Understanding Your Credit Score - What Those Numbers Really Mean

By Christine A. Mathews

When you apply for credit, one of the first things a lender will check is your credit score. If you know what your credit score is before you apply, you'll have a better idea of what to expect in the loan process.

What exactly IS a credit score?

A credit score is simply a number calculated by the three major credit bureaus that indicates how well you handle credit. This is done by reviewing your past credit history and looking at how you are doing with any current debts as well.

Trans Union, Equifax, and Experian are the three major credit bureaus lenders use. Each credit bureau has their own way of calculating your credit score, but they all report their scores using the same scoring method: FICO. FICO is short for Fair Isaac Corporation. Don't be confused if one person uses the term "FICO score" and another uses "credit score" -- they both mean essentially the same thing.

Lenders don't always check all three credit bureaus to decide whether or not to offer you credit. But since Equifax, Experian and Trans Union all use the same FICO scoring system, a score of 720 from one is considered equal to a score of 720 from the other two. That said, it's always wise for you to check your credit report directly from each credit bureau. Mistakes are possible, and you'll want to correct them as soon as possible.

Where Do You Fall - What Is A Good Credit Score?

Your credit score can range from 375 to 900 points. The higher the number, the better you are. Getting credit will be easier, and you'll likely get better loan terms as well.

While each lender has his own criteria to follow, here is a general guide that shows how credit scores tend to rank.

A score of 650 or better usually means getting credit approval will be simple and quick. It shows that you have a very good credit history. As I said earlier, this also means you will probably have very good terms on any loan you get - another reward for handling your past debt responsibly.

"Average" credit tends to fall somewhere between 620 and 650. This is considered basically good, but you may find lenders need a little more documentation or explanation before they approve your loan. They tend to be a bit more careful, looking for any possible credit risks before they approve a large loan or high credit limit.

Chances are good that you will be able to get credit at a good rate and decent terms. It's just that instead of quick and easy, it can take a little longer to get approval.

A score below 620 doesn't automatically mean you won't get credit. But you may need to shop around a bit to find the right lender. You should also understand that the interest rates and terms of your loans won't be as desirable.

About the Author:

It's easy to see that your credit score plays a big part in the type of credit you are able to get. If you find your credit score isn't as high as you'd hoped, don't despair. There are things you can do to improve your credit rating starting today! For more articles on personal credit and how it works, visit http://CreditHelp.ImprovingYourFinances.com

Credit Scores and You - What Is A Good Credit Score?

By Christine A. Mathews

If you're thinking about applying for credit, it's always a good idea to find out what your current credit score is ahead of time. It will be one of the first things your lender looks at when reviewing your application. And it could well be a determining factor in how quickly your loan is approved. Knowing what your credit score is before you apply will help eliminate any surprises along the way.

So what is a credit score -- and why is it important?

A credit score is simply a number calculated by the three major credit bureaus that indicates how well you handle credit. This is done by reviewing your past credit history and looking at how you are doing with any current debts as well.

The three major credit bureaus are Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union. Each one has it's own method of deciding what your credit score is. Then they use a scoring system to show how good you are at handling credit and paying your bills on time. They all use the same scoring system - FICO - which is an acronym for Fair Isaac Corporation. That's why many people will use the terms "credit score" and "FICO score" interchangeably.

Don't be surprised if your lender just gets a credit score from one credit bureau, instead of all three. This is not uncommon. Since all three bureaus follow the same scoring system, they will likely be giving very similar scores. For example, if Experian gives you a score of 710, Equifax and Trans Union scores should be in the same range. Of course, sometimes one credit bureau may have bad info. Mistakes happen, which is why you should review your credit report annually with all 3 credit bureaus. If there is a mistake, take the appropriate steps to fix it as soon as possible.

Where Do You Fall - What Is A Good Credit Score?

FICO scores range from 375 to 900 points. A higher score is typically considered a better risk. So the higher your credit score is, the easier it will be for you to get credit and the better the terms will be.

