Last Hope with Financial Counseling

By Paul J. Easton

Debt management has taken the spotlight in our modern lives as borrowers. With growing marketing coupled with increasing debts spell unforeseen hardships in the future. Every one must consider debt management today to be secured with our financial life. It is better to be prepared than sorry.

Many options are actually available, but the best may actually be you helping yourself. Here are some of the tips you will find valuable for your debt relief strategies.

Maybe a credit counseling services can be of real help as well. With these programs, experts will recommend you to solve the situation by cutting down on spending and monitoring your accounts closely.

If this does not work, ask the help from a financial expert. The sooner you seek help from an expert, the better you will be out of debt. Credit counseling is one of the best options you might consider if you are troubled with financial problems.

In such a situation, your stress can be overwhelming. This is when your creditors are calling you daily to collect money that you don't have yet. Never end the communication. While it is a natural response to stop answering the phone and let the mail stack up unopened, this does not resolve the issue that you still have the obligation. Explain your financial situation to your creditors. In most cases, they will even work with you to reduce your total balance by providing a better interest rate or eliminating the late and other charges.

One of the benefits of credit counseling is that the credit counselors can actually deal with those credit collectors for you. But the most important advantage of credit counseling is that it helps you, who might have reached the end of their financial rope, to avoid the dreaded bankruptcy.

Seeking the financial experts' advice can save you money by reducing your debt by 40 to 60%. Expect to be debt free within 5 years depending on your debt situation.

Be cautious, though. Some credit counseling services will have upfront fee. These fees can range from a few hundreds to up to thousands of dollars. This, in fact, does not get applied yet to your balances from creditors. So a part of your supposed savings will actually go to the professional fee.

Before taking the plunge, work out your homework and research a lot of free information about the company you are dealing with. You can't afford to get wrong this time. After all, this is your last hope.

For more information on financial directory, get FREE Articles Tips at DollarGuides.com. Get debt-free today with tips on how to get rid of debt here. Start improving your personal finance today.

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How to get Rid of Credit Card Debt Fast with FREE Articles Tips at DollarGuides.com. Help tips and more plus Credit Card Debt Information

Debt Relief in Today's Massive Debts

By Paul J. Easton

With increasing marketing coverage and resulting in more people drowned in massive debts, debt management is becoming a vital household issue. Debt management has certainly become a very big problem. With growing debts and unforeseen hardships, every one must consider debt relief sooner than later.

Many options are actually available now, but the best move may actually be you helping yourself first more than anything. Here are some suggestions for starting debt relief and becoming more solvent with your finances.

One of the most important moves is to never end the communication with the creditor. While it is a natural response to stop answering the phone and let the mail stack up unopened, this only worsen things after all.

As much as possible, communicate with your creditors and explain the situation to them. Who knows, maybe they will work with you reduce your total balance by lowering the interest rate or eliminating the late and other charges. The intention to communicate with them certainly expresses your responsibility to pay back and this is risk mitigation for the creditor's part.

Stop using all your credit cards altogether. Whether you file for bankruptcy or sign on with a credit counseling service or debt settlement, you will still be compelled to cut up the cards.

Lastly, always put the plan of getting out of debt a main priority, and work hard to get out of this financial situation.

If you are unsure with the above steps yourself, check with a professional counselor and explore some possible options like debt settlement or debt consolidation. These options will likely reduce your debt by 40-60%. That's a big help with more money saved on interests.

In a year or two, depending on your debt, you will certainly be debt free. Just have some thorough research before signing the deal with any of debt relief strategies. Some companies will take a large upfront fee setting you back further in debt. Some are just plain rip-offs.

Be careful with the claim that the company is non-profit. They will likely ask for a donation, like just another bill to pay. Some will guarantee to protect your credit rating from bankruptcy. This only is marketing and that doesn't mean that your credit rating will come clean. Dealing with a debt relief service has surely a negative impact.

For more information on financial directory, get FREE Articles Tips at DollarGuides.com. Get debt-free today with tips on how to get rid of debt here. Start improving your personal finance today.

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How to get Rid of Credit Card Debt Fast with FREE Articles Tips at DollarGuides.com. Help tips and more plus Credit Card Debt Information

Getting Out Of Debt And Control Of Your Life

By Jennifer Schimdt

Debt chokes the ability for you to prosper and have a financial future, and until you deal with the problem you will never be free. Do you ever think about the amount of credit cards you own, and then think about the amount of interest you are paying on those credit cards every month? I bet it is a staggering figure. Most people dont even think about it because they dont want to know how bad they are hurting financially.

When, I first started to look at my debt and made a decision that I wanted to be debt free it looked almost impossible. I was paying anywhere from $300-$400 a month in interest and did not know how I was going to pay of the maxed out balances on my credit cards, and then one day I found a radio show that talked about how to get debt free. The host of the show said you knock out your smallest debts first, and then move up the latter until you tackle you big debts like a student loan or car note.

This made perfect since to me so I bought his book, and stop spending more than I made, and even found myself leaving on a budget. Then, I started paying debts, and am almost debt free, and I can tell you that if I had not done this, I would not be able to pay my bills today.

When you are debt free you have all that cash you pay out every month to the credit card companies to build wealth with. This means you invest in real estate or mutual funds, and then you let your money make you money.

Dont let you children be left with you debts and no inheritance. Now is the time to start to work to pay downs those debts, build and emergency fund, and invest for the future. When you do this you are also securing a future for you family, and go have peace that you family is financially secure for the future.

Getting out of debt is the best thing you can do to secure your financial future, but you have to sacrifice, and live on less than you make, eat at home, and even pass up some vacations, but at the end of the day it is worth every bite of the sacrifice, dedication, and time you put into it, because now you are free and in charge of your finance destiny.

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Teaching Yourself to Plan your Spending

By Paul J. Easton

With more marketing hypes now then ever, we are more indulged into heavy consumerism. With this phenomenon, more people are tempted to acquire debts beyond their capacity to pay. Debt is simply responsibility and we are getting more irresponsible.

Debt mismanagement is becoming a common household concern. Management of our finances and financial literacy has certainly become a very big dilemma. With growing debts and the looming financial misfortunes in the near future, one must consider debt relief if needed.

With today's great demand for debt relief, there are already many options to help us with our financial troubles. But educating oneself is still the best defense and the key to our survival in this financial crunch.

Educating yourself is definitely your first base in helping yourself. It all starts with realization.

Realization is stopping the use of your credit cards for your shopping impulses. Whatever situation you will enter, you need stringent self imposition of stopping yourself from wild shopping sprees.

Your situation right now demands that you give up your credit cards temporarily or if without reform, then permanently. Have some restraint with yourself and make this move a main priority. And work your butt off to persistently continue until you get out of this financial situation. To regain control over your finances is like taming a beast and finally achieving freedom when reaching your goal.

If you can't handle this yourself, go get a guide with professional help. In many cases, most experts design a plan for some of their clients. This plan will have some methods for retention with the original plan. This works out best to let you stick with the spending plan to get their debt under control.

A spending plan is a simple guide with your income and your expenses and everything in between. This plan illustrates in detail how much money you have and how much money you spend at a time frame with priorities. Sticking to a realistic spending plan allows one to be motivated and be guided to a certain goal. And that goal is to pay off your debts. Much better if you can save for the proverbial rainy day.

Educating yourself is one thing and creating and sticking with the plan is another. This is just how simple debt relief can become. Learn from your mistakes and be smart with money. After all, money will only stick when you have a plan for it. So observe, learn, and keep your money.

For more information on financial directory, get FREE Articles Tips at DollarGuides.com. Get debt-free today with tips on how to get rid of debt here. Start improving your personal finance today.

