Thursday, February 26, 2009

Introduction To Day Trading

History of online day trading

Day trading was pretty much the domain of stock brokers and remained that way until the late 1990s, when the increasing popularity of the internet, motivated the international stock markets to move online. The birth of day trading was made possible when the computerized, over-the-counter NASD became available in 1971.

The consequence of this move was that day trading brokers became optional because anybody with Web access could execute their own trades, provided that they had an account with a registered online brokerage. The uptake was enormous, because by 1999, at least 25% of all trades made were done as online trading by individual investors. Day trading online grew in popularity as these investors started gaining online trading maturity. This growth found further impetus with the Dot Com Bubble as many traders could buy and sell the same share on the same day with three digit returns.

What is day trading?

The U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations defines day trading as "Placing multiple buy and sell orders for securities and holding positions for a very short period of time, usually minutes or a few hours, but rarely longer than a day. Day traders seek profits in small increments from momentary fluctuations in stock prices after paying commissions."

With day trading it is common to focus on short-term trading, where a trade could last for anything between a couple of seconds to a couple of hours. In day trading online, the number of trades made may vary from between just a few to a couple of hundred per day. It is also common to finish the day with a closed overnight position. This means that everything you bought gets sold, before market close.

There are many different techniques or strategies that you can use in day trading. Some of the more common online trading systems include:

?Trend following
?Range trading
?Scalping
?Rebate Trading
?News Playing

One of the techniques that started surfacing in day trading is algorithmic trading. Algo, as it is commonly called, is favoured by hedge -, pension and mutual funds. It is estimated that 33% of all US and 40% of all UK trades during 2006 were made by algo traders. Algo trading is automated, meaning that the trader leaves it up to the computer to decide when to buy and sell.

Day trading can either be done by institutions or by individuals. Individual day traders normally make use of direct trading firms that offer them direct, real-time electronic access to stock markets. For a day trader real-time access is important because it enables them to have a ?live? view of movements on the Securities Exchange of those stocks, stock options, currencies, futures contracts, interest rate futures and commodity futures that they are trading online.

What are the pros of day trading?

?Self employment ? Day trading online offers you the potential to earn really good money and it goes without saying that you will enjoy flexibility in where and when you work.

?Stimulation ? Trading online is both exhilarating and interesting. It requires analytical thinking and continually challenges your abilities. Every day is a new start ? stagnation is not possible at all!

What are the cons of day trading?

Financing ? In day trading you need money to make money ? and lots of it. Day trading penny stocks could be high risk, so you will probably need to play in the bigger leagues, or at least find a happy (and profitable) balance between the two. There are also regulatory requirements around the amount of money you need in your account. In the US for example, it is $25,000.

Latent loss potential ? You are pretty much at the mercy of economy figures, analyst comments, interest rates, and so forth. A single press release or a single comment could turn a profitable stock into a dead loss. This makes your income unpredictable.

Day trading online can be highly profitable and produce rapid returns, in spite of being high risk. The risk is mainly due to margin use, and other day trading practices. Naturally, most risks can be managed if you remain prepared, alert and focussed. In example, when you start trading online, you will probably find that you have to exit a losing position very quickly, to prevent a loss. At the same time, you will need to move just as quickly to capitalise on any winning positions you may have.

Day trading online can be a fun and even profitable adventure, provided that you have good discipline, -risk and -money management.

What they can't do is give (people) the confidence to stick to those rules even when things are going bad." Almost anybody can make up a list of rules that are 80% as good as what we taught. "The key is consistency and discipline.

Richard Dennis, on Turtle Trading


Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Learning Forex Trading For Greater Profits

People trade to earn money to properly live their everyday lives. Some trade their services for money, while others trade products like food, toys and other things for money. People trade in a daily basis.

Today, it???s all about money in order for you to give yourself and your family a comfortable life. This is why people work, why people put up businesses and why people trade in the financial market.

If you are considering making money aside from your day job or starting a career, you can do so by trading in Forex. Surprisingly, most people don???t understand how Forex works but are still interested to trade in this financial market. Besides, people would really want to trade in the largest, the most liquid financial market in the world.

Forex operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week with no centralized location unlike other financial markets. It involves all the currency in the world and trillions of dollars are being exchanged everyday in this market, thus, making it the worlds largest and the most liquid financial market in the world.

The Forex market promises traders a promising way to earn money. However, Forex also has its risk and it is a fact that people lose money trading in this market. But, there are also people who became millionaires in the Forex market almost overnight. Education is the key to start trading in the Forex market. Without the proper knowledge in Forex trading, chances are you will end up losing money.

First of all, before you trade in Forex, this market is the buying and selling of currencies. In simpler terms, you, as a Forex trader, will be purchasing one kind of currency against another kind of currency. This gave Forex a trend to trade in pairs.

If you traveled to another country, chances are, you traded your currency against the local country???s currency to enable you to buy things from that country. If you did this, you have a good idea on how Forex works.

If you want to trade in this ever liquid market, you have to get the best education possible in trading currencies. A good education will enable you to trade in Forex more effectively and increase your chances of earning a considerable amount of money. It is even known that lots of people have quit their day job to concentrate in Forex trading.

Getting a good education about Forex trading will also let you increase your chances of profiting and decrease the risks involved. In getting the proper education in Forex trading, you will also learn how to read Forex charts. Forex charts are one of the most important things you should learn in order to successfully trade in the Forex market. Without this knowledge, you are doomed to fail in this very liquid market.

Expert Forex traders said that the best way to learn Forex is by actually trading in the Forex market. For this, website developers and software developers have developed a program that you can use to practice trading Forex. There are websites available that will enable you to open a dummy Forex account where you can trade in a simulated Forex market using no money at all. With this kind of software, you can really learn the way Forex works. It is also a great program to get the feel of the Forex market and you can even consider it as a stepping stone to start trading in a real account.

Thanks to the internet and the advancement in technology, everyone can trade in this financial market. Unlike in the past, only the multi-national companies and financial institutions, such as banks are allowed to participate in the Forex market.

All you need is a computer with an active internet connection (high speed internet), a funded Forex account, and a trading system. Trading Forex is relatively easy to start.

You have to learn about the major currencies traded in the market, about leverage, and also about minimizing the risks in trading. So, you should first read books about Forex trading that is readily available in the internet for purchase or for download. Always remember beside the fact that Forex can give you the potential to earn a lot of money, the risks involved is also equally great.


Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Retirement - What is the IRA

It 's not like we don't have enough to worry about without adding this burden. Really? With all the three letter names floating around our society what is one more?

However, when it comes to real life, these three letters will have a greater noticeable affect on people than many of the other three letter names that we here on a regular basis such as the CIA, FBI, NSB, ATF, and countless other abbreviations that are hidden behind three little letters.

The good news is that an IRA isn't nearly as insidious as its name would imply. This is a useful tool to most Americans who hope to someday retire from their life of work and life out a somewhat comfortable existence.There are actually many different IRAs, which is the abbreviation for Individual Retirement Account.

A Traditional IRA is the most common. The only requirement for this particular IRA is that you are employed and that you invest no more than 100% of your income or $4,000 per year, whichever is greater up to the age of 49.

At the age of 50 your maximum investment is 100% of your income or $5,000 whichever happens to be greater. If you meet the requirements of the IRS to their satisfaction your contributions to your traditional IRA will be tax deductible. As a result, the funds are not taxed while in your IRA account but once the funds are withdrawn they are subject to federal income taxes.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, particularly for those who plan to be in a lower tax bracket when the funds are withdrawn. However, there is a growing number of people who are interested in the benefits that Roth IRAs and similar funds present by paying the taxes now when the rates are known rather than risk an even higher rate of taxation in the future, even in a lower tax bracket. The best advice I can give is to discuss the matter thoroughly with your financial planner and listen to their advice.

This is a case where only you can ultimately decide which decision is best for your needs but he or she can provide valuable guidance. You should also keep in mind that though laws favor non-taxation for Roth contributions that could change between now and the time you are ready to withdraw your funds, which will have you paying double taxes on those funds and is the primary reason that many people elect to stick with Traditional IRAs instead.

