “something will turn up”.
In reality, though, we all know deep down that sooner or later debt problems have to be faced, the sooner the better. Nowadays we might not face debtors' prison for consumer debt, but we should not fool ourselves either into thinking that credit repair or filing for bankruptcy are easy options. Whichever you choose, self-help or credit lawyer, the road ahead will be a long one. It's well to face this fact at the outset.
Presenting the options for dealing with debt as a stark choice between self-help and legal relief is a bit misleading. In truth, whether you seek a lawyer or not, you still need to help yourself by acknowledging bad spending habits and poor budgeting management. You must bite the bullet, and the first very important step to take is to take responsibility for the situation you find yourself in. Second, if you want to avoid the courts, you'll need to set up a budget plan which, unlike lawyers' fees, will cost you very little. For a small fee you can enlist the services of nonprofit organisations which will be only too willing to give you assistance in drawing up a plan. You don't have to feel you're fighting a lone battle.
But perhaps you're a natural self-helper, and you want to get yourself out of your financial mess by using your skills to draw up a budget plan yourself. Software programs are now readily available which will enable you to begin budgeting your money with a view to repairing your credit. Being proactive is the best way to build solid foundations for fiscal fitness in the short and long-term: you are retaking control of your life. Remember: your flexible friend will only keep you fit to live beyond your means. If you want to keep fiscally fit, stick rigidly to living within your means and the strict discipline imposed by a budget plan.
Living within your means sounds very laudable, but real self-help should mean living below your means, well below. Why? Simply because you're looking to repair your credit as soon as possible, and you can achieve this by paying off as much as you possibly can on all your debts simultaneously. Paying off a small amount monthly to each company you owe money to is a good start, showing both commitment on your part and a safeguarding of your position to ensure you don't face court proceedings. Some debts, however, gain interest and you're therefore paying off less of the principal each month. Increase your monthly repayments and you put yourself in a good light with your creditors as well as working towards an earlier credit repair.
Living below your means: sounds a good idea but how is it done? Realistically, If there's no pain there's no gain. Changes in your lifestyle have to be made, some quite radical, particularly if your debts are substantial. Of course, you will have got rid of your credit cards and curtailed your spending habits, but you'll need to go much further if you're to count as a serious self-helper. Raising your income by taking on another job is one option. Selling your home and moving into rental property is another. These potentially are very stressful lifestyle changes, but the alternative of bankruptcy could hardly be described as stress-free.
You might feel, though, that filing for bankruptcy is the only way forward and that your debt situation is intractable. At this point hiring a credit lawyer might seem necessary to protect your interests, particularly if your debt is very large and your case complex. Before we look at the pros and cons of taking such action, it's worth pointing out that new laws have recently been introduced which make qualifying for bankruptcy anything but a foregone conclusion. On current trends, we're likely to reach the stage quite soon when it will become very difficult for anyone to file for bankruptcy.
This tightening of the bankruptcy laws in the US seems to contrast with the apparent liberalization of UK bankruptcy law. In the UK the period of a bankruptcy has shortened from three or two years to one year for 'honest', first-time bankrupts. For serial bankrupts, and others who have contributed to their plight through neglect or fraud, the period of bankruptcy has been lengthened to a minimum of five years. So, for first-time bankrupts, the aim is to encourage financial institutions to give first-timers a fresh start by easing credit restrictions post-bankruptcy. By contrast, serial bankrupts are made to face the seriousness of their delinquent actions.
But returning to the US, the question that tightening the rules on bankruptcy qualification throws up is, do you go for self-help or a credit lawyer? Opt for self-help and you could be doing yourself the best possible favor. If the law is going to make it increasingly difficult to file for bankruptcy then there seems no alternative but to implement a budget plan as outlined earlier. When the going gets tough, and tougher, the tough get going.
On the other hand, opt for a credit lawyer and you could benefit from an experienced attorney's expertise to secure your bankruptcy qualification. Credit lawyers would argue their experience and detailed knowledge of bankruptcy law could prove invaluable in matters like reaffirmation agreements where you'll be able to keep your residence or automobile by continuing to make payments on your home or car. This is possible because they are secured loans. The distinction between secured and unsecured loans, and its importance to the debtor, is well appreciated and used to best advantage by experienced bankruptcy lawyers.