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How to get Rid of Credit Card Debt Fast with FREE Articles Tips at DollarGuides.com. Help tips and more plus Credit Card Debt Information

Making The Most Of Low APR Credit Cards

By Seth Bullock

Being that they are the best credit cards out there, low APR credit cards are available only to those persons who have good to excellent credit. Other than low interest rates, these cards typically offer a number of other benefits; think of them as a fitting reward for being responsible with your money. These highly desirable credit cards come with benefits such as:

*1% - 5% cash back on goods and merchandise *0% APR for up to 12 months on some cards *Interest rates as low as 7.99% after the introductory period has concluded *No annual fees *Your choice of rewards programs

These are just a few of the benefits available to the users of these credit cards. If your credit history is string, then you can choose from a lot of different offers. Credit card companies prefer cardholders who pay their bills on time each month and keep their balances to less than 50% of their credit limit. Look at our site map to see many different credit card offers.

When considering a credit card offer, you should carefully read the terms and conditions along with the perks and benefits. Doing so will allow you to choose the best low APR credit card for your needs. All of the major credit card issuers: Chase Manhattan, Discover and American Express, among others offer low APR cards to consumers who meet the necessary qualifications.

How good is your credit score? If you happen to have a very good or excellent credit score, then youll be able to enjoy the rewards programs which card issuers like American Express, Capital One, Chase Manhattan and others offer to cardholders who choose their cards. These rewards programs offer an excellent incentive to maintain a good credit score.

Managing your money carefully is something which deserves to be rewarded. Credit card issuers recognize that it can be a strain to make all of your payments on time every month and to resist the temptation to overspend with your credit cards. Card issuers are happy to show their appreciation for responsible cardholders by offering them low APR credit cards.

Other than the low interest rates they offer, these cards also provide rewards which sweeten the pot; these include cash back of up to 20% on select purchases at certain retailers nationwide and travel rewards. These travel rewards are an especially useful program " you can earn points towards travel expenses like hotels, plane tickets, car rentals and more.

How good is your credit? Get a copy of your credit report and see for yourself. If your credit is very good to excellent, then you can apply for a low APR credit card and start enjoying the good things you have coming for your wise financial management.

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See how Low APR Credit Cards can save you money. Learn more by visiting www.bestcreditquote.com.

How to get grants from the government

By Collin James

The US Government every year a lots a certain amount of money to give out grants with. What they don't do is teach residents and business owners how to properly fill out the forms so they can get approved to get the grants. Millions of dollars every year go unused while all that is needed is for people to learn how to fill out the forms properly.

If you have been looking for a way to learn how to get a piece of the millions that is allotted each year for privately funded and federally funded grants then here is your chance to learn all the steps to properly fill out the forms and what you need to say to get approved.

Many American's need to learn the steps behind getting grants that they are all entitled to get. It's time for the secrets behind getting approved for grants to come out and for people just like you and me to start getting what has been set aside for us.

What makes getting a grant so exciting is that most of the money is awarded interest-free. So, unlike a bank loan, you wont see interest charges eating away at your obligations. Thats a better offer than any bank will ever provide you and in our trying times we are faced with right now in our economy - not paying interest could be a life savor to some.

You can use grant money for a wide variety of reasons when you need it the most, and only pay back the money you received. This is why many people have realized that the government can be their friend.

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Government Funded Grants are for anyone who are in need for some money. There are quite a few services that can assist you with getting the right information, it's just a matter of you taking action to get your own grant. Vareit us to receive your federal grant information kits.

How You Can Take Advantage Of Low APR Credit Cards

By Seth Bullock

Low APR credit cards are offered to consumers who have very good to excellent credit histories. These cards have low interest rates as the name suggests as well as offering many other benefits which you may think of as a reward for your history of fiscal responsibility. These are the most desirable kind of credit card and offer perks which include:

*Up 5% cash back on select purchases *0% APR introductory periods on many offers *APRs as low as 7.99% after the introductory period has concluded *No annual fees *Rewards programs tailored to your preferences

These are just a few of the benefits available to the users of these credit cards. If your credit history is string, then you can choose from a lot of different offers. Credit card companies prefer cardholders who pay their bills on time each month and keep their balances to less than 50% of their credit limit. Look at our site map to see many different credit card offers.

Whenever looking at a credit card offer, you should carefully read the terms and conditions along with the perks and benefits. Doing so will help you to get the best low interest rate credit card. All of the major credit card issuers: Chase Manhattan, Discover and American Express, among others offer low APR cards to consumers who meet the necessary qualifications.

So how good is your credit history? If your credit rating is excellent or close to excellent, then you can take advantage of the incredible rewards programs that Chase, Merrill Lynch, Capital One and discover provide to people who use their credit cards; and a great reason for keeping your credit rating high.

Managing your money carefully is something which deserves to be rewarded. Credit card issuers recognize that it can be a strain to make all of your payments on time every month and to resist the temptation to overspend with your credit cards. Card issuers are happy to show their appreciation for responsible cardholders by offering them low APR credit cards.

Other than the low interest rates they offer, these cards also provide rewards which sweeten the pot; these include cash back of up to 20% on select purchases at certain retailers nationwide and travel rewards. These travel rewards are an especially useful program " you can earn points towards travel expenses like hotels, plane tickets, car rentals and more.

So what kind of shape is your credit in? Request a copy of your credit report and find out where you stand. If you have excellent or very good credit, then you can qualify for a low APR credit card and gain the benefits which are due to you as a responsible consumer.

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Find out for yourself how Low APR Credit Cards can save you money. Learn more by visiting www.bestcreditquote.com.

What is a roth ira?

By Jack Jones

In 1997 the Roth IRA was developed in order to encourage people to plan for their own future rather than relying solely on the social security system.

There are many common traits between the regular IRA and the Roth IRA, and it is important to know the differences between them when deciding which to use.

One main difference is that the traditional IRA is tax deductible. This means that you can deduct all that you contribute to the fund during the year from your income while filing your taxes. The Roth IRA however is not deductible.

A traditional IRA allows for a few penalty free withdrawals, but they have very strict rules and can only be taken advantage of in very specific circumstances. This is a bit frustrating because you can not access your earnings until you retire.

The Roth IRA is much more loose with the withdrawal allowances. After five years you are allowed to withdraw the funds contributed.

For this very reason many have chosen to use the Roth IRA as their personal emergency fund. After five years you can use it for any unexpected emergencies that come up while simultaneously planning for your retirement.

When planning your retirement, make sure to consider all these things.

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Find the best Roth IRA rates

Reverse Mortgage: The Good and the Bad

By Mathew Sanz

The reverse mortgage is a trend that seems to be hitting homes all over the country. And its happening at the same time that housing prices are soaring and interest rates are at their record lows. Lets take a look at the reasons why despite the bad publicity that reverse mortgages had, they have managed to stay in the industry all these years to become the in thing for many borrowers today.

Predatory Loans - Once branded as predatory loans that took advantage of defenseless older people, it took more beating when it was embroiled in scandals. But in the last decade, it has earned more credibility after legislation required more upfront disclosures of costs.

Generally, this type of mortgage product is specially designed for homeowners aged 62 and older. Through this product, seniors can receive a loan against their home in the form of a lump sum, regular monthly checks or a line of credit. The loan is typically repaid with interest when the borrower sells the house, permanently moves, or dies.

Here are some of the reasons that borrowers resort to a reverse mortgage.

Pay Down - Homeowners can use a reverse mortgage to pay down their remaining debt on their traditional mortgages and use the remainder to fund other retirement costs.

Home Ownership - When the loan is accepted, the ownership of your house is not affected and you will still retain title to your home.

Cost - The majority of the costs are paid for through the its loan.

Time Element - Compared to a traditional home equity line of credit, it allows debt payments, including interest and other costs, to be stalled until a later date, typically when the owner dies.

Debt Limit - The debt can never go beyond the value of a home at the time that the loan is already repaid. This means that when soaring housing prices begin to drop, borrowers wont be held responsible for paying back a higher amount.

Of course, as more people become informed of the potential benefits that it offers, they should also become aware that it has negative aspects.

The Rate - This mortgage tends to be a variable rate mortgage loan that entails substantial front-end expenses to compensate for expenditures if ever the borrower exits early.

