A Look at the Cheapest Fixed Rate Mortgages

By Gugu Martini

It is quite normal for potential home buyers to look into 30 year or 15 year fixed mortgage rates when considering their monthly repayments. Of course the goal for most people with a mortgage is to pay it off early and save themselves a great deal of money in interest repayments. Decisions of this nature need careful consideration before any commitment is made. It is important to make sure that the interest rate does not change over the course of the loan.

It is always wise to avoid agreements that do not appear to have any negative aspects because they invariably have but are hidden. Interest rates remain the same throughout the life of the loan for 15 year fixed rate mortgages. This is of great benefit for anyone that does not like surprises. When we were looking to buy a home, my wife and I decided to go for a loan with a 15 year fixed mortgage rate.

Even though it was important for us to pay off our loan at the earliest possible opportunity, we did not want high, unrealistic monthly payments which we would have trouble maintaining. It became obvious that we had to look at fixed rate mortgages over a longer period and not just 15 year plans. We did not really like the prospect of having a mortgage as we approached retirement so were really hoping to get one of the loans with 15 year fixed mortgage rates. We were worried about the emphasis placed on early completion of the mortgage.

After taking everything into consideration we decided on a 30 year loan instead. There were many things that factored into this decision.The main reason was that I found out my wife was pregnant. My wife was going to raise our child from home so her addition to the monthly income would be restricted. Our monthly payment would have been too high if we had committed ourselves to the 15 year fixed mortgage plan. We could see the financial problem of getting in too deep even though there were benefits to a shorter loan period. Despite the trepidation of having a longer term loan, it did reduce the repayments considerably.

Being able to make additional lump sum payments during the year means the outstanding loan reduces faster. My making just a few of these payments each year we discovered that a number of years could be taken off the mortgage term. This is well worth it in the long term but it does require some discipline. Our first choice would have been to go for the short term 15 year fixed rate mortgage solution but this did not help with our more immediate situation. Despite all our worries, things turned out well for us and we do not regret the decision.

About the Author:

You can visit: Expert Articles On Online Business and Offshore Outsourcing Services for more reviewed information.

Are credit cards on a collision course with interest rates?

By Frank Armstrong

The Bank of England's recent interest rate cut of 1.5% may have been a shot in the arm for UK PLC, but this particular credit crunch has just as much effect on the average person in the street as for big businesses and the banking sector. So will the reduction of the base rate to 3% have any major impact on the 72 million credit cards currently in circulation?

Homeowners looked forward to the interest rate cut, knowing that lenders would trickle down the base rate cuts to mortgage payers, reducing their monthly repayments. But credit card customers have been warned from the start that the same may not apply to them. Credit card lenders tend to reduce the APR to entice new customers in, offering deals that include 0% interest for fixed terms to encourage people to take up their cards. The mere fact that the Bank of England decided to cut the base rate has had no impact on their decision to continue to charge an average of just over 17% APR on credit cards. Lenders are concerned about the possibility of exposure to bad debt, so whilst 0% deals are still available and there are plenty of incentives for new customers to be found, the criteria set by the lenders may be stricter than before.

The lenders are more aware (and increasingly concerned) by the prospect of 'bad debt' eating into their profits, as some cardholders struggle to make repayments. Profit is intrinsically tied up in the amount of interest charged, and consequently lenders are fighting hard to make sure those profits aren't squeezed further by cutting interest rates, despite Government attempts to boost the economy at ground level. This reluctance to expose their companies to a worsening position has drawn the attention of the Prime Minister and the Chancellor, prompting them to call for a "new, responsible approach" to lending. Card lenders in return have made it quite clear that they do have their customers interests at heart, and stabilising the market is their first priority, rather than making knee-jerk cuts that could cause more problems than they solve.

Store cards are amongst some of the worst culprits of inflated interest charges, but a few credit cards also charge above-rate interest charges. The trick for the consumer is to hunt through the acres of information and find a deal that suits them. The average APR charge on credit cards has risen from 16.8% a year ago to the current average of 17.6% today, despite the interest rate almost halving from 5.75% to 3% over the same time period. Store card rates have risen faster, up by 1% over a six-month period, with the most expensive now charging shoppers more than 30%. This reluctance to replicate the base rate cut has angered government officials, leading them to accuse credit card companies of behaving 'irresponsibly' in the face of mounting pressure to mirror the base rate cut with reductions of their own. Despite continued calls by both the public and the Government, credit card lenders are remaining steadfast, insisting that rates on cards will not be changed. In truth, the credit card lenders are caught between a rock and a hard place. Interest payments are what keep credit card companies in business. At this time, reducing your capital would be a suicidal move by the card companies.