You should understand that each lender will have their own underwriting guidelines and cutoff points they have to follow. But here is a general guideline you can use to see where your credit score falls overall.

If you have a credit score of 650 and above, you probably have a very good credit history. Because you've been responsible in the past, you will probably find the approval process is quick, easy and painless. An added bonus is that your loan terms and interest rate will probably be very good.

"Average" credit tends to fall somewhere between 620 and 650. This is considered basically good, but you may find lenders need a little more documentation or explanation before they approve your loan. They tend to be a bit more careful, looking for any possible credit risks before they approve a large loan or high credit limit.

You may also find that your loan will take longer to finalize. Even so, chances are good that you are able to get approval at a good credit rate.

A score below 620 doesn't automatically mean you won't get credit. But you may need to shop around a bit to find the right lender. You should also understand that the interest rates and terms of your loans won't be as desirable.

About the Author:

As you can see, your credit score will help to determine the type of credit you are able to get. If you find your credit score isn't as high as you'd hoped, don't despair. There are things you can do to improve your credit rating starting today! For more articles on personal credit and how it works, visit http://CreditHelp.ImprovingYourFinances.com

Dealing With Income or Job Loss

By Doug West

Multiple Income Streams Are More Important Than Ever

The latest economy reports show more and more folks ending up on the unemployed rolls. The real statistics are most often worse than what is reported.

My guess is that the situation will get Much worse before we see any improvement in the job numbers.

I have always been a big fan of multiple income streams (even before that became a catch-phrase), and I think they are more important now than ever.

When I was laid off my nearly 10 year job with AT&T back in 1992, I saw first hand how important multiple income streams were. At the time, I had a part time mail order biz (and had been tinkering with that since I was a kid). I looked at the lay off as a good opportunity to get more serious about my business. I also had been doing some investing (my best-ever stock play helped BIG back in those days), and had a little network marketing income.

Many of my AT&T coworkers had no other source of income, and I clearly remember a few grown men in tears when they walked us all out the door that morning!

I would MUCH rather have five sources of income that pay me $200 a week, than to have a J.O.B. that pays me a grand a week! If you still have a job, you need to take this info seriously - NOW! If you are one of the millions of folks that recently lost a job or your only income stream, you need to take steps NOW to correct that (you still have time - perhaps a severance package and/or unemployment insurance checks to get you by - but please don't wait till they run out to get going).

How do you start to create multiple income streams? Here are a few areas that are available to most people:

* Online Income - Many things fall into this category, affiliate plans, blogging income, Adsense dollars, online jobs, marketing your own products and/or services, eBay and other auctions, & more.

* Investment Income - OK, this one may be tougher than ever, and if you barely have money to live on, how do you start to invest! I am partial to index trading, and that does not require a lot of money to get started, but to be really good at it, you need other income streams too.

* Network Marketing Income - Don't turn up your nose at this one. I have companies sending me checks that I have not worked in years. While it is true that network marketers often talk about the top guy who is making $500,000 a month, but there are a TON of folks who make a few hundred a month. Not life changing in and of itself, but as part of your multiple income stream strategy, not bad either.

* Cash Back Debit & Credit Cards - You won't get rich with this alone either, but the old saying is really true "If you watch the pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves". Pay Pal offers cash back on a debit card (which in my opinion is better than a credit card - you won't have the temptation to carry over a balance, which would cause interest charges and defeat the purpose of cash back)

* Interest Savings on Loans & Credit Cards - OK, this is not technically income, but if you save money off what you are currently spending, it comes out the same in the end - more money in your pocket and budget.

* Food Bill Savings - This is like the Cash Back cards, not really income but can be very important - especially if you just lost your job or sole income (like many folks who used to live on their stock market income). Try clipping coupons or join a coupon club. Eat at home more and quickly find more money left in the budget at the end of the month.

