tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43915778076811254962024-02-08T10:39:26.114-08:00FINANCE AND MONEYCOLLECTION ARTICLES ABOUT FINANCE AND MONEYUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger297125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-61052291887197910352010-01-30T10:22:00.001-08:002010-01-30T10:22:41.813-08:00How To Compare Low Cost Health Insurance In West Virginia<span class="rewrite">For more than 50% of all West Virginia households the idea of low cost health insurance is something of a misnomer, because at least half of all West Virginia households report that paying for health insurance is something of a misnomer, because at least half of all West Virginia families can't afford any health insurance at all.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">Hopefully this article will shed some light on ways that almost every family in West Virginia can compare and find low cost health insurance without breaking the family budget.</span><br /><br />It should come as no surprise that health care costs less for healthy people. One way to save money on health care and to see the doctor less frequently is to eat right and to get plenty of sleep and exercise. Eating right means giving up fast food and fried food - except in very limited quantities. Exercise doesn't have to mean buying the latest infomercial fad - exercise can mean walking briskly around the block or joining a walking group that walks in the mall every morning. Exercise can mean riding your bike to do errands around town and leaving your car at home.<br /><br />It should also come as no surprise that smoking and using any form of tobacco is not only bad for your health but it will also cost you considerably more in health insurance costs. If you are sincere about comparing and finding truly low-cost health insurance then you can't continue to smoke.<br /><br />It also means you may have to lose weight. Your BMI (Body Mass Index) is one way health insurance companies determine your monthly insurance premium. The lower your BMI the less you are going to pay. Losing even a few pounds could - hopefully - drop you a notch on your insurance company 's BMI meter and if that happens you could save hundreds of dollars each year.<br /><br />Find group health insurance. Group health insurance may be less picky about your weight and smoking habits and group health insurance is almost always cheaper than individual health insurance. If your place of employment doesn't offer low-cost group health insurance try asking at any clubs, organizations or associations that you belong to - if that fails ask friend and family if any groups or clubs they belong to offer members group health insurance . If so - join!<br /><br />Joining an HMO or a PPO can save you a considerable amount over buying health insurance as an individual, but be prepared for the possibility that you may have to give up your favorite doctor - unless your doctor happens to be a member of the HMO or PPO you want to join.<br /><br />Don't take part in extreme or dangerous sports. Also, if you drive a fast sports car, it may be time to sell it - at least it is if you are serious about finding affordable health care.<br /><br />Pay your premiums automatically out of your checking account. If your insurance company doesn't have to prepare a bill for you every month they'll pass the savings in to you.<br /><br />If you are self employed or have a home-based business ask your tax advisor if all or a portion of your health insurance premiums can be tax deductible. A tax savings could make your health insurance a whole lot more affordable.<br /><br />Buy your drugs over the internet. You might be surprised at the savings you can realize on most drugs if you purchase them over the internet.<br /><br />Increase your deductible. Obviously you can only do this is your budget will allow it, but increasing your deductible is probably the fastest and most sure way of lowering your cost of health insurance.<br /><br />Buy your health insurance over the internet. There are literally dozens of websites that encourage you to compare prices on health insurance between different insurance companies. Just don't make the mistake of thinking that you only have to make your comparisons on just one site.<br /><br /><span class="rewrite">This way you can be sure that your "comparisons" actually have a value for you. If you're serious then be prepared to make comparisons on at least 3 different websites and also be certain that you input the exact same answers in the forms on all three sites you've chosen.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">This is how anyone can become an expert and compare low cost health insurance in West Virginia and find the very best and lowest price for health insurance possible. Once you've finished all of your results and choosing the best price you can find.</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-89004062470953404752010-01-29T10:22:00.001-08:002010-01-29T10:22:48.592-08:00Where To Find Foreclosure Auctions<span class="rewrite">If you are, you may be looking in the wrong place. Are you looking to buy a new home?</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">Foreclosure properties are often considered a great buy, as they are easy to find and affordable. Instead of visiting the online websites of realtors or flipping through their brochures, place your focus on foreclosure properties.