peronal finance"how to use"

Dealing with your Christmas credit card debt

2008-12-10T02:42:00.000-08:00

Dealing with your Christmas credit card debt

by Paul McIndoe

Christmas is an expensive time of year. In addition to the regular bills that have to be paid, there are presents to buy and extra food to be purchased. It is natural then, that many people turn to their credit cards to ease the financial pressure. Indeed, figures for last year's Christmas spending suggest that consumers put an estimated £32.3 billion on their credit cards.

Whilst they can be a great to way spread the extra costs, it is important to ensure that yours is giving you the best deal. For example, if you've had your card for a while, you could be open to high interest rates on the purchases you make.

It can therefore be wise to spend a bit of time considering a new credit card that is more suitable for both you, and your personal needs. In doing so, you could save a lot of money in interest repayments, as well as open yourself up to some great offers.

For instance, it is worth comparing the different credit card packages available, to see if you can transfer your existing balance. As such, there are credit card deals which offer consumers such things as 0% interest on balance transfers, or cash back on any purchases made.

If you are looking to clear your Christmas debt though, it is essential that you find a card to suit your circumstances. This therefore means that it may be best not be enticed by the incentives on offer for earning rewards, like store points or air miles on purchases; but instead find ones that offer low rates of interest, or interest-free periods. It is also vital that you don't use your card for cash transactions, or to withdraw money, since you will incur hefty fees for doing so.

Applying for a new credit card over the internet is also a much faster process. In fact, after finding a deal that suits your circumstances, it is possible to complete the online application form and get an almost instantaneous response. However, it is important to note here that you should be careful of what you do apply for; this is simply because since every time you submit an application, it shows up on your credit record.

Therefore, it may prove to be a good idea to get your finances in order, and avoid being hit by massive post-Christmas bills, Indeed, there are a wide range of credit cards available, all suitable to help solve the specific financial situation you are in; and with the right package, it is possible to reduce your debt and eliminate high interest payments.

About the Author

This article has been written for information and interest purposes only. The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author only, and should not be construed as advice or used to make financial decisions. Expert financial advice should always be sought and any links contained within this article are included for information purposes only.

Spread Betting Advice

2008-12-10T02:32:00.000-08:00

Spread Betting Advice

by Kerrie Moon

According to the London Business School over one million British people will have a spread betting account open by 2011. It is an area of the gambling market that is growing rapidly, and - unusually for British gambling - more often than not features bets on subjects that aren't sport. It is viewed by some as an easy way of playing and making money off the stock market.

Financial spread betting is actually a very easy concept. It is a way of making money from fluctuations in various markets, though it doesn't have to be in regards to the FTSE 100 as a whole (it can be single companies, commodities, currencies - you name it). If you put a £1 bet on the stock market to rise, and the FTSE accordingly rises by 50 points, you've made £50, however, if it drops by 50 points, you lose £50. Accordingly, if you bet on the market to fall, you can make money on a loss.

The most simple advice is never bet more than you can afford to lose. Whilst for some spread betting is a career, for many it is a hobby and one that is an incredibly imprecise art, even the most experienced stock traders cannot always predict what will happen to the FTSE, and there is no reason why you should be any better placed to know than these experts are.

If you are going to start spread betting expect to lose before you start to win. Make sure that you start as small as you can until you actually begin to get some knowledge of the market. If you're approaching spread betting as a hobby it's best to make sure that you do actually enjoy it before you start wagering significant sums of money on it.

Another idea is to specialise, make sure that you play a few markets well, rather than playing all across the board. Most markets tend to fluctuate with their own sort of life and rhythm, and all are interconnected in some way - just see how the U.S sub-prime mortgage crisis is linked to the price of gold! If you get to know how one particular market works, you have a better chance of not making enormous rookie errors that could potentially cost you a lot of money.

Spread betting has quite a lure, there is an assumption that it is quite possible to get rich easy from spread betting. This is, of course, a complete myth. It is possible to make large sums of money and to do so quickly - but it is not easy, and unlikely to be quick. There are specialist companies who deal with spread betting, such as City Link, who will make you aware of the risks when you open an account but there is nothing like being prepared yourself, so before you begin make sure you do your homework.

About the Author

About the Author:
City Index is a leading provider of trading services including spread betting to individuals.

Personal Finance and Money Management 22 - Types of Consumer Loans

2008-12-10T02:30:00.000-08:00

Personal Finance and Money Management 22 - Types of Consumer Loans

by Kyle Norton

As we mentioned in previous articles everybody knows that banks are a major consumer lender, they represent over 70% of all consumer loans in the market. In fact, besides banks there are many other financial institutions that offer consumer loans in the market. Some of them offer cheaper interest rates to attract customers. It is your responsibility to find out, so you can pay very little interest and save some money. In this article, we will discuss types of consumer loans.

1. Personal line of credit Banks, trust companies, and credit unions may offer their creditworthy customers a personal line of credit as a convenient substitute for personal loans, usually 10,000 to 15,000 dollars. Sometimes, they may also require some types of collateral for this type of credit such as the equity of your home if your want to have a larger personal line of credit.

2. Overdraft protection Overdraft protection, available at banks, trust companies, and credit unions, allows deposit accounts to become overdrawn to a set limit, usually $1,000 to protect customers against sudden overdrawn from their account and NSF charge (over $35). This overdraft becomes a loan and is subject to interest rates as high as, or higher than those charged on credit card loans.

3. Credit card cash advances Credit cards issued by any financial institution give card holders the option of obtaining a loan, called a cash advance without making a special application each time funds are needed. Interest here is calculated daily and begins at once at rates usually higher than a line of credit or a personal loan depending on the interest rate on the card holder agreement.

4. Demand loans A customer of a financial institution with a good credit rating may arrange for a demand loan by signing an agreement to repay the loan in full at a certain date, with interest (usually .05% higher than prime rate) due monthly with the condition that the lender has the right to recall a demand loan at any time.

5. Installment loans Installment loans offered by financial institutions to borrowers with certain conditions such as a set interest rate, a maturity date, a repayment schedule, and certain security requirements.

I hope this information will help. If you need more information, you can read the complete series of the above subject at my home page:

http://lifeanddisabitityinsuranceunderwriter.blogspot.com/ http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com

About the Author

All rights reserved. Any reproducing of this article must have all the links intact. "Let You Be with Your Health, Let Your Health Be with You" Kyle J. Norton I have been studying natural remedies for disease prevention for over 20 years and working as a financial consultant since 1990. Master degree in Mathematics, teaching and tutoring math at colleges and universities before joining insurance industries.

Taking Control of your Finances Today

2008-12-10T02:28:00.000-08:00

Taking Control of your Finances Today

by Victoria Cochrane

With the credit crunch having hit hard, everyone is feeling the pinch. Prices for everything from living costs, to food and fuel are steadily rising and as a result, people are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. However, there are a few things that you can do to ease the strain and make your money go that bit further.

First things first, you need to get your personal finances in order. This includes ascertaining exactly how much you bring in every month and balancing it against your outgoings. It is important here to prioritise your expenditure, so make sure you write down any bills that have to be paid, like your mortgage or debt repayments.

Indeed, it is vital that these are paid first, since neglecting to settle the mortgage or rent on time, for example, could see you lose your home.

The next step is to see what hidden extras you can cut out of your monthly outgoings, i.e. coffee on the way to work, buying lunch everyday or going out at the weekends. These types of activities can be considered luxuries, and it is far cheaper to make a packed lunch at home, or a flask of coffee. Equally, inviting friends over to your house is a much more cost-effective option than heading to a restaurant or going to the pub.

There are, however, certain things in life that you simply cannot prevent purchasing just because money is tight. This includes such items as car or home insurance, credit cards if you have existing debt on them, or gas and electricity; however, it is still possible to pay less for such items. Take your car insurance policy, for instance. When was the last time you actually reviewed your current package to see what exactly it is you are paying for?

The internet is a great tool for searching for such things such as online car insurance quotes. In fact, not only can you obtain a number of quotes but you can also save money by applying online.

So, by spending just a little bit of examining your finances, as well as conducting time for a bit of research, it is easy to take control of your cash.

About the Author

Victoria Cochrane writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Zero Risk Forex Trading

2008-12-10T02:27:00.000-08:00

Zero Risk Forex Trading

by T Stevens

Economy turning for the worst and banks aren't as safe as they used to be. If you have $100 YOU CAN afford Zero Risk Forex Trading

Its prudent to place your money where your certain to get a good return and there is no better market than Fluid currency. BUT you need to know what works and what will give you the best return for your money. If your familiar with Forex Trading you know that it's very possible to see 300% returns, if you trading the right currency at the right time. Easy to say and not so easy to do! However there are a few on the market. Would you be interested if a system offered you what we are all looking for. This Program is the best on the market according to many a review. It offers you:

- The Strongest Performing Trader in the market place.

- Consistent Profits Proof in Back testing.

- A Trader that operates 24hours a day catching all opportunities

- BUILT IN Loss protection - that's right loss protection!

- A system that will give you access to "LIVE PROOF" of its profits!

- A system capable of DOUBLING your money every 30 DAYS!

- High Trading Activity 10-20 trades weekly!

- A chance of finally becoming financially stable?

- 00% fully automated system with a 95.9 success rate!

- A TRIAL OF THE PROGRAM FOR 60 DAYS !!!!! NOW THAT IS Zero Risk Forex Trading

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So it turns out that during this economic climate of hardship and uncertainty. There are still ways you can grow your income. Some of us who are fortunate and forward thinking will be smart to invest our hard earn't cash.

So can you afford Zero Risk Forex Trading?

About the Author

More about Winning Ways here http://www.my-linker.com/hop/WealthyAffiliateTB

Finding a Plain Retirement Calculator That Works

2008-12-10T02:26:00.000-08:00

Finding a Plain Retirement Calculator That Works

by Trevor Price

It appears that whenever you go to a bank or financial planning company's website, they're offering some kind of new and simple retirement calculator.

The problem is - they're not simple. Every week, they get more and more complex and yet, at the same time, harder to use and control.

And yet, despite their increasing sophistication, they're still producing inaccurate results and diverging responses. One site will give you one piece of advice while another will tell you something completely different.

One may account for higher inflation rates with health care (typically double the national standard) while another will not.

The problem is if you start depending on a single Internet retirement calculator or you fail to understand the end result - you could jeopardize your entire retirement.

Remember, underestimating how much you should save each month will leave you broke in your retirement. Meanwhile, overestimating can cause major money problems now as you struggle to make mortgage payments or pay your children's college tuition.

Despite all the risks, you can get quite a lot out of simple retirement calculator programs. To learn the basics, read on.

Use Multiple Calculators

Don't just depend on a single online retirement calculator to base your entire retirement future on. Instead, try several and pay close attention to which ones ask questions that are more pertinent to your current financial situation.

Combine the Results

By looking carefully at the questions each calculator asks you and how it arrives at certain conclusions, you can start to understand it better and even merge and combine the different results. For example, one site might tell you to start saving 60 percent of your income while another will advise you to start saving 30 percent. That's a big difference, but by understanding the results and how they were achieved, you can more likely find the balance.

You Want Features, Just Not a Laundry List

Customization is great as it allows you to fine tune a retirement calculator to your own personal needs and financial situation, but it can also make the process more complicated. Try a calculator like the one offered by the Employee Benefits Research Institute (choosetosave.org).

It allows you to input extra income sources and potential expenses like travel or lifestyle choices that could affect your savings needs. At the same time, it's simple and easy to follow.

Consult With a Professional

Yes, a financial advisor will charge you fees and commissions, but if you're having doubts they can be your best bet. Most people wouldn't leave the fate of a mysterious illness in the hands of WebMD (as helpful as it is), so why would you leave the fate of your entire retirement in the hands of a simple retirement calculator?

About the Author

For great information on senior retirement preparation - please visit seniorretiretips.com - a popular site providing insights to help prepare for the next steps in your life journey - including Roth IRA rules - retirement savings calculators - and many more!

College Tuition Rises Slower Than Inflation

2008-12-10T02:24:00.000-08:00

College Tuition Rises Slower Than Inflation

by Jack Sarkissian

Two reports from the College Board revealed encouraging news for students and families paying for higher education in 2008. With the release of "Trends in College Pricing 2008" and "Trends in Student Aid 2008", the Board showed that many students are shelling out nearly the same amount (in constant dollars) as last year. Tuition and fees rose only slightly at many universities - and actually dropped at some schools - when compared to 2007 figures after adjusting for inflation. In addition, financial aid increased on an average-per-student basis by 5.5% following a reduction by the Consumer Price Index (which increased by 5.6% from July 2007 to July 2008).

Some of the College Board's findings are summarized here. For public in-state schools 2008 tuition alone amounts to $6,585. Together with room and board, a year in an in-state public college would cost you $14,333. For an out-of state public college, expect to pay $17,452 in tuition. With room and board the yearly expense amounts to $25,200. For a private school, tuition is the highest: $25,143. An all-inclusive package would cost one a whooping $34,132! A more frugal option of 2-year public college is available and allows spending just $2,400 in tuition a year.

Fortunately, you are not left alone with education expenses. Through grants & tax benefits parents recover around $3000-$4000 a year.

The good news regarding tuition costs may not last long, though. "Diminishing tax receipts and reduced endowments will undoubtedly affect future pricing for colleges," explains Sean Levin, senior strategist at Ameri-Financial. "Although financial aid increased, families will likely have to shoulder a larger education burden in the future."

If a college-educated student is in your future, creating a savings plan is critical. "Starting a 529 college savings plan is one good way to build a college nest egg," says Levin. "But you've got to start early - ideally before even the child is in grade school." A 529 plan allows your savings to grow tax deferred and withdrawals for education costs can be made tax free. Each state and many colleges and universities offer their own plan, and students are not required to attend a school in the state in which the plan is registered. In other words, a family from Texas can invest in a California plan in order for a student to attend school in Ohio. Other benefits include low maintenance, substantial allowable deposits, and control by you, the donor. As always, a carefully crafted saving and investment strategy is a key to ensure that this financial goal is within the reach. Personal financial analysis could help to develop a college saving strategy or to see if your existing strategy is on track.

About the Author

Jack Sarkissian is a senior financial analyst at Ameri-Financial. Visit http://www.ameri-financial.com/ for news and updates on personal finance that you cannot afford to miss. Use our free financial analysis tools online to establish your financial goals and reach them faster

Financial Markets See More Contractions

2008-12-10T02:23:00.000-08:00

Financial Markets See More Contractions

by Mike wright

Markets received a jolt of pain on Friday, as US employment numbers came in at -533,000, way beyond consensus estimates. The figures were the worst for three decades and are yet another instance to add to the ever growing pile of "once in a generation" type extremes that we've seen in 2008. Friday's numbers were predicted by just one outfit (ING) and that was seen as an outlier. However, as a sign, that perhaps markets are becoming inured to the dreadful economic news US markets actually managed to rally into the close on Friday. The Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq finished down on the week, but well above the week's lows.

Last week's announcement that the US was officially in recession was a bit of a non event. A recession has been in train for both the UK and US economies for some time, but optimism or fear over its severity has been waxing and waning over recent weeks, as world governments released various stimulus packages. Last week was certainly not for the optimists, with investors flying to the safety of US Treasuries, pushing the benchmark yield down to record lows. Friday NF Payroll numbers confirmed what many Americans are already experiencing; the number of people in private employment is falling. Like readily available credit, jobs are being squeezed on both sides of the Atlantic.

The latest UK purchasing managers' survey showed that UK manufacturing fell at a record pace in November. The falls mirror similar record declines in US manufacturing which also contracted the most since 1992. The outlook for the UK in particular looks grim, with mortgage lending falling to near record lows. The poor manufacturing data and dramatic interest cuts sent the pound sharply lower against most major currencies. Last week, the pound hit 0.87250 against the Euro, its lowest level since the introduction of the European single currency.

Demand for US Treasuries shows no signs of stopping. In addition, sovereign credit default swaps have gone through the roof, reflecting both the cost of the planned stimulus packages and the growing severity of the global recession. At the start of the year, Credit default spread for the UK were just 8.9. Last week they moved higher than 125, meaning it would cost $125 to insure a $10,000 sovereign investment. Germany currently has the lowest CDS levels, while Argentina has rocketed to over 4,000. Russia is also elevated with CDS levels approaching 800. With its extreme moves, the bond market is telling one story, while the stock market recovery on Friday told another slightly less apocalyptic tale.

Resource and energy stocks were under pressure as crude prices continue to slide. Oil prices made a century of sorts last week, at below $47, oil prices have now fallen over $100 from their peak in July. The decline is all the more remarkable when you consider the fact that oil started the year under $100. Crude eventually closed the week at just above $40, though oil majors such as BP, Shell and Exxon Mobil managed to hold up relatively well. The divergence between oil prices and oil majors may possibly be a function of oil producers being able to extract good margins, as the price at the pumps hasn't fallen to the same by the same severity as the price of crude.

Next week's stand out economic announcements include UK PPI on Monday, and manufacturing production on Tuesday. US pending home sales are released on Tuesday afternoon with trade balance and unemployment claims out on Thursday. With Christmas around the corner, US retail sales will be followed closely on Friday, as will the University of Michigan consumer sentiment numbers. When markets go up on bad news, it can be a positive sign that buyers are willing to step in and take control. Friday's rally brought the S&P 500 just shy of 900 and while a rally from here is very possible, there may be some overhead resistance above 900.

TIPS:

A one touch trade predicting that the S&P 500 will touch 899 at any time during the next 9 days could return 15% at BetOnMarkets.

About the Author

Mike wright is a writer from Regent Markets Group which owns betonmarkets.com. A multiple awards winning , fully licensed global site which allows traders to speculate on the movement of the worlds' major financial markets, up down or sideways without actually owning the market, stock or currency you are buying.