* Turn Hobbies Into Income - Like to go to garage sales? Turn that hobby into eBay income. Like to work on small engines or have some other hobby that can be turned into an income source? Don't sell yourself short here. Maybe you love flea markets? What if you could get an extra $200 or more a week by setting up a booth one day a week? Not enough to live on for most folks, but not bad as part of your multiple income strategy. You might even consider creating a booklet, ebook, book, or other info product on your hobby. If you are good at it, you ARE and Expert (you don't have to be the best to be considered an expert - there are folks out there who will pay you for what you know).

We have had affiliates of our Index Trading course earn up to $100,000 in a year. We've had many more earn from $5,000 to $30,000 in a year. What if you had 5 affiliate plans you liked (loved would be better - you'd be more passionate about them), that averaged about $5,000 each per year. You might be able to live on that. Add some other sources like the ones mentioned above and you might live very well!

Always be looking for ways to add additional income streams. Remember, the more you have the better! If one dries up, you are not devastated.

The time to set up multiple income streams is before you need them, but no matter what your situation is, there is no time like NOW to get started.

About the Author:

Mini-Dow Index Trading Made Simple. Discover how to build your trading income. Get Doug's Debt-Free Report. Read his blog here.

Maintain A Reasonale Credit Score

By Jim Bransby

For many people, the most important number that you will have to keep in mind in making decisions about purchases and other major life decisions is your credit score. For many people, this number can alter decisions about where you live and what quality of life that you might have. Keeping a high quality credit score can be one key to living a comfortable life.

Many companies determine interest rates and whether or not a loan will be given out based on a personas credit score. However, many civilians do not know exactly what their score is. So, before you apply for a loan for a new home or automobile, you should see what your credit score is.

If you want to determine your credit score then you should look into sites that will help you determine your score. There are three creditable sites online that will help you with this process. One of the sites is known as the FICO score which can range from 200 to 800. The higher the score the better off you are.

Before you begin applying to buy a large object, check your FICO score to ensure that you have a good score. This is a free process available to everyone once a year. When you check your score you can also check activity on other accounts to make sure your credit history is correct.

If you discover that you have bad credit then you should work on fixing that immediately. A bad credit score could prevent you from living a comfortable life. Major decisions are made based on a credit score such as what house you can live in and what car you can own.

Help is available for those whose credit scores are down through a variety of sources. Credit counseling services are available for those who need it, and credit bureaus have lists of recommended people to contact to help with problem credits. Do not hesitate to bring in assistance if your credit is in bad shape.

Additionally, your credit is a reflection of your lifestyle and spending habits. If you are someone who spends a lot of money on credit, your score will be bad in many cases. If you use some discretion in your spending and maintain current payments on accounts, your score will be higher. Try not to overextend the amount of credit you have outstanding.

Now that you are aware exactly how important your credit score is, make sure you take good care of it. Do not pay bills late or run up the balance on your card because that will result in a low score. Take charge of your spending habits, be responsible, and you will have a great credit score as a result.

About the Author:

To find out exactly how you can get your annual credit report visit my credit report website.

Building Credit with Credit Cards

By Larry Van-Doren

If you have bad credit, it is important to keep up with your spending to avoid poverty. If you are searching for a low interest credit card to repair your credit, remember most cards available have high initial fees and APR. Regardless if you have filed bankruptcy, have bad credit or do not have credit at all the lenders are opening the doors inviting all to join. Since, millions of people today have filed bankruptcies the lenders are considering option to help these people get back on their feet, while others are considering options to bring the debtors further to the ground. We live in a rich man's world, with selfish, irresponsible, undignified individuals running the show. Therefore, if you are looking to build your credit with credit cards then there are things you should know.

Most lenders will shut the door in your face if you have filed bankruptcy when you apply for credit cards. They may refer you to debt consolidation balance transfer credit cards lenders to help you get your feet on the ground again. Be advised that many debt consolidation programs, are like few of the card lenders and their mission is to put your under.