So, self-help or credit lawyer? On balance self-help, because, as the person who created the problem, you must utimately be the one to restore your fiscal fitness. With the increasingly draconian nature of bankruptcy law self-help can only assume greater importance. As a last resort, though, seeking legal counsel might best protect your interests. But only you hold the key to keeping your annual expenditure down to “nineteen pounds nineteen and sixpence”.
In reality, though, we all know deep down that sooner or later debt problems have to be faced, the sooner the better. Nowadays we might not face debtors' prison for consumer debt, but we should not fool ourselves either into thinking that credit repair or filing for bankruptcy are easy options. Whichever you choose, self-help or credit lawyer, the road ahead will be a long one. It's well to face this fact at the outset.
Presenting the options for dealing with debt as a stark choice between self-help and legal relief is a bit misleading. In truth, whether you seek a lawyer or not, you still need to help yourself by acknowledging bad spending habits and poor budgeting management. You must bite the bullet, and the first very important step to take is to take responsibility for the situation you find yourself in. Second, if you want to avoid the courts, you'll need to set up a budget plan which, unlike lawyers' fees, will cost you very little. For a small fee you can enlist the services of nonprofit organisations which will be only too willing to give you assistance in drawing up a plan. You don't have to feel you're fighting a lone battle.
But perhaps you're a natural self-helper, and you want to get yourself out of your financial mess by using your skills to draw up a budget plan yourself. Software programs are now readily available which will enable you to begin budgeting your money with a view to repairing your credit. Being proactive is the best way to build solid foundations for fiscal fitness in the short and long-term: you are retaking control of your life. Remember: your flexible friend will only keep you fit to live beyond your means. If you want to keep fiscally fit, stick rigidly to living within your means and the strict discipline imposed by a budget plan.
Living within your means sounds very laudable, but real self-help should mean living below your means, well below. Why? Simply because you're looking to repair your credit as soon as possible, and you can achieve this by paying off as much as you possibly can on all your debts simultaneously. Paying off a small amount monthly to each company you owe money to is a good start, showing both commitment on your part and a safeguarding of your position to ensure you don't face court proceedings. Some debts, however, gain interest and you're therefore paying off less of the principal each month. Increase your monthly repayments and you put yourself in a good light with your creditors as well as working towards an earlier credit repair.
Living below your means: sounds a good idea but how is it done? Realistically, If there's no pain there's no gain. Changes in your lifestyle have to be made, some quite radical, particularly if your debts are substantial. Of course, you will have got rid of your credit cards and curtailed your spending habits, but you'll need to go much further if you're to count as a serious self-helper. Raising your income by taking on another job is one option. Selling your home and moving into rental property is another. These potentially are very stressful lifestyle changes, but the alternative of bankruptcy could hardly be described as stress-free.
You might feel, though, that filing for bankruptcy is the only way forward and that your debt situation is intractable. At this point hiring a credit lawyer might seem necessary to protect your interests, particularly if your debt is very large and your case complex. Before we look at the pros and cons of taking such action, it's worth pointing out that new laws have recently been introduced which make qualifying for bankruptcy anything but a foregone conclusion. On current trends, we're likely to reach the stage quite soon when it will become very difficult for anyone to file for bankruptcy.
This tightening of the bankruptcy laws in the US seems to contrast with the apparent liberalization of UK bankruptcy law. In the UK the period of a bankruptcy has shortened from three or two years to one year for 'honest', first-time bankrupts. For serial bankrupts, and others who have contributed to their plight through neglect or fraud, the period of bankruptcy has been lengthened to a minimum of five years. So, for first-time bankrupts, the aim is to encourage financial institutions to give first-timers a fresh start by easing credit restrictions post-bankruptcy. By contrast, serial bankrupts are made to face the seriousness of their delinquent actions.
But returning to the US, the question that tightening the rules on bankruptcy qualification throws up is, do you go for self-help or a credit lawyer? Opt for self-help and you could be doing yourself the best possible favor. If the law is going to make it increasingly difficult to file for bankruptcy then there seems no alternative but to implement a budget plan as outlined earlier. When the going gets tough, and tougher, the tough get going.