5 Ways to Make Immediate Cash Online

2008-11-30T20:35:00.000-08:00

5 Ways to Make Immediate Cash Online

by Clarissa Smith

These days, making money online is very easy because there are so many ways to do it. However, because there are just so many ways to make money online. It's also easy for a person to get "lost in the sauce" when it comes to finding the right way to make money online. Here are 4 ways to make immediate cash online. All of the methods are tried and true.

Three Hour Profits This program has been approved and reviewed by BBB.org. The steps to making money in three hours are easy and can be followed by any beginner who desires to earn some cash in a flash. This program is rated number one. To try the program out click here http://www.easynetriches.info/

CashLagoon: This site has made me quite a bit of cash. And couldn't we all use a little bit of immediate cash every once and a while? Cashlagoon is a site that pays you for doing offers such as free trials. Cashlagoon also often will pay you for filling out short surveys. The great thing about Cashlagoon is that it pays it's members in under twenty four hours. And membership is completely free. You can try the program out by clicking here: http://tinyurl.com/5qsujr

Paidthefastest. This program also pays in under twenty four hours. And it has a lot of interesting offers on the site. You get paid for taking free trials and doing some short surveys. Paidthefastest is also free to join. With this site, you can be sure to rack up immediate cash. Just be sure to use a lot of integrity when filling out the surveys and offers. Paid the fastest has no problem kicking you off of its site without giving you a moment's notice. So be truthful and don't make any mistakes when putting in any of your information. Visit www.paidthefastest.com to test drive the program.

GetPaidTonight This site will pay you very immediately, tonight even. The site also pays it's members for doing surveys, offers and the like. You get paid in under twenty four hours of course. But again, be very cautious with this site as they will kick you off if they sense that anything shifty is going on. Visit Getpaidtonight.com for more information.

Ebay This site can make you immediate money because you don't have to worry about getting any traffic. Hordes of people run to ebay every day from all over the world. So the chances of someone buying something you put up for auction are extremely high. You can find things around your house to sell like books, dvd, clothes, jewelry, and antiques. And if you don't think you own anything to sell, you can find a dropshipper on Salehoo and start listing stuff from there. Dropshippers ship the items to the customer for you. Dropshipping services are usually free. Visit ebay.com for more information.

About the Author

Clarissa is an internet entrepreneur who has been successfully making money online. For more info on how to make some immediate cash in just a few hours visit: http://www.easynetriches.info/

What's So Special About Balance Transfer Cards?

2008-11-30T20:34:00.000-08:00

What's So Special About Balance Transfer Cards?

by Tom Becker

Of all of the credit cards out there, one category can do more for your personal finances than any other. Lots of credit card companies are offering special incentives to get people to sign up with them. When companies do this with an offer of a balance transfer, this can be really good for your finances. So what is so special about balance transfer cards? For the most part, they put money in your hand and in your pocket.

Though it is nice to have a plastic card that you can use whenever you want to, it is also extremely nice to be able to spend cash when the time comes. This is what makes balance transfer cards so special. They not only give you the continued spending power, but give you breathing room. Credit card companies understand that it is not exactly easy to keep up with all of your bills and they are sometimes willing to offer you a period of 0% on your balance when you transfer over to their card. In this way, cards with balance transfer capacity are a real pocket hero.

They save your credit rating. Do you have any idea what a missed or late payment can do to your credit rating? In today's tight credit market, you need to keep your score as healthy as possible. If you are about to miss a credit card payment or foresee a problem down the track, then getting a balance transfer to a card with 0% can keep you on your feet for a little while longer. This is a really nice incentive for customers who normally wouldn't need that kind of help.

Another really great thing about balance transfer cards is that they are usually designed in the favor of the customer. This means that the companies will give you good deals along with them. It is popular for the credit card companies to give you a 0% interest rate on balance transfers for a certain period of time. This means that you can get money in your pocket for free. You will eventually have to pay it back, but in the mean time, you can do whatever you want with the money. If you would like, you can even take the money and invest it in an account that will pay you some dividends. This is one of the nice things out there that lots of customers don't even know about.

About the Author

Tom Becker is a personal finance expert with years of experience advising people on how to best manage their personal finances. He is currently a writer for Money Compare, a popular Australian comparison website that lets people compare the best 0% balance transfer cards, loans, insurance and online bank accounts.

Time to Retire…or Just Rethink?

2008-11-30T20:32:00.000-08:00

Time to Retire…or Just Rethink?

by David Bohl

Baby Boomers are often referred to as "the lump in the snake" when describing their effect on the economy. And right now, that lump is nearing retirement, taking with it an enormous amount of experience, wisdom and time-tested street smarts. "Companies could lose everyone who remembers how they handled the last economic downturn," said Alison Sander, in a recent New York Times feature on retirement.

On the other side of the issue, boomers approaching retirement age may not be prepared, mentally or physically, to simply walk off the job and into retirement. Between the declining value of the dollar and unstable economy, the expense of individual health insurance and lengthening life spans, many potential retirees find themselves at retirement age unready, unwilling or unable to quit.

If you're facing this dilemma, what are your options? What things do you need to consider?

For starters, you should ask yourself if you even want to retire. While some people may look forward to retirement, others find the idea of spending the final years in enforced leisure repellent. If the idea of not working fills you with dread, now may be the time to start planning for your second (or third, or fourth) career.

One option is internships. As the Times points out, (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/21/business/retirement/21intern.html?ref=retirement<;/u>) adult internships have seen a major upswing over the past years as more and more mature applicants began looking for ways to extend their working years and use their hard-won knowledge. On the other hand, this can be a new concept to many organizations, so keep that in mind when you apply - you may have to sell yourself more than a younger applicant simply because you're unexpected.

Another option is going into business for yourself. This is an increasingly popular option for retirement-age folks with a lifetime of experience and a desire to continue working in the same (or related) fields. It can be a risky and sometimes complicated route to take, but many professionals are finding that the rewards far outweigh the risks.

Finally, you can find a way to stay at your previous job. Perhaps you could go on flextime or part-time, if full time is no longer practical or desirable. Other options involve moving into a mentoring-based position, using your experience to create training curriculum or finding other ways to provide insight and guidance to the company. You might even be able to find or create a completely different position within the company that's a better fit for your skills and desires - maybe moving from production to sales, or transferring to another branch.

Another question you should ask yourself is whether or not you can afford to retire. The answer, of course, depends on many variables, including how much you've managed to save, what types of investments you have, how well the dollar does over the next few decades, and how long you're going to live. This last factor can be a big one. People are living much longer than they used to, and in some cases those extra years become extra expensive when health issues come into play. Your investment figures have to allow for these possibilities in order to be accurate.

Another issue is health insurance. Can you afford to buy your own? Can you even get accepted? Many retirees are discovering that insurance companies are reluctant to insure seniors, even if they're in excellent health and have had few or no previous claims. And if you do get accepted, the premiums and deductibles may be far higher than anticipated. Since health care will become increasingly important the older you get, you have to make sure this base is firmly covered before making any retirement decisions.

Finally, you need to think about what you want to do with the rest of your life, and how you want to do it. Are you more interested in spending time with family than traveling? Is full retirement the only option, or could you simply slow down to part-time or seasonal employment. If your goal is to see the world, there may be many more options besides retirement - does your company have international offices? Could starting your own consulting firm play into those dreams? Do you want to fill your days with volunteering, or go back to school? Could you take better advantage of paid time off for volunteers or tuition assistance, or is it time to cut those ties and go off in a new direction?

There are many different pathways to reach the same place, and the world isn't as black and white as it was in previous generations. Just because you've reached retirement age doesn't mean retirement is the inevitable choice. Flexible work schedules, portfolio careers, alternative career paths, volunteering, internships, entrepreneurship - there are so many different ways you could spend your golden years. It pays to take the time to research your options and do a little creative thinking about what you want and why - before you make any knee-jerk decisions.

About the Author

Personal Coach David Bohl shares the viral message "Slow Down FAST" and helps people raise the roof on all facets of their lives without risking implosion. Get some must-haves for persevering in challenging times! Sign up for David's online newsletter, The Bohl Report today.

6 Ways to Benefit Financially in a Bad Economy

2008-11-30T20:31:00.000-08:00

6 Ways to Benefit Financially in a Bad Economy

by David Bohl

With the economy in a slump and questions of whether or not we are in a recession, many Americans are worried about their personal financial situations. The good news is that you don't just have to sit there and take it under the chin allowing the economy to control you. There are steps that you can take and things that you can do to benefit from a bad economy.

Invest in foreclosures

The housing market has also seen the ill effects of a bad economy. Property values are decreasing, homeowners can't afford to pay their mortgages, and for sale signs are popping up all over America. Many homes are even being foreclosed upon, so there are banks and mortgage lenders all over the country that now own property and aren't in the real estate business. They want to sell these properties fast and as cheap as they can. You can benefit from this part of the bad economy by buying and investing in one or several foreclosed properties. You can buy a home of your own at a reduced price or you can buy homes to fix and resell or rent.

Buy your dream home

If you have been dreaming of being a homeowner, now is the time. It is a buyer's market, which means that affordable housing is everywhere you look. The home that you wouldn't have been able to buy one or two years ago is now being sold at such a discount that it is in your price range. Many of these homeowners need to sell their homes and are willing to be flexible and work out whatever terms are necessary to make the deal happen. This creates a winning combination-you want to buy a home and they want to sell it.

Start a business

With a bad economy situations present themselves that this country has not seen in years. New businesses are started to answer the need for something that is missing in the market. Maybe the business you have always wanted to open answers one of these needs. For example, many Americans have given up their car keys for bike lock keys. With more Americans using their bicycles as a form of alternative transportation, maybe it's time to open the bike shop you have always wanted to open. And with real estate being so affordable, you may be able to snag the perfect location too.

Sell a business

On the other hand, it may be time to sell your business. You may be in financial need for the cash that selling your business can offer you. Just because the economy has some rough spots does not mean that there aren't people benefiting from the situation. If cashing in your chips and selling your business can dig you out of a financial hole, then sell it. Many investors are scooping up great business opportunities at market value and this is your chance to take advantage of the situation.

Become a consultant

If you are an expert at anything related to finances or the economy, now may be the time to use this knowledge and experience to your advantage. You can earn extra income as a consultant to companies or individuals who can benefit from the knowledge and experience you have to offer. For example, if you are a credit counselor at a local agency, you can use this knowledge to hold free seminars to teach people how to consolidate debt or fix their bad credit. Many of these individuals may turn into clients for you. If you have mergers and acquisitions experience, you are a hot commodity right now. Use this knowledge to act as a consultant for the mergers and acquisitions of the financial institutions, banks, etc., that are taking place.

Take advantage of the steals and deals

From housing and cars to vacations and home supplies, there are great deals to be had out there. Take advantage of this time. If you have been saving for a vacation, now may be the time to look into it. Cruise ships, hotels, airlines, and more are all anxious to fill their rooms and seats. Some of the deals are so great they are practically giving things away. Home Depot recently announced that they are marking a huge amount of their inventory at 50% off to move it. Car dealerships are desperate to sell vehicles that have been sitting on their lots, so they are slashing prices. Big ticket items are on sale and now be the time to take advantage.

While there are drawbacks to a bad economy, there are ways you can benefit financially from the situation. Take stock of your personal financial situation, do your homework, and make educated decisions on how you can turn a gloomy financial situation into a beneficial one.

About the Author

Trick Your Mind Into Saving Money

2008-11-30T20:30:00.000-08:00

Trick Your Mind Into Saving Money

by David Bohl

Most of us have been taught from a very young age by parents or grandparents that lived through the depression that the responsible thing to do is to save…. and save a lot!

But living in the generation where everything is so readily available… and can be charged or financed… spending seems to be the wheel most of find ourselves running. How do we break the cycle?

My biggest tip: use cash! Cash is much more difficult to part with than swiping your credit or debit cards. Using cash really makes the decision of "do I really need this" very easy. Cash is King, after all. Save for big ticket items. Not necessarily saving $30K for a new car… but surely you can put away a few dollars a week or month for that gaming system or washer/dryer you will be needing shortly!

Saving and spending money you have saved also helps you determine if you are buying things your really "need."

Keep good records… spending cash and writing checks makes it surprisingly easy to save money. It is a lot easier to save when you know EXACTLY how much you have in your wallet and your checking account! Using a financial program that you update regularly or keeping old-fashioned written records is much more accurate than checking your account balance online. Another trick to use is to write in LESS than you are depositing and you will always have a cushion that you are "unaware" of… helping you not only save but having an emergency fund when you need it.

Our banks have made it incredibly easy for us to save a few extra dollars as well. If you must use your debit/cash card, many institutions give you the option of putting the remaining "change" into a saving account and some as much as a dollar per transaction.

This is also a good way to see how many times a month you "unknowingly" just "charge" things. Additionally, automatic savings can also be used either through your bank or a new bank… even online. It could not be easier to have $50 per paycheck put away for that new refrigerator than you not knowing that it's ever been in your account!

Saving can be difficult, but "tricking" yourself into saving can be a breeze. Good luck… YOU can do it!

About the Author

Great Financial Fortunes will be made very soon.

2008-11-30T20:29:00.000-08:00

Great Financial Fortunes will be made very soon.

by Keiran Travers

Buy low and sell high - it's a familiar investor catchcry.

Great fortunes will be made from this stockmarket downturn. Great fortunes!

The market is low and may go even lower in the coming months. However, imagine pruchasing cheap stock today and leaving it for 5 years, yes 5 years. There will be surely growth and you will have made good money. That is the key - thinking long term.

Such a strategy also needs an exit strategy in that once you have reached your desired goal then it would be prudent to place your riskier investment in say a term deposit account. For instance say invest $100,000 today in managed funds (such as those found on my website http://www.karmafinancialresearch.com) it would be a good idea to say exit the market when you have achieved your goal of say $200,000. I believe the lesson we have learnt from this market crash is there is a need to exit at the right time and that the market will not simply grow forever. Nonetheless, there is a lesson that we can successfully learn now but investing in good quality stock. If the past downturns are anything to judge the future, the market will soon return to a slow recovery. Whilst the general feeling amongst many investors that the financial bloodbath of 2008 has taken a huge monetary toll, there are many investor seeing the market opportunity.

This market opportunity is being swallowed by the notion of fear. The fear is that markets may go even lower and there will be more bloodletting. However, there are several indicators that this is false.

Firstly I believe that the market is swallowed by fear by the fact that in this downturn there is a greater proportion of the population are now investors. Private share ownership has increased greatly over the past 10-15 years through superannuation and individual share ownership as well as investing in funds. Many baby boomers have a share portfolio where as their parents never even imagined having part ownership in a company. Previous meltdowns of the say, the early 1970s, affected a far less proportion of the population. As a result, the fear amongst the general community if far more widespread and the fear have spread like wild fire.

However, there are many ingredients to say that better times are ahead. Firstly, as I stated in many other articles, interest rates are low and getting lower. This both indicates that the cost of borrowing is low and that the real fear of any recession, inflation is low. The cost of housing has lowered but not crashed as predicted by University Professor Steve Keen who has predicted house values will fall by 40% in Australia. By the softening of house prices (rather than a crash) this is giving the opinion that buyers believe that they may be able to secure a bargain whilst homeowners feel that the key asset is still relatively robust.

Furthermore, despite media reports the average family has a little more disposable cash each week due to combined effect of the lowering of mortgage rates and decreasing cost of fuel. This extra cash if spent will ensure growth in the economy.

I have noticed that many esteemed commentators from companies such as UBS and Pricewaterhouse Coopers have indicated the many extremely wealthy investors made serious money in down times. Those who are not heavily geared at present have the greatest avenue for investing success. Will you be making your fortune.

About the Author

Keiran Travers is an avid funds and property investor from Brisbane Australia. He has his own financial research company www.karmafinancialresearch.com and has a MBA from the University of Queensland.

What is required for commercial liability coverage? What is optional?

2008-11-30T20:28:00.000-08:00

What is required for commercial liability coverage? What is optional?

by James Cochran

Is a small service company less likely to have a lawsuit brought against it than a manufacturing plant? No, but this is a common misconception among office-based businesses. The fact is, in today's dynamic and complex business climate, businesses small and large, office-based, or physical-labor intensive, are all equally susceptible to various claims.

Typically, with Commercial Liability insurance coverage, four types of claims are covered: bodily injury; property damage or loss; personal injury, such as libel or slander; and advertising injury. While commercial liability insurance is fairly inexpensive, costs for defending a claim are not and if the company does not have adequate commercial liability insurance coverage, it may have to foot the bill. This, in turn, could lead to financial hardship or bankruptcy. Commercial Liability insurance coverage will pay for all damages, legal fees and settlement charges up to the policy limits.

Commercial Liability insurance for office-based businesses is absolutely essential for financial planners, mortgage brokers, medical offices, architects, and engineers, to name a few. Too often, however, a business owner will forego liability insurance in an effort to reduce operating costs. This may save the company some money on paying premiums, but it also exposes the business's assets to paying for damages, if found liable, as well as legal defense expenses, regardless of whether the business is found liable or not.

Small business owners can take several proactive steps towards reducing their insurance costs, including:

Shop around: Business liability insurance coverages range by company; read up on what is covered and what is not. Review policy plans from several insurers and compare rates.

Consider a Business Owner's Policy (BOP): Rather than purchasing separate types of insurance from various companies, consider purchasing a package of policies. This will help eliminate costly duplication of benefits and, in some cases, special rates are offered on packaged policies.