Many of the debt consolidation programs, like most credit cards for bad credit consumers have high interest rates and the repayments with attached fees often make it difficult for the cardholder or debtor to pay the dues.
The best answer for building credit is to save your money, by cutting back expenses. After you weed down the debts, you can then apply for a credit card. Once you have reduced your debts and waited about six months you are likely to find a credit card with lower interest rates and lower fees. The card lenders may even offer you a card with no annual fees.

If you have difficulty managing your money, you may want to ask a responsible family member to help you out. You may even want to invest a small fee into software programs with managing tools. The programs often provide a budget structure to help you maintain you cash.

On the other hand, if you must have a credit card to build your credit, then make sure you ask your self-important questions before applying. The questions should include, why do I need a credit card? Am I responsible to make the payments on time and use the card to get out of debt? What is involved with owning a credit card? Am I at risk of loosing my card, or am I responsible to put my cards in safe places?

You will also need to take into consideration that cards have Terms & Conditions. Are you knowledgably about credit cards? Do you have enough information in your databank to avoid getting taking? Do you have the ability to research and compare cards to avoid loss? Do you understand what each card offers and how it can benefit you?

Even if you find a lender that will give you a credit card, and the card comes with initial fees and high APR, it might be wise to take the offer if you can afford to. This will help you build your credit if you use the card wisely and repay your debts on time. Also, once you have held the card for six months and paid faithfully you can contact the card lender and demand or request lower APR. Therefore, you must have negotiation skills, coupled with knowledge, understanding, and many other human necessities to handle a credit card to rebuild your credit.

If you feel that credit cards are threatening then you can take steps to repair your credit without applying for a credit card; One of the best solutions for repairing credit is to save, contact your creditors asking for extensions, etc.

Finally, credit cards are nice to have, and before it is over, we are all going to need a credit card to make a purchase. Therefore, build your credit now and get the credit card you deserve later!

About the Author:

More knowledge, more power, more success when you better understand the subject ofBalance Transfer Credit Cards Time to visit us at http://www.bchighway.com/financial-planning/

Dispute Equifax

By Justin Hutto

To dispute a bad credit item on your Equifax credit report you must send a dispute letter. In your letter you must include the disputed item and why it is incorrect.

This letter can be created by you or you can hire a credit repair service to do it on your behalf. If you choose to do it yourself realize you have to dispute the item with each credit bureau.

This means that simply disputing an item with Equifax will not remove the item from your Transunion or Experian credit report. Instead you will have to send each of the bureaus a dispute letter.

Reasons for a dispute include; information is wrong, item out of date, account paid in full, not my account and others. The Fair Credit Reporting Act that was passed by congress gives you the right to dispute any listing on your credit that you feel is inaccurate.

In addition this act says the bureaus must remove a listing from your report if it can not be verified. This act is what the dispute process is based upon.

When your dispute is filled the bureau will conduct an investigation. They will contact the creator of the negative mark and ask them to verify the debt, the amounts and the dates.

If this item is not verified by the creator then the bureaus must remove it from your credit report. Often investigations will result in the removal of an item from your report. This is because many businesses are not willing to spend the resources to verify disputed debts.

However before the credit bureau will conduct an investigation your dispute must be a valid dispute. There is no way to tell if the bureaus will deem your letter valid or invalid.

Many claim that the bureaus are just avoiding having to hold an investigation so they will deem your dispute invalid and respond with a letter requesting more information about the dispute. It is widely speculated that this is nothing more than a stall tactic used by the bureaus.

This is because it will only cost the bureaus money to investigate disputes. The bureaus customers are businesses and only because of government law is there a dispute process.

I suggest a credit repair service if you have multiple listings you wish to dispute. However you can repair your credit yourself if you have minor damage, be patient and persistent.

In sum you can remove bad credit items before seven years. You can dispute the bureaus and have the negative item removed.