There are several distinct disadvantages to the traditional IRA funds. One of those would be the requirements in order to qualify for tax deductions. First of all, if you have the opportunity to invest in another retirement option through your employer you must be below a certain income level in order to qualify for the tax deduction. If you do not meet that qualification all the funds that are deposited into your IRA fund are subject to federal income tax.

You will need to seriously discuss your stock buying strategies before determining if this is the best choice for you as those who buy and hold tend to be penalized when it comes to capital gains.

As we are seeing more and more of an issue. Another serious setback when it comes to the traditional IRA is that you are required to begin receiving payments at age 70.5. As things are currently, a Roth IRA is often preferable as the money isn't immediately tax deductible but not only is the investment not taxed upon withdrawal but neither are the gains that were earned on the investment.

Take the time to discuss your goals for the future with your financial advisor and see what he or she recommends. These differences will matter a great deal when retirement comes. It is important that you decide which of these you are prepared to live with and which you would rather live without. There are advantages and disadvantages to traditional IRAs.


Monday, February 23, 2009

It Takes Credit To Build Credit

Making small purchases and then making your payments on time each month is a simple, reliable way to build an outstanding credit report. If you're trying to build a positive credit history for yourself, using the right credit card makes sense. Using a credit card wisely is an important step in building a good credit rating.

What to Look For On a Credit Card Application

If you receive a credit card application that appears to offer a low monthly interest rate, don't make a decision until you turn it over and closely examine the Disclosure Box. In it you'll find a more important measure of credit terms - the Annual Percentage Rate, or APR. By federal law, the Disclosure Box will also tell you whether or not the card has what is called a grace period - a number of days, usually 25, until your purchase starts to accrue finance charges. If a card has a reasonable grace period and you pay off your balance at the end of each billing cycle, you won't have to pay finance charges. It isn't difficult to find credit cards that offer these grace periods, so if the Disclosure Box doesn't declare one then throw the application in the trash and look for a better offer.

If you don't have any credit history at all, a credit card company won't want to give you a very high credit limit, but that 's probably best when you're just starting out. You don't want to be tempted to go into serious debt with your very first credit card.

Calculate Your Monthly Finance Charges

Ideally you want to pay off your balance each month to avoid paying any finance charges, but when that isn't possible it 's important to know the actual cost of the items you purchase. The annual percentage rate, divided by 12 months, gives you the periodic rate that will be applied to your outstanding balance each month. You can estimate what your monthly finance charge will be by multiplying the periodic rate times the outstanding balance. It may sound complicated at first, but taking the time to learn this simple equation can make a big difference in how you use your credit card.

When you're able to see how much you actually spend on an item that you don't pay off at the end of the month, it might help you to resist the temptation to over-use your card. An item that you want to buy might be on sale at the time you purchase it, but if you don't pay off your balance at the end of the month then those finance charges can dramatically increase the actual amount you'll end up paying.

Use Your Credit Card as a Tool

Use these tools wisely, and they'll help build your financial future! Depending on your situation, within 1-2 years your credit rating will be improved enough that you no longer need to use your card for new purchases to maintain your good credit. Making on-time payments for other forms of credit, such as rent and utilities, are also important. Credit cards are only one of the tools available to help you build a positive credit history.


Saturday, February 21, 2009

Advantages Of Freight Factoring Over Traditional Loans

A permanent solution would be to get a regular flow of cash, even while you extend credit to your clients. You might have credit clients that pay their dues between 30 to 60 days, while on the other hand there might be fuel bills, drivers' wages and other expenses that might need to be met on a daily basis. You must have realized that although it is quite easy to start your own trucking business, it is quite easy to start your own trucking business, it is quite difficult to keep it running.

In case you do require an additional amount, then that too would be quite difficult, since you might have to wait until the first loan had been cleared. Hence, a bank loan could be accompanied with rigid conditions that would have to be met during and after the loan has been sanctioned. The loan amount would also be a fixed amount that would need to be paid back within a fixed time, by way of fixed monthly installments.

You might also need to furnish the account statements of your company for the previous three years, which anyway would not be possible. However, if you are a start-up trucking company, the bank might foresee a higher risk and might ask you for a larger collateral against the loan. The traditional method of raising money would be to approach a bank, in order to procure a traditional loan.


On the other hand, freight factoring involves companies that just 'buy' your credit invoices from you and in turn pay you the invoice amount within one to two days. These freight-factoring companies retain a 'factoring fee', ranging from 1.5% to 5% as their service fee. This fee will depend on the credit rating of your client as perceived by your factoring company, the number of credit days that you have extended to your client and the total volume of business that you can furnish to your factoring company. Essentially, this implies that you get your money immediately, even though you may have issued a credit invoice to your client. This will enable you to pay your fuel bills, your drivers' wages and meet other expenses immediately rather than waiting for your payments to arrive.

These factoring companies can also take over the collection activities of your business. They can thus collect the payment from your client on the due date. This will free your mind from the tensions related to collections and you will be able to focus your energy on increasing your sales rather than chasing outstanding payments. The advantage of freight factoring is thus multi fold. You will not need to provide any collateral.

You cannot only handle all your expenses immediately, but can also take in new hauls, which otherwise would not have been possible due to lack of ready funds. You can also factor all or part of your invoices with the factoring company. This method of finance will thus increase along with your business.

There will not be any repayment schedule, since the amount will be wired to your account after the factoring fees have been deducted. The amount that you receive will be directly proportional to your invoice value.


This financial tool can greatly improve your cash flow without tying you up Hence, freight factoring is more in tune with your business needs as compared to a traditional loan. By taking over your collection activity, it can also reduce your stress levels and impart a level of professionalism in your business. This financial tool can greatly improve your cash flow without tying you up with monthly installments over a fixed period.

Hence, freight factoring is more in tune with your business needs as compared to a traditional loan. By taking over your collection activity, it can also reduce your stress levels and impart a level of professionalism in your business. This financial tool can greatly improve your cash flow without tying you up with monthly installments over a fixed period. Hence, freight factoring is more in tune with your business needs as compared to a traditional loan. By taking over your collection activity, it can also reduce your stress levels and impart a level of professionalism in your business.

This financial tool can greatly improve your cash flow without tying you up with monthly installments over a fixed period. Thus, freight factoring offers a variable and flexible alternative to a traditional loan.



Friday, February 20, 2009

Financial Relief Through Debt Settlement

The problem is sometimes life gets in the way of our plans. It goes without saying, from the moment you opened that new line of credit or took out a new loan, you had every intention of paying it back.

There are many factors that can cause you to lose control of your finances. Unexpected circumstances occur in everyone 's lives, from losing a job to a serious illness or maybe even a divorce.

This forces people to start struggling and before you know it, the bills start falling behind. Obviously, the creditors are not too happy when they are not getting paid. Notices and phone calls become a reality that is not too pleasant. One way to get out of this is through debt settlement.

There are many different forms of settling your debt, but the main point is that it helps you to get out of it. It also helps to repair your credit and takes you one step closer to the financial freedom you have dreamed about. Even helps you to get closer to achieving what you have always wanted, like owning your own home.

Debt settlement is a great alternative to filing for bankruptcy. If you have been feeling like bankruptcy is your final option, then really take a step back and consider debt settlement. Bankruptcy can really stay with you and hang over your head for years to come.

Instead, try working with a credit counselor.They will devise a debt management plan that will help you to get out of debt. Now one thing to take into consideration is that you will only make one monthly payment. The problem some people face is that this one lump payment is usually larger than if you would have paid all of your bills minimum monthly payments on its own.

Yet, the plus to this is that by working with a company, they are usually able to settle your debts by 40 to 60 percent of what you owe. You do have to pay that amount off in full. This really is the best solution and lowest cost plan to getting debt relief from your creditors. Some people have been looking so long for debt relief and settlement is an immediate relief!

So how exactly do you get debt settlement help? First of all, you want to consult with a company that is going to work with you, get you out of debt and help to keep you from going back. The internet is a great tool for researching these companies. Take the time to do your research, the quotes are free and then pick the company that you feel will help you the best.