Enlist a specialist broker: If the small business operates in a niche, it will often require specialized insurance to safeguard against unique risks. Insurance brokers will know what coverages are necessary for the business and know where to go for the best rates.

In some cases, operating without insurance is not an option. Federal and state law requires certain businesses to have liability insurance coverage, referred to as Workers' Compensation insurance. Additionally, some states also require auto insurance. This typically provides coverage for injury, damage or theft on company-owned vehicles, as well as for employees who may be involved in an accident while driving a personal car on company business.

Business owners can also purchase specialized, optional coverages specific to their industry. In fact, there are a number of products and services that compliment Commercial Liability insurance for office-based businesses. These include:

Directors and Officers - this protects directors and officers against claims of alleged negligent conduct committed in their role as director or officer.

Errors and Omissions - protects individuals and organizations against claims of professional negligence and errors or omissions in professional work.

Umbrella/Excess Liability - this provides additional coverage when insurance limits on an underlying policy are exceeded.

Optional coverages offer an extra layer of protection and are designed to meet unique needs. For small business owners who may not want to spend the additional money, Commercial Liability insurance is good coverage to start out with. When searching for proper coverage, an agent can help assess what will best fulfill the needs of a small business.

About the Author

James Cochran is the founder of Business Insurance Now, a company specializing in commercial liability insurance. Business Insurance Now also offers professional liability insurance for those in the consulting industry and workers comp insurance to cover your company's employees.

The Master Key to Unlocking the Doors of Wealth

2008-11-30T20:27:00.000-08:00

The Master Key to Unlocking the Doors of Wealth

by Brandon Wilkins

One of the things we have to constantly remind clients and prospects to do on their wealth journey is to employ discipline.

Many times they approach us with the plea of "Just tell me where to put my money!"

Listen people, it's not about just pointing you somewhere to dump your money. Wherever you put your money, you're going to have to do due diligence, follow-up and follow through to ensure that you are moving towards achieving your goals. And unless you're disciplined enough to do this, it won't matter where you put your money.

For example, discipline is the reason why someone could invest in a stock or mutual fund and turn it into thousands (or even hundreds of thousands) of dollars, while at the same time another person can invest in the exact same vehicle and lose money.

Discipline is also the reason an investor could take advantage of this real estate market and turn one property into 4 or 5 more, while another investor could wind up getting foreclosed on that same first property.

Discipline is the reason one entrepreneur can start a business and in 18 months be generating 6 or 7 figures annually, while another entrepreneur can start that same business and be closing their doors 6 months later.

Are you getting the point?

I cannot emphasize enough how harmful the lack of discipline can be to your wealth building journey. You must have the discipline to look at EVERY financial decision and ask, "Is this leading me to where my financial goals are fulfilled and my ultimate financial destination is designed to be?" Because without the discipline to do so, you'll jump in and out of deals, investments and businesses all "willy-nilly" and it just won't work.

Think of it this way: Discipline is the master key to unlock all the doors of wealth.

And that's what we teach at Financial Freedom Builders. So whether you choose to focus on managing expenses, eliminating debt or building multiple income streams, being disciplined will ensure your success!

About the Author

Brandon Wilkins is a financial coach, educator and renegade business owner, cofounding Financial Freedom Builders LLC. Mr. Wilkins is also the author of the financial classic, "Getting Rich is Simple...But It Ain't Easy!" He is available for coaching, workshops, and seminars designed to help you take control of your finances.

The Credit Crunchy Finances

2008-11-30T20:26:00.000-08:00

The Credit Crunchy Finances

by Jack Sarkissian

The Labor Department release on consumer prices showed a 1% drop last month in the past month. The change was largest since 1947 and comes along with troublesome news, such as lowest home builder sentiment, markets trading at new lows, and a pending automaker bailout. With the financial crisis damaging the US economic foundation, you may wonder what's in store for you. There are a few key strategies to employ while running your finances in a crisis mode. Which ones you use and to what degree they are used depends on your situation.

1. Prepare a substantial emergency fund. An emergency fund is a pool of liquid assets that you allocate for emergency needs, such as loss of a job or sudden medical expenses. Normally, it should consist of three to six months' salary. However, in today's severe conditions, you should pack away the maximum - six months' worth - and more if you can. Remember to keep your emergency fund easily available such as in a banking account, not in investments, because if you need to access money and your investments are down, you will be forced to take a loss. If you don't have enough cash, consider buying a job-loss insurance policy for one year to protect yourself from the danger of increased layoffs around the country.

2. Adjust risk. Adjust your portfolio risk to the ongoing reality of the economic times. Stocks and bonds, as well as mutual funds and ETFs are now more volatile than normal. If you did not adjust your portfolio previously, you might be exceeding your preferred risk level by owning too many equities compared to what you normally hold in a more stable market. In order to maintain your level of risk, you should counter the risk exposure by allocating less to stocks, and moving more into bonds. In present times, it's best to reduce stock exposure 2-3 times lower than your normal level. For example, if your typical portfolio is 80% equity against 20% bonds, consider moving to 40% stocks and 60% bonds.

3. Employ wise leverage. If your emergency fund is in place, and you've been thinking about using credit for a particular purpose, do it now. With the inflation rate nearing 5%, it's now the best time leverage your good credit. By the time you pay off your debt, the credit will likely be worth less than it is now, and high inflation will effectively minimize your interest cost. But remember, using credit is advisable only if used for strategic purposes, such as making necessary renovations to your home or purchasing a more fuel efficient car. Credit shouldn't be used as a source of funding extravagant purchases or as a way to build savings.

4. Take advantage of tax breaks. Sell your worst performers before the year-end to offset any taxable gains. If you have been fortunate to hold gainers along with some losers, look at selling the losers. If your capital losses exceed your capital gains - a very likely outcome this year - up to $3,000 can be deducted against your taxable income per year (up to $1,500 each for a married person filing separately). Because this annual allowance runs out in a little more than a month you'll want to act quickly to take advantage, and you will have funds to reinvest as the outlook becomes better. Wondering what stocks to sell first? The stocks that have fallen over 80% since the time you purchased them. It is typical for stocks that have fallen that much to not return to previous highs, so you don't need to hold them.

5. Ensure a better retirement. It is also the best time of the year to convert your traditional IRA into a Roth IRA - and pay lower taxes. Because the value of stocks and mutual funds has dropped so much, your tax burden at conversion will be much lighter. You can then take advantage of tax-deferred growth in your new Roth IRA, and tax-free distribution when retirement comes.

About the Author

Jack Sarkissian is a senior financial analyst at Ameri-Financial. Visit http://www.ameri-financial.com/ for news and updates on personal finance that you cannot afford to miss. Use our free personal financial analysis tools online to establish your financial goals and reach them faster.

Interest Rates and the U.S. Markets

2008-11-30T20:24:00.000-08:00

Interest Rates and the U.S. Markets

by Chris Seabury

Introduction

Interest rates can have both positive and negative effects on the U.S. Markets. The correlation of two will tell us how and in what ways the markets can be effected by any move up or down. To full understand them we will explore how interest rates can effect the U.S. Economy and the effects of these changes on the U.S. Stock Market as well as the bond market. In this article we will answer the above effects to give you an overall big picture view of how interest rates and the U.S. Markets are intertwined.

How Interest Rates Effect the U.S Economy

The economy is constantly adjusting to changes that come its way. When the Federal Reserve (the Fed) changes the amount that banks borrow money this has a ripple effect across the entire economy. However, it is important to understand that there is generally a 12 month lag in the economy. Meaning, that it can take up to that long for these effects to be felt. Below we will examine how interest rates can have an effect on the economy in addition to how they can effect both inflation and recessions.

Interest Rates

Interest rates are the amount that is charged to borrow money. It is calculated on a percentage basis (such as 1% etc). They allow you to spend money immediately compared with trying to save the money to make a purchase. The interest is the amount of money that lenders makes by loaning you the money. With every loan there is a possibility that you will not pay the money back. The lower the interest rate the easier it is for people to borrow money to make big purchases such as buying a house or car. This creates a ripple effect where consumers will pay less in interest which will give them more money to spend. Second, businesses and farmers can benefit from lower interest rates because this allows them to go out and make equipment purchases due to the low cost of borrowing. This creates a situation where output and productivity increase. Conversely, higher interest rates means that consumers don't feel as prosperous as they once were and cut back on spending. While, banks raise lending standards becoming less likely to lend money and businesses cut back on spending for new equipment, thus, slowing or reducing the number of employees they have.

How do interest rates effect inflation and recessions?

When ever interest rates are rising or falling you commonly hear about the Federal Funds Rate. This rate is the rate that banks use to loan each other money. It can change daily and is used an indicator to show if rates are rising or declining. When this rate rises or declines it will affect all other loan rates. These changes can have an effect on both inflation and recessions. Inflation is when you have a rise in the price of goods or services over a certain length of time. It is the result of a strong and healthy economy. However, if inflation is left unchecked it can mean that people are spending more money to purchase goods or services. The Fed will watch inflation indicators such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) when these indicators start to rise more than two to three percent a year, they will raise the Federal Funds Rate to keep the rising prices under control. Meaning, higher interest rates mean higher borrowing costs which eventually will lead people to spend less. Causing the demand for these goods and services to drop, which will cause inflation to fall. A good example of this occurred in the 1981 to 1982 time period. Inflation was at 14% a year and the fed raised interest rates to 20%. This caused a severe recession but it did put an end to the spiraling inflation that the country was seeing. Conversely, falling interest rates can cause recessions to end. What happens is when the Fed lowers the Federal Funds Rate this causes lending standards to become easier, allowing consumers to have more money and feel better about their situation. They will then go out make big ticket item purchases and have more money to purchase other items as well. Also, businesses and farmers will be able to make equipment purchases and refinance borrowing costs at lower rates to expand. A good example of this occurred in 2001 to 2002 when the Fed cut the Federal Funds Rate to 1.25%. This caused the economy to recover in 2003. By raising and lowering the Fed Federal Funds Rate the Fed can prevent runaway inflation and lessen the severity of recessions.

Effect of interest rates on the U.S. Markets

Interest rates can have an effect on both the U.S. stock market and bond market. The effects on the stock market are many investors have a wide variety of investment options when you compare the average dividend yield on a blue chip stock to a certificate of deposit (CD) or U.S. Treasury if the rate is higher on the blue chip stock then many investors will take more risk and buy the blue chip stock that is paying the higher dividend. Conversely, when the rate on safe investments is higher such as CD's or Treasuries compared to blue chip stocks many will go with the safe investment in this case. The amount where the Federal Funds rate is currently sitting will determine how investors will invest their money since both CD's and treasury rates are effected them. Second, rising or falling interest rates will have an effect on consumer and business psychology. When interest rates are rising at some point both businesses and consumers will cut back on spending. This will cause earnings to fall and stock prices to drop. On the other hand, when interest rates have fallen significantly this will cause consumers and businesses to increase spending causing stock prices to rise.

Interests Rates also have an effect on the bond prices. There is an inverse relationship between bond prices and interest rates. Meaning that as interest rates rise bond prices fall and as interest rates fall bond prices rise. The longer the maturity of the bond the more it will fluctuate in relation to interest rates. As interest rates move up the cost of borrowing becomes more expensive. One way that governments, businesses and other organizations raise money is through the sale of bonds. This means that demand for lower paying or yielding bonds will drop causing the price to drop. As interest rates fall this means that it easier to borrow money and many companies will issue new bonds or debt to finance expansion. This will cause the demand for higher yielding bonds to increase forcing bond prices higher. Some will even refinance or what is known as call the existing bonds so they can lock in a lower interest rate.

Conclusion

Interest rates have an effect on the economy as well as the U.S. markets. Generally any move up or down will take at least 12 months for its effects to be felt. The two forces that Fed targets by the rises or decreases in the Federal Funds Rates are inflation and recessions. By targeting both factors with this tool they can keep the economy in balance long term. These moves also have an effect on what choices investors make in the stock market and earnings. They will also determine if stock prices rise or fall. Interest rates also have an inverse relationship on bond prices meaning that as rates are rising bond prices will fall and when rates are declining bond prices will rise. By understanding this relationship between interest rates and the U.S. markets will allow us to understand what the overall big picture is as well as what the effects are.

About the Author

Chris Seabury has over 12 years experience following and writing about financial markets. Over the years he has educated and helped a great deal of investors get their portfolio in order. He currently has a financial blog that is dedicated to helping investors understand how the markets work and what they can do to benefit from them. http://davidsonreports.blogspot.com

Forget Credit: How to Save Cash For the Big Purchases

2008-11-27T17:47:00.000-08:00

Forget Credit: How to Save Cash For the Big Purchases

by Tisha Kulak Tolar

As a society, we are used to the convenience of nearly everything. For many, debt begins to spiral out of control because people think their bit of plastic is nothing more than a convenient way to satisfy their gotta-have-it-now attitude. Many fail to have a plan to pay back what they have spent on credit. Instead, they wrong assume that there are spending free money. It isn't until the bills and balances start piling up do they realize what kind of mess they have gotten themselves in to and can not foresee a way to pay it back.

Many credit card purchases occur because consumers lack patience to save up the cash. They see the big screen television or the latest model of computer and they have to have it now. They spend freely on credit and fall headfirst into debt. Here are some ways to slow down the impulses and set goals for saving cash for the big ticket items:

1. Make a Plan

Once you have zoomed in on something you want to have, start formulation a plan for savings. If the price of the items is $1,000, break that number into payments based on how much you can afford to put away each month. If you can afford $100 every bi-weekly pay, you will have to save for 5 months before you have your goal amount. It may seem like forever, but the more you save and the longer you wait to get your hands on that item, the better off you will be. You will feel like a champion handing over cash instead of your credit card and you will not have to worry about accumulating debt. You also may change your mind about the "have to have" status of the item if you have to wait to get it. Saving cash may help you eliminate unnecessary spending on a lot of impulse buys.

2. Commit to Saving

As soon as you know your magic number, commit to tucking away that amount or more each time you get paid. Set up an automatic deduction from your account at regular intervals or register for an account at SmartyPig, where you can set savings goals and allow others to contribute money to your savings plan. If you really want the item you are saving for, nothing should stop you from putting away the money.

3. Do More Work

If you have your heart set on something wonderful, it is likely you will find the motivation to put in more hours at work or find a second job to help you save faster. Especially around the holidays, retailers and other places of business are in need of a few good people to supplement their regular staff. If you can not commit to the hours, use your hobbies to earn you extra cash. Mow lawns, shovel snow, sell your crafts - whatever talent you have can turn a profit while you still keep control of your schedule.

4. Make Your Junk Work For You

Look around your house for stuff you can sell online or at a yard sale. Commit to putting all monies earned directly into your savings account. This is a beneficial way to rid your life of clutter and turn a profit.

5. Make Sacrifices

To save faster, give up some of life's luxuries that you can live without, such as dining out or having cable television for a few months. Depending on your motivation, you may find that the more you give up and the simpler your life becomes, you may discover a whole new way of living frugally.

6. Keep Tabs on the Merchandise

As you continue to build up your cash, keep your eye in the item you want to buy. Chances are good that at some point, the item will go on sale or you will find a cheaper price by doing research online or at other stores. In the event you find what you are looking for at a cheaper price, you may be able to afford the item well before the goal date you had originally set for yourself.

7. Do It Again

After the exhilaration of setting a financial goal and reaching it, take time to celebrate with a pat on the back - then get ready to do it all over again. Getting into (and staying in) the habit of saving money, will leave your feeling more financially confident and better prepared to handle your money in the future, without relying on credit.

About the Author

Tisha Kulak Tolar is a writer for DebtFreeDestiny.com where she regularly writes about debt consolidation, debt settlement and saving money.

Cheap decreasing insurance life term: increasable rates for that particular cash which we get

2008-11-27T17:46:00.000-08:00

Cheap decreasing insurance life term: increasable rates for that particular cash which we get

by Daryl Stewart

There are the many {a href= http://www.termlifeinsurancez.com/} types of term life insurance policies on hand, and decreasing term life insurance is one of them. To request a decreasing term life insurance quote, clients can come close to the local insurance agents or brokers. Customers can also concern online to get a quote for this kind of policy.

If you are in need of {a href= http://www.termlifeinsurancez.com/} low cost term life insurance quotes , then this is the life insurance you may be looking for. Term life insurance policies are the least expensive life insurance policies available and they give a death benefit for a specified number of years. At the end of this 'term' your policy coverage ends unless you choose to renew it.

Mostly term life insurance policies are unpolluted death benefit policies. There is less difficulty implicated in it. This means that in term life insurance, there are no cash value accretions, loan values, or partial give up values. This makes them easier to apply for and also understand the quotes create for them.

Here's a sudden look at the unlike term life insurance policies on hand today.

Annual Renewable Term this life policy is the most common form of term life insurance sold today. It is a low cost, affordable life insurance policy that really appeals to younger people. The death benefit remains level for the duration of the policy term and it is used mostly to pay off debts in the event of your death. Keep in mind that the older you obtain, the more exclusive term life coverage gets.

Decreasing Term Life

A decreasing term life insurance works very well in caring a mortgage on your house. Just as the name says, this policy reduces the death benefit each year it ruins in force. Decreasing term life insurance is generally acquired to cover the mortgage debit. In these type of policies, insurance decreases at almost the similar rate as that of the mortgage debit balance. This means that the death benefit of the policies also remain declining along with the debt. Therefore, such policies are less costly. These policies are usually taken to cover mortgage debts, their quotes can be spirited.

Term life insurance quotes can be a big help for everyone who is on a tight budget or going for decrease term life insurance but are waiting to have the life insurance defense they need in the event of their death. As a benefit you may also be able to modify your term policy for a whole life policy at any time. Of course, as it is with all life insurance policies, your beneficiary will not be charged centralized or state taxes upon your death.