About the Author:

For a free sample dispute letter or to learn more about how to remove bad credit items such as a charge off visit us.

Need to have Credit card for online transaction

By Mike Taylor

In case you own a website where you provide products and services to your customers, then you need to have online credit card processing authorization. There are many online business owners who do not provide the service of online payments just by looking at the expenditures that they may have to bear.

But unfortunately, they don't seem to realize that they are passing up a lot of money by not offering the service. Approximately 90% of all online purchases are done through credit cards, and the rest 10% of internet buys are carried out through bank account transfer, money orders, or paper checks. Yes, credit card dealings will cost a few cents more than usual dealings, but it is way better and convenient than any other mode of transaction and should be considered as an important business investment. There are many methods of online credit card processing. This article will focus on two particular modes of credit card payments, they are- PayPal and merchant account.

Let's begin with merchant account. This is a kind of account that is offered by a merchant bank that has the authority to carry out payments from credit cards like MasterCard and Visa. To avail a merchant account is quite time consuming, as it requires you to fill up a lengthy application. The bank may also check your credit history before sanctioning a merchant account to you. You are also required to go through and agree to the terms and conditions of the bank. Availing a merchant account doesn't come free; the bank is most likely to charge you a monthly fee and a percentage of every transaction you make. You may also be asked to pay a set up fee depending upon the rules and regulations of the bank. In many cases, the companies discharge the setup fee for their new clients.

PayPal is another great way to process online payments. For those online business owners who are unable to obtain a merchant account for themselves, PayPal can be an excellent option for them. PayPal is pretty much the same concept as Merchant account as it allows them to take credit card payments over the internet. But that only downside of PayPal method of payment is that a customer willing to make an online transaction needs to make his /her payments through their PayPal account. Most people who often shop on the internet do have their own PayPal account, but there are many who don't. This is a reason why many businesses that deal with online transaction have both PayPal and merchant account for the convenience of their customers. PayPal accounts, like merchant accounts charge a percent of your transactions.

The two ways of processing credit card payments that are discussed above are considered to be the most efficient and popular methods of taking payments online. In case you want to opt for the merchant account, beware of scams and it is wise to check the fine print thoroughly before finalizing anything. Although merchant account and PayPal are the best ways of carrying out online payments, it is always advisable that you do your research to find out which method suits you the best.

About the Author:

Get the more details about Online Credit Card Processing, credit card processing online payment methods, No Bank Merchant Account Credit Card Processing Services, Vital Credit Card Processing.

Non Standard Construction Properties gives Affordable Housing

By Phillip Evans

As the recession begins to take hold and the availability of mortgages is reducing its even more difficult to find an affordable home, non-traditional construction properties could offer a viable alternative

Non traditional construction or prefabricated concrete properties where originally designed as temporary housing as a solution to soldiers returning home after the Second World War and bomb damaged properties.

These temporary properties where built by Councils as part of their housing stock to be rented out as council houses. When the Conservatives introduced Right To Buy in the 1980's these council houses where sold to the tenants at a discounted price.

RICS Valuation Firms have typically valued these properties far below their traditionally built counterparts, as mortgage lenders shy away from lending on Non standard construction or prefabricated reinforced concrete houses as they are still classed temporary, despite them still being perfectly habitable in the 21st century.

About 1.25 million (one million two hundred and fifty thousand) non traditional houses were built after the war, which offers a great affordable housing stock for the UK home buyer or investor.

The majority of non standard property are ex council flats, maisonettes, semi detached or bungalows some of the more popular PRC build types are Reema Hollow Panel, Woolawy Bungalow, Wimpey No Fines and waites construction. Enable Finance Ltd provide non standard construction mortgages even if these non standard properties do not have a PRC certificate or have not had structural engineering works carried out.

Non-traditional housing could provide the UK house hunter or buy to let investor a very viable solution. If you are a buy to let investor you will no doubt have come up against the rental yields not stacking up as property prices have soared over the past few years. These properties could offer a solution; make sure you speak with Enable Finance today.