When researching debt settlement companies, make sure that they offer you a free debt consolidation quote, whether it 's online or over the phone. By obtaining a free quote this will allow you to understand your options.

Also, a company that offers a free debt calculator is always helpful. You need to understand exactly what you owe and by working through the calculator you will see just how hard it 's going to be. That is a good thing! This is the first step towards debt relief.

Always make sure that the debt settlement company fully discloses their fees upfront. Its best if their fee structure is below market pricing and they do not require a payment from you until after the settlement has begun.

This is your financial future here and you need to be very informed. This is something you might need and should be able to take full advantage of. It?s a good idea to find a company that is open to all of your questions and offers counseling sessions.

Get started today and find the relief you deserve! Debt settlement is one way to get out of debt and start living easier. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Millions of Americans every year find themselves falling deeper into debt. No matter how far in debt you are, just know that you are not alone.



Thursday, February 19, 2009

Should I Plan for Debt?

With so much at stake, the idea of planning for debt becomes paramount. One way is through careless actions and taking on more debt than your income can handle. Without trying to sound cynical or sarcastic there are two ways to approach debt.

If it is a given that most people will need to use credit and debt in order to survive in a particular economy, then careful planning on how to use that credit and debt becomes important. The problem occurs when consumers do not control their level of debt or do not take into account the many possible events that can happen to them that can affect their ability to bring in an income. Debt, in and of itself, is not an evil, but rather a means of allowing people to enjoy a better standard of living without having to pay for that standard up front. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to make it through life in this age without going into debt at some time or another.

If you are new credit, or just starting out, be aware that you will, over the years, receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications for credit from various companies. Much of this will arrive in the mail. It is important to refrain from applying for all that credit. This is one of the major ways that people find themselves in financial trouble. One credit card becomes two, two become four, and before you know it, you have a wallet full of them. The temptation to use them will be high, and if you do use them, you can expect a bill every month from those that have outstanding balances. It can, and does, become a mountain of debt before long.

When you are just starting out, plan to have no more than two credit cards, and use those cards sparingly. Do not be tempted to buy something just because you can. Purchase only what you have to purchase and keep your balance due on the card as low as possible. Whenever possible, plan to pay off the entire balance rather than the minimum payment.

Other debt items that you should plan for are high ticket items such as automobiles and homes. Many consumers are tempted by "no money down" offers from car dealers and some home sellers. Before you fall for that, sit down and think carefully. While it might seem nice to bypass the down payment, doing so will extend the loan period which means you will pay more in the long run. In some cases, you may end up paying a lot more.

So while you may think that you are keeping your cash, in reality, the lender will get it later on through higher rates and longer terms. These higher rates can add substantially to the overall cost of the item. Often you will find that no down payment offers are coupled with higher interest rates.

Plan for your debt and be prepared for it and you will find that living with credit does not have to be stressful. The more money that can be put down on a home loan is money well spent and well invested. This is especially helpful and valuable when purchasing a home. The better way to handle high ticket items is to begin saving for the down payment well in advance of needing it.


Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Using Your Credit Card: What Is Its Purpose?

This can make a big difference in how you use it and what you will pay in charges and fees for using it. Before choosing a credit card, consider what it is that you plan to use it for. Not all credit cards are the same, and this goes beyond the APR that most people are aware of. There is a wonderful feeling to having a credit card when you need one, but that blanket term "credit card" can be misleading at times.

If you pay in full, you do not incur finances charges which are based on the company APR. Keep in mind that finance charges do not kick in unless you carry over a balance. If you intend to follow this routine, then APR will not matter as much to you.

There are some consumers who will pay off their bill each and every month, and rarely, if ever, carry the balance over into the next billing cycle.


For those who will be paying the full balance each month, consider a credit card that has a longer grace period and has no annual fees. This allows you to use the credit for little, if any, charge. Do keep in mind, however, that if you happen to lapse and carry a balance, you will have to pay the finance charges and then APR will matter to you.

Most people, however, do carry over a balance and for those individuals it is important to find the credit card that offers the lowest annual percentage rate (APR). The APR is the number that the credit card company will use to calculate your monthly finance charge so the lower this number the less money you will pay.

If you think that you may use your credit card to get cash advances, you will certainly want to look at the fees and charges for that service. It is important to remember that many, if not most, of the credit card companies charge a higher rate for cash advances than they do for purchases. Some companies will charge a substantial amount more and you would do well to avoid using these cards for cash advance purposes.

Make sure you look for that before you sign up, as it may not be in your best interest to pay higher rates for benefits that you will not use. Many of the companies that offer these promotions will have a slightly higher APR to help offset the cost of the programs. The old adage that nothing is free applies here as well.

There is nothing wrong with opting into these programs if they are benefits that you are going to actually use. These might include such things as frequent flyer miles, phone minutes, rebates and other things. Many people are lured into poor credit card choices by the promotions that many companies offer.


This information must be clearly printed and if you have to hunt for it, then you may want to avoid dealing with that company. Federal law requires that all solicitations and applications for credit cards include key information on the rates and fees that they charge consumers. In order to find out what the APR and other fees are for any particular company, you can visit their website or you can look at the information that comes to you through the mail.


Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Dealing With Credit Card Debt

Once you have finally realized the mess you are in then it only remains to do something about it by sourcing some credit card debt relief. With the debts rising, it is not surprising that individuals have started to realize the financial problem they have created by the constant and indiscriminate spending they have carried out. Credit card debt was an inevitable situation as credit cards became the norm in almost every household; the ease with which they can be used had to cause problems at some point.

Of the options available, three in particular come to mind as the best ways to approach the debt consolidation problem. Often, it takes some time to realize the seriousness but credit card debt relief is possible providing certain steps are taken. The card holder must cease using it whilst he or she finds an option or the situation will just get worse and will never be resolved.

The easiest method of debt consolidation is where the person still has a good credit rating and uses another credit card that has a low rate of interest where all the debts can be transferred to one card. A good alternative to this option is a consolidation loan at a low interest rate where the debtor can decide exactly how much they can afford to repay every month after the outstanding debts have been cleared.

Once this amount has been agreed, the person with the debts must ensure the payments are made in full each month until the balance is clear. Debt consolidation does require that the debtor is still able to access credit and that they will have sufficient funds to repay the loan.

Many people find that they have left the situation to long and cannot use normal credit card debt relief means so have to rely on assistance from a debt negotiator. Normally, when these negotiations proceed approximately half the debt will need to be paid and the remainder to be written off by the creditors.

However, if this option fails then the only option left is to file for bankruptcy which will clear all the debts but this should never be viewed upon as the easiest or first option as there are negative aspects to consider. The debts may be clear but they will find it hard to get any form of credit for a long time and will have to rebuild their credit history from scratch although it does enable them to have a fresh start. Once your debts have been cleared, hopefully you will learn to be more responsible and not require debt relief from your credit cards ever again.

Not only are people with high levels of debt miserable but they will also often ignore the problem in the hope it will go away; options do exist to help but certain steps need to taken before you can clear your debts. First off, your debt relief will start the moment you take your situation seriously; otherwise it can never be rectified. It is essential to manage debts carefully and get rid of them as soon as possible.

The first thing to avoid is being disturbed by the situation as this will hinder any positive action on your part. Even if you have taken out a large loan perhaps to pay off previous debts, it is imperative that you continue to pay if you want to clear the outstanding balance.

Until you sit down and create a list of all your monthly expenditure, including everything you pay money out on a regular basis, you will not have a true picture of where all your income is going. It is a fact that when you pay for goods or services using cash instead of your credit card that the spending will automatically reduce.

Often saving money for your debt relief; even small amounts has a beneficial psychological effect that should not be ignored. By reducing the amount of entertainment you have on a regular basis will allow even more money to go into your fund and your debts will disappear faster.

No-one really wants to increase their mortgage repayments but many homeowners see their only option is to refinance their home which can work but just increases the amount you pay in the long term. You must consider your reasons for wanting to refinance and whether it is just to have extra cash available because other options are available.

If none of these options can work, including the mortgage refinance then you may have to consider bankruptcy but take advice from a bankruptcy attorney first. You can use cash to pay for your credit card debts and so reduce the monthly payments and help with your debt relief and although your cash flow will increase, so will the amount owed on the credit card.