The credit card lenders, concerned by 'bad debt' exposure, are tightening their policies on repayments, and enforcing stricter approval guidelines for first-time card applicants. Minimum monthly repayments, as any cardholder knows, barely cover the cost of administration or interest charges. The Citizen's Advice Bureau has seen more new debt inquiries in 2007-08, with 20% of its clients expressing concerns over credit card, store card and charge card debts. The Consumer Credit Counselling Service reports a surge in 'charging orders' being enforced by lenders, potentially putting customers in even more financial difficulty as a result of missed payments. The truth is that reducing the APR on credit deals to reflect the fluctuating base rate could compound matters, forcing lenders into ever-tighter controls over lending to keep their exposure to bad debt to a minimum. That wouldn't help the consumer at all. Nor would it help to stabilise the market.

In the US, interest rates on credit cards have echoed base rate cuts, but this is unlikely to happen in the UK any time soon, despite only a 2% difference in the base rate between the two countries. Lenders point to regulations, such as the decision by the Office of Fair Trading in 2006 to cap penalty fees to 12 as responsible for their woes. They also earmark their own falling profits on payment protection insurance as a primary factor in their inability to reduce card interest rates. The card lenders are trying to maintain a critical balance at the most direct contact point that most consumers have with the financial world, and despite the nay-sayers, there are still very attractive deals to be had on credit cards, if you're prepared to do your homework.

About the Author:

Frank Armstrong writes articles about credit and money saving for websites. Get further information on low interest credit card and compare credit cards here.

Understanding Payday loans

By Don Glister

An advertisement that can be seen most often on televisions, heard on radios etc is the easy availability of payday loans, quick cash advances etc. This trend is fast catching up and more and more people have started taking these loans to tide over a crisis before payday.

What exactly is a payday loan? Payday loans - Frequently Asked Questions also known as payday loan advances quick cash advances etc., are short-term loans provided by lenders at a very high rate of interest. Usually payday loans are loans provided up to $500. The money borrowed along with the interest has to be paid on the next payday. Suppose a person takes a payday loan of $100. He has to pay the amount back along with interest on his next payday. The amount he will return could range between $112 to $120. This may seem a small amount for the services rendered. However if it were calculated on a per annum basis the rate of interest is huge.

Payday loans are easy to get and very handy for people who are in debts, or for people who need money urgently and do not have any source at the moment. Payday loans are available online as well and some websites approve payday loans almost immediately.

A person taking a payday loan must sign a post-dated check and provide it to the lender. The lender then pays you the loan. Some lenders also have a provision of rolling over the loan. In that scenario the person must come and provide a check for the interest accrued and also a new check for the next payday.

What do you need for obtaining a payday loan?

Payday loans are easy and readily available. It does not matter whether you have a good credit history, a good credit score or a bad credit history, a bad credit score or for that matter, if you have do not have any credit. What matters is that you should have a job that pays you at least $1200 per month. You should be at least 18 years of age and a citizen of the United States of America. And lastly you should possess a checking account. The lenders never ask for any collateral. All they require is a check dated on your next payday. The check acts as the collateral.

Scouring for the right lender who provides payday loans:

You should be clear regarding the amount you require for the loan and the capacity for paying back. Once you know how much you require, you should start scouring for lenders who provide payday loans. You can search in your city or you can search the web. A lot of payday loan providers have websites and even sanction loans online. Your research should include details like the background of the company that is lending the amount. The number of years the company has been in business. Whether the company has a state license for providing loans. Consider their rates and see if they are practical. You should also read the documents carefully before signing.

The benefits of payday loans are:

It is a quick way to get a payday cash advance. The major attraction for getting a payday loan is that you can get the loan almost immediately. If you have to pay a debt on the morrow and need cash in your bank account, the best and easiest possible way is to get a payday loan.

Payday loans are easy to get, no messing with credit reports to find the credit score. All you need is a job that pays you at least $1200 per month and lo and behold you get the loan. Since Payday loans do not need credit checks your credit score will be as it is as there would be no queries asked.

Payday loans are also known as short-term loans and since the amount loaned is for a short term and that too until the next payday, the interest is fixed and the payment is made on time. This is a benefit as you may be inclined to pay just the interest and roll over the original amount. In some cases lenders have a proviso wherein the original amount is rolled over if you pay the interest.