Home movers looking for affordable housing could be very surprised at how inexpensive these properties are especially as the vast majority of the properties purchase prices will be below the government's current stamp duty threshold of 175,000.

Enable Finance Ltd. provide non traditional mortgages on PRC properties in the UK for a free no obligation quote visit it us on line. There will be a fee for arranging mortgages, normally 1% of the advance, subject to a minimum of 1950 and a maximum of 2450. The fee can usually be added to the mortgage amount. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Ask for a personalised illustration.

About the Author:

Enable Finance are specialist UK mortgage brokers who offer a full advice service, for a no obligation quote or to compare mortgage rates or to find out more information on non standard construction mortgages please visit our site

Real estate short sale" is a popular phrase

By Rem

Anyone who has read newspapers or watched TV has probably come across some sort of stories about the declining real estate market leading banks to consider real estate short sales as an alternative to foreclosure. The real estate crisis throughout the country has made the prices decrease and the sell time increase. It is no exaggeration to say that some regions are experiencing a virtual market meltdown (the Detroit market is one good example). This type of real estate atmosphere is the primary reason for needing an increase in short sale real estate opportunities.

A real estate short sale is the name given to the process where banks allow properties to be sold for less than the amount owed to them. There are two conditions that must be met before a bank is likely to approve this: Firstly: Market values are such that the property's sale price cannot cover the outstanding mortgage balance(s). A further condition is that the owners of the property must not be able to continue making mortgage payments on the property.

Let's look at an example property that was bought five years ago for the rate of 217,000 dollars with an adjustable rate mortgage. Additionally, the owners took out a second mortgage of 10,000 dollars, which brought their total owed to 227,000 dollars. Remember that in five years the amount that the mortgages would have been paid off is negligible.

In the same amount of time, the market values for similar properties are going for 215,000 dollars, while the adjustable rate has risen from 7 percent to 11 percent. Additionally, we end up with a real estate short sale situation once one of the owners has lost their job.

Those are the basics of a real estate short sale, though numerous complications can arise from having multiple owners and lenders not agreeing to a short sale terms.

A real estate short sale is an unpleasant experience for an owner, but it is not the worst thing in the world. The methods may not be flawless, but it will beat having a foreclosure on the credit report. On the other hand, a truly savvy investor can take advantage of these short sales for excellent buying opportunities.

About the Author:

Also have a look at Bargain Homes and Home Discount Blog

How the slowdown is hitting the credit card market

By Mark Wright

The credit crunch is a little different to previous incarnations of economic slowdowns in that it has hit the consumer much harder and much earlier on in its development. The amount of personal borrowing against credit cards and the lenders' response to this particular crisis may have a great deal to do with that early-doors impact. A survey by the financial information analysts Moneyfacts has found that at least 10% of credit cards have raised their interest rates or fees as a direct result of the economic storm now battering UK PLC.

The average interest rate on credit cards has risen from 16.8% to 17.2% in three months. This raise is in direct opposition to the Bank of England's base rate cut of 1.5%, bringing the base rate down to 3% in an attempt to boost the ground level economy and stave off inflation. As lenders realise that the financial pot is nearly empty, they're manoeuvring their positions to ride out the storm as best they can. Their concern is that the early impact the crunch has had on consumers means a greater risk of customers defaulting on payments. The interest rate rise on credit cards is seen as a preventative measure against any increased exposure to bad debt by the lenders.

As the financial institutions eyed each other suspiciously they also turned their attention to their customers, their confidence in the public's previous ability to meet repayments and pay back credit card debts evaporating. The lenders need continuous injections of cash into the system to carry on trading. The practice of banks lending to other banks has shuddered to a halt as financial institutions try to consolidate their own positions, and so that extra cash has to come from somewhere. Step forward, the great British public. The interest charges on loans, credit card debts, mortgages and credit agreements are the lifeline lenders need to continue doing business.