Unfortunately once you withdraw from your IRA, you will lose your future tax-deferred returns so do decide where things are going wrong and then consult with your counselor over your debt relief situation before you go any further debt. There are occasions to avoid bankruptcy, individuals use the money that has been accumulating in their individual retirement accounts but it has serious consequences for your future financial security.


Monday, February 16, 2009

Paying Of Your Debt With The Pyramid

With discipline and consistency, over time you can pay off your debt and be on the road to an improved and more manageable financial situation. You probably didn???t get into debt overnight, and short of winning the lottery or receiving a large inheritance, chances are you aren???t going to get out of debt overnight, either!

Assess the Situation

While you may have gone blindly down the path to excessive debt, you don???t want to attempt to get out of debt in the same manner. Developing a plan of attack will prove more productive and successful than simply saying you want to pay off your debt. It???s important to be extremely self disciplined and determined in your quest for a debt free existence.

Start by gathering your most recent statements from each of your creditors. Make a list of each account on a piece of paper, starting with your lowest balance and ending with the account you owe the most on (like a pyramid, you start with the smallest and build to the largest).

Your list should include the creditor???s name, the total amount owed, and the minimum monthly payment. On another sheet of paper, make a list of monthly living expenses that must be paid- rent or mortgage, insurance, gasoline for your car or commuting expenses, utilities, etc.

Make another list of all your monthly income, so that you know how much money you have to work with and make your payments.

Develop Your Plan of Attack

Once you have your list of creditors, your ???pyramid??? basically tells you how you will begin making payments. First, add up all of the minimum payment amounts of your accounts, except for the first one on the list. Add it to the total amount of monthly expenses you pay to get a total of minimum expenses going out each month. Once you have this number, subtract it from your total monthly income to see how much money you have left each month. This is the amount you???ll send to the first creditor on your pyramid list monthly until that account is paid off.

When the first account has been paid off, you???ll then apply the money you had been paying to that creditor to the next account on your list- and include the minimum amount you???ve already been sending to that account, also. Each time you pay off an account on your list, the next one will be paid off much faster.

Example list of creditors:

AccountBalanceMonthly Minimum Payment
Credit card 1:$475$21
Credit card 2:$895$56
Credit card 3:$1970$75
Personal loan$3000$150
Car Loan$13,500$375

Example of total monthly living expenses: $1200
Example of total monthly income: $2100

In this example, the total amount of minimum monthly payments (excluding the first account on the list) is $656. When combined with the monthly living expenses, $1856 of the $2100 monthly income is spoken for, leaving $244.

The first month, you would send credit card 1 the full $244 and send each of your other accounts only the monthly minimum payments. Month two you would call credit card 1 for a pay off balance, and send the $231 remaining, (plus whatever finance charges remain) to completely pay off the account. During month 3, you suddenly have an additional $244 to send with your $56 payment to credit card 2, making your payments to credit card 2 about $300 each month- so it would only take 2 or 3 months to pay that one off!

Once your second account is paid off, you take the $300 you have freed up from card 1 and 2 being paid off, add it to the payment for credit card 3, and send $375 to card 3 until that account has also been paid off.

You continue paying more and more on each of your accounts until each have been paid off- and this pyramid method of paying off your debt is probably the fastest self debt reduction method for getting your accounts paid off.

Important Considerations

And, once you???ve got your debt under control- don???t run out and charge purchases all over again! You don???t want to add additional monthly debt while you???re striving to pay off the existing debt. In order for this self debt reduction method to work, you must have self discipline and stop charging on your credit cards while you are working to pay them off.


Sunday, February 15, 2009

Unusual Insurance Claims And Policies

and sometimes it?s the companies and not the customers with the odd decisions! But of course, travel insurance is just scratching the very surface, and in fact other areas of insurance have even more strange insurance policies ? working in discount travel insurance you hear of some pretty bizarre policies and claims being made. I?ve said it before, and I?ll say it again ?

Football Fever

At the last world cup, passions ran high, and weird insurance policies followed them. Dutch insurance company SEZ ran a policy offering companies in the Netherlands protection against staff ?pulling sickies? on the days surrounding big matches for the national team. The firm would pay out for the first two days of sickness, if any employee was absent from work on the days surrounding Holland?s big matches.

But it wasn?t just abroad that World Cup fever dominated the strange insurance policies. On these shores, Paul Hucker of Ipswich took out an elaborate ??1,000,000 insurance policy against England going out of the competition early. British Insurance offered the ??105 policy, which would pay out a seven digit sum if England were knocked out in the first round, if 5 sports commentators believed the exit was premature and if Mr Hucker could provide medical evidence indicating severe mental trauma! In the end, Mr Hucker was left disappointed - both with England and with the odd insurance policy after they went out to Portugal in the quarter finals.

Quirky Car Insurance

Car policies bring up their share of weird insurance scenarios too. For example, in Denmark, the Danish Automobile Association has two schemes to protect drivers from fines ? the speeding insurance, which will cover drivers for up to four offences, of a total of ??900 (??90 per year) or parking ticket insurance, which covers four tickets or ??182 worth of fines for ??36 per year. Unsurprisingly, the Danish Council for Traffic Security is less happy about these strange insurance policies, believing it?ll make fines less of a deterrent for some reason.

There some heart-warming scenarios behind the cynicism though ? in Belgium, a car insurance premium has given one of its customers a heavily reduced rate thanks to 80 years of accident free driving! 100 year old Cyriel Delacauw still drives everyday and plans to continue for another 10 years yet ? though never above 25mph!

The Winner, by a Nose

Lloyds of London made a weird insurance policy specifically for the nose ? valuing it at ??3,900,000! Not everyone?s nose is worth that much though, this unusual insurance package was specifically designed for wine maker Ilja Gort of Bordeaux?s Chateau de la Garde, and covers him against loss of both his nose and his sense of smell. He described his nose as ?his most important asset?, pointing out that the tongue only has fiver areas of taste, in contrast to the nose which can pick up millions of different scents.

Sex Costs Insurance Companies Dear!

Not so much an unusual insurance policy, as an interesting stat. According to a poll commissioned by Ann Summers, the British cause ??350,000,000 worth of damage through energetic sex per year! How does this relate to insurance? Well, who do you think foots the bill for the 10% brave enough to make odd insurance claims after breaking items?

As well as damage to items, like lamps, cases, beds and pulled down curtains, 41% of people suffered carpet burns, 33% pulled their backs and 12% twisted their ankles or wrist. Most eye wateringly of all, 10th in the list of sex injuries was broken bones? the mind boggles!

When Absent Mindedness Costs You ??180,000

We?ve all been in a situation where we?ve forgotten to take something with us when we leave it somewhere, but you?d have thought with an item worth ??180,000 you?d be a little more careful! Not so, Robert Napier of Wiltshire, who last month managed to leave a 17th century violin on the train back from London ? where he?d just had a valuation of the antique!

which, after a thorough search of the carriage was declared missing at the next stop. Insurance company Allianz have offered a ??10,000 reward for the safe return of the item ?

Imagine the odd insurance packages that don?t make the headlines! ?And this is the stuff just appears in the news.


Saturday, February 14, 2009

Those Amazing Citibank Credit Cards

Citibank credit cards are available in many different types, from business cards to cards designed specifically for college students.

Citibank credit cards are tailored to meet the specific needs of different customers, such as frequent travelers who can get various travel and air mile rewards by using Citi credit cards. The Citi Group Corporation has issued over 145 million cards in more than 40 countries, making it one of the most successful credit companies in the world. A Citibank credit card is credit in your pocket.

Why a Citi credit card? When you need a credit card, go for Citibank credit cards.


Citibank offers so many great benefits that many consumers have at least one Citi credit card in their wallet. Citi will contact cardholders if suspicious activity appears on their account, making it easier to stop credit card fraud before it gets too far. Citi is dedicated to keeping its customers safe from identity theft, has several safeguards available and as previously noted, cardholders are not responsible for fraudulent purchases made with their account. Let the credit card help you grow and expand your business with quality services you can rely on from Citibank.