The disadvantages of payday loans are:

Payday loans have a huge interest rate. Consider the fact that for a meager advance of $100, the lender earns interest ranging from 12 to 20 percent. As a one-time fee it may seem to be minimal but if calculated on a yearly basis it amounts to a huge interest rate.

Never roll over your payday loan. If you rollover your payday loan it could become a habit and without your knowledge you would be knee deep in debt.

Payday loans might hamper your other financial deals and by paying your payday loan you might miss out on the payment of your mortgage. This could eventually result in your getting a poor credit report.

These are just some of the benefits and disadvantages that came to mind. There may be others as well. It is advised that you go through all the pros and cons before deciding on a payday loan.

Payday loans though attractive should not be an option. The best way to be rid of any loans is to plan for the future. If you have healthy saving in your bank, the need for payday loans or for that matter any other loan might not arise. Saving is a virtue and everybody should start saving for the rainy day. If a person makes a note of all his income and starts living within his known income, the need for payday loans will not occur. Payday loans are proving to be a debt trap for many and if you manage your finances properly, you will not only not need loans but your credit worthiness and your mental state will be fine.

About the Author:

Yes its true Now you can Apply Online for a Canadian Payday Loan For more information see http://www.bchighway.com/financial-planning/payday-loan.html

Credit Cards And The Stark Realities

By Eric Jilson

Growing credit card debt is a very real problem in the United States today. For the average person this debt grows larger and larger every single day. This situation creates problems not only in the credit card world, but in other areas as well.

US credit debt effects not only the consumer in their pocket book, but also in mortgages, bankruptcies, home and business foreclosures, automobile and student loans. As credit card debt in the United States continues to soar out of control, more and more people are seeking the services of credit counseling agencies and consolidation loans, to fend off the high interest fees and drowning in credit card debt.

More Americans than ever are taking drastic steps to get back on their feet financially. If you do not think the debt is that bad, you need to reexamine the information and statistics. The average person carries a monthly balance of around $1000.00. Of this amount, by making only the minimum monthly payments, it would take 22 years and more money in interest to pay off this debt.

The household average in the US is around $8500.00, and this is just the average on one credit card. Since the 90's this amount has tripled in size. The average credit card holder in the US, pays over $1200 a year just in interest fees alone. This money could easily cover your rent or mortgage payment for a single month, have you really looked at this information realistically? What happens if you ever have to worry about job security?

Have you thought about how you will pay your bills then? The average interest rates for credit cards in the US is around 18.9%, and it keeps on escalating. Some credit cards have introductory rates as high as 23%, and for those people with bad credit this rate can climb to an unbelievable 30%.

Many people would never tell their friends or family how much money they owe on their credit cards, nor would they tell them if they were 30 days past due on making their payments or facing possible collection action.

This is a very real problem and it has a flow down effect on such businesses as real estate, auto, banking, consumer loans, and stock market. Effects of bad credit do not only involve the consumers, but it causes many economic problems as well.

About the Author:

You may not always get what you want, but you can find what you need on consumer loans for bad credit. You're only a click away - http://www.everlife.com/debt-consolidation-loans.php.

Foreclosures and Taxes Consquences

By Dave Pierce John Higginbotham

If you think that you can escape the IRS when you decide to foreclose on your house, think again, there can be huge tax disadvantages to letting your house go back to the bank, it can mean thousands of dollars you could owe to uncle Sam.

Many homeowners bought their house under creative financing terms such as interest only and variable rate loans. With the recent shakedown of the mortgage industry and rates adjusting, it can be a recipe for disaster for homeowners. You can owe the IRS in one of two ways, which we will discuss in detail.

If a bank takes your home or forecloses on it, you are responsible for the difference of what you owe and what the bank had to sell for it. So if you owed 50K on it and the bank had to sell it for 20K you will have a taxable difference of 30K, so homeowners really need to be careful about this.

The Internal Revenue Service considers any loan amount forgiven as cancellation of debt and is taxable as regular income. The Internal Revenue Service says that debt discharge or cancellation is fully taxable as regular income. Homeowners really need to be aware of this before they consider foreclosure.

The tax rate can be as high as 35% depending on the tax bracket that the homeowner falls in. Tax law directs homeowners to actually sell their home back to the bank which the proceeds will go to their debt. The actual tax rate could be as low as 10%, but again it depends on your tax bracket the amount that the homeowner will owe at tax time.