</span><br /><br />One of the most popular ways that foreclosures are bought and sold is at an auction. This auction typically takes place at a county, town, or village government office, such as the clerk 's department. As for how you can find these foreclosure auctions, they are often advertised in local newspapers. You can also search local records, as foreclosures are public notice. <br /><br />One of the few downsides to buying a home at a foreclosure auction is the inspection, as you aren't typically granted one. Most bidders are bidding on the home as-is. As-is isn't so bad, but it may be if you haven't seen the property. <br /><br />With that said, since foreclosures are public notice, you should be able to get the address of the property in question. You will want to drive by. Although you should not judge a book by its cover, a drive by can give you an idea of what to expect. When you have doubts, it may be best to move on and target other auctions.<br /><br />If you decide to attend a foreclosure auction, the last thing you want to do is just show up. That is unless you are scouting to see how an auction works. When you are serious about purchasing a foreclosed property at an auction, you need to be prepared. <br /><br />This preparation involves having financing lined up. Many will require that you either have the money on hand or show proof that you do have the financial resources needed to follow through with the sale. Contingency loans are generally prohibited. Check deposits are sometimes required before you can even place a bid. <br /><br /><span class="rewrite">After this point has passed, you can start the eviction process if the current occupants do not leave voluntarily. This is where they can still fight to keep their home. Many states give current occupants a redemption period or a grace period.<br /><br /> In fact, it is likely that you will be unable to do so. If you are the winner bidder, it is important to know that you may not be able to move into your new home right away. For bids that are not sealed, the auctioneer will start with a figure, often around $1,000 or less and the bidding will continue on. Once everyone has placed a bid, the highest bidder will be announced.<br /><br /> It is not uncommon for bids to be sealed. As for the auction itself, it depends.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">This knowledge is important, as many fellow bidders will be investors looking to turn a profit, not buy their first home. If you are unfamiliar with the buying and selling of real estate, foreclosures, or auctions, you can learn a lot. You should be allowed to do so.<br /><br /> As it was previously stated, you may want to attend a foreclosure auction and just sit on the sidelines.</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-3793757739840384672010-01-28T10:22:00.001-08:002010-01-28T10:22:53.036-08:00Tips To Get Rid Of Extensive Debt<span class="rewrite">Through abiding by several tips, even the worst of debt can be subsided with a little valor and effort. But there are ways out of every impossible situation and getting out of bad debt is no exception. During these trying times, life becomes incredibly stressful.<br /><br /> If you are going through some rough times, bad debt seems to pile up faster than you can make money.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">Several Basic Tips to Debt Relief</span><br /><br />The first thing one should do when faced with debt is to think of repayment plans. If you haven't contacted the company associated with the debt, be sure to do so and discuss possible payment plans. This will allow yourself time to get the money, while still have cash flow for necessities.<br /><br />The above tip will also help avoid borrowing money to pay bills. Borrowing money will only worsen your situation, since the money will have to be paid back with interest. This method should be avoided at all costs. In some cases, a family member or close friend will be able to act as a bank, and allow money to be borrowed with a little friendlier term on interest rates.<br /><br />Although housing is a necessity, it is important to not go overboard. Generally, housing situations should not cost more than 30% of your monthly income if it can be helped. The luxury of a nice apartment is nice to have, but there is no sense in living like a king when there are bills to be paid.<br /><br />Controlling Spending, Maximizing Earnings<br /><br />To pay debt off, it 's logical to think that you should be earning more money than you spend. This logical thinking is exactly right! Make sure that all unnecessary expenses are cut. Always seek to take the cheaper way out wherever possible.<br /><br />Cutting out unnecessary expenses can save a lot of money and turn bad debt into a hopeful situation. To make the process minimize further, another job could be taken to maximize earnings. This way your expenses are cut and your profits are maximized. If this kind of plan is followed, bad debt will only be temporary.<br /><br />Strategic Repayment Plans<br /><br />If you owe money to several different sources, always put the high interest debt as your priority. Over time this will end up saving a good deal of money for anyone with bad debt. Since high interest will always cost more money than low interest, this is logically the best solution.<br /><br />Debt can also be consolidated- meaning that all of your debts will be consolidated into one monthly payment. This requires the help of special agencies and businesses most times- but it is well worth the effort. Instead of stressfully remembering who you owe money and when it needs to be paid, you only need to look forward to one monthly payment. This also helps you budget your expenses with much more ease.