Bigger Loans for Older Borrowers - The loan will be bigger for pricier homes and older borrowers.

Expensive - According to advocates and financial planners, it can become expensive and complicated. Therefore, seniors who are interested in applying for it should first learn how it works. Before they look for a lender, they should be ready to receive independent counseling.

Interest on the Portion Used - Borrowers who choose to take the lump sum are slapped with higher interest payments compared to those who settle for installment checks or a line of credit. The reason for this is that, with the two latter choices, interest is only computed on the portion used.

While financial planners recommend that seniors only take a reverse mortgage if they plan to stay longer in their homes, evaluating the products options may still be confusing. Before you apply for this loan, make sure that you get impartial counseling first to help you decide if the product is right for you.

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Is a reverse mortgage the fitting solution to your mortgage problems? Find more options from home mortgage online.

Take Advantage Of Low APR Credit Cards

By Seth Bullock

Being that they are the best credit cards out there, low APR credit cards are available only to those persons who have good to excellent credit. Other than low interest rates, these cards typically offer a number of other benefits; think of them as a fitting reward for being responsible with your money. These highly desirable credit cards come with benefits such as:

*Up 5% cash back on select purchases *0% APR introductory periods on many offers *APRs as low as 7.99% after the introductory period has concluded *No annual fees *Rewards programs tailored to your preferences

Those are just some of the perks offered to low APR cardholders; responsibility pays off after all, it seems. If you have an excellent credit history, then you can afford to be choosy about credit card offers. Credit card issuers favor customers who have a history of timely payments and a record of keeping their balances to under half of their credit limit. To see some of the credit card offers out there, please navigate over to our site map.

Whenever looking at a credit card offer, you should carefully read the terms and conditions along with the perks and benefits. Doing so will help you to get the best low interest rate credit card. All of the major credit card issuers: Chase Manhattan, Discover and American Express, among others offer low APR cards to consumers who meet the necessary qualifications.

So how good is your credit score? If your credit score is excellent or close to excellent, then you can take advantage of the incredible rewards programs that Chase, American Express, Capital One and Discover provide to people who use their credit cards; and a great argument for keeping your credit score high.

Managing your money carefully is something which deserves to be rewarded. Credit card issuers recognize that it can be a strain to make all of your payments on time every month and to resist the temptation to overspend with your credit cards. Card issuers are happy to show their appreciation for responsible cardholders by offering them low APR credit cards.

Other than the low interest rates they offer, these cards also provide rewards which sweeten the pot; these include cash back of up to 20% on select purchases at certain retailers nationwide and travel rewards. These travel rewards are an especially useful program " you can earn points towards travel expenses like hotels, plane tickets, car rentals and more.

Do you have a good credit history? Request a copy of your credit report to find out. If your credit is very good to excellent, then you can apply for a low interest credit card and reap the rewards you have coming for your responsible credit management.

About the Author:

Get the facts on how Low APR Credit Cards can save you money. Compare offers by visiting www.bestcreditquote.com.

How to get grants from the government

By Collin James

The US Government every year a lots a certain amount of money to give out grants with. What they don't do is teach residents and business owners how to properly fill out the forms so they can get approved to get the grants. Millions of dollars every year go unused while all that is needed is for people to learn how to fill out the forms properly.

In order to get a piece of the million dollar grant pie you need to learn how to properly fill out the forms and learn exactly what to say in order to get approved. There is literally thousands of grant agencies out there that can help you learn the right process, but in many cases, there is no time for people in need to sit around and wait for appointments that are months away.

If you are one of the many Americans in need of financial assistance, you may qualify for a piece of the millions and millions of dollars awarded each year by private and government funded grant agencies to regular people like you.

Most grants come interest free, and for most of us right now with what we are going through in our lives and the finical hard ships - not having to pay interest on a large lump of money could really make a difference weather or not we make it or fold.

With only having to pay back just what you have received from a grant has made people realize that the government can actually be there friend - instead of a foe!

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Government Funded Grants are for people who are in need for some money. There are quite a few resources that can assist you with getting the proper information, it's just a matter of you taking action to get your own grant. Vareit us to receive your federal grant information kits.

How To Truly Master Auto Financing

By John Brennan

Finding the perfect car is easy, however, finding the perfect car loan can be a little more difficult. Dealer finance departments and personal banks all have differing details when it comes to financing your new set of wheels, and knowing how a car loan works is the best way to make sure youare getting the most for your money.

There are many companies that promise the best auto loan deals in order to get you in the door and signed on a car contract. A financing contract for a car works very similar to other installment contracts that become amortized over a specified and predetermined time period.

When someone goes to give their application and personal history of their credit to a lender, the lender will determine how he/she should underwrite the individual's loan as well as calculate an interest rate. If the person's credit history is pretty low, the interest rate will probably be pretty high.

When your interest rate is determined, you must pay the additional increased fee for five years. If your car originally cost you $23,000, then you would have to pay $383.00 for five years based on your interest rate. Because of the increase from your interest rate, the car may not be affordable.

It is good to have liquidated funds that will go toward your new car when the contract starts, for you will be able to save money on interest charges due to equity being in your purchase. It will help you a great deal if you tried to pay off the charges as soon as you get them so that you can save even more money. The interest is increased on a monthly basis, so you will probably want to pay it off right away.

You may think that you are done with handing out your cash after you dealt with the monthly charges and interest payments. You are wrong. You must pay car insurance so that you can have liability and comprehensive covering on the car you just bought. So, you get another monthly bill. If you want your charges in your price range, you should probably get a quote from your insurance company before buying the car.

When you buy a car, you must understand that it will lose its value eventually. Therefore, the money you pay for the interest rate could be a waste. It is important to finance less and put more money in your car to ultimately save cash in the long run.

Finding the best auto loan deals when it comes to any type of auto finance is to save in advance of your purchase. Putting money aside to purchase a car in cash is the best way to avoid costly auto loans and high interest rates.

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To find out exactly how you can get information about car insurance information visit my automotive website.

Making Auto Financing Work For You

By John Brennan

Though finding the right car is not very difficult, discovering the right car loan is. When financing the person's car or understanding the car loan, details are not the same among dealer finance departments and personal banks. Therefore, it is important to be confident with the money that is spent.

A lot of companies will encourage people to sign a car contract by offering them pretty good auto loan deals. For a car, financing and other installment contracts are actually quite similar. They are amortized throughout a certain already decided duration of time.

Once you submit your application and personal history of your credit, the lender there will underwrite your loan and determine what your interest rate should be based on your credit history. The higher the credit history, the lower the interest rate will be.

When your interest rate is determined, you must pay the additional increased fee for five years. If your car originally cost you $23,000, then you would have to pay $383.00 for five years based on your interest rate. Because of the increase from your interest rate, the car may not be affordable.

Of course, if you have liquidated funds to put toward the purchase at the start of the contract you will ultimately pay less in interest charges because you have put some equity into your purchase from the start. Since interest is compounded monthly on the balance of your note, the best of the best in auto loan deals is to put down as much money as you can, or to pay off your note earlier than the specified date. This can save you thousands of dollars in interest charges.

Your expenses for a vehicle donat begin and end with monthly payments and interest charges however. Law requires adequate car insurance, and when purchasing a new vehicle many major insurers like Allstate and Geico will require that you carry both liability and comprehensive coverage on your new car, which can mean added monthly charges as well. Getting a quote from your insurance company before you purchase is highly recommended in order to have an affordable payment in mind.

The bottom line about financing a car purchase is to remember that a care will depreciate in value over time, so the interest you are paying can be similar to throwing money away. Financing less and paying more on your car at any time during your loan is a wise move, and puts money back in your pocket.

It is very significant for the person to save their money before going out to buy a car so that discovering the right auto loan deals for any kind of auto finance becomes easier. Saving cash before the purchasing of the car is a great thing to do if the person does not want to be troubled with expensive auto loans and interest rates.