The card also offers access to a free rewards program, top-notch credit card tips and advice to help you save money. The CitiBusiness card gives you an easy way to manage your expenses. Citibank is well-known for its wide variety of credit card offers to both consumers and small businesses. Now you can apply for Citibank credit cards have a lot to offer for consumers who want their credit card to work for them and their cards also offers cash back and other rewards-based cards for students, consumers, and businesses.


With so many different Citibank cards on the market, they literally offer something for everyone and their credit cards are a great choice for those who like a low apr and great rewards and may be the next card you select for your financial portfolio.


Friday, February 13, 2009

Forex Can Be Amazingly Profitable Over The Short Term

Forex can be amazingly profitable in the short term and if profits are reinvested over The long term as well.

At the death of the wife, the surviving partner, in 1958, the estate was valued at between $1 and $1.5 million. Over the years, the couple diversified their holdings, but the essential element of their portfolio was Burroughs. Some of it was invested in 10 shares of William Seward Burroughs' American Arithmometer Company, starting point of the Burroughs Corporation, now one of the leading manufacturers of business machines.

Shares can be a great long term investment there is the case of the Long Beach, California, couple, who received $1,000 each as a gift at their wedding in 1896.


Likewise, $10,000 invested in General Motors fifty years ago would now be worth about $6 million.

There is the doctor who never looked at the stock tables from one end of the year to the other, but who faithfully invested $1,000 in duPont every December 1. He bought high, he bought low, always following the dictates of the calendar alone. A more haphazard system of investment except for its regularity???would be hard to find. But because the stock was duPont, he made a fortune.

Something like this seems to be in the minds of many investors today. The New York Stock Exchange 's periodic tabulations of the "Favorite Fifty" stocks of Monthly Investment Plan buyers must delight the hearts of even the most conservative investment advisors. All by themselves, people are choosing the finest grade of security to rest their future hopes on. No wildcatting here.

A glance at current trading values does not seem to bear this out. Action is at a high peak. Three-million-share days are not at all unusual. It would seem that short-term trading is the rule. Part of this, however, is due to the fact that there is a vastly increased number of shares outstanding, and part due to the fact that most trading is being done with about 12 per cent of the lot. Some 88 per cent, in effect, have been withdrawn from circulation and sit in someone 's safe-deposit box, as an anchor to windward.

Backstopping this trend are the institutional investors???the insurance companies, mutual funds, personal trust and pension funds, mutual savings banks, college endowments, and non-profit foundations, all the great agglomerations of money which control about 16 per cent of all listed common-stock values. Such funds are never static. They switch their portfolios constantly. But since, as professionals, their scale of values is much like that of other professionals, they have all invested heavily in Blue Chips and do not trade capriciously in the hopes of finding something better. They are not rocking the boat, either.

What would happen if today 's sunny optimism were blighted by black fears is hard to say. The vision of several dozen institutions dumping stock in a panic???and of any significant number of the individual investors following suit???is quite dismaying. The market 's plunge on the news of President Eisenhower 's heart attack was one indication of what can happen. Other events obviously could trigger off a similar response, or a worse one.

On the other hand, the market has also shown tremendous resilience. It has come back strongly after each upset. As long as investors retain a fundamental faith in America 's economic prospects, disaster can very likely be averted.

This article is a guide to common-stock investment for newcomers to the market. It will go fairly deeply into theory and practice, and into the technical workings of the market, primarily because a grounding in fundamentals is essential to any degree of success. It cannot be stressed strongly enough that the operation of the capitalistic system, as reflected in the stock market, is a subtle and sophisticated thing.

Economists are still puzzled by the invisible forces to which it is subject.. For investors the problem is compounded by the necessity, not to explain the past or evaluate the present, but to probe the future in an effort to determine the possibility of profit. The interaction of the system and the human beings seeking to understand its pattern and dimension takes place in a market which acts and reacts with bewildering swiftness and paralyzing confusion. Only the investor who learns to take his bearings, and to reduce the array of alternatives confronting him by knowing beforehand what he is trying to achieve, will come out ahead.

For it is historically true that new investors appear after a trend has been established. Yet 48 per cent of our 12,500,000 investors have entered the market only since 1952. The vast majority have never known anything but a bull market and the happy accumulation of profit. The savage, dollar-destroying reversal, the bitter despair of a prolonged slump, the cruel retribution of overstaying a market???all these, for these people, are no more than theoretical.

Yet they are normal occurrences of the stock market, and will be again. When the break comes, it will be the inexperienced investor who will react too slowly, react in confusion, and thereby lose???and suffer???most.

This is not Old Testament prophecy. It is simply an emphatic statement of the necessity of learning the ground rules. For these apply every minute of every trading day, whether the market is behaving well or poorly.

If business and industry respond appropriately, the holder of soundly selected common stocks should do extremely well. Our needs and requirements will, in all probability, be enormously in excess of anything we have been used to in the past. The projections of America 's growth in the years ahead are staggering.

This is a fascinating and fabulous period in which to be entering the market and acquiring your share of American business.


We do not need to have money invested over a long period as we do for best results with the stock market. When we think of Forex, the main advantage is that considerable sums can be made in a much shorter period of time and reinvested to make more money.


Thursday, February 12, 2009

Financing A New Car With A Personal Loan

Buying a new or second hand is always an expensive business and unless you are one of the dying breed of motorists lucky enough to be a major consideration.

So, what are your options?

Basically, you can look at the dealer???s own finance schemes (??


Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Credit Repair and the Hidden Power of Credit Cards

Credit Cards Hold the Key

Credit cards also hold the key to higher credit scores and speedy credit repair success, if you know the secret. But there is more power in that plastic than you think. Credit cards can be a great convenience, or a weapon of financial destruction. There is nothing like the subject of credit cards to get people excited.

The Growing Importance of Your Credit Score

Credit repair revolves around credit score improvement, and for good cause. You are probably aware that a low credit score can keep you from getting the credit you want. But did you know that lenders set interest rates based on credit scores? Late in 2007, Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac, the federally charted mortgage giants, modified their pricing to be more sensitive to credit scores than ever before. Even borrowers with excellent credit will now have their rate adjusted based on incremental score differences.

Every Point Counts

Mortgage lenders are not alone in their recent pricing policy changes. Auto finance companies, long known for tiered pricing, have also sharpened their pencils and are more score sensitive than ever. If you are applying for a loan you should be aware that every point on your credit score could affect your interest rate. Fortunately there is a way to control your credit scores and hasten your credit repair goals.

Credit Cards the Credit Repair Powerhouse

Effective credit repair is all encompassing. But there is a special category of debt that offers more control over your scores than you ever imagined - if you know what to do. Credit cards have a special place in the FICO scoring model, and therefore in your credit repair effort as well. Fair Isaac and Company, the creator of the FICO scoring model, interprets the way you use your credit card as a primary indicator of the risk a lender will assume when lending you money. And there is reasonable logic involved.

Credit Cards as a Barometer of Risk

Fair Isaac and Company is in the business of measuring the risk of lending money. Their method is to assign numeric value to every behavior they can identify within your credit file. These values are measured by a complex algorithm, or formula, which they license to the credit bureaus. The credit bureaus apply this formula to the information they collect about you and come up with a single number; your credit score.

Credit Card Behavior

Fair Isaac gives your credit cards special importance because your balances can change monthly and contain several indicators of potential risk. The indicators measured by Fair Isaac include your payment record, your balance relative to your high credit limit, and the age of the card. In addition, the importance of each indicator varies based on the value of the other categories. Let?s see why.

Credit Repair Rule Number One ? On Time Payments

Many people involved in a credit repair effort open new credit cards to rebuild their credit. If managed correctly this can be a powerful score booster. But there is a dark side as well. If you miss a payment Fair Isaac will cut your score dramatically as a way of alerting lenders that you are a high risk. It?s simple. Your new credit card was seen by Fair Isaac as a test of your ability to manage new debt. And you failed. Credit repair rule number one, make your payments on time.