Any of the debt owed beyond what was paid is cancellation of debt income, which is always taxable. Many homeowners, after some advice of a loved one or someone they trust, wrongly think they will not have to pay the IRS for their discharged debt, which is not the case.

Homeowners should discuss the tax consequences before turning their keys back into the bank or giving their house away for less than what is owed on it via the bank.

About the Author:

Are you worried about foreclosure and how it will effect your life? Visit our webiste What is the Process of Foreclosure to find out more information.

The Need to for Credit Report Repair

By William Blake

Very few people today have a credit report without a blemish. Most people have less than perfect credit and at times it is of no fault of their own. Sometimes when we are younger and first starting to build our credit we make silly mistakes. Other times other people make mistakes that affect us or we have unexpected things happen in our lives that make it difficult for us financially. Whatever the cause of credit problems it is nice to know there is a solution.

If you are among the many who have suffered some serious blows to your credit the consumer credit repair service is a service that you should consider.

The key to success in this financial world is to have good credit. It is at times more important than having money. That is why mistakes made in the past need to be corrected. Any negative patterns that have been formed need to be changed. It is important to act now and get back on the right path as quickly as possible.

Okay, you know what mistakes you've made in the past. Now the credit report repair service is there to help once you've learned those hard lessons and are ready to recover from the results of your mistakes. They can help you fix any problems that have been created over time.

What Service Do They Provide

Credit report repair service has access to information that you do not have. With that information they can give you the direction and advice you need to begin to wipe away those blemishes on your credit report. If you are serious about turning your credit around it would be wise to avail yourself of their services.

If the credit report repair service is not able to remove all of your bad marks, they can probably get most of them taken care of. It basically boils down to how much knowledge they have and how willing your creditors are to work with them.

I nothing else, contacting the credit report repair service will give you the opportunity to educate yourself. You will come away more knowledgeable about your credit and you will be able to use that knowledge in the future. Not only will the information you receive help you but it may empower you to help others who find themselves in a similar situation. Knowledge really is power and that is what the credit report repair service can offer you.

About the Author:

Before considering consolidation as a way to get out of debt, research the debt consolidation loan consequences. It's not always the best solution to consolidate your debt. Find out why on the Inside Debt Consolidation website

What Is a Good Credit Score

By Gugu Martini

Figuring out how to improve your credit rating might require an measure of drive on your part. A credit rating is an indicator of your financial solvency and it is important if you need to borrow money from lenders. A low credit score would always result in your credit application getting rejected.

Your evaluation tells loaners of how dependable you are as a borrower. This usually furnishes the lending institutions an insight into your financial standing. That is because the rating is a mathematical measure of a person's borrowing habits and behavior based on some important credit factors. A formula developed by the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) is usually used to calculate the score which is why your credit rating is also usually referred to as the FICO score.

When the credit evaluation low, your potential lender starts to presume that you may not be a dependable borrower. This may be based on your past credit accounts from which you may have defaulted on, late payments of debts, bankruptcy or foreclosure issues that you may have in the past and other similar factors. A high ranking instantly puts you in a positive light to the lender and your credit application might be approved.

There are many ways that you may be able to amend your credit score and this will include having a closer look at your current credit standing. See if you have overdue bills to pay, and pay them off immediately, as this can affect your credit rating in a negative way. The quicker you clear your dues the better your credit history.

In case you find that you have missed on some past payments, make the situation current as soon as you can by clearing past dues. Staying current with your outstanding credit accounts may also have an effect on your credit score. What's more, your credit record, along with the missed or delinquent payments, may reflect on your credit report and will stay there for a period of seven years. It will be looked upon as a smudge on your report even after you have paid off any debts.

In case you find it tough to manage your outstanding credit scenario, it is a wise idea to contact either the creditors or seek professional counseling from a credit counselor. This of course would not magically amend your credit score, but at least it would lead you to pay your bills on time and clear past dues, which would automatically amend your credit evaluation.

Once you learn how to improve your credit score, the better your chances will be on availing of a much needed loan or mortgage when you really need it. It would be frustrating for one to apply for some much needed credit and not get approved in the end, all because of a low score. On improving your credit rating, you are at mental peace that your loan or credit application would never get rejected.

About the Author:

Expert Articles On Online Business offers more accurate reviews, check out: Effective Online Advertising.