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To find out exactly how you can get information about car insurance quotes visit my automotive website.

Improve Your Credit Score, No Matter What Your Situation!

By Linda Seamore

Almost everyone can get their hands on some consumer credit; which is one of the main reasons people are falling more and more into debt. Accumulating thousands of dollars in debt is so easy, and has become all too commonplace.

Due to the fact that consumer debt is at an all-time high, more and more people want to be informed of helpful and trusted tips to rebuild credit history. Most of the time, when people hear the word "budget," they think of having to starve themselves and an almost non-existent social life. Lucky for you, having an effective plan for managing your debt and of course maintaining healthy personal credit and credit scores, by using certain types of credit cards, will definitely assist with meeting your financial goals.

For some consumers, these types of credit cards may be the main solution, because they are very effective, and some consumers aren't able to get a traditional credit card, or even open a bank account. This day and age, most households have both parents working, so that there are two incomes supporting the family, which of course means there's slim to no time for creating budgets or researching solutions for maintaining a higher credit score.

Your journey to financial freedom starts with YOU taking the first step. Let us begin first, by evaluating the positives and negatives of both the secured and the pre-paid credit cards.

1. Secured Credit Cards

Advantages- Having a secured credit card is a very easy and cost effective way to build your credit. These secured credit cards can also rebuild and improve damaged credit reports. They work exactly like a traditional credit card.

Disadvantages- One of the major issues with this type of cards, is that in order to "secure" the card, you have to deposit anywhere from $200 to $300 when you apply. This can be a pretty hefty requirement. They also have much higher interest rates (15% and up), additional fees like annual fees that may cost about $50. This card, despite its minor setbacks, is a great option for those who want to rebuild their credit.

2. Pre-Paid Credit Cards

Pros- Pre-Paid Credit Cards can be a great tool because they provide you with the freedom and flexibility of using your own cash. These cards look like real credit cards and can be used for just about any situation that requires a credit card. Instead of granting you a credit limit based on your financial standing, these accounts require you to "load" the card with your own money. Yeah, real cash. Approval for this type of card is easy and almost guaranteed, even if you have credit problems.

Negatives-This may not be the best choice if you're looking to establish or rebuild your credit. Pre-Paid cards may not report your repayment history to the credit bureaus. If the company doesn't report back on your account, this type of card, unfortunately, will not improve your credit. If you look at all of your options available, and compare cards based on your needs, you'll be just fine.

Please remember that Pre-Paid cards cannot be used in every situation. Hotel and car rental agencies, for example, may not let you use the pre-paid card to book a room or secure your rental. Just be sure to call in advance and ask about the company policy before you begin your booking.

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About the Author:

Ms. Linda Seamore is an advocate for personal safety, dedicated to teaching people how to protect their identity. After reading stacks of mail from identity theft victims, she came across www.Life Lock.com , the best in ID theft protection. Life Lock specializes in the prevention of identity theft vs. after the fact protection. Visit LifeLock and see how to protect yourself!

How to Dispute a Credit Report

By Justin Hutto

The most effective method of improving a low credit score is to dispute negative marks on your credit report. The reason this helps is because it will show a better payment history, this factor accounts for up to 35% of your score.

To dispute a mark you need to contact the bureaus and send a dispute letter. A letter must be sent to each credit bureau. Often upon receipt of your letter the bureau will respond with a letter requesting more information about the item.

This is a stall tactic the bureaus use. They have found it more cost effective to delay instead of actually investigating the dispute. It is common for people to give up at this point and continue to pay outrageous interest rates.

In time, the bureaus will investigate the mark only if another dispute letter is sent with the requested information. While investigating, the bureau will contact the lender to verify the disputed mark.

If the mark can not be verified by the lender, it must be removed from your credit report by the bureau. For the best results, we suggest you wait until the lender has received a payment for the outstanding debt. Lenders normally do not want to spend money and time validating a noncollectable debt.

For example; with a charged off credit card account once the account is sold to a collection agency the lender has no more use for it. Thus when they are contacted by the bureau they will not spend the time to verify the account.

You can you can hire a service to dispute your credit for you or create a dispute letter and dispute your credit yourself. It is simpler to get rid of a charge off once it has been sold rather than outstanding.

The benefit of a service is that you will have more options to remove a mark if it is verified. Services can; request debt validation, escalated dispute information requests, creditor direct interventions, and in extreme cases an attorney can go to court and fight on your behalf.

You credit score is a very important number. It impacts your; finances, residence, place of employment and many more. It is estimated that 25% of Americans have an error on their report and that is costing them money in higher interest rates.

In summary, by disputing your credit yourself with a dispute letter or by hiring a service to do it for you, you can remove negative items from your credit report and stop paying the high cost of bad credit.

About the Author:

For a free credit consultation call 1-866-246-7311. Additionally you can visit us for a free credit repair letter used to file a dispute with the bureaus or for info on how you can dispute Midland Credit a popular collection agency.

Buying Atlanta Condos

By J. Kim

Are you thinking about moving to Atlanta, Georgia? If your thinking about making this southern city a home, you should consider Atlanta condos. Condos are perfect for families and singles, with so many amenities one can find all they need right within the building. The weather is nice all year long and you do not have to worry about snow in the winter.

You will never be bored in Atlanta, there are plenty of things to do. You can go for a world class shopping or enjoy quiet southern night at home. You can catch the Atlanta Braves baseball games or visit the CNN Museum as well as the Olympic Park. You will never run out things to do in Atlanta. Here are some tips if your considering purchasing a Atlanta condos.

Make sure you do plenty of research, credible and legitimate website now offer many listing with photos and detail information about the property. Compare prices in Zillow.com, stay away from comparable sales prices within certain sub markets. The prices can swing wildly depending on the neighborhood you choose. But most of all, make sure you visit the property and do a thorough walk around. Contract a Realtor if you need assistance and need some advices.

Make a thorough inspection of the property, maybe visit the property in the evening. You can spot things you have not spotted during the day. Most of the Atlanta condos are safe depending on the neighborhood.

Checking out Atlanta condos for sale at night allows you a clearer picture of what the property is really like. Make sure you are fully aware of what your home is like all the time before you sign on the dotted line.

Atlanta will always be thriving, once one of the fastest growing cities in US, but with recent market downturn in housing, market has provided some opportunities. With low prices and low interest rates, right now might be just the right time to purchase.

About the Author:

Thinking about buying an Atlanta condos, please review Atlanta Condos, and Atlanta Condos

How will the new bankruptcy means test affect you?

By Josh Ramos

If you've been considering bankruptcy and have paid attention to some of the changes that have taken place recently, you may be wondering if you qualify. Some people seem to think that bankruptcy has disappeared as a option for gaining control over your debt.

Bankruptcy is still a viable option, but there are some new rules that you should be aware of. The biggest change in the bankruptcy law is something called the means test.

Many lawyers and consumers alike have questioned the recent law, stating that it is bad for consumers and only makes things more difficult for people who really need financial help. Nevertheless, the law was passed in 2005 as a result of pressure from the credit industry.

Essentially, this law tries to make it more difficult for someone to file for bankruptcy, specifically chapter seven bankruptcy where most of your debts are completely wiped out. The new law was passed in 2005, and one of the main provisions was the means test. This test tries to determine whether or not you can actually pay your debts.

Simply put, the means test tries to determine whether you make too much money (or have too few expenses) to qualify for bankruptcy. If your annual salary is unusually low when compared to other salaries in your state, then the means test does not even apply to you.

If your income is higher, however, you'll have to go through the annoying process of calculating all of your income and expenses. Based on this, the court will determine whether you can afford to pay both your necessary expenses and your consumer debt.

If you fail to qualify under the means test, you'll probably be given a payment plan under chapter 13 bankruptcy instead of simply wiping out your debt.

The good news is that many people will still qualify for bankruptcy, even though the process itself has become more complex. You simply need to have good legal advice to guide you through the difficult maze.