About the Author

Daryl Stewart is an expert in finance planning. He has done his master in finance. He is currently working as senior financial adviser for home equity loans, guaranteed personal loans and term life insurance. To find home equity loans, guaranteed personal loans and term life insurance and more you need to visit-

http://www.termlifeinsurancez.com/

Government Debt Relief Grants

2008-11-27T17:44:00.000-08:00

Government Debt Relief Grants

by Pj Germain

Government grants for debt relief are a reality. You might believe this to be wishful thinking, but the government offers free grants so you can get the funds needed to become debt free without creating more debt on top of what you already owe.

On the federal level, the government and other organizations offer programs designed specifically for the purpose of consumer debt relief. It is well known that good credit is needed to acquire luxuries or just things you want.

For this reason, your federal government offers grants for debt relief.

Government grants for debt relief do have restrictions so everybody does not automatically qualify. They will want to gather some information about you to ensure you meet the qualifications for one of these debt relief grants. When you apply, make sure you have all of your info at the ready. Proof of your income, amounts of your debts and your monthly statements to verify the payment amounts wIf you do qualify for as government grant for debt relief, the money required to pay off your debt will be given to you. Therefore, it is a gift to you from Uncle Sam that does NOT need to be repaid.

Getting a "gift" from the government might seem improbable, but these government grants for debt relief really are gifts. Since they do not require repayment, they do not place further financial strain on you.

There are specific eligibility requirements you must meet in order to be able to take advantage of government grants for debt relief. First, you need to locate the proper government agency offering a grant program appropriate to your situation.

You can locate information about debt relief government grants and links to organizations that offer grant programs for the purpose of consumer debt relief.

If you are neck deep in debt, all your cards hold maximum balances, you still need to pay your auto loan(s) and mortgage(s).

So why does the government offer help to repair or erase your debt?

Issuing a government grant for debt relief has an effect on the US economy. If you are deep in debt, you are not purchasing anything. This hurts interest rates and affects the US dollar in foreign markets. By helping consumers get debt free, our economy can be strengthened. The treasury NEEDS the citizens to spend in order to stimulate the economy. For this purpose, the government seeks to invest in your financial future.

As you can see, helping you erase your debts is a way of helping the country, driving down interest rates and keeps the US dollar strong as a world currency.

Think about this a minute:

If the government can issue grants to help people stop snoring, start a small business or go to college, why wouldn't you be able to take advantage of the money that taxpayers have contributed to those coffers over the years?

This is the benefit of being a taxpayer in this country. We can expect help when we need it. Just when we need it!

About the Author

For more government grants information, be sure to visit our Government Grants website here: Free Gov Grants

Reduce Credit Card Debt - Three Simple Ways to Eliminate Credit Card Debt

2008-11-27T17:42:00.000-08:00

Reduce Credit Card Debt - Three Simple Ways to Eliminate Credit Card Debt

by John Purfield

Are you looking for ways to reduce credit card debt? There is nothing in the world that can ruin a good night's sleep faster than having too much credit card debt. If you have been relying heavily on your plastic to maintain a life style that's above your means, you may be running up high credit card debt.

One thing you should know is you're not alone. At one time or another, almost everyone finds themselves seeking ways to eliminate credit card debt. The following three ways to eliminate credit card debt can work for just about anyone who has debt. However, they are not easy and you will need a source of income.

First, stop using your credit cards right now. Today. This may actually be the hardest thing you will have to do. Using credit cards is habitual. However, if you are going to reduce credit card debt, you cannot continue to tack on purchases to your credit cards.

Second, choose one of your cards and stop paying only the minimum. What you should do is choose one credit card and start making the absolute biggest payment you can on it. How do you choose which one? You can pick the one with the highest interest rate. Or if you're into instant gratification, start paying the one with the smallest balance.

I prefer the one with the smallest balance because it will take less time to pay it off and I feel like I am actually making a dent in my credit card debt. It is okay to pay the bare minimum on the other cards while you are doing this, but once the first card is paid off, you have to apply the same process to the next card, then the next one, and so on until each card is paid off.

Finally, you need to get aggressive with your credit card debt. Find additional income to apply toward your credit card debt. This can be done in many ways such as:

1. Cutting unnecessary spending,
2. Get a second income, or....
3. Doing both.

If you are going to find ways to eliminate credit card debt, you'll have to tackle your credit card balances one card at a time. You'll need to be persistent and you will need to have discipline. Once you get a handle on paying down your credit card debt, it will get easier as you go along.

About the Author

If you want to know more about reducing credit card debt, visit our eliminate credit card debt page.

Join the many we have been able to help. Click Here:http://www.betterdebthandling.com/WipingOutCreditCardDebt.html

Credit Card Debt Negotiation- the Final peace of Mind

2008-11-27T17:41:00.000-08:00

Credit Card Debt Negotiation- the Final peace of Mind

by Article Publisher

Everybody loves shopping and how nice would it be to shop free of cost or on other's money! Well dreams are big and so are the resources. Today's techno man loves to spend even money through technology. So he or she gets more prone to using plastic money i.e. credit cards rather than cash. But as all of us know all technologies have their own drawbacks as well. When cash isn't directly flowing through our pockets you forget how much you are spending actually. And slowly yet strongly you get into the trap of debtness, a vicious circle which is hard to break. The more you pay off the more is still to pay due to the high rate of interest and late payment fine. The end result is bankruptcy.

How to Save our Soul from Bankruptcy:

Does a large chunk of your monthly income drains towards credit cards bills? Are you falling behind the schedule of credit card repayments? Is your monthly minimum due growing uncontrollably month to month due to late interest charges? Then it's high time now to settle your credit card debt through credit card debt negotiation. What is this credit card debt negotiation? This negotiation as the name suggests is a way of settling the final amount to be paid to the bank to erase off debt. It's a win situation for both parties. Bank knows it well that you can't clear off the bill. So it thinks that it's better to get a lump sum amount from you rather getting nothing.

The Process behind the Negotiation:

By this method you can reduce anything ranging from 30% to 80% of your final debt amount. The bank and you decide a common amount to be paid by you as lump sum. In return the bank frees you from debt once and for all. After you have paid the amount decided, the bank can no more harass you with further bill payments. For this credit card debt negotiations you can directly go to the bank or else hire a third party. But in this case you have to pay the third party too and the percentage reeducates won't be very suitable for you. Also the credit card debt negotiation is better than declaring bankruptcy as it is a much messy course of action than negotiating. And it can act as a major drawback in your history of credit card.

About the Author

Bill-consolidation-and-debt-negotiation is the best place for Credit Card Debt Negotiation and bill consolidation. Our Business Debt Negotiation programs eliminate your debt and provide you peace of mind from debt stress and custom tailored to fit your financial needs.

Debt Negotiation - Sensible Way to Reduce Unsecured Debt

2008-11-27T17:39:00.000-08:00

Debt Negotiation - Sensible Way to Reduce Unsecured Debt

by Article Publisher

Debt negotiation is also sometimes known as debt settlement and is mostly meant for people who can't handle a debt consolidation program. A debt negotiation program is the best alternative for the debtors who is not able to make the minimum payments of debt consolidation plan or haven't made any payment for the past three months. The major benefit of debt negotiation program is that debtors do not have to make payments directly to the creditors instead a monthly payment is made to the debt negotiating companies. These debt negotiating companies negotiate with your creditors for a lower payoff of around 40-50% of your total amount of debt. Once the debt settlement negotiation is done, the debt negotiation company makes a one time payment to them.

Debt negotiation, or debt settlement, is the process of negotiating with the creditors to pay a lump sum amount to payoff one debts. If one agrees to pay the lump sum amount within 10 to 20 days then creditors directly offer a settlement amount of around 50% of one balance amount, which help the debtors to become debt free in 12 to 36 months. The major drawback of the debt negotiation program is that it lowers one credit score for as long as he is in the program. However, most debt negotiation companies ask the creditor to make the credit report show paid in full, so it doesn't show up as a negative on debtor report once his account is settled.

Debt settlement or debt negotiation comes with several benefits. It is a best alternative to bankruptcy and long term debt consolidation loans. It reduces one personal, business and medical debt. Debtors are able to save thousands of dollars with the debt negotiation program. It is one of the quickest and most sensible ways to reduce unsecured debt compared to other debt management options. It also provides review of credit report.

To successfully carry out debt negotiation program or to get a creditor to agree to a settlement of the debt a client should be behind on their payments to the creditors, which may have an adverse effect on their credit. A creditor always has the right to carry legal action on the debtor if he is not paying according to the terms stipulated. Once a creditor feels that they have tried every collection method they are left with no other option than to pursue the debtor in court. Thus to avoid any legal action to be taken one should opt for the debt negotiation program that will help them efficiently to manage their debt.

About the Author

Bill-consolidation-and-debt-negotiation is the best place for Bill Consolidation and credit card debt negotiation. Our Debt Negotiation programs eliminate your debt and provide you peace of mind from debt stress and custom tailored to fit your financial needs.

Stock Market Situation

2008-11-27T17:37:00.000-08:00

Stock Market Situation

by Sourav Sharma

stock exchange rates. The stocks news India have been flocked with devastating stock exchange news which have brought forth the wrinkles back on the investors' face worldwide. India market news is buzzing with the unbelievable news of strengthening of Indian economy in the forthcoming years. According to world's stock market news, gold has further strengthened by Rs. 70. Those who have invested in this crucial economic flood have lost all hopes of overcoming the money fetish. According to many investors worldwide, stock market India is a safe place to invest in and experiments have begun already. The Indian stock market is a very demanding market; anyone who can make up in India can make it big anywhere else. India Market news insists on Indian economy caliber that has helped many to overcome the drastic situation.

New strategies have been implemented by the stock market India to scare away the fear of losses. The flu of economic crisis has gripped various other countries other than the major developed nations. India market news has portrayed these countries as a keen seeker of financial help. The Indian market has not been uninfluenced by the ripping and alarming situation of the America's auto industry as its sturdy impact of this has registered its control on economies well beyond America's borders. The entire world's stock market has come under the clutches of the horrifying economic plunder.

India market news has been flooded over with the crisis news that displays the sharp international slowdown and its strain on world economies. Each sector has been strained equally well with the impact of the same. The stock exchange news as being pursued by the keen investors, bankers and shareholders has seen rolling up and down of the stock exchange meter to the dismay of all concerned. The situation has turned to be dicey as the India market news feel that it would definitely need time for the world's largest economy to recover from the huge losses and despite the massive financial bailout, it seems that the global recession is hard to be taken over with ease. The stock market news have supported the same as to recover from the global recession will have to be only with the help of well planned economic strategies which only economists and financial experts can decide. The share market India, as depicted by the India market news can come up as a strengthened facet of the new economic system which will take over the economic crisis. The stock exchange news will see a new face of economic recovery with in the next few days. The stock news India also stresses upon the fact that though the equities markets in Asia and Europe have suffered sharp losses yet the long standing oil power still holds on to its financial charms and has a strong grip on the otherwise fluctuating stock exchange news. The energy demand like the other commodities has seen an inflation in the oil prices which is, no doubt, going to register its impact on the normal lives.

About the Author

Sourav Sharma is freelance market analyst and is writing reviews articles on money market news, india business news, funds in india news, information on Hot IPOs in india and india finance News.

Debt Management Tips: Shows You Best Ways To Be Out of Worries

2008-11-27T17:15:00.000-08:00

Debt Management Tips: Shows You Best Ways To Be Out of Worries

by Allan Thomas

The debt management tips provided by several financial experts have made it easier for people to handle their excessive debts without any problem. But before knowing it people used to suffer from the unnecessary debt burdens and the result of such sufferings was quite dangerous and pitiful. To bring people out of such worries these new tips and Debt Relief Services have been implemented so that borrowers can live life stress-free. For getting the best tips on managing the excessive debts and to pay these off without panicking you can go for the financial experts. Such experts are being found in the loan market and also in the online lending sites. You can receive free of cost or priced suggestions from these consultants and can use these to get relief.

The mostly advised solution based on the condition of the borrower is the debt negotiation program. According to this program a debt negotiator will act as a mediator between you and your creditor and he will reduce the payable amount. As soon as the amount of the monthly installments gets reduced the repayment burden on you will lighten to a great extent. You will have to make the payment through the negotiator and so you should keep noticing his activities. For such purposes you should therefore, get the reliable agent only. This way getting rid of debts will be possible. Get IVA Advice from Best Sites.

Another best step will be to take up the debts consolidation programs. It will help you in reducing your debts burden by merging the multiple debts in to one. In this program your rate of interest too will get decreased. So, when the amount to be paid off will reduce it will be easier for you to maintain a repayment without much problem. The role played by the debt management tips is thus worth praising.

However, if you control the unnecessary expenses and plan a proper budget of the total expenses then you will be able to make good savings. No extra debts will be there and no needless stress will be required to be taken.

About the Author

Allan Thomas is the author of this article. He aims to inform common people of the several issues involved in bad credit loans and mortgages through his articles. To find debt management IVA, IVA not bankruptcy, debt management services, debt consolidation visit http://www.debtmanagementiva.net/

Tips For Quick Debt Reduction

2008-11-27T17:12:00.000-08:00

Tips For Quick Debt Reduction

by Jim Wiegman

Here we will discuss debt elimination tips and the best way to eliminate credit card debt.

Your goal should be maintaining a good credit history. When you go to get a home mortgage or car loan this will help. Bad credit will get you a mortgage, but the terms of finance may not be as good. You may have to pay a higher interest rate and put a bigger down payment upfront. It does lead to a substantial financial loss in the end.

To eliminate credit card debt is not to incur a debt at all. Use your credit card wisely and not consider credit cards as free-money. The money you spend using your credit card has to be paid back by you. If you have already have incurred heavy credit card debts, you can resort to debt elimination tips for reducing your debt burden.

Here are some recommended tips to help you get out of debt quickly:

Stop using the credit card if you are having a tough time coping with your credit card debt. Cut down your expenses, and use the money saved to pay off the debt.

Pay more than the minimum payment for quicker debt reduction. The minimum payment just about equals the finance charges. The more you pay, the quicker the debt is eliminated.

Transfer all your credit card debts to a zero percent interest credit card. Not only will you save money on interest, but also have control on the entire debt. This way you can plan your debt elimination better.

The best way to reduce your credit card debt is to incur no debt at all. However, if you have already built up credit card dues, then you can use the debt elimination tips mentioned above to quickly help you reduce your debt and lead a stress free life.

http://lessperfectcredit.blogspot.com

About the Author

A free bad credit repair consumer finance guide and tips to obtaining credit cards, car loans, mortgages, personal loans and repairing your credit http://lessperfectcredit.blogspot.com

On Finance, Money and Market--the Crisis!

2008-11-27T17:07:00.000-08:00

On Finance, Money and Market--the Crisis!

by Sourav Sharma

India money market has been continuously buzzing with the current economic slump news. The financial slowdown has led many investors in India and world completely hopeless. As finance news India and money market news stated, the big global sell-off saw many banking associations, big firms and corporate houses go disappointed. Business news India and finance news were also distraught as world stocks dropped further and the downtime saw many with loose hopes in the same. The entire hope is at stake on the last minute bail out plan. According to the India money market and finance news, not only India but also the world's largest economy is suffering the increasing damage of the devastating crisis on the world's economy.

The economic blunder has heightened the danger of inflation being inflicted on the India money market and the world markets as well. In fact, as Business news India and finance news depict, most of the emerging money markets are struggling through the inflation phase and an immense fall has been observed in the commodity prices in comparison with the global demand. As the Asian money markets have tumbled down, an impact has been registered on the Indian money market and this is already been reflected in money market news as well. Be it commodities or equities, each seem to go hand in hand in this downturn. As oil prices have seen a lowering phase, finance news India states that there is hardly any positive aspect to this downtime occurrence. The prolonged economic downturn has inflicted a huge loss upon the big and leading names of the industry and has forced them to demand or plead for emergency loans. The U.S. big automakers are amongst them.

India Business news depicted the situation of money market in India as not very different from various others suffering nations like China, Japan and European nations for that matter. As money market news reflected upon the latest sign of global economic slump, it was the great fall in Japan's exports to Asia and this has happened for the first time since last six years. The money market India will definitely struggle out of this economic flu that has had its widespread impact in the neighboring nations already. No wonder, investors, bankers, carmakers and everyone else are wishing against their wishes to anyhow pull back their shares from being gulped down this calamity downturn. As India news forecasts, with the economy plunging into the downturn turmoil, unemployment is surely an expected reverse action resulting out of cost cutting measures of the corporate world. As a survey taken by finance news India, the most likely preventive measure against the economic calamity should be short term cash loans which could ensure the lenders of complete money back as well along with the interest rates. In this way, no one will suffer the losses and the stress of increasing financial debts will also lessen. Meager loans can definitely help serve many needy people out of the financial downtimes.

About the Author

Sourav Sharma is freelance market analyst and is writing reviews articles on stock market news, india business news, stock exchange news and information on india finance News.

Do They All Have Something That You Want?

2008-11-26T22:45:00.000-08:00

Do They All Have Something That You Want?

by Johan Kriegbaum

Life will happen, it is inevitable. It tests us and tries us at times and can leave us feeling like no less than a used up dish sponge. So how did some of world's most influential people manage to rise above? The answer isn't too far out of reach.

The history books are full, cover to cover, with people who somehow made their little mark on the world. From Caesar's foresight in electing his nephew to succeed him and create the world's biggest super power, to your grandfather's decision to remarry and ultimately bring your mother into the world, the people before us have shaped our lives tremendously. Some of these achievements were vast and affected the entire world. Some were minor and affect the way you live your life. This is why it is imperative to understand all about achievement and what it takes to grasp your opportunity when it arises.