<br /><br />Final Thoughts on Bad Debt Situations<br /><br /><span class="rewrite">Of course this depends on the level of debt- but with the right budget all that is needed is time and a little effort. Following the above tips will ensure that bad debt is a temporary stressor not long term. Bad debt isn't always impossible to get out of.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">Keep your head up high and your nose to the grindstone, and the bad debt will be gone for good. We all know how stressful debt can be- and the phone calls from multiple companies never helps. Also be sure to look into debt consolidation.</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-16609125468334159342010-01-27T10:22:00.001-08:002010-01-27T10:22:58.101-08:00Credit Repair: What Not To Do!<span class="rewrite">Beware of Store Cards</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">And third, store cards tend to give a low credit line, often just above your purchase amount. First, your score will be reduced because of the new account that will soon appear on your report. But it is handy to know that store cards create triple trouble on your credit report. This can be a good deal.<br /><br /> And third, store cards tend to give a low credit line, often just above your purchase amount. Second, your score will be reduced because of the new account that will soon appear on your report. First, your score will be reduced because of the inquiry. But it is handy to know that store cards create triple trouble on your credit report.<br /><br /> This can be a good deal. And third, store cards tend to give a low credit line, often just above your purchase amount. First, your score will be reduced because of the new account that will soon appear on your report. But it is handy to know that store cards create triple trouble on your credit report.<br /><br /> This can be a good deal. Department stores love to push their credit cards by offering a discount on your purchase if you sign up on the spot.</span><br /><br />Watch That High Limit<br /><br />I run a national credit repair company and speak to people all day long about their credit reports. One of the bits of advice that we like to offer our customers is to pretend they only have half the limit on their credit card that they really have. It takes some discipline to do this but it can make a big difference on your credit score. As soon as your balance exceeds fifty percent of your available limit your credit score will start to suffer. If your credit balances are currently close to your credit limits you might consider calling the credit card companies and asking them to increase your limit. You will be amazed at how fast this can make your score go up!<br /><br />The Auto Shopping Credit Trap<br /><br />I can???t tell you the number of times that we have looked at a credit report and seen multiple auto credit inquiries. When we ask our customer they inform us that they only went to two different dealers. Auto dealers will often shop for the best interest rate for you. If they shop with three auto finance companies you will have three credit inquiries. These multiple inquiries can have a significant impact on your score. This is not the auto dealers fault. After all, they are acting your best interest, but it is best to be aware of the possibilities. If you are shopping for a car I would suggest not providing your Social Security number until you are settled on the car you want.<br /><br />No More Mr. (or Mrs.) Nice Guy<br /><br />Just about every day in the credit repair business we come across someone that was nice enough to co-sign for someone on a car loan. I???m sorry to say this, but chances are that if they need you to co-sign they will not make their payments on time. And this will kill your credit scores. I know that this is a tough call. It is hard to say ???no???. If this situation arises in your life I suggest an alternative approach. Go ahead and co-sign. But when the payment book arrives ask them to give it to you. Have them pay you instead of the auto finance company. You will make the payments on time. And maybe they will feel some extra obligation to make their payments to you on time as opposed to some anonymous auto finance company.<br /><br />Don???t get complacent<br /><br />Check your credit from time to time. In December of 2003 Congress passed the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act) which, among other things gives you the right to get a free credit report from each bureau one time per year. This law was passed to protect you from the credit reporting errors that occur far too frequently. Don???t imagine that because you are doing everything right that the credit bureaus are reporting everything correctly. Get your reports and proof read them carefully. It???s your right.<br /><br />No explanations needed<br /><br /><span class="rewrite">It???s your money Make sure you are comfortable. Before you hire someone pick up the phone and talk to them. You should never have to commit for a predetermined period of time.<br /><br /> A good credit repair company should be affordable and efficient. They have the experience and knowledge to get the job done for you. If you don???t feel up to the challenge of dealing with the credit bureaus hire a reputable credit repair company. Whatever you do please don???t write an explanation for the credit bureaus to include on your credit report you should dispute it! Are there errors on your report?