About the Author:

Don't let the fear of your debt take over your life. Get the facts about bankruptcy and learn how to get control of your debt. To learn more about filing bankruptcy in Texas visit us at http://personalbankruptcyquestions.org

How To Get Your Car Loan Without A Cosigner

By John Reyes

If you have bad credit it can be pretty hard to find a cosigner. There are a few companies willing to offer you a loan without a cosigner however. If you're currently having trouble finding a cosigner, these companies are the way to go. You may be required to pay a higher interest rate with these kind of loans. In many cases, a higher down payment is also necessary because of the raised risk for the lender.

If you currently have zero credit, meaning it's your first time purchasing an automobile, you're going to get it a bit easier than if you have bad credit. A lender considers zero credit less risky, because there's no previous instance of you not paying your bills. You just haven't started your credit yet. So if you are purchasing for the first time, make sure that the lender understands your credit is at zero and you do not have bad credit.

If you're considering buying a used car, you can also make use of a no cosigner car loan. Used automobiles are many times more economical than brand new cars and they are getting more popular in these difficult economic times.

If you have had problems qualifying for a car loan in the past, try the no cosigner path. Look on the Internet for providers of no cosigner loans and compare rates and terms. If you're considering buying an American car, you can negotiate about the credit rates because of the credit crunch the automobile companies are in. Do your homework and make sure you get the best achievable deal!

About the Author:

John writes about financial matters and car financing. He also writes about geld lenen auto and lenen in Dutch.

Is Diversification Going to Protect Me?

By Jan Shimano

I am not a financial adviser but I did have investments that I saw vanishing before my very eyes, and it concerned me greatly. As a person with very little investment experience, I felt the need to search for satisfactory answers.

I always find it interesting that when you diligently look for something, the answer invariably appears, and so it was with my search. I was led to a book written by Robert T. Kiyosaki called Rich Dad's Prophecy. I had read Rich Dad Poor Dad a few times, but that was the only Robert Kiyosaki book I had ever read. I immediately purchased a copy and what I learned was one of the biggest eye openers I have ever experienced.

We are all aware of the cyclical nature of the stock market. We expect it to go up, down and sideways. However, in the long term we always expect to see a gradual incline. Normally, if we were to look at a graph covering many years, we would see an upward motion. We are seeing quite a different picture these days and it is a rather frightening situation.

The first of the 75 million baby boomers in the U.S. are going to be turning age 70 by the year 2016. The U.S. has a law on the books that states that when a person reaches age 70 1/2 they have to take all their funds out of their 401k. The time to pay 'Uncle Sam' will have arrived. Just think for a moment what that is going to mean.

Literally millions of people are going to be selling off their mutual funds and stocks, because the Government tell them they have to. It's so very simple....when there are more sellers than buyers, then the market goes down. When these baby boomers sell off their mutual funds and stocks, there are not going to be that many younger people buying, to balance the sales with purchases. This is a disaster waiting to happen. I suppose the Government could step in with an amendment to the law, allowing people to keep their money in their 401k longer, but then the Government would not get their tax dollars until much later.

Even though most people realize they are in financial trouble, they don't understand the full impact. The advice they are being given is to still diversify, sit tight and ride out the storm. A great number of them seem to be following that advice, but this is what Warren Buffet says about diversification...."Diversification is a protection against ignorance. It makes very little sense for those that know what they are doing".

It's not too late to get a handle on your finances and make some intelligent decisions. Seek out the education you need to fully understand your financial position and take action now, to secure additional funds to see you through your retirement. The experts tell us that a home-based business is one of the wisest choices a person could make, especially during this economic climate. It is well known that fortunes can be made during such a time. There are many great opportunities out there. Go and find yours and take action.

About the Author:

Jan Shimano was District Manager for Health & Welfare Canada for a number of years. She was also self-employed as a Nutritional Consultant. She is presently a Business and Health Coach and operates her own internet marketing company from her residence on Vancouver Island. Jan also invites you to drop by and visit her on YouTube at www.youtube.com/1jinny

Stock Market Investing for Beginners

By Deez

There is no certain time that a person should decide on when deciding to start investing even with the the economy getting worse and worse. There is also no particular product that you start investing your time and money in. One of the best things a person can do is to analyze all the investment options that are offered and choose the one that fits you and your budget the best. The number one thing a person looking to getting started in investing could do is to first learn the stock market investing basics and get as much information as possible from different very well known sources.

The longer you spend in investing, the more you will come to know about the ins and out of investing. Beginner stock market investing is listed on tons of great website's that can help you along the way. Starting simple is one of the best things a person can do with their money when investing. It is a good idea to start investing in smaller funds first and then expand when you feel comfortable. Before investing in the stock exchange, you need to be aware that there are so many distinct avenues to acquire so make sure to choose the right one for you.

The first thing that a beginner in stock market investing should do would be to sit down and figure out what your investment goals are - be it big or small. Some questions that you may want to ask yourself are:

- Are you going to be investing short or medium term?

- Are you investing for your retirement?

- Are you investing so you will have money before you retire?

- Do you need to save for your childs college fund?

Those are just a few questions a person could ask themselves before diving right in. There are also many different types of investment accounts that you may want to start investing your money is when starting such as:

- Certificates deposit

- Brokerage Discount

- Full Service Brokerage

- 401K or 403B

- Traditional IRA (investment retirement accounts)

- Roth IRA (investment retirement accounts)

- Coverdell IRA (this usually used for educational purposes)

- 529 plans

Again those are only a sampling of what is out there for investing purposes. Make certain to take a closer look at all alternatives before beginning your investments.

Once your investment accounts are open and you have put your finances in, it is time to set off on the investing process. Some great stock tips that you may want to follow would be to:

1. Select the areas you want to invest in.

2. Make sure to choose your asset class to invest in. Such as money market accounts or CDs.

Once you have narrowed down how you want to invest then it is time to select the actual investments. Shopping around for the best rates possible on CDs will help you to gain the most money possible. It's a good idea to see which firm is offering the best deals by visiting a few brokerage firms or banks.

The most popular investment today is to trade stocks. Since you are a beginner than you will should try to start with stock mutual funds. As you near retirement age, you should begin to look into investing in Bond Funds. You can use them if you are young, but they are usually used by the older generations.

Taking the time to sit down and learn the most things about investing with benefit and make you more money than just jumping right in. It is super vital to remember that the stock market is very risky and there is no guarantee that you will make any money. Loosing what you invest is very possible.

For someone who is a beginner in stock market investing you may want to talk to a few banks or securities firms. They are staffed with tons of great people who are dying to help you. The investment market can be a very lucrative thing just take time to learn as much as possible so you will be sure to profit from it in the end.

About the Author:

Qwoter offers free investment tips and stock market advice. Whether you are still learning the stock market investment basics, or have been trading for years, you can get free stock market advice, investment tips, trading strategies and more.

Consider Credit Consolidation to Relieve Debt

By Daniel Atolben

Are you deep in debt and looking for a way out? Are you living paycheck to paycheck, paying bills late and barely scraping by? Managing your personal finances can be tough and there are many people in your same situation. There are some things you can do to help relieve your financial stress.

First off, you should try to repay your debts as you have agreed to. Work out a budget, limit your spending and as you pay off your credit cards, don't spend on them. If you've maintained good credit then see if you can ask for a lower interest rate or transfer your balance to another credit card that has a lower interest rate. Some may offer you a limited time at a low or zero interest which may be what you need to get ahead of your payments.

Look at ways to increase your income. Think about taking up a temporary job to supplement your income. Consider downsizing your lifestyle so you can have more spending money. If you're making payments on your car, then think about selling it and buy a used, dependable one. Think about getting a roommate or moving to a smaller apartment. If you can generate just a few hundred dollars a month then you can bring down your debt in no time.

Getting a debt consolidation loan is an option that is attractive even if you're not in financial peril. This type of loan will pay off your other debts, offer you a lower average interest rate and give you one monthly bill. A debt or credit consolidation loan can be fairly easy to get if you have equity in your home and have a decent credit history.