High Balances Equal Credit Repair Trouble

So, you got a new credit card, ran the balance up to the limit, and now you wonder why your credit repair efforts are not working. You can afford the payments, and you?re making them on time. What?s the problem? Unfortunately, all Fair Isaac can see is unproven debt and a person who may have no restraint. So you get categorized with a statistical majority who get in over their heads and soon default. As a result Fair Isaac will knock your credit score down to warn potential lenders to steer clear. Do you want to keep your scores up? Please keep your balances down.

The Age of Your Credit Cards

Once you have proven to Fair Isaac that you can manage the firepower in your wallet you will be rewarded with increased latitude. Your score will still suffer if you make a late payment, and you will be penalized if you let your balance approach the limit, but not as much. In addition, you will be rewarded with a higher score as Fair Isaac becomes more confident in your staying power. When it comes to credit repair, time is your friend.

Reaching Your Credit Repair Goals

If you exercise caution, your scores will soar, and you will reach your credit repair goals. If your credit cards are under one year old your behavior is especially important. There is also a special deadly over 100% category, which you can expect to obliterate your score.

The first two tiers, 20% and 40%, will increase your scores, 60% is neutral, 80% is bad, and 100% is terrible. The latest release of the FICO score model recognizes five balance-to-limit ratios: 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. Make your payments on time and watch those balances. Do you want to optimize your credit score?


All Rights Reserved. All Content. Kemish. 2007 James W.

Copyright ?



Tuesday, February 10, 2009

How to Get Rich Slowly - Sound Solid Investment Principles Take Time to Pay Off

Learning about investment principles can seem like an overwhelming subject to tackle, but learning some basics can help keep you from making some dire mistakes. There are still so many people who want to believe in them, however, that the 'get rich quick' industry continues to thrive and take advantage of those who are not 'in the know' about investing. Unfortunately, with few exceptions in history, those perfect opportunities often turn out to be just that dreams.

Everyone dreams of finding that perfect investment opportunity the one that will make them a millionaire overnight.


The more they The more they pay you, or the higher the interest rate, then the riskier the investment is considered to be. The more they pay you, or the higher the interest rate, then the riskier the investment is considered to be. The more they pay you, or the higher the interest rate, then the riskier the investment is considered to be.

The more they pay you, or the higher the interest rate, then the riskier the investment is considered to be. How high or low the interest rate is gives you an indication of how high or low risk the investment is considered to be. That payment comes in the form of an interest rate that they offer to you. As such, those companies (or groups) pay you for getting to use your money.

Depending on the type of investment that you are making, you are either investing in a company directly, or giving your money to a group that does the investing for a large number of people all at once. First, when you are investing your money, it 's important to realize what is actually happening to that money and why you are being offered the opportunity to invest.


So if you take that same $1,000 and invest it, even at a modest interest rate, it will be worth at least what it was worth when you first invested it. So given this principle, not investing your money is a mistake because it will simple depreciate in value over time. This is because inflation will reduce the value of that money over time. This says that the money you have in your accounts or pocket now won't be worth the same as an equal amount of money that you get tomorrow, next month, next year or ten years from now.

Second, you need to understand a principle regarding the time value of money.


Investing this time on your financial future is well worth the effort, and there is no time like now to get started. You will also want to reduce your debts so that the money you are earning on your investments is not going back out the door on interest payments to those that you are paying for the chance to use their money. You will need to budget yourself and your family 's spending so that you have the money put aside in order to continue investing.

Investing over the long run a range of funds at different interest rates can earn you an incredible amount of money due to the 'magic of compounding interest.' But you will have to learn a few things first and this takes time to do. Where that line is depends on your personal situation, your age, your debt amounts, and your willingness to accept risk at this point in your life. So the key to sound investing is to invest your money at a rate that will keep you ahead of inflation, but not one that is so high that you risk losing all of your money.



Monday, February 9, 2009

Nonprofit Organizations Benefit From The Adoption Of Fund Accounting Software Solutions

Making do with off-the-shelf software is not the most cost-effective way of reducing operating expenses and makes the job of any nonprofit?s Finance department much more difficult than it needs to be. The success of any nonprofit organization is highly dependent on a sound financial foundation, including quick access to accurate, up-to-date and relevant financial information.

These changes come into effect for the 2008 tax year (for returns filed in 2009), employing a graduated transition period of up to three years for smaller organizations based on their gross receipts and total assets. For example, the IRS released a significantly revised Form 990 on December 20, 2007; the new form provides additional options for a nonprofit organization to outline its activities and includes major changes to the summary page, governance section and schedules. Standard commercial accounting software packages are designed for the needs, workflow and required outputs of profit-based businesses and are not usually an ideal solution for nonprofit use. It?s no secret that nonprofit accounting differs significantly from that employed by typical businesses, and to support effective and accurate accounting practices, specialized nonprofit accounting software can be an invaluable investment.

A good nonprofit-focused accounting solution will both reflect these changes and assist the organization?s finance team in achieving compliance. Many standard accounting packages don?t include the full suite of related forms, let alone offer functionality that supports compliance. An integrated nonprofit software package can help any size of nonprofit to accurately track and report on the key variables relevant to the Form 990 changes: gross receipts and assets.

Outside of taxation issues, one of the fundamental differences between a for-profit business and a nonprofit organization lies in the nature of financial reporting and operational accountability. Most businesses require their Finance department to generate reports that provide a bottom-line view to investors and shareholders: the firm?s profitability and return on investment. Financial practices and supporting software solutions employed by the firm reflect this profit-driven accountability.

Nonprofit organizations, on the other hand, usually employ the principle of fund accounting. Under fund accounting, the success, financial health and general accountability of the organization is measured by fund balances and financial assets and their ability to support the services and programs the organization offers. Fund accounting software is based on these nonprofit-specific accounting principles and provides a nonprofit organization with the financial tools needed to properly track and report on these key criteria. One of the better known software packages for this purpose is MIP Fund Accounting, from Sage Software. Other well known software packages include Serenic Navigator for Not-for-Profits and Kintera FundWare.

For nonprofit organizations, fundraising is the equivalent of selling a product or services for a typical profit-driven organization. Fundraising, whether through a donation campaign or via grant applications, is how a nonprofit generates the revenue required to operate the organization and to fund the various programs and services it offers. Specialized fundraising software such as Sage Fundraising 50 and Sage Fundraising 100 can be an invaluable tool for successfully and accurately managing campaigns. The functionality of specialized integrated solutions of this nature would include access to trend analysis, tracking of results versus goals for specific events (or campaigns), tracking of donor response rates, detailed constituent information, e-mail management tools for targeted communications, efficiency reports allowing a ?cost per dollar raised? analysis, volunteer management components and performance metrics for funds (comparing against previous years, for example). In other words, fundraising for nonprofits can be easily measured, tracked, reported on, supported and analyzed for effective future planning.

A nonprofit with an established accounting program in place can still benefit from the use of donor management software, giving the Development arm of the organization access to key fundraising and organizational tools that are not included in accounting programs.

Big or small, the success, accountability and optimal performance of any nonprofit organization can be greatly enhanced through use of a software solution that has been tailored to the needs of this very specific group.


Sunday, February 8, 2009

Win Big With Momentum Stocks!

One such venture is via momentum stocks. But there are some ventures, however, that can still prove to be very safe in terms on return on investment. When you see past disasters (such as the Great Depression), you may hesitate before putting your faith and money into the economy. The stock market is generally seen as a very risky investment.

The basic idea is to buy stocks that have had high returns over three to twelve months, and sell those that don't perform so well. Theory of Momentum Stocks: Momentum stocks are generally regarded as safe investments- since trading is based on past performances of a certain stock or security.

Some of these investments can be explained via seasonal activity. If a stock plummets at the end of the year, investors like to sell them for tax reasons. This means that buyers will enjoy a deflated cost, which is sure to rise again in the coming months under normal circumstances.

Some critics say that the risk to momentum stocks is actually high compared to some other more docile forms of investment. In some respects, critics may be right. But under a watchful eye, momentum stocks are generally fairly stable if proper research has been done. One thing critics do note is that returns on momentum stocks are higher than other investment options- making even high risk situations possibly worth a gamble.