The world's greatest entrepreneurs all share things in common which enabled them to obtain success. By understanding the way they thought, hopefully we can put ourselves in a better position to succeed when our door is knocked upon. We all want to reach the stars - and luckily, there are countless billions out there.

The vision is the primary thing that sets accomplishments apart. This won't always be blatantly obvious; sometimes the vision is subtle and needs to be viewed through rose-coloured glasses. Like Edison with the light bulb, he didn't fail numerous times - he explored many ways not to do it and ultimately succeeded once. This persistence has literally shed light on the entire world. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all that much vision and persistence? Well, we do! You just have to go out there and get it.

The great people in history have all had determination on their side. We often overlook the fact that some of history's greatest figures repeatedly failed at their quests. This is because we all want to believe in the fairy tale ending. It just doesn't really happen out like that. We all have to struggle and strive to achieve. And looking back on it all, our road to success isn't a brilliant journey unless we travel on all surfaces - not just the smoothly paved ones.

The drive and a person's will to succeed is ultimately the defining factor in any success, minor or major. Always remember that no task you undertake in life is going to be an easy one. Never be deterred when things don't seem to be going as planned. You can always dust yourself off and start again. And when life throws you a curveball and you find yourself financially strapped, visit http://www.paydaycashloan.com.au and sign up for your Payday Cash Loan Card. By having your card, you can easily apply for a payday loan and find some financial relief before your next cheque comes in.

About the Author

After helping thousands of Australians with their financial problems, we've gained great experience and insight into the everyday person's money problems. Our company Payday Cash Loan not only provides short-term loans to Australians we also write articles sharing our financial solutions and tips, so you can take control of your finances and reach the ultimate goal - financial freedom.

How to Save Money Dining Out

2008-11-26T22:43:00.000-08:00

How to Save Money Dining Out

by Brent Vanderstelt

The best way to save money on dining out is with a membership in the Zurvita Care Savers Program. Zurvita Care Saver is your personal discount program at your favorite restaurants, movie theatres, local retailers, daily services and, personal care and pet care providers. Zurvita Care Saver Card is your onsite discount program on everyday purchases and services.

The Zurvita Care Saver program will save you up to 50% on home repairs and home security to name a few. But an additional benefit of membership is that you also save the same savings (up to 50%) on over 600 online or offline retailers, Health an beauty services, 20,000 hotels, personal services and 50,000 restaurants.

As a Zurvita Care Saver member, you can enjoy "star treatment" by taking advantage of big savings on movie tickets and DVD rentals at the most popular and favorite places. Members get to enjoy the big screen at a small price.

• Save up to $6 per movie ticket! • Choose from more than 1,500 theaters nationwide! • 3 national movie rental chains create access to millions of titles!

Another benefit of the Zurvita Care Saver program is the Zurvita Personal Assistant. Having a team of professional personal Assistant at your beck and call just a phone call away. Once you begin using Zurvita Personal Assistant to help you take care of life's little challenges you will begin to see the benefit of having a personal Assistant whenever you need information or a task performed.

You can use the Zurvita Personal Assistant to make restaurant resvervations and get your movie times and reviews. Order your Zurvita Care Saver membership for today and start saving money on dining out.

About the Author

Brent Vanderstelt is a real estate developer and vacation rental business owner and owns and manages Your Travel Buddy Vacation Rentals, a Free Vacation Rental Listing Service and offers the Zurvita Care Saver program to millions of travelers and vacation home owners. For more information visit at - monaview.zurvita.biz.

The People Part of Money

2008-11-26T22:41:00.000-08:00

The People Part of Money

by Martin O'Hara

When a Midget Fortune Teller Escaped Prison, the Newspaper Headline was: Small Medium at Large

People's problems are either small, medium, or large. The cure is always the same for all sizes. That's because the size of the problem is an illusion. When it's your problem and in your face, it's always large. When it's someone else's problem it doesn't seem so big. It's like the definition of a recession is when people are out of work but it's a depression when it's you that's out of work.

I'm trying to set some perspective here because the mechanics are all the same. Cut expenses, make more money, get out of debt, build savings. But it's the emotional side that is really the problem. Why are you not 10 million dollars in debt? No really. Whatever debt you have, you did yourself. But really why not millions? Because you cut yourself off at some point, didn't you? Somewhere you said, "yikes, that's enough". So you do have self control. You are in charge of how much you spend. Circumstances didn't run away with you. You did what you did and still you used self discipline and self control and basic money management skill. Congratulations.

You just ignored the arithmetic. If you make one pile of money and you spend 2 piles of money, you've got to pay back that extra pile, but you can't because the next one pile has to cover a new 2 piles.

Money is energy. It follows mechanical principles. Do this and that will happen. It's people that change everything. People are not machines, they are the variables when it comes to money. It's the people part that you need to know about, more than the money part when you're dealing with the subject of money. That's why things don't work out the way they're planned. Things aren't always what they seem.

2 plus 2 equals 2

Two cats plus two birds equals two cats.

My wife had a friend that went to co-dependent group therapy meetings because her boyfriends always walked all over her. My wife told her, "Stop that. Just don't do that anymore. I don't get it. Just kick the bum out and stand up for yourself." Her friend said she can't. She doesn't know how. Well eventually, she started to stand up for herself. With practice and new habits, she made a lot of progress. But it's not easy, because you're making personality changes when you're dealing with emotions. People that give financial advice generally miss this point.

So the starting point is to take a good look at how you got yourself where you are. Remember you're not millions in debt so you do have control. Bad control maybe, but at least you're in control. So like my wife said, "Stop that". Don't do what you did to get yourself in trouble anymore. You can. You might need to learn some new habits but the mechanics of money will take care of itself. Just don't let the people part run crazy. Just stop it.

The people part of money: I want things. I want it. I want it now. I want lots of it. I want lots of it now. It will make feel good. I want to feel good. I deserve it.

The money part of money: It grows when it's left alone. It grows more when you add just a little to it. It makes you feel fantastic just to have it. It's the real security feeling that makes you feel better than having things. It's the gift to yourself that keeps on giving.

The Plot Against You

The Phone call: "No my wife's not home. She's out stimulating the economy". The economy is built around people getting in debt. When people borrow money from a bank (buying on credit), the bank counts that debt as an asset. They in fact have just printed up their own pile of money because of your signature. Banks make money but not the old fashioned way from the interest they charge, they make money from your signature. That's why they want you to borrow like crazy because you are manufacturing money for them when you do. They don't care if it takes a lifetime to pay it back. They made their pile of instant cash when you signed, right out of thin air.

Don't fall for it. Don't buy anymore stuff you can't pay for. Stop it.

Do the mechanical parts of money. Do them in this order: Spend less, make more, build a reserve, pay off your debts, build a savings account, save for retirement. But you have a lot to face before you start that stuff. You have to "Stop it".

_____________________________________________________________________________________

About the Author

Martin O'Hara writes on business and personal finance related issues. You can learn more by visiting his blog, Success With Personal Finance

http://successwithpersonalfinance.blogspot.com/

The Reality of Mortgages and Credit Lines

2008-11-26T22:40:00.000-08:00

The Reality of Mortgages and Credit Lines

by Johan Kriegbaum

Mortgages and credit lines; what are they and what is the difference. Before jumping into what may look like a 'financial solution', be sure to be adequately knowledgeable of your options.

Basically, a mortgage is a method of using personal property as protection against the settlement of a debt. "Mortgage" refers to the actual legality of securing the property and is commonly used to refer to the debt that is secured by using the mortgage. In most regions, mortgages are strongly associated with receiving loans on real estate as opposed to property such as a boat or automobile. Only land can be mortgages in some cases. Mortgages are the preferred method by most who want to secure a property but wish to not pay the fully value right away.

In Australia, having a mortgage is commonplace when it comes to an actual home purchase. Basically, a lot of Australian homes are under a mortgage agreement and aren't purchased outright. There are usually two types of accepted mortgage plans. The first: Mortgage by demise. This refers to the terms of the mortgage in place when the borrowing is finished and in dissolution when the loan is repaid in full. However, this is a less common form of mortgage and is outdated in many countries. The other type of mortgage: Mortgage by legal charge. This form uses the reasoning that the debtor stays legal property of the owner but the creditor gains rights over it in order to implement their concept of security in a loan. The creditor may sell the property or seize control should they feel repayment is not viable among practical circumstances.

A line of credit is similar to a credit line, basically meaning that it represents a limited amount of credit that you have the option of borrowing on. The borrower is able to use or withdraw funds up to the predetermined credit limit. This credit may be used repeatedly, and the amount of credit on the line fluctuates as funds are withdrawn or added. The borrower has the choice to repay over time or all at once.

If you need cash quickly and don't feel like going through a lengthy process, you should consider a payday loan from a lender like Cash Doctors. Located on the web at www.cashdoctors.com.au, we're here to offer our quick and easy service to you in your time of need. We offer great rates on loans, and can provide all the answers you need about credit lines.

About the Author

Cash Doctors cash loans have helped thousands of Australians in your situation with a fast, convenient and secure alternative. Get $100 to $600 in your hand in 60 minutes. It's all done online 24 hours a day, wherever you are in Australia. Apply online today at http://www.cashdoctors.com.au

Why Check 'n Go Is The Industry Leader

2008-11-26T22:37:00.001-08:00

Why Check 'n Go Is The Industry Leader

by Christy Belden

After looking at the options, you've decided that a payday loan is the right choice for you.

You have a basic understanding of the process; the online application, contract, repayment and most importantly, how fast you will get the cash you need.

But you have more questions. You need honest, straightforward information on every truth and consequence of your loan. You don't want to apply without being absolutely certain the lender you are turning to is reputable.

You need someone who is more than just a quick solution. A lender who has been where you are, provides you with all the information you need and can make you feel confident about your decision.

Check 'n Go is a leader in the payday loan industry who understands what you want, and makes it happen.

What makes an industry leader? Honesty, dedication, and service.

Check 'n Go wants you to have all the facts. They believe in the value of an informed decision, and its effects on you and your future. They provide honest, in-depth resources for each step of the payday loan process, starting before you fill out your application. They want you to know if their product is right for you, and if not, where to turn.

Learn how to plan for your loan, how to manage your budget, and handle the repayment; all the information is designed to help you make the very best of your payday loan. Because of their dedication to you, Check 'n Go provides the tools for you to help you, help yourself. With 1300 brick-and-mortar stores across the country as well as a secure online service, they put you in control, and show you how to use their short-term solutions to the fullest.

Check 'n Go's service is fast and always reliable. You will receive a courtesy call as quickly as 10 minutes after finishing your application, and the money you need is available as soon as the next business day.

As founding members of the Community Financial Services Association of America ('CFSA') Check 'n Go pledges to their customers consistent, quality service built on a set of Best Practices and your rights as a payday borrower.

Check 'n Go is an industry leader because of what it brings to you. It's wealth of knowledge, superior customer service and fast, reliable products are available at checkngo.com

About the Author

Christy Belden works in Interactive Marketing for LeapFrog Interactive

Why Investing $1 Billion Or Even $1 Into Media & Entertainment By Private Equity Invsestors Is Good For Economic Recovery

2008-11-26T22:35:00.001-08:00

Why Investing $1 Billion Or Even $1 Into Media & Entertainment By Private Equity Invsestors Is Good For Economic Recovery

by yuri rutman

With the nation on the brink of economic collapse, Wall Street panic at an all time high, and hedge funds and financial institutions disintegrating, New York based Elliott Associates has parked an additional $1 billion into Ryan Kavanaugh's Relativity Media which will finance a large slate of Universal Pictures' films over the next few years.

And the question remains "why?" in today's economic crisis as well as the recent pull out of billions of dollars in institutional capital from the studios.

No matter how bad things are in the world, people need to be entertained. And while the crowd mentality of panic in the U.S. financial markets exists, overseas, properly structured commercial films generate more revenues which add to bigger distributor buys with the Euro vs. USD.

Apart from Elliott Associates, other investors including billionaires,family offices from Wall Street to Silicon Valley to the Middle East to Russia have been parking their money into Hollywood

Larry Ellison Of Oracle, Paul Allen Of Microsoft, Steven Rales, Fred Smith of Federal Express, Norman Waitt, the Co-Founder of Gateway Computers, Jeff Skoll Of Ebay, Marc Turtletaub of The Money Store, Roger Marino Of EMC Corp, Sidney Kimmel Of Jones Apparel Group, Minnesota Twins owner Bill Pohlad; Real Estate Developers Tom Rosenberg and Bob Yari, and, financiers Sheikh Waleed Al Ibrahim, Michel Litvak, and Philip Anschutz are all behind the finance of a lot of films that range from box office hits to Academy Award winners.

While the glamour of the movie business may be appealing to most, at the end of the day, it is still an unknown business that many try to gamble on, and only a handful come out as winners. The real key is to minimize risk, maximize profits, and offer a steadier stream of revenues than what other alternative investments may offer such as real estate, oil & gas, commodities, hedge funds, or practically any other investment in today's market.

Instead of dazzling investors with smoke and mirror Monte Carlo simulation models that offer various IRR's and scenarios based on unpredictable film revenues streams,the key is to offer an absolute return on investment utilizing international and U.S. public tax incentives that in certain instances can guarantee 100% or more of invested capital prior to revenues by leveraging equity positions with non-recourse debt.

Investors who either want to take a 100% Federal deduction under Section 181 or "The American Jobs Creations Act" against their ordinary income, get an additional 20-40% in tradable and monetized state tax credits or cash rebates, have a hedge of revenues from a slate of films, as well as stimulating local and international economic development, and creating jobs, including for women and minorities.

Sound too good to be true?

Not too many other alternative investments can offer tax incentives, multiple exit strategies, the potential to guarantee 100% of capital, giving back to the American economy and labor, while being involved with the moviemaking process that would also add to the long line of recent film funds that have been structured with numerous hedge funds, private equity investors, corporate tax credit buyers, and institutions.

In today's shaky financial markets, not too many businesses can be started that can have an almost predictable ROI prior to operations and profits.

About the Author

Yuri Rutman structures international tax advantaged film finance investments for private equity funds, hedge funds, venture capital, tax attorneys, family offices, private client services, wealth managers, and established filmmakers and producers at http://www.noci.com

He is also the managing partner of 72 Equity (www.72equity.com) which is involved in leveraged buyouts of companies with EBITDA's over $5 million dollars.

Why Investing $1 Billion Or Even $1 Into Media & Entertainment By Private Equity Invsestors Is Good For Economic Recovery

2008-11-26T22:35:00.000-08:00

Why Investing $1 Billion Or Even $1 Into Media & Entertainment By Private Equity Invsestors Is Good For Economic Recovery

by yuri rutman

And the question remains "why?" in today's economic crisis as well as the recent pull out of billions of dollars in institutional capital from the studios.

Apart from Elliott Associates, other investors including billionaires,family offices from Wall Street to Silicon Valley to the Middle East to Russia have been parking their money into Hollywood

Sound too good to be true?

In today's shaky financial markets, not too many businesses can be started that can have an almost predictable ROI prior to operations and profits.

About the Author

He is also the managing partner of 72 Equity (www.72equity.com) which is involved in leveraged buyouts of companies with EBITDA's over $5 million dollars.

AIG Gets $85 Billion Fed Bailout -- Where's Your Fair Share?

2008-11-26T22:33:00.000-08:00

AIG Gets $85 Billion Fed Bailout -- Where's Your Fair Share?

by Matthew Lesko

With the Federal Government extending a $300 billion "helping hand" to financial giants Bear Stearns, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and now AIG, one can't help but wonder why everyday taxpayers can't get a piece of the pie.

They can - they just don't know it, according to the irrepressible Matthew Lesko. Lesko has dedicated his entire career to researching government programs to help the average taxpayer, and he's following today's news closely, with his nose to the wind for opportunities.

"This just underscores what a lot of us already know: if there's enough money to pull the stock market out of a dive, there's enough to fund smaller entrepreneurs," says Lesko. "We've already paid for the money with our tax dollars, but the government doesn't advertise them so most people are in the dark - they don't even know these programs exist."

Compared to the total amount of money budgeted into most individual government money programs, the AIG bailout was a pretty big loan. But within the context of the big picture, it's small potatoes, according to Lesko, who has written over 100 books identifying and explaining Uncle Sam's money programs and pointing people in the right direction.

"$300 billion seems like a staggering amount, but the truly astonishing figure is that there's a $3,120 billion pool of money made available for average citizens through federal, state and local governments," he explains. "It's a maze of programs and services, set-asides and grants, but the money's there."

About the Author

As the author of two New York Times best-sellers, Getting Yours and Information USA, Lesko has twice received the prestigious "Best Reference Book of the Year" award from the American Library Association. He has also been a syndicated consumer columnist for Good Housekeeping magazine, and The New York Times, and has addressed the prestigious Harvard Business School on Branding, where his books are part of the curriculum.

Joint Venture - In order to qualify for such a loan!

2008-11-26T22:31:00.000-08:00

Joint Venture - In order to qualify for such a loan!

by kumar rajesh

A joint venture loan is one that is created through an affiliation in which both parties will share the losses or profits of the venture. It is similar to a partnership in that respect and a formal agreement is in effect between the parties. It is different from a partnership in that this specific venture is for one particular project only. The relationship between the two parties does not extend beyond this one project.

A borrower might choose to acquire a joint venture loan over conventional loans for a number of reasons. Developers might seek out a joint venture loan when the need for additional capital is realized.