Another, less desirable option is debt negotiation. With debt negotiation, you or a third party negotiates with your lenders for a lower interest rate, extended payments, and/or lower monthly payments. By doing this, you can afford your monthly bills and you'll have fewer worries. This comes at a price, however. Your credit cards will be frozen until your debt is clear and your credit report will be adversely affected.

There are debt negotiation services available to help you. They usually charge you a monthly service fee but they can help you get your debt under control. They advertise in the phonebook and on the internet. Be wary of ones that sound too good to be true. No one can just erase debt with no repayment unless it's through bankruptcy.

If you don't know the best option for your financial situation then get help from a credit counseling service in your area. They are usually non-profit or not-for-profit so their fees are nominal and they offer you a free consultation. Not only will they help negotiate debt settlement but they can also help you plan out a budget. You can soon be on your way to relieving debt and ending your financial burdens.

About the Author:

Daniel Atolben pens principally for http://www.debtania.com , an online publication on the topic of how to negotiate with creditors and how to negotiate debt settlement within creditors. His abstracts on negotiating settlements within creditors can be found on his site .

Credit Cards the Search for Small Business

By Dewey Finn

Small business credit cards were designed to help those families and individuals who often have difficulty getting their credit lines required when operating their own business. Owning a small business sparks major interest these days with the banks and those with bad credit who are considered risky candidates for credit lines, may still be eligible for a credit card.

In this article, we are going to review some of the credit cards for small business, what they offer and why some cards are not your best options.

Tips on Finding the Best card for your Business Credit needs?

There are many businesses today battling the problems of obtaining the items they need to operate their business. There is sometimes a shortage on cash flow and they will need to get necessities for their company.

When this is a problem, a business type credit card may be the right answer. This is a way a business can get the financial help they need so they do not loose out on the things that are important for turning an profit. A credit card is a great way to finance the things you need when there is no extra cash available.

There are many basic supplies and business needs to make things happen. They need paper, software, raw materials, equipment, and many other things crucial to their business success. When something is required, a business rewards credit card can be the answer so that they are not missing out on great opportunities in purchasing but also earn points with their card.

A credit card should be a smart financial decision. You need to make sure you are getting a card with a good interest rate. You will not want to pay a fortune in interest rates when you are trying to get started or keep running with great expectations.

With the right credit card, any company can get to where they need to go and have no worries. When you do use a business card for credit, it is important to make sure you pay down the balance on the card each month.

You do not want to allow the balance to grow too high and become unmanagable as each month goes by aand the unpaid balance grows higher and higher. It can be impossible to pay off as you would like and this can be force a financial crisis in your business.

It is important when comparing credit card offers for business to read the fine print. You will want to get one that fits your business needs, low-interest and reduce your risk. There is nothing wrong with taking your time and making the best business and financial decision for your needs. You will want a high credit limit with a low rate of interest to keep your business going with a great success rate.

Operating your small business these days definitely requires credit and that usually means a card. We have researched thousands of offers and tops among all recommendations is paying off your outstanding balance completely each month.

American Express Business cards allow you to earn points and can be Free of any fees along with no pre-set spending limit or finance Charges. Another advantage is the discounts with FedEx, Delta, Courtyard by Marriott, and others.

About the Author:

For those seeking assistance with the best offers on business credit cards learn more at creditsnacks.com Now!

What is a Bond? Start here...

By Graham McKenzie

You already have a bond so what do you need a second one for? Simple, you have ideas of expanding or renovating the property and you once again need assistance from the bank. Banks are always willing to help, just know that they will likely charge a high down payment once again.

Banks want to lend money. In fact, it's one of their primary ways they stay in business and a founding pillar. Holding bonds allow the bank to make a long-term profit. It also allows the bank to own property until the lender has fully paid off the loan.

The bank holds stipulations for individuals wishing to purchase property. For example, the individual must put down a cash deposit against the purchase of property. Generally the buyer must meet a minimum of 30% of what the property is worth.

The recent mortgage disaster stems from banks becoming way too lenient in the way they do business, reducing those restrictions sometimes entirely. Unfortunately too many people got over their heads in debt and have ruined the bond process for everyone else.

Banks now offer bonds only on strict restrictions, including the minimum 30% equity on the property. The banks do this because they need to assure they will recover the total sum of the bond in case the buyer cannot meet the payments.

Bonds are intended for the long-term. Once again the bank makes a profit because of these long-term investments, which means the bank will never offer a mortgage lower than ten years. The more common and popular age of a bond, ranges from twenty to thirty years.

The bank also tends to frown upon second bonds that are intended to help release some capital on the property to a struggling business or to support your own, especially if you are looking to start the business from scratch.

If you meet the bond's criteria, have a stable job and ample income, the bond is probably only a signature or two away. Just make sure allow the bank plenty of time to examine the bond request and you think it through intensely.

About the Author:

Graham McKenzie is the content syndication manager at BondCredit.co.za South Africans leading Bond Originator

Managing a Homeloan during the Recession and Avoiding Foreclosure

By Tom Martens

If you are struggling to pay your home loan during a recession, you need to take action as soon as possible. First, contact your lender and let them know of your difficulty in making your monthly payment. Do this before you fall behind on your monthly payments.

You can protect your credit rating, and your lender has more options and power to help you if you contact them before you fall behind on payments. Waiting and falling behind on your monthly home loan payments is not a good idea.

Contacting the lender before you get behind shows the lender you are serious about keeping your home and paying your home loan, and the lender is more likely to work with homeowners who are serious about protecting their home, their finances and their good credit.

Ask your lender if they have any programs that can help ease the burden of making home loan payments during a recession. These include modifying the current home loan, reducing your interest rate or even deferring your monthly payment. There are options available, but you have to communicate with your lender and be prepared to negotiate. You might want to do some research on available programs before you contact your home loan lender to negotiate.

But you cannot expect the bank to do their part and for you to just sit back and do nothing. Studying your monthly budget and cut unnecessary expenses. This is a difficult process, but there is a number of ways you can cut your monthly budget.

Search the house and find items you no longer want, use, or need. Sell those items online, through a garage sale, or at a pawn shop. The extra money can be assigned to loan repayment.

Still falling short on monthly payments? Contact a credit counseling service. The credit counseling service will negotiate on your half with the lender, and rework the loan payments. Credit counselors are extremely knowledgeable and insightful in a time of need.

Managing your monthly home loan payments during a recession is a nightmare, but one you can wake up from. Talk to your lender, cut your expenses, and find ways for extra income.

The fear or losing your home is becoming more real in this time of an economic crisis. However, all is not lost! Stay in close communication with the lender, do your part to cut back expenses, and consult a credit counseling service if all else fails. Your home is very important to you and your family, perhaps your most important asset. Do not fear losing it any longer.

About the Author:

Tom Martens is the content coordinator for South Arica?s leading Homeloans portal which amongst others offers Bond origination services for all major banks.

Are Virtual Credit Cards Better Than Physical Cards?

By Kermil J. Fogarth

Having recently received the credit card bill for a card that has not been activated since I received it several months ago, I was surprised to find charges on the bill. Somehow I managed to use this unactivated card to sign up for a monthly MLM deal, purchase travel from hotwire and a train ticket as well. As I said, this card has been in my wallet with the little sticker to call this number from my home phone to activate it, for over seven months! But the charges didn't start until November. How could this have been prevented?

Throw away card numbers - virtual card numbers - can be of some use when shopping online but I doubt they would have prevented what happened to me. In my case, the thief had somehow determined my name and correct card information. If you want to use virtual card numbers for online shopping protection that is fine, just don't be lulled into a false sense of security. They wouldn't have protected me since I wasn't even using the card to make physical purchases.

Just like using a disposable camera instead of your expensive camera while you are traveling to protect from loss or damage, you can use a virtual card to prevent loss when purchasing online. With a virtual credit card number, the number is discarded after one use.