Rewriting the Norms in Stock Market Trading: The most common theoretical practice in stock market trading is to buy low and sell high. This will ensure that costs are minimal, while profits are at their maximum. This is true, but there is still reason to believe that this commonly held belief isn't as widely renown as previously thought.

Momentum investors believe that buying high and selling higher is a better idea. Although this takes more resources, generally the payoff is almost guaranteed. There are lesser short term payouts to be had in this instance, so beginning investors usually shy away from this practice.

One key ingredient to exploiting the buy high and sell higher theory deals with psychology and sociology. Since most investors stick to the buy low sell high principle, there are far more investors that pool their resources into smaller companies. This makes the powerful conglomerates and corporations much more stable as a result, since there is less trading being conducted. Where there are lesser trades, there is more stability in general.

Lastly, understanding how conglomerates work will empower many buy high, sell higher enthusiasts to make a nice chunk of money. Since conglomerates commonly take other companies over as time progresses, their stocks increase exponentially as this occurs. Investing in a conglomerate, therefore, is generally accepted as a stable investment- albeit there are exceptions. While there is less return on investment in some cases, those who can afford to purchase a large number of stocks will enjoy momentum trading.

Final Thoughts on Momentum Trading

Be sure to give the poorly performing companies the cold shoulder- they won't conform to the momentum trading policy that present day momentum traders hold. Track a few companies to see how they perform over a few months time, and invest in the ones that show promising results. On the contrary- it is a very stable stock trading practice if the proper research is done.

Momentum trading isn't always as risky as the critics will tell you.



Saturday, February 7, 2009

Avoiding Forex Market Risks

Many of the trades which take place on the Forex market occur between large banks, central banks, multinational corporations, Governments, currency speculators as well as all other types of financial institutions and markets. In fact this is by far the largest trading market in the world for the value of the cash that passes from buyers and sellers of currencies. The Foreign Exchange or Forex market as it is more commonly known is purely to allow people to trade one currency for another.

This means the market mostly includes sophisticated traders who know what they are doing. However, the individual or retail traders make up only a small part of this market, and they often trade through a third party such as a Forex broker or a bank. Currently, the trades occurring in Forex markets across the globe is well more than $1.9 trillion each day on average.

In fact, when some individual investors begin trading in the Forex market it can all seem a bit daunting. The learning curve can be steep if you cannot master the fundamentals, and you can easily lose more money than you can afford if you are not careful. However, some people can learn fast and they can master the basics of the market quickly. If you are not one of the fast learners, you may have beginners luck and your first few trades can make you money. But you should not depend on luck to survive for more than your first few trades. You need a solid foundation to recoup your capital and make a decent income from your trades.

There are many financial instruments which you can use for trading on the currency market. These include forwards and futures, options and spread betting. All of which are similar to those used in equity markets. However, as these instruments maintain a minimum trade size to the base currencies, a margin is included with each trading account.

A terrorist attack such as that which occurred on 9/11 did not only affect the Forex market in the US but the world over. The market can change suddenly all because of decisions made by some government or corporation in a distant part of the world. So you must prepare for risks if you decide to trade on the Forex market. Sometimes the fall in a currency can be swift and can help to wipe out your entire account before you can react.

Values for individual currencies rise and fall with news and information happening around the world. Volatility is the essence of the currency market.


You will do do well by learning how to read graphs and charts about these individual currencies, Finally, sign up for a demo account with a broker and learn how to trade without using real money. Also, read press releases and other financial and political news from around the world. Therefore, if you want to become a successful investor in the Forex market, you must learn the fundamentals about the market and the currencies you wish to trade.


Friday, February 6, 2009

What Happens When You Go For Credit Counselling?

You must know that many of these services are set up just to make benefits and they cannot actually help you staying within the legal boundaries. You must be very careful when deciding which credit counselling service to opt for. The best time to look for the help of a credit counsellor is when your account is handed over to collection agencies and the bill collector???s start haunting you day and night. This article helps you in understanding the process to work with credit counselling.

In reality, credit counselling helps you gradually reduce your monthly payments in such a way that you are able to balance you debt to a value that is easily affordable. However, people tend to confuse that these services help you in negotiating your debts or reach a settlement. You often get to hear about people with financial problems resorting to credit counselling services.


The counsellor will try to negotiate with your creditor to reschedule your payments in such a way that you are more comfortable in paying them. After obtaining all the necessary information on your case, the counsellor will start working towards solving your problem. Remember any information that you avoid telling them prevents them from properly handling your situation and can lead you to quite unpleasant surprises in future.

Credit counselling process: After you have selected a genuine credit counselling service to resort to, you must ensure that you provide them all necessary detail and information. You must try to choose credit-counselling services of agencies that are accredited by Consumer Credit Counselling Services. For example, you must avoid credit counselling services that claim that they can fix your credit report in no time because this just not possible legally.


Most of the serious and genuine credit-counselling agencies are free of cost. However, if you really want to opt for debt management system then check in to the history of the credit-counselling agency before making them in charge of handling your payments. Therefore, it is always better that you manage your payments yourself. Even your credit-counselling agency can miss a payment that will badly reflect on your credit report.

Such a system might take some burden off you and might promise you some peace of mind but is not fool proof. While working with these systems, you deposit a lump sum amount to your credit-counselling agency and allow them to handle your monthly payments. Many agencies also provide debt management systems to help you manage your credits. The counsellor may also try to get the minimum sum required for your monthly payments lowered.


Therefore, if you have a problem with your credit card payments that you are not able to handle then in might be best if you allow a professional to help you. However, while trying to recover from your mistakes on your own might lead you to more problems even bankruptcy. Your opting for a credit-counselling agency might leave a bad mark on your credit report because it indicates that you are facing financial problems.

You must always opt for lower-risk and lower-cost services. Therefore, to avoid yourself from getting in a fraud, you must avoid agencies that require you to make a large upfront payment.



Thursday, February 5, 2009

How To Get Out Of Debt

It happens to us all. For many individuals it 's easy to get caught up in the credit card hysteria. The percentage of the population that is in debt is growing at an exceptional pace.

If you're looking for an easy way out, however, don't bother reading on. If you've got over your head in credit card debt and would like to know how to get out of debt, we will show you. Those emotional purchases can add up, and before we know it we've got a problem on our hands.

We see things we like and buy them, on our credit cards of course.


If you have been thinking to yourself, how to get out of debt, it 's important to understand that it 's no easy or simple task. It was certainly easy to spend the money, but paying it back is not so much fun. You need to start by cutting back on your spending.

It sounds simple, but this is an important step in getting out of debt. The surpluses that come from lower spending should be allocated towards paying off your credit cards. Though it is important to set aside a small fund for emergencies. Emergencies are inevitable; they will happen.

We typically reach for our credit cards in these circumstances. That way you can focus on how to get out of debt, rather than how to not add to it. With savings, however, you'll be prepared. It 's important that you're disciplined, only utilizing these funds in extreme emergencies.

It 's easy to just make the minimum balance payments, but this barely keeps you even. This assumes you don't spend any money on your credit cards, which isn't always realistic. It 's important that you stop your credit card spending.

This is one of the best ways on how to get out of debt. Stop adding to the problem. Also, you'll be a little more frugal when you're spending your cash. It doesn't always seem like your own money when you spend with plastic.

It 's important to understand that there is no easy way out. Debt negotiation services are not necessarily the answer. They're out to get paid. They may settle your debt, but will do so at a cost. The cost being your credit and excessive fees. It may involve hard work and focus, however, you will get things paid off over time.

Refinancing is a common instrument utilized to remove debt, but it is not at all the solution. By refinancing your credit card debt 's you're just playing a shell game, moving your debts from one location to another. For many individuals that got caught up in this during the housing bubble are way above their heads.

As a result, bankruptcy, foreclosure, and IRS issues are now the problem. When you evaluate the two in hindsight, simple debt issues are a breeze to deal with. So, don't get your self over your head by looking for the easy way out.

It 's paramount not to get carried away looking for the easiest way out. By no means is getting out of debt easy. It takes time and some elbow grease. But, bankruptcy and all the other bad things that can happen are much more severe, and goes to show how bad things can get. The morale of the story here is that there is no magic bullet, no easy solution, and your debt problem will not solve itself.