On the other hand, opt for a credit lawyer and you could benefit from an experienced attorney's expertise to secure your bankruptcy qualification. Credit lawyers would argue their experience and detailed knowledge of bankruptcy law could prove invaluable in matters like reaffirmation agreements where you'll be able to keep your residence or automobile by continuing to make payments on your home or car. This is possible because they are secured loans. The distinction between secured and unsecured loans, and its importance to the debtor, is well appreciated and used to best advantage by experienced bankruptcy lawyers.
So, self-help or credit lawyer? On balance self-help, because, as the person who created the problem, you must utimately be the one to restore your fiscal fitness. With the increasingly draconian nature of bankruptcy law self-help can only assume greater importance. As a last resort, though, seeking legal counsel might best protect your interests. But only you hold the key to keeping your annual expenditure down to “nineteen pounds nineteen and sixpence”.
Convert To Roth IRA Regardless of Income – 2010
An odd quirk in the recent legislation to extend the Bush Tax Cuts is giving IRA holders a huge break. For one year, and one year only, the income cap will be gone.
Convert To Roth IRA Regardless of Income – 2010
2010 may seem like a long way off, but something magical is going to happen then if you prepare for it. The recent legislation extending the Bush tax cuts contains a unique clause regarding the Roth IRA. Specifically, it contains language that makes the Roth IRA available to anyone regardless of their income, but only for one year.
A Roth IRA is a retirement account that offers a lot of advantages. The primary advantage is found in the distributions from the account. Simply put, they are tax free if a couple of requirements are met. First, the distributions must be made after you pass the age of 59 years and six months. Second, you must have owned the Roth IRA for at least five years. If you meet this test, the money is yours free and clear including all the gains you have made from your investments over the years.
The only criticism of Roth IRAs has to do with income caps. Simply put, a person with a modified gross adjusted income of $100,000 or more cannot convert an existing IRA to a Roth. While many people fall below this income cap, those that were just over it certainly have had a beef.
In an effort to extend his tax cuts, the President agreed to a number of oddities in the new tax legislation. One of the strange clauses is a single year cap exemption. In 2010, the income cap of $100,000 will not apply to the Roth IRA. Put in simple terms, you can convert to a Roth in 2010 regardless of how much you make. You can only do it in 2010, not 2009 or 2011.
There appears to be no reason why the politicians would create a one year exemption to the Roth IRA income cap. It certainly seems a bit fishy, but you might as well take advantage of it. While 2010 seems far off in the future, it gives you time to plan any conversion. Remember, if you convert a traditional IRA to a Roth, you must pay taxes on the moved money. If at all possible, you will want to do this with cash you save between now and then. The more money you can cram into a Roth, the better off you will be in the end.
Convert To Roth IRA Regardless of Income – 2010
2010 may seem like a long way off, but something magical is going to happen then if you prepare for it. The recent legislation extending the Bush tax cuts contains a unique clause regarding the Roth IRA. Specifically, it contains language that makes the Roth IRA available to anyone regardless of their income, but only for one year.
A Roth IRA is a retirement account that offers a lot of advantages. The primary advantage is found in the distributions from the account. Simply put, they are tax free if a couple of requirements are met. First, the distributions must be made after you pass the age of 59 years and six months. Second, you must have owned the Roth IRA for at least five years. If you meet this test, the money is yours free and clear including all the gains you have made from your investments over the years.
The only criticism of Roth IRAs has to do with income caps. Simply put, a person with a modified gross adjusted income of $100,000 or more cannot convert an existing IRA to a Roth. While many people fall below this income cap, those that were just over it certainly have had a beef.
In an effort to extend his tax cuts, the President agreed to a number of oddities in the new tax legislation. One of the strange clauses is a single year cap exemption. In 2010, the income cap of $100,000 will not apply to the Roth IRA. Put in simple terms, you can convert to a Roth in 2010 regardless of how much you make. You can only do it in 2010, not 2009 or 2011.
There appears to be no reason why the politicians would create a one year exemption to the Roth IRA income cap. It certainly seems a bit fishy, but you might as well take advantage of it. While 2010 seems far off in the future, it gives you time to plan any conversion. Remember, if you convert a traditional IRA to a Roth, you must pay taxes on the moved money. If at all possible, you will want to do this with cash you save between now and then. The more money you can cram into a Roth, the better off you will be in the end.
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