</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">All Rights Reserved. All Content. Kemish.<br /><br /> 2007 James W. Copyright ??</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-83664428630420821552010-01-26T10:23:00.001-08:002010-01-26T10:23:03.603-08:00Does Your Car Insurance Cover You For Driving Abroad?<span class="rewrite">By law, British motor insurers must cover your car for the minimum cover required by the law in other European countries, or the minimum cover required by the law in other European countries, or the minimum cover required by UK law, whichever is greater.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">These are some of the most common limits and conditions found on UK policies regarding driving your own car abroad. There are special conditions that may apply however, and you'd do best to check with your individual insurer to find out about limits or conditions on your policy. In most cases, this means that no matter where you are driving your car, you'll have at least Third Party coverage.</span><br /><br />No cover for damage to your own vehicle<br /><br />While you may have cover for collision damages when driving at home, many insurers will only cover damage to other vehicles if you are driving abroad. You can extend your policy to cover damages to your car from fire, theft and collision while abroad by talking with your insurance company or broker.<br /><br />No breakdown cover abroad<br /><br />Even if you extend your car insurance to cover you while driving your car overseas, you won't be covered if your car should breakdown on the side of the road. Your insurer may be able to provide international breakdown cover, though you may get a better price on breakdown cover if you buy it in conjunction with your holiday insurance or even through your home insurer.<br /><br />Advance notification required<br /><br />Some car insurance companies require you to notify them in advance if you will be taking your car abroad with you. If you fail to give them notice and are involved in an accident, you may be left with only third party cover. Check your policy to find out how much advance notice your insurer requires in order to extend your policy to cover you when driving your car abroad.<br /><br />Time limits on motor insurance abroad<br /><br />Some higher end motor insurance policies allow you full coverage overseas for up to a stated length of time - generally 30 to 90 days - at no extra charge. They still require advance notice to extend your coverage, but as long as your overseas visits are less than the stated amount of time, you won't be charged an extra premium. Be sure to check for any limitations on your policy while overseas. In most cases, only repairs will be covered. You'll have to make other arrangements for transportation, car hire and other accommodations. <br /><br />** Tips for Taking Your Car Abroad **<br /><br />1. Check to find out how much cover your current motor insurance provides if you are traveling abroad.<br /><br />2. Arrange for a Green Card through your insurer. The Green Card is an easy way to provide proof of insurance cover in most European countries. <br /><br />3. Get separate breakdown cover. Most motor insurance policies do not provide any breakdown cover in foreign countries. If you carry separate breakdown cover at home, however, check that policy. Some may cover you for short trips abroad at no additional cost.<br /><br /><span class="rewrite">It 's a handy way to jot down details of an accident while they are still fresh in your mind. Most will provide one free of charge. Ask your insurer for a European accident statement form and keep it with you. 4.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">Always lock the doors, and keep motor insurance and vehicle ownership papers on your person rather than in your car. Because foreign cars are an attractive target for thieves, take precautions to make it difficult to steal your car. 5.</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-40228743006764652952010-01-19T10:23:00.001-08:002010-01-19T10:23:05.350-08:00Stock Research ? Hedge Funds ? If Bear Stearns Doesn?t Know ? Who Knows???<span class="rewrite">In any event Bear Stearns would have to be on the short list. Some might say Goldman Sach?s. It might be argued that Bear Stearns is the best managed Wall Street firm in existence. Recent news has taken us into the inner sanctum of Bear Stearns, truly a dominant investment firm in the world today.<br /><br /> As the hedge fund world becomes bigger and bigger as more and more hot money seeks the elusive alpha of maximum performance, it is becoming apparent that more and more newspaper space will be devoted to hedge funds, and private equity.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">Taking some of the risks that were involved to achieve this performance is now coming home to roost. Some of these hedge funds in a few years, have grown to possess capital bases equal to that of investment banking firms that have been around for generations. Investment firms for almost a decade sat by and watched hedge funds form, and amass vast investment capital pools while successfully charging 2% management fees, and 20% of the profits.