The sums that are borrowed for large commercial projects are huge and sharing the equity in the project with the lender is sometimes more agreeable than debt financing. This type of loan is sometimes referred to as an equity loan for a commercial project. A joint venture loan is set up so that it helps to maximize the cash flow to create the most advantageous scenario for the investors. This type of loan can be used to finance a wide range of projects. In order to qualify for such a loan, for more detail visit www.joint-venture-softwares.com the borrower needs to show that he has real equity to back up the loan or the venture has at least 10 % of the equity invested in cash.

A joint venture loan is usually acquired from a private investor or an investment bank, typically located in a geographic area near the borrower, and interested in that particular type of project. Private investors generally look for a project that displays a great potential for profit.

The borrower typically has a solid idea for the project as well as a strong company. He is, however, lacking opportunity capital. A joint venture loan enables two parties with individual strengths to join together to form an alliance whose sum total is much stronger than the individual entities. The individual expertise of each party is used to create optimal performance of the project.

Due diligence and proper planning is part of the process for acquiring a joint venture loan. Joint venture loans usually have short terms such as 3 to 5 years for their disposition. Commercial projects that qualify for this type of loan have attractive equity. This is one of many characteristics of a system that makes it well worth a good look if you want to start building JV relationships. For more detail visit www.jointwebventures.com You can find out more about this viral list building technique by visiting the author's resources listed below. Whether you are looking to build a list or promote a particular product or service, the power of this kind of marketing is undeniable.

Projects that might qualify for joint venture loans include Commercial Hi-Rise, Commercial Mixed Use, Shopping Centers and Malls, Residential Developments, Hotels, Luxury Housing Developments, Resorts, Casinos, Medial Facilities, Entertainment/Sports Facilities, Office Buildings/Parks, Transportation Facilities, and more.

About the Author

www.joint-ventures-secret.com

www.joint-venture-guide.com

The Debt Cycle: Stop it Before it Starts

2008-11-26T22:20:00.001-08:00

The Debt Cycle: Stop it Before it Starts

by Elizabeth Jean Allen

I remember the day I received my first charge card. You would have thought I had received manna from heaven. A financial institution thought I was adult enough to handle my own finances. They would not have given me the card if it wasn't so. I was a financially savvy nineteen year-old in charge of my own destiny.

I was careful, at least at first. I'd heard horror stories of overwhelming charge card debt. I knew charge cards had unreasonably high interest rates, and understood what 'compounded daily' meant. But then they raised my credit limit and then a pre-approved charge card from another bank arrived in the mail. Before I knew it I was in debt up to my eyeballs and sinking fast.

It's a typical story. Many young adults and college students are financially reckless. They have visions of astronomical paychecks, corner offices, and expense accounts. A little debt now is not going to hurt in the long run.

The thing is, I wasn't reckless. I was a cautious spender and had realistic financial expectations. I knew what kind of income I would be getting once I graduated from college. What I didn't take into account was the basic cost of living on my own. I went from my parent's home to the dormitory. I didn't have to buy groceries, pay an electric or water bill, pay insurance or buy gas. My biggest expense was feeding coins into a wash machine each week. I was not prepared for the financial realities of life.

Teaching children basic finance and how to be financially responsible needs to start when they are young, and be reinforced repeatedly. The school system does not teach children how to handle their money. There are no classes on personal finance in the high school curriculum. It's up to parents to impart that knowledge. Teach your children how to handle their money, and how to handle debt. Don't assume that they will figure it out when the time comes. They will, but learning the hard way is not always the best way. We want what's best for our children. Give them the skills they need. Financially responsible children grow up to be financially responsible adults.

Elizabeth Jean Allen

About the Author

Elizabeth Jean Allen is a high school teacher, author, and freelance writer. She feels that many children are not being taught the financial skills they need to succeed in life. Raising financially Responsible Children is every parent's responsibility.

Bad Credit Loans: Get Money And Solve Your Cash Issues

2008-11-25T17:30:00.000-08:00

Bad Credit Loans: Get Money And Solve Your Cash Issues

by: Simon Tauffel

When the problems are numerous, friends are few. These words are very apt when it comes to the situation of bad credit. Fulfilling your cash needs when having a bad credit history, it may be difficult to get the support you want. Getting external help will still suit you as the money is available without any hassle through bad credit loans.

The borrowers who have a credit score which is lower than 580 in the FICO report may be suffering from this problem due to various factors. It can be arrears, defaults, missed repayments or CCJs that have caused this problem. But the borrowers still deserve a chance to avail these loans for their needs.

Through these loans, the borrowers can choose whichever option that they like out of the secured and the unsecured form, according to suitability. The loan form also depends upon the ability of the borrower to pledge collateral with the lender for the money. If a bigger amount is required by the borrowers, they can take up the secured form by pledging an asset with the lenders. Amounts can be borrowed within the range of £5000-£75000 for a term of 5-25 years. The home, car or any asset of the borrower can be pledged as collateral.

Borrowers who need smaller amount can also take up money and that too without pledging any assets. This is possible through unsecured form of these loans. Money that is obtainable by the borrowers lies in the range of £1000-£25000 and has to be repaid in a term of 6 months to 10 years. Tenants and non-homeowners can also take up these loans for their needs easily.

Adverse credit history of borrowers may entail a higher rate of interest. But with the help of online research and comparison, the borrowers can take up low rate deals with the help of comparison of the loan quotes easily.

Bad credit loans are a great opportunity for the borrowers to avail money at the most needful times. It is a great respite for borrowers stuck in bad credit.

Do They All Have Something That You Want?

2008-11-25T17:28:00.000-08:00

Do They All Have Something That You Want?

by Johan Kriegbaum

Invest In Yourself – Your Career, Future Income Stream, Education And Training

2008-11-25T17:25:00.000-08:00

Invest In Yourself – Your Career, Future Income Stream, Education And Training

by: Maxwell Z. Rubin

The advice often given to young couples starting off in life is “Not to buy what you cannot afford”. The same basic advice should be heeded by many. If you cannot afford it- then do not buy the item. But what of investing in your own future in terms of an investment in your personal education or training as well as investments in your own personal career. Is this not getting ahead in life? Is this not money well spent? Even if you have to borrow and go into debt is this not money well spent?

If at the end of the day , year or decade you will be much further ahead in position , salary as well as benefits in addition to “job” and “personal” satisfaction is this not money, time and effort well spent and allocated. ? Indeed it is and can well be.

In the case of your education a dollar borrowed now will result in better jobs- that you will most likely find more challenging and enjoyable , and have a lot more financial reward than a job on the status scale – say as a bus driver or a technician doing oil jobs at your local Wal-Mart. In the case of a vehicle or car loan it may be a godsend. If your vehicle is not reliable – then how can you show up on time, keep your job without an image and reputation of reliability? Not only do you want to keep your employment and income associated with the job but also the job references from your employment superiors for use with other employers for better positions and pay, or for promotion within your present organization. You may even run into a case of promotion within your present firm to another branch office or plant. Not having reliable transport may limit your promotion offerings and flexibility. In addition, if you take out a loan to purchase that vehicle, you may well have upscaled and upgraded your car or SUV, from the models that you most likely would have purchased. By doing so, and driving a higher grade auto model, you may well appear as a more established, senior, more experienced and established employee as well as individual. Fortunately or unfortunately in life most comes down to appearances and perceptions.

There may be a much better and / or better paying job but its way across town, or in an area not served by the bus transit system. Or it may be the case that there is bus service - but if devours a good two to three hours a day of travel time. Good bye to your personal social life. You may have all the money in the world – the wealth of Bill Gates Himself and yet no time or energy to enjoy it. So much for all that pay of that new wonderful job.

A real step foreword as they say. It is always a case of reward versus cost or cost versus benefit. It is a case by case analysis.

In addition you should think of additional or add on costs. Do not stretch yourself too thin – financially. A course at university may not be offered in your calendar year – you will have to complete your schooling fully at a later date than expected. A course may be full – ditto for time delay. Or you may even have to repeat a course or change plans along the way necessitating longer time duration of studies. Leave a buffer of funding both for yourself and as well with the agency that provided the loan – be at bank, savings and loan, credit union or even parents or relatives. Don’t break the bank so to speak at the first step. The same analysis of benefit versus costs prevails in the car / transport / job scenario situation. Many people will drive across town for a bargain to save a dollar and spend $ 10 on gas costs in the process. Incorporate the price of gas into your final net salary not as an aside.

Lastly and most importantly – always pay your bills. Never take on more than you can chew, or in this case afford. Before making that commitment for a loan or undertaking always evaluate carefully before signing on the bottom line. It’s not only a matter of convenience. Your credibility itself is on the line, in addition to your personal honor and integrity and reputation. Pay your bills on time – even earlier than required. This applies to all loans – whether they are for rent, mortgage, utility bills, bank loans, charge card payments or student loans. If you cannot pay in full, then at least pay a bit above the minimum payment. If you are really stuck then contact the lender. Explain the situation honestly. Make a commitment and follow through. Remember the whole point of the exercise was your self improvement – an investment in yourself. To not take the exercise seriously is to shortchange yourself and your future opportunities as well as income stream in the future. To borrow for yourself and personal gain make prudent sense.

Van Finance: Hassle Free Finance To Purchase Van Of Your Choice

2008-11-25T17:24:00.000-08:00

Van Finance: Hassle Free Finance To Purchase Van Of Your Choice

by Bonnie Castle

Vans are ideal for any commercial purpose and sure that is why they come with a price. Now, the advantage of having a van of your own is immense, as it enables you to save a lot of money, which you might have spent on hiring transportation. Further it also acts like an asset and can be useful for future purposes. So, if you are trying to buy one and do not have the necessary finance, then consider applying for van finance.

Van finance, as the name refers, are solely meant for the purpose of providing the necessary funds, with the help of which you can purchase a van of your need. In fact, you can also use the funds to purchase an used van, provided it is not more than 5-7 years old. You can further classify the finance in to secured and unsecured form. This classification allows you to derive the funds as per your need and requirement.

Before going for the finance, there are some basic guidelines when followed will help you to obtain a rational deal. In this regard, you should look for vans that fit in to your scheme of things and evaluate the price required to procure it. By doing so, you will be able to determine the exact amount that you need to borrow. The finances offered are usually 80-90% of the total amount required to buy the van. It s repayment tenure too is small and does not exceed more than 2- 7 years. What more, this finance is made available to all the applicants irrespective of financial status and credit profile.

You can source the finance e either from traditional lenders or from lenders based in the online market. The traditional approach is not preferred much nowadays, as online processing is getting popular due to its fast approval and lucrative terms and conditions. Moreover, you can derive the funds without even personally visiting the lender, thus by saving a great deal of time and effort.

Van finance surely presents you an opportunity to get a van of your choice to help you out meeting the various errands. It is indeed a cost effective option.

Using a Payday Loan Responsibly

2008-11-25T17:18:00.001-08:00

Using a Payday Loan Responsibly

by Christy Belden

You've heard all the great benefits of using payday loans. You've probably also read all of the anti-payday loan messages that are out there online.

How can you be certain that a payday loan is right for you?

Simply put, there are no options out there that are perfect every time. Payday loans can be a safe, and reliable short-term financial solution - when used properly.

Responsibility is key when dealing with a payday loan. You have to know your situation, know your funds, be able to organize your budget to include the fees, and most important with any loan, be able to repay on time.

So how do you know?

First and foremost, make sure you are able to verify your employment, bank account, and identity. If you do decide to take out a payday loan on short notice, missing one of these forms of identification can stop your solution before it starts. You must be able to show the lender that you're employed, will be able to repay, and that you have a valid bank account that your money can be deposited into once your contract is signed.

Next, evaluate your situation. Are you way behind on your bills, or just in danger of missing one month's payment? How much do you already owe to other institutions? Will this solution get you back on track, or are you in need of multi-month or long-term financial help?

Above all other considerations, payday loans are only to be used as a short-term financial solution. You should not use a payday loan if you are in need of long-term help. You should seek out a credit counselor or consumer credit agency if you are repeatedly having trouble making ends meet.

If you still feel a payday loan is for you, handle it properly. The amount you will owe is the amount borrowed plus the fee that your lender is charging. If you can determine the amount you need, call or log on to your lender's website and find out what your additional fee will be. Check to see if you will be able to afford repayment the next time you get paid. Make sure you mark down the date it is expected to be repaid and place a reminder in a place where you will see it frequently.

Work your repayment into your budget for your next paycheck. Anticipate the amount and account for it. The goal is for your payday loan to be a boost to get you back on track - not an additional stress on you.

Check 'n Go offers more financial advice and educational resources on its website, checkngo.com. Educate yourself on your options and needs. It's always possible to pick yourself back up - and that's what payday loans are designed to do.

Surviving Hard Times - Tips on Choosing an Online Bank

2008-11-19T20:46:00.000-08:00

Surviving Hard Times - Tips on Choosing an Online Bank
By Tim Selegns

One of the worst things you can do in these trying times is to lose money. With the tumultuous condition of world markets, and the price of commodities steadily going up, you need every bit of cash in your pocket to count. And in these situations, it is saving money that is one of the most vital acts that you can do to help yourself and your family get by in these hard times. And when this is the issue, it's best to find a bank you can trust to keep your money secure.

The recent rise in the popularity of online banking has made banking a whole lot easier as of late. However it is a fact that with many things conducted over the Internet, some just offer better services than others. And because it is important that you save money and let it grown rather than lose it in times of financial hardships, it is best that you find thee right bank for the job.

Keep these tips in mind before choosing your bank:

Make sure the bank you choose is legitimate: The Internet can become a bank and a banker's best friend when it allows banks to offer their services more efficiently and for transactions to occur more smoothly. However, it is a double edged sword because it also allows swindlers and opportunists to take advantage of people and cheat them out of their money. So when investing online, pick a bank with an established name to safeguard your savings. If you have doubts about the honesty of the website you're on, close your browser immediately.

Choose a bank with which your deposits are insured: you don't want to lose all your money when your old bank goes bankrupt. Deposit insurance gives you the chance to get your money back, sometimes with accrued interest.

These two tips are primary considerations when finding your bank of choice. They are by no means however the only tips that will ensure your next online bank transaction will be a smooth one. If you want more banking tips and ideas, just visit: http://onlinebankpro.com/category/article-pages/banking-tips/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Selegns

The Importance of Personal Finance Training in Your Life

2008-11-19T20:35:00.000-08:00

The Importance of Personal Finance Training in Your Life
By Sheila Cristina Santos

It is true that the financial stability cannot be foreseen by anybody but is a very essential part of anyone's future. If you are looking to have the stability on your finances in the future, the mindset is the initial part that you need to develop. Moreover, personal finance training can follow to allow you to know your possible strategies to apply in your goal. This personal training that you need to develop will allow you to have the brighter future you want to have when you get older.

Mental exercise to keep you on track of your goals will require you to have this following:

- See yourself in details of what you want for yourself in the future.

Giving yourself a very clear detail of what you really want in the future would help you in the personal finance training you need to make these achievements. These details can include any specific details that can be important for you in your future like: number of children, place to live and other details you see yourself with. The goal of transforming these abstract ideas into reality will provide you with initiative and challenge for them.

- Think about the purchases you made in the past and every purchase you will make.

When you are into personal finance training for your future, you must start to consider the expenses you make with the purchases you have now and even in the past. This is very important because the purchase you make will reflect how strong your will is in your mindset for the betterment of your future. You must be able to identify now the good and the bad choices you are making with the use of your money.

- Consider different ways of saving money.

Make sure that you use your idle times in training your mind to think in frugal ways. When you achieve this kind of thinking, saving money and keeping them for future investments will come natural already and the personal finance training will not be as hard as when you are starting to adjust to your new spending habits.

- Keep your home expenses to the minimum.

Allow yourself some time to look around the house and find more things that can make you save more money. Some expenses that you can cut are the electrical and water consumption you have. You can achieve lessening the money you use in your electricity by unplugging things that are not necessary to be plugged like the stereo. Making repairs on the plumbing will lessen water from being wasted. This is the way to make saving inside the house an ordinary thing for you and your house mates.

These are just a few of the many other personal finance training you can apply in your daily life. There are more ways than one that can help you get the future that you want and see yourself enjoying.

Give yourself the reward of seeing yourself in a good financial and physical health in the future. It is no doubt that learning personal finance training can be really hard and will take a lot of sacrifices but it is all worth it!

The importance of the Search Engine Optimization that is involved in many business online has given way for the many professional and freelance writers to get together and be able to use their talents in writing articles that are original and with high quality. The qualifications of the writers and the articles produced by the team has provided great satisfaction for the clients goal of the high-ranking SEO they need. You can always have our writers provide you with articles. Visit our site at http://wordsinaction.webs.com or http://wordsinaction.wordpress.com You will be entertained through the writer's email also scqsantos@yahoo.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheila_Cristina_Santos

What is in a Franchise UFOC?

2008-11-18T19:47:00.000-08:00

What is in a Franchise UFOC?
by: Bob Richman

There are 4 parts to a UFOC:

* Cover Page
* Table of Contents
* Items 1-23
* Exhibits

The format for each of these sections is very specific and covers the following:

Cover Page The Cover Page identifies the franchise business, including the name under which the franchisee would operate and what type of business it is. It also includes the amounts of the initial franchise fee. In addition, any additional risk factors are included on the cover in all capital letters. Risk factors that may be included pertain mostly to which state is governing the franchise agreement and where any litigation is permitted to be filed and heard.

Table of Contents The Table of Contents contains the specific 23 items listed below, as well as the exhibits, in a standard format.

Items 1-23 Item 1: The Franchisor, Its Predecessors, and Affiliates This section gives you a background on the Franchisor, including anyone he/she has purchased the franchise from, and any affiliates, meaning anyone else who has a controlling interest in the franchise. Do your research on these representatives, including a credit check if possible. You're quite possibly investing your life savings with these people and knowing any other businesses in which they have been involved and how well they manage financial aspects is important.