As credit card fraud is so widespread we are no longer surprised by it which means the card companies are looking for some method to deal with their costs. This means they must do so without inconveniencing the ability of the consumer to make purchases online and in person while at the same time protecting vital information. Many would say that the use of virtual credit cards may well be the solution to the problem.

Virtual card numbers are used for online purchases the same way regular credit cards are but the number is only temporary. The number is generated on demand and issued as a replacement for the actual card number to be used for a short time period. Personal information is not sent to the vendor and these numbers may be single use or they may be used for multiple purchases for a limited time before the number becomes invalid.

Protecting the real number from felonious use is the objective with virtual numbers. Should a computer hacker gain access to credit card data from a secure processing center, your account number would be protected. When they attempted to use your virtual number they would be denied credit.

You expect that your card information is safe and secure at secure sites during your purchase. There is however the possibility that an employee of an online merchant could sell credit card information to criminals. While this in itself is a criminal act some people are willing to do anything if the payoff is high enough and there is little chance of them being caught.

The biggest benefit of virtual card numbers is protecting your private information online. The subsequent use of such a number results in denial of credit. If you are used to making several purchases online with your credit card per month then you may see a real benefit from the use of a virtual credit card. This will assure all your transactions are secure and your information is protected.

About the Author:

Kermil J. Fogarth has extensive finance information available at his website. For more tips on protecting your credit.

Car Insurance Tips for Senior Citizens

By Tom Martens

Who is a senior citizen is a question that gets different answers from different people. But no matter how you define "senior," it is still necessary to maintain adequate insurance coverage, especially if you drive. While car insurance is a heavy expense for many seniors, there are many ways to lower costs while maintaining the right amount of coverage for your individual financial situation. Auto insurance is required for every one who drives, of course, regardless of age.

Sit down with an insurance agent, in person, and get a thorough review of your policy. Make very sure that your coverage still fits your needs. If you drive more, as in taking a long vacation to take advantage of falling gas prices, you might need more coverage. If you are driving less, it might be possible to get the coverage you need for a lower premium and save money while staying properly protected.

If you also maintain home and life insurance, consider getting all your policies from the same company. This practice is called bundling, and it is a good way to lower your premiums on all your policies. Bundling also makes paying easier, since you only have to keep track of bills from a single insurance provider. If you bundle all your policies, it is also possible to arrange a single due date, or staggered due dates, making it easier to pay premiums on a fixed income.

Ask your insurance provider if they offer senior citizen discounts. Many providers also offer discounts to members of certain groups, like AARP, or other clubs or organizations. If there is more than one driver in your household, ask if there are discounts for multiple drivers or multiple vehicles.

If you don?t want coverage, or you don't need it, don't buy it. It's not unusual for companies to try to sell you riders to your policy that are not really necessary, but cost you a lot of money. Don't let any salesperson pressure you into buying something you do not want or need. If you tell the agent you are not interested in the coverage and they insist you buy it anyway, then look for another insurance company.

It's also essential not to buy any coverage you do not understand. Ask questions and let the broker explain coverage until you do understand. There is no reason to be afraid or embarrassed if it takes several explanations for you to get something. Insurance is a complicated business. Also, be sure to get any promise in writing. Look over contracts carefully. Don't sign anything you don't like, didn't expect, or don't understand.

Finally, if you are not satisfied with your insurance provider, shop around and get new insurance quotes. Make sure your needs are met and that you have the insurance coverage you need without breaking your budget. Even if you are satisfied, it never hurts to shop around to see if you can get a better deal elsewhere.

No matter what your insurance requirements, be sure you always deal with a licensed insurance agent. He or she can examine your situation and offer you coverage that meets your individual insurance needs, as well as answer any questions.

About the Author:

Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica?s leading car insurance portal.

Mortgage Refinance Now 2009

By Sara Vlazny

The rising unemployment rate, and a shrinking U.S. economy, has struggling consumers looking for relief through Mortgage Refinance. A smaller amount of buyers seeking new loans and those seeking lower monthly payments on current Loans, are currently raising the number of applications. The percentage increase ending January 9, 2009, includes both mortgage refinance and purchase loans. This happens to be the highest combined percentage increase since 2003.

The purchase market shows growth much slower than that of the refinance market, but everyone is hoping the low mortgage rates will create demand for new Mortgage applications. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage refinance applications rose from 79.8 to 85.3 the previous week, which is the highest jump for the Refinance sector since the early 90's.

Everyone is hoping the low mortgage rates will spike demand for new Mortgage applications, even though the purchase market shows slower growth than the refinance market. The Mortgage Refinance sector will show an increase in applications due to the weakening economy as consumers continue looking for ways to reduce their expenditures.

With a good part of the World watching and anticipating positive change in a situation some call, "the worst housing downturn since the Great Depression", there seems to be little sign of recovery even with a significant rise in applications for Mortgage Refinance.

The World is watching and waiting for positive change in a situation some have called, the worst housing downturn since the Great Depression. There seems to be little sign of recovery even with a significant rise in applications for Mortgage Refinance so it is hard to tell what is going to happen over the next 6 months to a year. We have to rely on Government proposals and plans for right now.

People will not be comfortable with the way the housing market shows instability, no matter how low the interest rates are, if job security is in question, it will directly affect income and individual ideas about spending. In order to benefit from low mortgage rates or a Mortgage Refinance, these factors have to be

The 30 year mortgage rates in this Nation dramatically declined in November of 2008, when the Federal Reserve announced its plan to buy approximately $500 billion worth of mortgage securities that were backed by Fannie, Ginnie and Freddie. The Federal Government, prompted by the dive of the finance market, has made a commitment to keep consumers borrowing costs down through the purchase of mortgage-backed securities. As for Mortgage Refinance, now is a great time to lock in at a low rate since we know rates will not stay down forever.

Requests for loans are up 200 percent from two months ago according to one online real estate service company. Companies offering mortgage services say they are working hard to handle the increase in work load from the dramatic increase in applications for Mortgage Refinance. Some mortgage companies happily predict a continuation over the next few months, on average, given the mortgage rates will remain low.

About the Author:

This article is brought to you by the experts at EFD Commercial Investments Inc. For more free information about loan refinance, visit their Mortgage Refinance page.

Forbearance explained

By Matt Golski

Many people are struggling to pay their mortgage payments. Foreclosure is looming in a lot of households. That's why it's important to know about forbearance.

When trying to avoid foreclosure, you can offer your lender a special agreement. This agreement, called a forbearance agreement, can help you avoid foreclosure by offering the lender a payment plan over a period of time. It's not uncommon that people suddenly get hit by financial hardship, or have problems paying their mortgage because if circumstances beyond their control. That's when a forbearance agreement is the right solution.

If you look at it from the lender's viewpoint, you understand that when he sees bills piling up and debt rising, he is inclined to initiate the foreclosure process. You can offer your lender a forbearance agreement before this happens. This means that he delays his right to use foreclosure measures, if you make a certain amount of payments in a certain amount of time. You have to decide, together with your lender, what timeframe and payment plan is reasonable. This saves the lender a lot of stress and can save you from foreclosure.

Forbearance should only be used when your financial problems are of a temporary nature. Of you don't see your financial situation get better anytime soon, forbearance is not for you. If this is your situation, you will be better off by going the mortgage loan modification route.

When thinking over mortgage loan modification, solicit the help of a professional mortgage loan modification company. You will quickly find that not all lenders are happy to help you with the paperwork involved. Do your due diligence when seeking a professional mortgage loan modification company, because there are a lot of unqualified, money hungry people out there, offering their so called services for big upfront payments. Save yourself a lot of stress and money and go for a reputable company in this area.

About the Author:

Matt is a professional mortgage advisor. He likes to write about mortgages and financial matters. He writes articles in English about mortgage and finance, and in Dutch about rente aflossingsvrije hypotheek and aflossingsvrije hypotheken.

Get A Piece Of The Bailout Action When Buying Your New Car

By James Drake

Now may be your chance for affordable auto financing. Want a piece of the federal bailout action? GMAC is making auto loans simpler to get by loosening up the credit standard on car loans.