</span><br /><br />Bear Stearns is the latest firm to stub its toe in the hedge fund industry. The firm is FAMOUS for quantifying and judging RISK before making its bets. This time however it seems that Bear Stearns threw its usual caution to the wind in embracing the formation of two hedge funds over the last year or so.<br /><br />The second hedge fund was considered a more highly-leveraged version of Bear?s High ?Grade structured Credit Strategies fund which was formed last year. Both funds were managed by Ralph Cioffi, who up until recent events took hold, had the reputation of being a MASTER at this game, and the game is the subprime mortgage bond business.<br /><br />Most people are not aware of it but Bear Stearns is the finest fixed income trading firm on the planet bar none, and this has been true for several generations. This makes recent events even more perplexing to understand.<br /><br />Jimmy Cayne who is Bear?s CEO is embarrassed at the very least, and certainly upset enough that there will be major changes in the leadership of the units responsible for the pain being inflected on the firm?s reputation. This should not have happened at Bear Stearns, that?s the point.<br /><br />Actions Taken and Implications<br /><br />Mr. Cayne has made the decision to inject $3.2 billion of Bear Stearns capital into a bail-out of the older fund. Bear is also negotiating with the banks that put up the credit facility for the other fund, the highly leveraged High-Grade Enhanced Leveraged fund. What Bear is trying to prevent is the forced sale of the debt obligations underlying the fund?s investments. These issues trade by appointment as they say, which means they rarely trade at all. Bear knows the Street smells blood, and will take advantage of any weakness that Bear shows.<br /><br />So what are the implications of this latest hedge fund debacle? It clearly shows that the most sophisticated investors on the planet who put their money into hedge funds may in fact have NO IDEA what they are investing in. Instead, they are betting on the institutional reputation of the firms standing in back of the hedge funds. In this case nobody knew more about this market segment than Bear Stearns, yet they caught in a terrible position.<br /><br />This is not Cayne?s fault, but as CEO, it is always his responsibility. I believe him to be the finest Wall Street executive of his generation. Nevertheless, his underlings certainly let him down, and they are among the highest paid people in the world today. Some of these industry veterans are drawing $10 million dollar annual incomes. Let the investor beware is the rule of the day, especially when it comes to hedge funds.<br /><br />But Wait ? There?s More<br /><br />The average hedge fund uses about six to one leverage in order to obtain the performance success we have become accustomed to seeing in the hedge fund world. Investors in Bear Stearns? fund called Enhanced Leverage put up about $638 million of their own money. The fund was then able to borrow about 10 times that amount. They used repo-financing and a credit facility at the Barclay?s Bank.<br /><br />Enhanced Leverage then went out and invested about $11.5 billion in both bonds and various and assorted bank debts on the long side. On the short side, they had about $4.5 billion through credit default swaps. These transactions were originated on the ABX Index, all of which were tied into subprime mortgage bonds.<br /><br />I know you are asking how it all came undone. What happened is that the underlying bonds of the whole market segment are what you could call the subprime market came undone. Back in February, this hurt Bear?s two funds. The funds and the hedges laid on by Bear went under water in March simultaneously. The hedges should have performed when the market worsened, and they didn?t. That was the killer. The hedges did not do what they were supposed to do.<br /><br />In late May, Bear knew they had to do something. What Bear chose to do was close down the redemption process. In other words, not allow any investors to withdraw their remaining funds, which would create a run on the hedge fund. This is similar to Franklin Roosevelt closing down the banks in 1933, to prevent a run on the banks from taking place.<br /><br />The banks who lent the money to the Bear Stearns sponsored funds quickly began selling down the securities in the funds in an attempt to back into some kind of positive equity balance. This was all the result of margin calls brought about the funds? poorly performing, and now distressed investments. Bear finally agreed to a bail-out of one of the funds injecting $3 plus billion dollars into the fund. The firm as of now will not rescue the other fund, known as Enhanced Leverage.<br /><br />In our opinion, Bear will not be the last firm to experience problems with hedge funds, and investors are in for a further rude awakening as the hedge fund industry continues along its under-regulated path of seeking maximum investment performance. Many hedge funds are overextending, and frankly have no idea as to their actual open positions in the financial world.<br /><br />Bear and nobody is better than Bear says it will be another week or two before it knows the extent of the losses of its investors in these two funds. If that is true of the best managed risk taking firm in the world today, how much confidence can you have in the hundreds of other hedge funds out there that are poorly managed compared to the legendary Bear Stearns.?