Item 2: Business Experience This section gives you a background on the officers and directors of the franchise for the past five years. Similar to the information you will review on the Franchisor itself, you want to carefully review the expertise these people bring to the table. These are the people you will be working with and who will contribute greatly to the success of your franchise. You should get to know them as well as you can.

Item 3: Litigation Any history of litigation, including cases terminated by settlement, must be disclosed in this section. Any Franchisor who is under some kind of restrictive injunction is one to stay away from. Additionally, if a franchisor or any officer has a criminal history or any litigation pending that may affect his or her ability to maintain a franchise then this opportunity is not a worthwhile risk.

Item 4: Bankruptcy The bankruptcy disclosure requires that they tell you up front about any bankruptcy in the last 10 years concerning, "the franchisor, its affiliate, its predecessor, officers, or general partner". Entrepreneurs often have several failures before they are successful. Learning from failed business is not the experience you want to have, which is why you are considering a franchise. This doesn't always mean that having a bankruptcy in the disclosure is a sure prediction of a bankruptcy in the future, but you want to review the circumstances of the bankruptcy carefully, including the amount of time that has lapsed since that bankruptcy. You typically don't want to give your money to someone with a proven track record of not being able to manage it.

Item 5: Initial Franchise Fee The initial franchise fee is the fee you pay to purchase the right to operate as a franchise. This does not include all of the other fees that may be required to get started or continue operation. The important thing to know about the initial franchise fee is exactly what you are getting for those dollars. Knowing how they came up with that number is important. A large initial franchise fee does not equate to a larger earning or a better investment. Consider this fee in addition to the Other Fees (Item 6) and Initial Investment (Item 7) before concluding what it will actually cost to open a franchise.

Item 6: Other Fees Other fees include any other monies you will be required to pay to the franchisor, including royalties, advertising fees, service fees, training fees, or any other ongoing or one-time fees that you as a franchisee will be expected to pay directly to the franchisor.

Item 7: Initial Investment This is the key item in terms of figuring out what is will cost you to get a franchise up and running. This section is laid out as a table, and includes the estimated costs for training, equipment, opening, inventory and other costs associated with starting your franchise. For each item in the list, you are given the amount, the method of payment, when it is due and to whom the payment is to be made. Review this information carefully. Speak with other franchisees and see if the estimated costs were realistic. Expect that you will need more for unexpected expenses. Remember that most businesses are not profitable for at least a year, so include the amount of money it would take you and your family to survive for a year without income.

Item 8: Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services If the franchisor requires you to purchase or lease from designated sources, investigate further. Sometimes the purchase restrictions are because the franchise has negotiated a lower price for certain goods in return for guaranteed orders. However, sometimes the cost of the supplies is not competitive and the franchisor makes a bit of money from the procurement of supplies. This makes the franchise more expensive to run, even if the startup costs look attractive. If the costs are reasonable, the restrictions are not a big issue. Again, talk to existing franchisees to see if they feel these restrictions are reasonable and whether or not they are satisfied they are receiving their money's worth.

Item 9: Franchisee's Obligations Your obligations as a franchisee can be laid out in various agreements, including but not limited to the franchise agreement. This section explains what your obligations are and exactly where in the legal documentation you can find the information governing your obligations. This is an important section for you to review carefully, as they define your contractual obligations and if you breech these obligations your franchise can be terminated. Talk to current franchisees and see whether meeting these obligations has presented any difficulty. If the obligations seem unreasonable, move on.

Item 10: Financing Sometimes the financing required to start-up a franchise comes from the franchisor him/herself. As with any financial contract, review the conditions and be sure that they are competitive and make sense. Have an accountant or banking representative review the terms and give an opinion. Having a credit check would, again, be handy here.

Item 11: Franchisor's Obligations Just as the UFOC lays out your obligations as a franchisee, the obligations of the franchisor must be clearly disclosed in this section. You are putting your financial future into the hands of the franchise that you purchase, at least in part. Be sure you understand exactly what you are getting for what you are paying. You may want to approach this section in a different manner than the others...perhaps backward. Rather than reading what they will provide, begin by making a list of what you think you will need to be successful. Determine what kind of training you will need and see whether they provide it, when it will be offered, what kind of training it is, and whether or not it meets your needs. What kind of ongoing support or documentation do they include? Also determine what you would need after you have opened the franchise and see whether those items are included in their list of obligations. If they are missing things that you think you will need to be successful, ask to have those things added to the franchise agreement. Verbal promises from salespeople are not sufficient - promised items should be added to this section.

Item 12: Territory Opening a franchise just to see another franchise open up a half mile down the road would be enough to make anyone crazy. The territory section of the UFOC is designed to lay out exactly what rights you have to any territory. Having the right to an "exclusive area" cuts down on the competition, at least from within your own franchise. Unfortunately, not all franchisees are alike. Some will take full advantage of their area and develop the market to its fullest. Others will assume that the lack of competition in their immediate area means they have a right to the business and therefore don't work quite as hard to develop that area. There are many other situations in which an exclusive area causes issues for a franchisor, and most will not grant them. Some will grant an exclusive area only for a specified amount of time or only as long as a certain level of achievement is reached by the franchisee. Understanding what options the franchise offers is very important.

Item 13: Trademarks This section discloses any trademarks, service mark, service name or logotype used in the franchise business and whether or not that trademark or service mark are registered with the US Patent Office. Using a trademark symbol (™) is not the same thing as having a registered trademark. The registered trademark (®) means a certificate of registration has been granted to the franchisor. A trademark registered in the Supplemental Register does not have the same legal rights and there should be a statement in the Trademarks section disclosing this information.

Item 14: Patents, Copyrights, and Proprietary Information This section is important to you only if patents are important to the franchise. If so, get a copy of the patent from the U.S. Patent Office and review the status of the patent. Be familiar with any copyrighted or proprietary information outlined in the UFOC, as the franchisor has a right to modify or prohibit use of anything patented, copyrighted, or proprietary information disclosed in the UFOC.

Item 15: Obligation to Participate in and the Actual Operation of the Franchise Business This section outlines any requirements for the franchisee to personally be involved in the operation of the franchise. If the franchise does not require the franchisee to run the business him or herself, then there must be a statement outlining whether or not a manager running the day-to-day operations of the franchise in place of the owner must complete the franchisor's training program and/or own an equity share of the business, and any limitations placed on the manager (such as being approved by the franchise).

Item 16: Restrictions on What the Franchisee May Sell Restrictions on what you may sell will affect those franchisees who want to operate an expandable business while they own the franchise. This section is also important if you are limited to selling goods or services that won't make you enough return.

Item 17: Renewal, Termination, Transfer, and Dispute Resolution This section is one of the most important in the entire document, and is presented in a table format for easy browsing. The best contract is one stating that as long as you do not breech your contract you can renew your franchise agreement, forever. Contracts that place a limit on your possibility to renew solely at the discretion of the franchisor are bad. Also pay close attention to extensive repairs or decoration that will required as a condition of renewal. The amount of money expected to be spent should be reasonable and there should be some kind of formula so that costs are not incurred all in the same year. Additionally, the refurbishment should keep you industry competitive.

There are many types of transfers. Transferring among business entities, such as from a sole proprietorship into a corporation, should definitely be allowed. A good agreement will also allow your franchise to be transferred to your heirs. If this is not allowed and you're still interested in purchasing the franchise, try to make some provision for the repurchase of your franchise by the franchisor.

This section also outlines the causes for termination of the franchise agreement, states whether the franchise can be sold and who has the right of first refusal (your own blood relatives should not, ideally, come after the franchisor on first rights), and delineates your right to arbitration. Essentially, the more rights you have to control the renewal and transfer of your franchise, the more rights you have for the continuation of your business and the better the agreement. Make sure your franchise attorney reviews these rights as well as your rights to litigation (or requirement to use arbitration). Any additional risks for litigation will also be on the cover page, remember.

Item 18: Public Figures This section requires the disclosure of any public figures the franchise uses as a spokesperson, how much they were paid, and how much control they have in the business (if any). Find out how this arrangement relates to you, whether you can use that figure in personal appearances or advertising, how much it would cost and how frequently you would be allowed to do so.

Item 19: Earnings Claims It is very tricky for a franchisor to project, estimate, or in any way forecast financial sales. There are so many variables in play for an individual franchise that it would be mostly guesswork and optimism to project for a prospective franchisee how much money they will make with their business. Any claims made by the franchisor to this effect must be substantiated, so rarely will you see any earning claims included in a UFOC. The best way to get an idea of what to expect for earnings is to talk to existing franchisees. Find out how long they've been in business, when the business turned profitable, and what their average profits have been. Remember that each business is unique and that each franchisee does not run a business equally well. Speak to several franchisees to get a clearer picture of a range that you might be able to expect.

Item 20: List of Outlets All of the existing franchise locations, along with the franchisee's contact information, is listed in this section. This is the pot of gold, right here. Contacting franchisees with questions about their relationship to the franchisor, their ability to meet their contractual obligations, their general earnings, and how realistic the start-up projections are is the best bit of research and review you can possibly do before purchasing your franchise. Prepare your questions and schedule time with franchees in advance; this one is important.

Item 21: Financial Statements This section points you to the exhibits containing the audited financial statements of the franchisor for the last three years. Take these statements to a qualified accountant for review. The financial status of the franchisor is a track record, showing you not only the ability of the franchisor to run the business, but also the likelihood of success or failure.

Item 22: Contracts All contracts or agreements a franchisee will need to sign must be attached to the UFOC. This includes the Franchise Agreement, purchase agreements, lease agreements, and others.

Item 23: Receipt This document is a receipt of acknowledgment of the UFOC. This has to be provided as the last page of the document for the franchisee to acknowledge that they have received it. This is only important because no monies can legally be exchanged until 10 days after the receipt of the UFOC (the "cooling off" period provided for by law).

Exhibits Any documents that have been identified in the UFOC for the franchise to review or sign must be included as an Exhibit. The exhibits will include copies of such things as the financial statements, Franchise Agreement, leases, or Loan Agreements.

What Does RICH Mean To You?

2008-11-18T19:42:00.000-08:00

What Does RICH Mean To You?
by: Paul Mara

Have you ever been asked that question?

I was!

Back in 1979 while doing a “pressure cooker” course on selling with an insurance company!

I wondered how relevant that question was, considering my personal and financial situation at the time.

No wife!

No job!

I was a solo dad with three children, one of them a baby less than a year old.

“You must be kidding”, I thought to myself at the time!

What relevance can that have to me learning to sell insurance policies?

How naive I was!

The course that followed had an unbelievably positive and a life changing effect on me. Although it only took affect several years later. The seed had been sown!

You’re probably saying to yourself, “How can a course on selling life insurance have that much effect on anyone?”

Well that Insurance Company was the one created by W Clement Stone.

I found the course to be very challenging, because in New Zealand at that time we weren’t really aware of the “Hype” that Americans used to motivate their workers to perform at their optimum. It pleases me each time I think about it now, to know that I passed, top of the class and received a book as a reward, this book was already a best seller, but I’d never heard of it.

Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude, of which W Clement Stone was co-author with Napoleon Hill. They shared their secrets on becoming wealthy and having a healthy, productive lifestyle, utilising the power of a "positive mental attitude". Sadly my motivation and my persistence waned and I stopped selling insurance.

I kept all the information, studies and the book I had won.

The “BOOK” Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude, which I never opened or read for probably 3 years.

However I did continue two very positive things! I continued to read on a daily basis some of his quotes and I even put them on the wall. My two

favourites were;

“Success is achieved and maintained by those who try and keep trying” and

“Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve”.

The second thing and the one which I believed the most important was “Goal Setting” I enjoyed the challenge and had learned enough during the course to

realise its long term value.

Life began to take several steps in the right direction not major ones, but positive ones.

Several important things happened in my life over the next 12 years.

Around 1981-2 I began reading, Through a Positive Mental Attitude,

I applied so many of their ideas and formulae, and by 1992 mine and my families life had completely turned around, this included a wonderful wife and two more children and a list of goals I had made in 1986 after father passed away, became a reality.

I had arrived finally, or so I thought, and was ready to respond to the question that still continued to bother me after all those years.

What Does RICH Mean To You?

I had some answers!

That’s what I believed anyway!

1 - " A consistent income created from hard work

2 - " A healthy family

3 - " A loving wife and loving children

4 - "A nice car

5 - " A great holidays

There are other things, but they are either directly or indirectly related to the above list.

Even now when I look at that list it seems to have “hit the nail on the head”.

Then within three years it all slowly began to fall apart, business wise, thankfully not family wise our “Polynesian Inheritance” is so strong, family always come first!

Where was I going wrong?

What was I doing wrong?

Whose fault was it?

Why now when we seemed so successful?

A myriad of questions passed through my mind, I began to blame myself, I was making wrong decisions.

I had begun a downward slide a personal one that took away my mental fortitude, my belief, my self-confidence, I lost motivation, the thing that really hurts me when I think back is that, “I didn’t really care anymore” I began to think that the world owed me, I was a good person so for that I should be rewarded. What a “Pity party”, darn pitiful is all I can say now!

After all these years I am finally getting back on track!

I realise that age and the new generation means I can never be what I was back then, why?

Well that’s the past and I now live for today!

Not tomorrow!

I have found a “Certain Way” that has been available to each and every one of us for more than ninety years.

Probably what W Clement Stone and Napoleon Hill and thousands of others used to become rich, but forgot to tell us some very vital points, whether they did it consciously or just took it for granted that we would figure it out, I am really not to sure.

Want to find out as I have???

The real meaning of what “RICH” is, go to my website “Right Now” and find out how you to can have a “RICH” balanced and fulfilled life with “Prosperous Equilibrium”.

PS. Get a “FREE COPY” about this “Certain Way”, with THE SCIENCE OF GETTING RICH check it out right now!

http://www.prosperous-equilibrium.com/

How To Write A Successful Business Plan

2008-11-18T19:37:00.000-08:00

How To Write A Successful Business Plan
by: Jason Kay

Whether you are planning to start a brand-new business, expand an existing company, or get financing for a business venture, you will need to write a business plan. A business plan not only lends your business a sense of credibility, but also helps you to cover all your bases, increasing your chances of success.

Although writing a business plan can be a lengthy, intimidating project, it is not necessarily difficult. Here is an overview of how to write a successful business plan.

What to Include in Your Business Plan

Your business plan needs to demonstrate that you have thoroughly considered all aspects of running your business. To that end, the standard business plan has nine major sections, covering everything from your business’s mission statement to a detailed financial analysis.

Executive Summary

The first – and most important – section of your business plan is the executive summary. This section is so important that it should literally be the first thing the reader sees – even before the table of contents! However, it should also be written last, as you’ll have a better understanding of the overall message of your business plan after you’ve researched and written the other sections.

One of the most important parts of the executive summary is the mission statement. The mission statement is only three or four sentences long, but it should pack the most punch out of everything else in your business plan: Those four sentences are responsible for not only defining your business, but also capturing the interest of your reader.

The rest of your executive summary should fill in the important details that the mission statement glosses over. For instance, your executive summary should include a short history of the business, including founder profiles and start date; a current snapshot, listing locations, numbers of employees, and products or services offered; and a summary of future plans and goals.

This section is a candidate for a bulleted format, which allows you to list main points in a manner that is easy to scan. Avoid using too much detail – remember, this section is a summary. A page or two is usually sufficient for an executive summary.

Market Analysis

The next section of your business plan focuses on market analysis. In order to show that your business has a reasonable chance for success, you will need to thoroughly research the industry and the market you intend to sell to. No bank or investor is going to back a doomed venture, so this section is sure to fall under especially close scrutiny if you are looking for financing.

Your market analysis should describe your industry, including the size, growth rate, and trends that could affect the industry. This section should also describe your target market – that is, the type or group of customers that your company intends to serve. The description of your target market should include detail such as:

• Distinguishing characteristics
• The needs your company or product line will meet
• What media and/or marketing methods you’ll use to reach them
• What percentage of your target market you expect to be able to wrest away from your competitors

In addition, your market analysis should include the results of any market tests you have done, and an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors.

Company Description

After your market analysis, your business plan will need to include a description of your company. This section should describe:

• The nature of your business
• The needs of the market
• How your business will meet these needs
• Your target market, including specific individuals and/or organizations
• The factors that set you apart from your competition and make you likely to succeed

Although some of these things overlap with the previous section, they are still necessary parts of your company description. Each section of your business plan should have the ability to stand on its own if need be. In other words, the company description should thoroughly describe your company, even if certain aspects are covered in other sections.

Organization and Management

Once you have described the nature and purpose of your company, you will need to explain your staff setup. This section should include:

• The division of labor – how company processes are divided among the staff
• The management hierarchy
• Profiles of the company’s owner(s), management personnel, and the Board of Directors
• Employee incentives, such as salary, benefits packages, and bonuses

This goal of this section is to demonstrate not only good organization within the company, but also the ability to create loyalty in your employees. Long-term employees minimize human resource costs and increase a business’s chances for success, so banks and investors will want to see that you have an effective system in place for maintaining your staff.

Marketing and Sales Management

The purpose of the marketing and sales section of your business plan is to outline your strategies for marketing your products or services. This section also plans for company growth by describing how the growth could take place.