We all know the US automobile industry is in trouble. Huge labor costs, bad cars and millions of dollars wasted every day. Now, add to that a difficult credit environment for automobile financing and what you get is the current situation.

The situation got so severe that the government interposed. They bailed out the incompetent automakers and gave cash to GM and Chrysler. Some say it's money down the drain, but regardless of the effectiveness of these measures, one thing is certain: getting a automobile loan just got simpler!

Minimum credit score requirements are lowered by GMAC. Before, if you had bad credit, it was difficult to get a car loan. These days, things are much easier. It's even possible to get a car loan with a credit score under 700 now.

GMAC is trying to find a balance between responsible credit standards while selling as many cars as possible. They do not want to make the same mistake that caused the subprime mortgage crisis. This way, the money they get from the federal government flows back to the US citizens.

General Motors will practice aggressive auto financing promotions in the coming months. Zero percent interest financing will not be an exception, because they have to make up a lot of ground. If you had problems before getting a car loan, your position just got much better. Check to see if you can snatch a piece of the bailout action when buying your new car.

About the Author:

James writes about financial matters and car financing. He also writes about geld lenen voor auto and geld lenen voor auto in Dutch.

Trading Of Options Outperforms Stock Trading Courses

By Walter Fox

No stock trading course could prepare the stock trader for the extremely volatile market we have experienced in the last year. Large stocks were pummeled by the erratic up and down motions of the market indices and the smaller, weaker stocks were demolished.

Unlike the best stock trading courses, a stock option course will show you how to benefit from the down turns in the markets. You read that correctly- with the knowledge gained from taking an options trading course you can benefit when the market looses.

Using the two basic stock option methods will allow the options trader to benefit more with less risk of capital than the stock trader is able. The call options are the easiest to understand. To put it simply, the value of the call option goes up as the value of the stock goes up.

At their core, call options are coupons that give you the right, but not the obligation, to buy a stock at a certain price for a limited amount of time. In this way, you can trade call options for their inherent value, or you can buy them as a way to purchase your favorite stocks at a relative discount.

Call options are often referred to as 'surrogates' for stocks because you can benefit from the upward movement of a stock at a fraction of the price. However, the often overlooked profit player is a put option, which is also based on an underlying stock and increases in value when that stock goes down. You can also trade put options for the value they carry inherently, but they also afford you the right, but not the obligation, to sell a stock at a set price. That means you can sell a low-valued stock at a premium price.

You can also use put options as a form of insurance for the stocks you own. For example, if you purchase 100 shares of a $10 stock you spend $1,000. If the price drops to $5 per share then you lost $500. If you purchased a single $10 put option for those same 100 shares and the price fell to $5 per share, then you will have the right to sell the $5 shares for $10 each, thus negating your loss.

The saying 'buy low and sell high' has been around for almost as long as the stock market and this was an effective message when the daily volatility of market was supported by the fundamentals- which has not been the case for the past year. These large daily swings would stress the stock trader but allow the options trader to profit from them.

With even the most basic brokerage account, online option trading can generate a windfall of profits whether the market swings up, down or all around by allowing you to trade call and put options. What's more is that options are available for all of the major indices and many exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, as well. This means you can play an entire sector or index for a lot less money. Don't be limited by the strategies in your stock trading course a" expand your portfolio to options and expand your opportunities!

About the Author:

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

Consider Credit Consolidation to Relieve Debt

By Daniel Atolben

Are you deep in debt and looking for a way out? Are you living paycheck to paycheck, paying bills late and barely scraping by? Managing your personal finances can be tough and there are many people in your same situation. There are some things you can do to help relieve your financial stress.

First off, you should try to repay your debts as you have agreed to. Work out a budget, limit your spending and as you pay off your credit cards, don't spend on them. If you've maintained good credit then see if you can ask for a lower interest rate or transfer your balance to another credit card that has a lower interest rate. Some may offer you a limited time at a low or zero interest which may be what you need to get ahead of your payments.

Look at ways to increase your income. Think about taking up a temporary job to supplement your income. Consider downsizing your lifestyle so you can have more spending money. If you're making payments on your car, then think about selling it and buy a used, dependable one. Think about getting a roommate or moving to a smaller apartment. If you can generate just a few hundred dollars a month then you can bring down your debt in no time.

Getting a debt consolidation loan is an option that is attractive even if you're not in financial peril. This type of loan will pay off your other debts, offer you a lower average interest rate and give you one monthly bill. A debt or credit consolidation loan can be fairly easy to get if you have equity in your home and have a decent credit history.

Another, less desirable option is debt negotiation. With debt negotiation, you or a third party negotiates with your lenders for a lower interest rate, extended payments, and/or lower monthly payments. By doing this, you can afford your monthly bills and you'll have fewer worries. This comes at a price, however. Your credit cards will be frozen until your debt is clear and your credit report will be adversely affected.

There are debt negotiation services available to help you. They usually charge you a monthly service fee but they can help you get your debt under control. They advertise in the phonebook and on the internet. Be wary of ones that sound too good to be true. No one can just erase debt with no repayment unless it's through bankruptcy.

If you don't know the best option for your financial situation then get help from a credit counseling service in your area. They are usually non-profit or not-for-profit so their fees are nominal and they offer you a free consultation. Not only will they help negotiate debt settlement but they can also help you plan out a budget. You can soon be on your way to relieving debt and ending your financial burdens.

About the Author:

Concentrating on latest news in how to negotiate within creditors, Daniel Atolben is publishing at large for http://www.debtania.com . You can learn about his articles on negotiating settlements within creditors and how to negotiate debt settlement amongst creditors here.

Choosing Finance Accounting Software For Home Or Small Business

By Steve Russell

Whether you are just looking for help to keep your home finances in order, so that you can keep track of your expenses and what paid out each month, or whether you run a large business with several employees, you will find finance accounting software that will be sure to suit your needs.

If you are looking for home accounting software, you will probably be okay with the more basic programs, as these will enable you to add in figures for all of your expenses, make a note of when you pay them, keep a check on any monies you earn and any other basic accounting you may need.

For the small business you will want some reporting facilities available within your finance accounting software, but even the lower cost basic packages have some reporting availability.

Basically for the smaller business you will want your finance accounting software to have options to keep control of your bank accounts, to issue invoices for work you have done so that you can be paid, to be able to keep a record of which bills you need to pay, and when you need to pay them. There are many home accounting software options available to you, and these will possibly have all the functions needed for a small business, especially if you are working from home.

The basic accounting package should have these core elements, with the more advanced packages having the core elements as well as extras.

If your business has employee, then check out the more professional accounting software packages like Peachtree or Quickbooks. These will allow you to keep records of salaries that your staff have been paid, as well as necessary deductions.

As with any business, it is always important to keep a close eye on your finances, which is an added bonus with accounting software. At any time, with just a few key presses, you should be able to see just how your business is doing. You will be able to pull up all invoices issued but not paid so you can keep track of the late payers. You will also be able to see what bills need to be paid so you can make sure you keep all your payments correct and and get your suppliers paid on time.

The more professional software packages for accounts allow you to keep your stock levels recorded. This can be especially useful if you are in the retail business.

Business accounting software will come with many handy functions. So if you are doing the bookkeeping yourself you should find that any accounting software will make your life easier with less hassle when you go to do the month end procedures. Likewise if you get your bookkeeping sourced by someone else you might consider looking into doing it yourself with the help of an accounting package and save yourself some money.

Do not be intimidated by the thought of doing the bookkeeping yourself. There are plenty of accounting books to help you with the training that you need. Two of the largest suppliers of business and home software, Intuit and Sage, provide well written and easy to understand manuals. You should also be able to find separate training courses that are reasonably priced so learning the accounts package you choose shouldn't be a problem.

About the Author:

For both your business and personal needs visit Finance Accounting Software and get tips on professional accounting software as well as home accounting software.