<br /><br /><span class="rewrite">It?s great when the market goes against you; these entities literally go out of business. Six to one is normal, and then you get the ones that go crazy and start approaching 10 to 1 leverage in the race for performance. The problem with hedge funds is the leverage.<br /><br /> What you don?t realize is that the bed is sitting on a railroad track with a 100 mile per hour train bearing down on you. You think you?re sleeping on a nice warm bed. The answer is you?d better sleep with your pants on, if you think your money is safe in the hedge fund world.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">Would you like to wake up from a coma, owning hedge fund investments for the previous ten years, maybe yes, maybe no, but as an investor, you better be able to answer that question? Would the investments you made ten years ago still be good, or not? He also talks about what would happen if you wound up in a coma, and woke up 10 years later?<br /><br /> Warren Buffett has always talked about being able to sleep at night with your investments.</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-25337916439886102582009-10-22T11:23:00.001-07:002009-10-22T11:23:22.248-07:00How To Save Money And Get Discount Homeowner &#39;s Insurance In Louisiana<span class="rewrite">The primary way you can protect your asset is by insuring it - that 's why almost all homeowner 's in Louisiana, even homeowner 's who are not required to by their lenders, buy homeowner 's insurance. In all probability your house is your biggest asset, and, naturally, you want to do everything you can to protect that asset.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">In fact, simply by reading this article, and putting one or more of its suggestions into practice, you could conceivably save several hundred dollars each and every year on your homeowner 's insurance. But even though almost every homeowner sees the necessity for homeowner 's insurance, few homeowners want to pay more for their insurance than they have to - and fortunately there 's no reason that you should.</span><br /><br />Start with your credit rating. That 's right. Your credit rating has an effect on how much you pay for your homeowner 's insurance. The better your credit score the better the price you'll pay for homeowner 's insurance.<br /><br />Pay your premiums yearly - if you can't afford to pay them yearly then make automatic payments each month out of your checking account. Doing so saves your insurance company money and they pass the savings on to you.<br /><br />When determining how much homeowner 's insurance you need, only figure in the cost of rebuilding your home from the foundation up plus the cost of replacing the contents of your home - do not include the value of the land that your home sits on.<br /><br />Replace any cracked or broken concrete walkways on your property and fill in all potholes. You want to make your property as free from potential liability claims as you possibly can. Replace any lose floorboards on porches or decks.<br /><br />Trim bushes away from windows and add motion-sensitive lights to deter burglars. Make sure every exterior door has a working deadbolt and every window has a working lock.<br /><br />Buying a 24/7 off-site-monitored home security system can provide you and your family with a great deal of peace of mind. Buying such a system can also save you a hefty 20% or even more on your homeowner 's insurance every month. Don't make a final decision on a system, however, without first discussing it with your insurance agent since not every system will earn the full 20% discount.<br /><br />If you have a home business ask your tax advisor if all or a portion of the cost of your home security system can be made tax deductible. If you can combine a 20% savings on your premium with an additional tax savings you can feel quite good about your investment.<br /><br />Buy and install a kitchen-rated fire extinguisher in your kitchen.<br /><br />Make sure you have the right number of smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors installed and that they each have a fresh battery. Remember to change batteries in all detectors twice yearly.<br /><br />If you have an older home, even a home just 10 years old, ask your agent if upgrading your water and electrical system would save you enough money every month to be worthwhile. Often it is.<br /><br />Increase your deductible. The larger your deductible the smaller your monthly homeowner 's insurance premium. But don't go overboard and promise to pay more than you can actually afford.<br /><br />Buy your homeowner 's insurance online to save even more. <br /><br />Many people make the mistake of looking at just 1 homeowner 's insurance price comparison website. Comparing prices on just one site will only show you the prices of a very small number of insurance companies operating in Louisiana. If you really want to compare the largest number of insurance companies possible then you'll need to make your comparisons on at least 3 different websites.<br /><br />Use the information you have learned from this article when filling out the forms on the 3 sites - and be careful to put the same answers onto all the forms so that you will be comparing the same homeowner 's policy across all three sites.<br /><br /><span class="rewrite">Out of that list you merely need to choose the lowest price and you're done! Now review all of your results and then ask yourself which companies you feel confident will still be in business 30 years from now.