The ten years between 1997 and 2007 were boom times for credit card lenders in the UK. The brakes weren't just put on because of the credit crunch that kicked in during 2008. An extremely competitive marketplace, the emergence of the Pacific Rim countries as manufacturing and financial superpowers, increasing international 'bad debts' and a plethora of government regulations made the credit companies re-evaluate their positions. A few companies responded with a knee-jerk reaction of 'dumping' thousands of customers that were just not profitable (those who cleared their balances every month and paid little or no interest charges). All of the credit companies tightened their criteria for lending, increasing transfer charges, restricting credit limits and access to cash withdrawals. By doing this, they're not only minimising their own exposure to bad debt, but reducing the possibility of their customers getting into trouble as well. It's a win/win move by the credit card companies, and will probably do a lot more to help stabilise the market.

The credit card industry has suffered a double-whammy. The loss of overall market share in the late 1990's resulted in a scramble by lenders for customers, enticing in consumers with 0% balance transfer offers and cashback schemes. That has all now changed, with most cards imposing up to 3% balance transfer fees in an attempt to regain lost profits as a result of the 0% offers. The second blow was the decision in 2006 by the Office of Fair Trading to impose a 12 cap on penalty charges. Now lenders are bracing themselves for another knock-back as the Complaint's Commission takes a close look at personal protection insurance schemes imposed by lenders on many credit card deals.

Unemployment is the next potential credit problem as the economic downturn starts to impact on jobs over the next 12 months. If things do get worse credit card customers can expect interest rates on their cards to go up not down, as lenders try to cushion themselves against the impact bad debt exposure could have on their business. There are still plenty of good credit card deals available. But lenders are a little more careful about whom they lend to, so the best thing to do to ensure that the credit crunch doesn't scupper your chances of getting a good deal is to check your credit rating measures up before you apply.

About the Author:

Mark Wright writes for various popular websites, and keeps a regular commentary on the recent financial crisis and credit crunch. Read more about credit cards here.

Using The Iron Condor Spread To Obatin Profit From Today's Market

By Walter Fox

Want to gain your personal financial freedom, even during in these trying economic times? If you are willing to handle your personal expenses responsibly, then using the Iron Condor Spread, one of the best option trading tips available, your money can be put back to work for you. Time may be needed, but the rewards for your patience are often worth it.

When it comes to successful online option trading, The Iron Condor Spread is a bit more advanced than other option trading systems, but results in higher profits and a lower potential loss. The Iron Condor Spread is made up of both bear-call and bull-put options, spread out on the same underlying security. Built off of the Condor Spread, the Iron Condor Spread results in a net credit by doubling the credit of a single spread position.

How is profit made with this option trading tip? Since two spreads are involved in this system, there are two break-even points: the upper break-even and the lower break-even. When the stock stays above the lower break-even point or beneath the upper break-even point, profit is made.

Before embarking on this option trading tip, make sure you have plenty of available cash in your account before you start. Many online option trading brokers will not let you enter this kind of spread without the proper funds needed to fulfill the margin requirements.

What benefits does using an Iron Condor Spread provide? 1) The utilization of an uncovered position by not having to purchase or hold any stock. 2) This tip generates a complete neutral strategy. 3) Due to call and put options potential returns are increased. 4) Double credit provides lowered potential risk as well as controlled risk

The Iron Condor Spread is ideally used when the underlying asset is not expected to change, or to only change minimally over the course of the life of the option. When the middle strike equals the price of the underlying asset, the profit is maximized at expiration. In addition the range of customisation allowed with this system of option trading is admirable. This is calculation of profit:

Maximum Profit = Net Credit Profit % = (Credit gained from short legs/greatest difference in strike) x 100 Max Loss = Greatest difference in the consecutive strike a" net credit This formula allows a maximum profit that is limited to the gained net credit. As for maximum loss, it is limited to the calculated maximum loss.