The section should describe your company’s:

• Marketing methods
• Distributions methods
• Type of sales force
• Sales activities
• Growth strategies

Product or Services

Following the marketing section of your business plan, you will need a section focusing on the product or services your business offers. This is more than a simple description of your product or services, though. You will also need to include:

• The specific benefits your product or service offers customers
• The specific needs of the market, and how your product will meet them
• The advantages your product has over your competitors
• Any copyright, trade secret, or patent information pertaining to your product
• Where any new products or services are in the research and development process
• Current industry research that you could use in the development of products and services

Funding Request

Only once you have described your business from head to toe are you ready to detail your funding needs. This section should include everything a bank or investor needs in order to understand what type of funding you want:

• How much money you need now
• How much money you think you will need over the next five years
• How the money you borrow will be used
• How long you will need funding
• What type of funding you want (i.e. loans, investors, etc.)
• Any other terms you want the funding arrangement to include

Financials

The financials section in your business plan supports your request for outside funding. This section provides an analysis of your company’s prospective financial success. The section also details your company’s financial track record for the past three to five years, unless you are seeking financing for a startup business.

The financials section should include:

• Company income statements for prior years
• Balance sheets for prior years
• Cash flow statements for prior years
• Forecasted company income statements
• Forecasted balance sheets
• Forecasted cash flow statements
• Projections for the next five years – every month or quarter for the first year, with longer intervals for the remaining years
• Collateral you can use to secure a loan

The financials section is a great place to include visuals such as graphs, particularly if you predict a positive trend in your projected financials. A graph allows the reader to quickly take in this information, and may do a better job of encouraging a bank or investor to finance your business. However, be sure that the amount of financing you are requesting is in keeping with your projected financials – no matter how impressive your projections are, if you are asking for more money than is warranted, no bank or investor will give it to you.

Appendices

The appendix is the final section in your business plan. Essentially, this is where you put all of the information that doesn’t fit in the other eight sections, but that someone – particularly a bank or investor – might need to see.

For instance, the market analysis section of your business plan may list the results of market studies you have done as part of your market research. Rather than listing the details of the studies in that section, where they will appear cumbersome and detract from the flow of your business plan, you can provide this information in an appendix.

Other information that should be relegated to an appendix includes:

• Credit histories for both you and your business
• Letters of reference
• References that have bearing on your company and your product or service, such as magazines or books on the topic
• Company licenses and patents
• Copies of contracts, leases, and other legal documents
• Resumes of your top managers
• Names of business consultants, such as your accountant and attorney

Writing a Successful Business Plan

Despite the quantity of information contained in your business plan, it should be laid out in a format that is easy to read. Just like with any piece of business writing, it is important to craft your business plan with your intended audience in mind – and the bankers, investors, and other busy professionals who will read your business plan almost certainly won’t have time to read a tedious document with long-winded paragraphs and large blocks of text.

Business plans for startup companies and company expansions are typically between twenty to forty pages long, but formatting actually accounts for a lot of this length. A strong business plan uses bullet points throughout to break up long sections and highlight its main points. Visuals such as tables and charts are also used to quickly relay specific information, such as trends in sales and other financial information. These techniques ensure that the reader can skim the business plan quickly and efficiently.

Think of your audience as only having fifteen minutes to spend on each business plan that comes across their desks. In that fifteen minutes, you not only have to relay your most important points, but also convince the reader that your business venture merits a financial investment. Your best bet is a well-researched business plan, with an organized, easy-to-read format and clear, confident prose.

How to Successfully Navigate Your Business through an Economic Downturn

2008-11-18T19:30:00.000-08:00

How to Successfully Navigate Your Business through an Economic Downturn
by: Terry H Hill
An economic downturn is a phase of the business cycle in which the economy as a whole is in decline.This phase basically marks the end of the period of growth in the business cycle. Economic downturns are characterized by decreased levels of consumer purchases (especially of durable goods) and, subsequently, reduced levels of production by businesses.

While economic downturns are admittedly difficult, and are formidable obstacles to small businesses that are trying to survive and grow, an economic downturn can open up opportunities. A well-managed company can realize the opportunity to gain market share by taking customers away from their competitors. Resourceful entrepreneurs capture the available opportunities, from an economic downturn, by developing alternate methods of doing business that were never implemented during a prior growth period.

The challenge of successfully navigating your business through an economic downturn lies in the realignment of your business with current economic realities. Specifically, you, as the business owner, need to renew a focus on your core clients/customers, reduce your operating expenses, conserve cash, and manage more proactively, rather than reactively, is paramount.

Here are best practices that will help you to successfully navigate your business through an economic downturn:

Goals:

The primary goal of any business owner is to survive the current economic downturn and to develop a leaner, more cost-effective and more efficient operation. The secondary goal is to grow the business even during this current economic downturn.

Objectives:

• Conserve cash.

• Protect assets.

• Reduce costs.

• Improve efficiencies.

• Grow customer base.

Required Action:

• Do not panic… History shows that economic downturns do not last forever. Remain calm and act in a rational manner as you refocus your attention on resizing your company to the current economic conditions.

• Focus on what YOU can control… Don’t let the media's rhetoric concerning recessions and economic slowdown deter you from achieving business success. It´s a trap! Why? Because the condition of the economy is beyond your control. Surviving economic downturns requires a focus on what you can control, i.e. your relevant business activities.

• Communicate, communicate, and communicate! Beware of the pitfall of trying to do too much on your own. It is a difficult task indeed to survive and to grow your business solely with your own efforts. Solicit ideas and seek the help of other people (your employees, suppliers, lenders, customers, and advisors). Communicate honestly and consistently. Effective two-way communication is the key.

• Negotiate, negotiate, and negotiate! The value of a strong negotiation skill set cannot be overstated. Negotiating better deals and contracts is an absolute must for realigning and resizing your company to the current economic conditions. The key to success is not only knowing how to develop a win-win approach in negotiations with all parties, but also keeping in mind the fact that you want a favorable outcome for yourself too.

Recommended Best Practice Activities:

The Nuts and Bolts… The following list of recommended best practice activities is critical for your business' survival and for its growth during an economic downturn. The actual financial health of your particular business, at the outset of the economic downturn, will dictate the priority and urgency of the implementation of the following best practice activities.

1. Diligently monitor your cash flow: Forecast your cash flow monthly to ensure that expenses and planned expenditures are in line with accounts receivable. Include cash flow statements into your monthly financial reporting. Project cash requirements three-to- six months in advance. The key is to know how to monitor, protect, control, and put cash to work.

2. Carefully convert your inventories: Convert excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory items into cash. Consider returning excess and slow-moving items back to the suppliers. Close-out or inventory reduction sales work well to resize your inventory. Also, consider narrowing your product offerings. Well-timed order placement helps to reduce excess inventory levels and occasional material shortages. The key is to reduce the amount of your inventory without losing sales.

3. Timely collection of your accounts receivable: This asset should be converted to cash as quickly as possible. Offer prompt payment discounts to encourage timely payments. Make changes in the terms of sale for slow paying customers (i.e. changing net 30 day terms to COD). Invoicing is an important part of your cash flow management. The first rule of invoicing is to do it as soon as possible after products are shipped and/or after services are delivered. Place an emphasis on reducing billing errors. Most customers delay payments because an invoice had errors, and therefore, will not pay until they receive a corrected copy. Email or fax your invoices to save on mailing time. Post the payments that you have received and make deposits more frequently. The key is to develop an efficient collection system that generates timely payments and one that gives you advance warning of problems.

4. Re-focus your attention on your existing clients/customers: Make customer satisfaction your priority. A regular review of your customers' buying history and frequency of purchases can reveal some interesting facts about your customers' buying habits. Consider signing long-term contracts with your core clients/customers which will add to your security. Offer a discount for upfront cash payments. The key is to do what it takes to keep your current customers loyal.

5. Re-negotiate with your suppliers, lenders, and landlord:

i) Suppliers: Always keep your negotiations on the level of need, saying that your company has reviewed its cost structure and has determined that it needs to lower supplier costs. . Tell the supplier that you value the relationship you have developed, but that you need to receive a cost reduction immediately. Ask your supplier for a lower material price, a longer payment cycle, and the elimination of finance charges. Also, see if you can buy material from them on a consignment basis. In return for their price concessions, be willing to agree to a long-term contract. Explore the idea of bartering as a form of payment.

ii) Lenders: Everything in business finance is negotiable and your relationship with a bank is no exception. The first step to successful renegotiations is to convince your lenders that you can ultimately pay off the renegotiated loan. You must point out to your lenders why it would be in their best interest to agree to a new arrangement. Showing them your business plan and your action plan that includes your cost-savings initiatives, along with "the how" and "the when" of the implementation of your plan is the best way to achieve this goal. Explain to them that you will need their cooperation to insure that you can survive, as well as, grow your business during the economic downturn. Negotiated items include: the rate of interest, the required security to cover the loan, and the beginning date for repayment. A beginning date for repayment could be immediate, within several months or as long as a year. The key is to realize that your lender will work with you, but that frequent and continual communications with them is critical.

iii) Landlord: Meet with your landlord. Explain your need to have them extend the term of your lease at a reduced cost. Make sure you have a clause in the lease agreement that entitles you to have the right to sublet any or all of the leased space.

6. Re-evaluate your staffing requirements: This is a very critical area. Salaries/wages are a major expense of doing business. Therefore, any reduction in the hours worked through work schedule changes, short-term layoffs or permanent layoffs has an immediate cost saving benefit. Most companies ramped up hiring new employees in the good times, only to find that they are currently overstaffed due to slow sales during the economic downturn. In terms of down-sizing your staff, be very careful not to reduce your staff to a level that forces you to skimp on customer service and quality. Consider the use of part-timers or the current trend of outsourcing certain functions to independent contractors.

7. Shop for better insurances rates: Get quotations from other insurance agents for comparable coverage to determine whether or not your present insurance carrier is competitive. Also, consider revising your coverage to reduce premium costs. The key is to have the right balance-to be adequately insured, but not under or over insured.

8. Re-evaluate your advertising: Contrary to the other cost-cutting initiatives, evaluate the possibility of increasing your advertising expenditures. This tactic realizes the advantage of the reduced "noise" and congestion (fewer advertisers) in the marketplace. The downturn period a great opportunity to increase brand awareness and create additional demand for your product/service offerings.

9. Seek the help of outside advisors: The use of an advisory board comprised of your CPA, attorney, and business consultant offers you objectivity and provides you with professional advice and guidance. Their collective experience in working with similar situations in past economic downturns is invaluable.

10. Review your other expenses: Target an across-the-board cost-cutting initiative of 10-15%. Attempt to eliminate unnecessary expenses. Tightening your belt in order to weather the downturn makes practical, financial sense.

Proactively managing your business through an economic downturn is an enormous challenge and is critical for your survival. However, through well-planned initiatives, an economic downturn can create tremendous opportunity for your company to gain greater market share. In order to take advantage of this growth opportunity, you must act quickly to implement the above best business practices to continue realigning and resizing your company to the current economic conditions.

Copyright © 2008 Terry H. Hill

You may reprint this article free of charge in your newsletter, magazine, or on your website, provided that the article is unedited, and that the copyright, author's bio, and contact information below appears with each article. Articles appearing on the web must provide a hyperlink to the author's web site, http://www.legacyai.com

Terry H. Hill is the founder and managing partner of Legacy Associates, Inc, a business consulting and advisory services firm. A veteran chief executive, Terry works directly with business owners of privately held companies on the issues and challenges that they face in each stage of their business life cycle. To find out how he can help you take your business to the next level, visit his site at http://www.legacyai.com

To download a copy of this article, click on this link: http://www.legacyai.com/Article_Downturn.html.

Instant same day loans- Cash amount in hand within few hours

2008-11-16T20:07:00.000-08:00

Instant same day loans- Cash amount in hand within few hours

by Jarrett lingard

Introduction:

Instant same day loansare the loans which are instant in nature and provide required amount of cash on the very same day of application. Instant loans help you to nurture your unexpected guests comfortably without shortage of funds. So, if you are also stuck with a desperate need of cash then do not take long to consider the very valuable option of these loans as it is open to all sorts of borrowers including the category of bad credit holders. These loans are the perfect options to avail the amount of cash when you need it urgently without any risk and delays. These loans helps cover up your expenses until your next pay check. These loans option not only save your time but also open the loan facility to bad credit borrowers.

Features:

The attractive features of same day cashare their processing is very less time consuming and effortless. You need not run here and there in search of papers. You also do not need to go across in search of a fax machine to fax machine. You can fill in the form online and relax. The money lenders themselves will check your credentials and pass your loan the same day. You will see the money deposited in your account either on the same day or on the following business day. No documentation, paper work or faxing procedure is required. These loan are actually fast and easy accessible. With the aid of these loans you can deal with any of the emergency short term needs like home improvement, paying electricity bills, grocery bills, debt consolidation etc. These loans are basically short term loans and are typically unsecured by nature. No credit check is done by the lender for the approval of the loan. All the borrowers are welcome irrespective of their credit score. Least formalities and paperwork make the process most hassle free. It offers same day loans, unsecured loans, instant cash loans, instant decision loans and same day payout loans.

Requirements:

There are certain requirement specifications which the lender demand in the borrower to get approved for the loan amount. These are:

1. The borrower should be an adult with the age of eighteen years or more. 2. He should be permanent citizen of UK. 3. He should have valid and active bank account under his name in UK itself. 4. He should be regular employed earning at least 1000 monthly. 5. He should also have permanent residential address. 6. He should have good repayment ability to easily repay back the loan amount.

Savings Plan - Do You Have One?

2008-11-16T19:50:00.000-08:00

Savings Plan - Do You Have One?

by Eric Twitty

It is a well published fact that most Americans have very little or no savings. This, in my opinion, is a direct result of most people wanting to live well above their means. The problem is, over the long term this type of thinking leads to a reduction in your quality of life.

High credit card debt and living in a bigger house than you need is a sure way to continue living paycheck to paycheck. This leaves little money left over to build financial independence.

Stop Spending and Get Out of Debt

If you have to charge anything on your credit card, and you are not able to pay off the entire balance at the end of the month, then you are spending too much money. Stop using those credit cards and start paying down your debt.

The first thing you have to do is cut down on spending. Sit down and write out all of your bills and necessary living expenses. Whatever is left over you should use to pay off your credit card debt.

Start Saving and Investing

Once you are out of debt, then you can begin putting money in the various investment vehicles that have proven to appreciate in value over the long term.

Where should you invest your money? There are many choices out there. The best thing to do is talk to a licensed financial adviser if you are not educated on the various types of investments.

I think it is an absolute necessity to contribute the maximum amount to an IRA each year. An IRA is a tax-deferred investment which is an enormous advantage for long term capital growth. I think it is also important to have at least three month's living expenses saved in a high yield savings account. Once you have enough in your savings account, and you have contributed the maximum amount to your IRA, you can then begin to put money in various investment vehicles that suit your return expectations and risk tolerance.

Develop a Disciplined Savings Approach

Think of your savings plan as a bill that you have to pay. If you have $500 left over to save, then make it a point to write a check for that amount at the end of the month to one of your investment accounts. Don't miss a month.

Once you do this for awhile it gets kind of fun to watch your savings grow. You begin to feel better about your financial situation. Every month that you write that check, you take a positive step towards becoming financially independent.

Don't Spend It

You must resist the urge to spend the money once you have a decent amount saved. Don't spend your money on things you don't need. Put that money to work for you so one day you can afford whatever you want!

How Women can Establish and Achieve Financial Goals

2008-11-14T18:19:00.000-08:00

How Women can Establish and Achieve Financial Goals

by Andrea Stiles Pullas

As a woman, you are more likely to live longer, earn less money and have less access to health insurance. These three factors alone making achieving your personal financial goals a daunting task, but they need not be.

Do you dream of buying your own home, purchasing a car or starting your own small business? Are you unsure of how to achieve your financial goals? You're not alone!

The key to overcoming these challenges AND achieving your goals is learning how to manage your money wisely. Get started with these tips:

Make a budget. Take two weeks and write down every single thing you buy - from the candy bar to the dinner you charge on your credit card. Review your list and make a monthly budget based upon your spending habits during a two-week trial period. Aside from your expenses, make sure to add in all of your sources of income. The difference between what you spend and what you earn is what you can save each month. This may seem like a tedious process at first, but once you do this for a short period of time, you will develop a different mindset that will pay you back in the long run!
Use the bank. Make sure you have a checking account and a savings account and that you are not paying to use the bank. If you use a check cashing store they may charge you 5% of the total each time you cash a check. If you get paid $300/weekly, using a cashing store will cost you $720 per year! The bank will usually give you free checks so there will be no need for money orders, which will save you $3 on each money order. Ask your employer to offer you direct deposit if possible and the money will go straight into your account.
Pay off your credit card in full each month. Creditors make it seem like they are doing you a favor when they say you only need to pay a $20 minimum on the $1,000 you owe. The truth is that it will take you over 24 years to pay off $1,000 if you only pay the minimum. Never spend more than you can pay off at the end of the month. To calculate how long it will take to pay off your credit card debt, use the calculators at www.bankrate.com. Remember that building your credit is very important!
Pay yourself first. Make sure you save some money each month towards emergencies, retirement and your goals - preferably the same amount. At your bank you can ask for more favorable savings accounts - such as certificate of deposit accounts (CDs) - enabling you to save your money at a higher interest rate - helping you to accumulate more savings.
Use the Internet. Set up an account on-line to pay all your bills automatically and to transfer funds towards your savings. This way you will save without even thinking about it and you will not be late on your bills. The saved time in paying your bills can go towards spending time with your family instead.
Find creative ways to save. Some examples include: Keep a list when you shop, turn off appliances you do not use, research different phone companies and cable options before you sign up, use coupons, hold a yearly yard sale and get rid of all the things you do not use - this will also help you to shop less. Also, avoid impulse shopping - leading you to overspend easily. The most important way to save is by creating a budget and sticking to it!

Using these strategies, you will be on a path to financial freedom!