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">You have now entered the ranks of the professional when it comes to ways to save money and get discount homeowner 's insurance in Louisiana!</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-49869122823767897062009-02-26T10:23:00.001-08:002009-02-26T10:23:13.382-08:00Introduction To Day Trading<span class="rewrite">History of online day trading</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br />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.<br /><br />What is day trading?<br /><br />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."<br /><br />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.<br /><br />There are many different techniques or strategies that you can use in day trading. Some of the more common online trading systems include:<br /><br />?Trend following<br />?Range trading<br />?Scalping<br />?Rebate Trading<br />?News Playing<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />What are the pros of day trading?<br /><br />?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.<br /><br />?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!<br /><br />What are the cons of day trading?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Day trading online can be a fun and even profitable adventure, provided that you have good discipline, -risk and -money management.<br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">Richard Dennis, on Turtle Trading</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-82248434571827081412009-02-25T10:22:00.001-08:002009-02-25T10:22:47.557-08:00Learning Forex Trading For Greater Profits<span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-33079082384981571452009-02-24T10:22:00.001-08:002009-02-24T10:22:50.934-08:00Retirement - What is the IRA<span class="rewrite">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?</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-24081696983782889272009-02-23T10:23:00.001-08:002009-02-23T10:23:11.529-08:00It Takes Credit To Build Credit<span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">What to Look For On a Credit Card Application</span><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Calculate Your Monthly Finance Charges<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><span class="rewrite">Use Your Credit Card as a Tool</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-6227763414821681372009-02-21T10:23:00.001-08:002009-02-21T10:23:02.227-08:00Advantages Of Freight Factoring Over Traditional Loans<span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.<br /><br /> 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.</span><br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /> <br /><span class="rewrite">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.<br /><br /> 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.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.<br /><br /> 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.<br /><br /> 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.</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-63284436579825301382009-02-20T10:21:00.001-08:002009-02-20T10:21:55.723-08:00Financial Relief Through Debt Settlement<span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.<br /><br /> 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.</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-31718453524855334672009-02-19T10:21:00.001-08:002009-02-19T10:21:48.538-08:00Should I Plan for Debt?<span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-50049720138188204432009-02-18T10:22:00.001-08:002009-02-18T10:22:20.717-08:00Using Your Credit Card: What Is Its Purpose?<span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.<br /><br /> 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.</span><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.<br /><br /> 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.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-70089588378838349412009-02-17T10:22:00.001-08:002009-02-17T10:22:10.260-08:00Dealing With Credit Card Debt<span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-75571934944136510572009-02-16T10:22:00.001-08:002009-02-16T10:22:20.176-08:00Paying Of Your Debt With The Pyramid<span class="rewrite">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!</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">Assess the Situation</span><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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).<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Make another list of all your monthly income, so that you know how much money you have to work with and make your payments.<br /><br />Develop Your Plan of Attack<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Example list of creditors:<br /><br />AccountBalanceMonthly Minimum Payment<br />Credit card 1:$475$21<br />Credit card 2:$895$56<br />Credit card 3:$1970$75<br />Personal loan$3000$150<br />Car Loan$13,500$375<br /><br />Example of total monthly living expenses: $1200<br />Example of total monthly income: $2100<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><span class="rewrite">Important Considerations</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-59185786700033102842009-02-15T10:23:00.001-08:002009-02-15T10:23:25.543-08:00Unusual Insurance Claims And Policies<span class="rewrite">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 ?</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">Football Fever</span><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Quirky Car Insurance<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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!