You've got to take it into your own hands and make it happen, even if it takes the sacrifice you're unaccustomed to. So, make an effort, you will be satisfied that you did.

Learn how to make money onlineandhow to get out of debt.



Wednesday, February 4, 2009

5 Crucial Tips When Shopping For Low Interest Rate Credit Cards

In today?s market low interest rate credit cards, they are as follows:

Interest rates can nearly triple when this clause is enacted. Say for instance if you co-signed for a car with someone and he misses a payment you can be penalized, harshly. The scary part is that they can use your payment history from other accounts to enact the clause.

It basically says that if you are late on payments they can jack up your rates at will. Universal default is a buried clause in the fine print of almost all low interest rate credit cards. Universal Default ?


Payment Grace Periods ? It used to be that consumers had a full 30 days to pay their balances before the credit card company started charging interest. This isn?t true anymore. In fact the average grace period is about 22 days now. Even the low interest rate credit cards are practicing the shortened grace period. Some of your credit cards designed for bad credit do not have a grace period at all! Always find out what your grace period is.

Cash Advances ? Be careful when you pull into that ATM to get some cash for the day. Most credit card companies have higher rates for cash advances than they do for purchases. The cash advance interest rates can be almost 30% when you consider the fees added for the transaction. Also, you must pay the cash advance back over and above your regular payment to get rid of the higher interest rate. There is rarely any grace period for cash advances either. We at Credit Card Banc strongly advise against taking cash advances from any credit card.

Two-Cycle Billing ? This sneaky trick is usually buried in the fine print. Two cycle billing is when the credit card company will charge you interest based on the on the average balance carried on the card, not the actual balance. Say for instance if we charge $1000 on the card in January with the intention to the balance off completely by March in two $500 payments. Let?s assume your interest rate is 10%, which makes your interest $100. Februarys you make a $500 dollar payment leaving a $500 balance. Your Interest on this balance is $50.00. Not so with two cycle billing. The card company will average the balances which is $750. Your interest due is now $75 not fifty. Look out for this trick when comparing low interest rate credit cards.

It could make the difference between a good deal and a bad one. Honestly look at your spending and payment habits and the possible fees you might incur. Account set up fees, monthly fees, over the limit fees, late fees, additional card fees and a host of other fees.

However what about the other fees? If the rate on the card is low enough I really do not mind a reasonable annual fee, the call is yours. This is because most people that can qualify for a market low interest rate credit card pay their balances in full each month. This is because most people that can qualify for a market low interest rate credit cards will charge a hefty fee to cover their expenses. Fees, Fees and more Fees - A lot of market low interest rate credit cards will charge a hefty fee to cover their expenses.


If you carry a balance on your card often and always pay your bills at the end of the month it may benefit to take a slightly higher interest rate in lieu of a better billing cycle and lower late fees. Look at the fees, look at the billing cycles and compare all of these variables with your spending and payment habits. In closing, I can?t stress enough that you need to read the fine print!


Monday, February 2, 2009

How To Get The Best Rates On Car Insurance In Alabama

Have you ever driven while intoxicated? Do you drive recklessly? Do you speed?

If you are serious about getting the best rates on car insurance in Alabama then the very first thing you need to do is to look at your own driving style.


And if you have a conviction for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) then you won't be seeing the best rates on car insurance for several years. Even one speeding ticket or other moving violation can send your rates skyrocketing. These are the kinds of things which can greatly affect how much you pay for car insurance each month.

Also, don't bother your insurance company for the small stuff. Only report major accidents and major damage. Some companies reduce your premium if you are accident-free for as little as six months - other companies make you wait longer, but staying accident-free saves you money.

If possible park your car in a garage at night rather than leave it out on the street. If you can garage your car at night you can save money every month on your premium.

Ask your agent how much you can save every month if you make a one-time purchase of a steering wheel lock or an electronic fuel pump lock that only operates if a secret code is entered or a hidden button is pressed. Both devices are inexpensive and easily installed.

If you are under 25 years old then you are automatically placed in a high-risk insurance category and your premiums reflect this. You can lower your rate by maintaining a flawless driving record, remaining on your parents' insurance policy (if possible) and by staying in school and maintaining a "B" grade average or better so that you qualify for the 5% Good Student Discount.

Older drivers, those 55 and older are also seen as an increased driving risk. Ask your agent if your company offers a discount if you take and pass a Driver 's Refresher Course. Not all companies offer this discount, but those that do will often deduct as much as 10% off your monthly premium.

If you have recently retired and are no longer driving to work every day be sure to let your agent know as this should trigger a nice monthly decrease in your premiums.

How many miles do you drive in an average month? Many people are starting to use public transportation as often as possible and only driving their vehicle when absolutely necessary or on special occasions. If you can decrease your driving mileage to below 500 miles per month you may qualify for a rather hefty Low Mileage Discount.

If you own more than one car be certain that all of them are insured by the same company. This qualifies you for a Multi-Policy Discount every month.

One of the quickest and easiest ways to decrease your monthly car insurance premium is to simply increase your deductible. However, you need to be careful using this tactic since you have to pay your deductible in cash any time you have a claim before your insurance company will pay its share. Don't promise to pay more than you can actually afford.

Based on all of the tricks and tips you learned in this article fill out the forms on 3 different comparison websites, being careful to put the exact same information into all three forms so that you are comparing the same policy each time. Now it 's time to go online and find 3 different websites that let you compare car insurance prices between different insurance companies.

You've done your homework, you've made your comparisons, and now you've gotten the best rates on car insurance in Alabama and you can laugh all the way to the bank each month with all the cash that you're saving! Then simply choose the company with the best price - and there you have it!


Sunday, February 1, 2009

7 Tips For Using Rewards Credit Cards

Rewards credit cards are constantly improving because it is how the credit card companies compete with one another to gain new customers and to keep the ones they have.

What you miss in the fine print might cause your rewards card to reward the credit card lender instead of your wallet! While all rewards credit cards sound great at first glance, it???s important to do a little in depth research on each before you select one.

Rewards cards don???t reward if you carry a balance from month to month. When you use a rewards credit card, it???s typical for the card to have a higher interest rate than a non-rewards credit card. If you are carrying a balance from month to month instead of paying it off at the end of each month, you???re not likely to earn anything from the rewards after you pay out the interest.

What does ???Up to??? mean? You know you???ve seen it. Rewards credit cards that advertise cash back ???up to??? 1%. That means you might actually earn much less than 1% cash back, until you reach very high levels of spending on your card.

How much are cardholders paying for the rewards? Most credit card shoppers are comparing the points earned on various rewards cards, or the gift cards you receive. The best thing you can do is figure out how much those points or rewards are costing the cardholder. If you have to spend $10,000 in a year to get a $50 gift card- is it really worth it?

Frequent flyer miles are great rewards programs for people who charge a lot of purchases on their credit cards. If you don???t, you???ll be waiting years before you can qualify for your free flight. If you???re an occasional spender with credit cards, you should probably look at credit cards that offer rewards at lower levels of spending in order to take advantage of rewards.

Understand what a gas station is. Gas rewards credit cards are extremely popular now that the price of gas is ever-increasing. They???re quite generous, too, considering many will give up to 5% back on all gasoline purchases. But the only way to get the cash back on gas purchases on most of these cards is if you make your purchase at a ???real gas station???. Supermarkets, wholesale clubs or other locations may not fit the card???s guidelines and you won???t earn as much cash back.

It all depends how much you use your credit card. However, if your rewards card offers double points or double frequent flyer miles, it might be worth the annual fee. If you have to spend $3000 before you earn any rewards.

Usually. Annual fees will defeat the purpose of a rewards card.


Also keep in mind that some rewards expire if you don???t use them within a specific period of time. If your gas card gives you 5% cash back on gas purchases but it stops paying you when you???ve reached $300 in gas purchases, then look at all the rewards you???ve wasted because of their maximum limitations. Make sure you understand what the maximum earnings for rewards are, particularly if you are someone who uses credit cards often. Rewards have their limits.


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