Using the Iron Condor Spread provides a large number of advantages, although be forewarned of this: making a profit using the Iron Condor Spread requires time and active monitoring. As a result a proper analysis prior to entry will be necessary. It is also important to remember that the Iron Condor Spread will require high levels of trading to be successful. Traders with lower levels of trading will be unsuccessful in using the Iron Condor Spread.

About the Author:

TheScienceOfTrading.com provides 90 free minutes of videos on option trading systems and provides a complete and detailed learning to day trade for beginners to experts.

Your Forex Strategy Will Determine Your Profitability!

By Michael Alison

If you ask a trader their secret, they probably won't tell you. If they do, then it will be different from the next guy. Everyone keeps their strategies close to them. If not, then it's probably not that reliable to begin with. The thing is, with trading on the Forex market, its more strategy with style than anything. Everyone has their own techniques they feel comfortable with.

One thing you can do is a Forex managed account. This will let people do the dirty work for you. You simply deposit your money into the account and a professional with make the bids for you. Since it is your money, you can withdrawal it at any time.

Books are another way to go. Many successful traders will write about their success and offer advice in their books. You can also subscribe to magazines that talk about Forex market trading. Many of these also have online websites that will list current and archived articles and information.

You can automate the process with a Forex automated robot. This is good strategy if you want to leave a program running day and night. If you're working or have some other job, a Forex robot might be good for you if you can't afford to open a managed account. There are robots out there that are associated to online brokers that you can start out with as little as a dollar!

You can also talk strategies with Forex chat rooms and message boards. These are meeting places for fellow traders who will talk shop with you and usually will give tips and heads up on things to bid for.

In conclusion, there are enough resources to help you plan your next Forex trading tip. Just use a little elbow grease and perseverance to find out your personal strategy. Remember the trader's golden rule. Buy low and sell high!

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Just starting out? Click here to learn all about Forex Currency Trading!

Theta Decay - Using Time To Make Money With Options

By Walter Fox

For many market traders, looking for a trend or some other market anomaly in order to consistently make money is the financial holy grail. Though there are a number of market systems that claim to be consistent enough to make you money, the reality is that most strategies aren't as trustworthy as they could be, which can cause you to lose your hard earned capital.

Theta decay is one much-hailed example of such systems. The name itself is surely impressive. The fact is, though, that theta decay rests on a very fundamental concept in option trading the fact that options expire on a set date.

One result of this is that option values change over time. In particular, they change significantly when their expiration dates are drawing near. For example, options traders have learned that option values tend to drop as the strike date approaches.

Theta decay analysis is able to serve as the basis for an option trading system because, compared with stocks, options are much more information-rich. The existence of an expiration date gives options traders the information foothold they need. Big gains can result for those able to keep up with the brisk flow of options information.

Actually, it's not that difficult to use theta decay techniques to cash in on those gains. Remember the fundamental concept: the closer the expiration date is, the faster the time value changes. In particular, studies show that the time value of an option decreases according to a linear trend until approximately the last thirty trading days prior to expiry.

During that final month of trading days, theta decay techniques come into their own. It is during that time period when the time values start to drop even more precipitously. By holding the right positions, however, you stand to make money on that fall.

For example, you could hold a short position in an option approaching expiration while simultaneously selling an inverse call option. This benefits you in two ways. First, you reap a benefit if you sell the call at a premium compared to the actual value. Second, you can also realize a gain on the short position, assuming that the option does not finish in the money on the positive side.

If you get your timing right and keep an eagle eye out for option information, theta decay is a useful tool to employ with your stock options trading. As with any system, there is always the possibility of losing your principal through incautious application of the technique. However, if you are attuned to the market and carefully scrutinize expiration dates, you can easily find yourself making money with this effective and under-utilized strategy.

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TheScienceOfTrading.com provides 90 free minutes of videos on option trading tips and provides a complete and detailed option trading course for beginners to experts.