<br /><br />The Winner, by a Nose<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Sex Costs Insurance Companies Dear!<br /><br />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?<br /><br />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!<br /><br />When Absent Mindedness Costs You ??180,000<br /><br />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!<br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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 ?</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">Imagine the odd insurance packages that don?t make the headlines! ?And this is the stuff just appears in the news.</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-16710085906932853112009-02-14T10:23:00.001-08:002009-02-14T10:23:07.085-08:00Those Amazing Citibank Credit Cards<span class="rewrite">Citibank credit cards are available in many different types, from business cards to cards designed specifically for college students.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.<br /><br /> Why a Citi credit card? When you need a credit card, go for Citibank credit cards.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.<br /><br /> 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.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-79941538290082195772009-02-13T10:22:00.001-08:002009-02-13T10:22:54.128-08:00Forex Can Be Amazingly Profitable Over The Short Term<span class="rewrite">Forex can be amazingly profitable in the short term and if profits are reinvested over The long term as well.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.<br /><br /> 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.</span><br /><br />Likewise, $10,000 invested in General Motors fifty years ago would now be worth about $6 million.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.<br /><br /> This is a fascinating and fabulous period in which to be entering the market and acquiring your share of American business.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-74687018916167553322009-02-12T10:23:00.001-08:002009-02-12T10:23:01.965-08:00Financing A New Car With A Personal Loan<span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite"><span class="rewrite">So, what are your options?</span></span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">Basically, you can look at the dealer???s own finance schemes (??</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-62392928865868941482009-02-11T10:23:00.001-08:002009-02-11T10:23:03.912-08:00Credit Repair and the Hidden Power of Credit Cards<span class="rewrite">Credit Cards Hold the Key</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br />The Growing Importance of Your Credit Score<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Every Point Counts<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Credit Cards the Credit Repair Powerhouse<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Credit Cards as a Barometer of Risk<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Credit Card Behavior<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Credit Repair Rule Number One ? On Time Payments<br /><br />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.<br /><br />High Balances Equal Credit Repair Trouble<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The Age of Your Credit Cards<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Reaching Your Credit Repair Goals<br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.<br /><br /> 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?</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">All Rights Reserved. All Content. Kemish. 2007 James W.<br /><br /> Copyright ?</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-51291493694644666642009-02-10T10:23:00.001-08:002009-02-10T10:23:31.472-08:00How to Get Rich Slowly - Sound Solid Investment Principles Take Time to Pay Off<span class="rewrite">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.<br /><br /> Everyone dreams of finding that perfect investment opportunity the one that will make them a millionaire overnight.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.<br /><br /> 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.<br /><br /> 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.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.<br /><br /> Second, you need to understand a principle regarding the time value of money.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.<br /><br /> 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.</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-79849780207458082152009-02-09T10:23:00.001-08:002009-02-09T10:23:01.781-08:00Nonprofit Organizations Benefit From The Adoption Of Fund Accounting Software Solutions<span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391577807681125496.post-69777856794310123272009-02-08T10:22:00.001-08:002009-02-08T10:22:21.951-08:00Win Big With Momentum Stocks!<span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.</span><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><span class="rewrite">Final Thoughts on Momentum Trading</span><br /><br /><span class="rewrite">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.<br /><br /> Momentum trading isn't always as risky as the critics will tell you.</span><br /><br /><br /> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0