Now Your Signature Will Get You Loans: Signature Loans

Signature loans have redefined the loan lending process. To avail signature loans, borrowers need not pledge their assets against the lending amount. Based on a signed activation letter, these loans are offered. In this loan option, borrowers’ signature acts as a security, on basis of which the loan is provided. Signature loans are also known as character loans.

By availing signature loans, a borrower can fulfill various purposes. Some of them are like, home improvement, debt consolidation, education, vacation and so on.

As signature loans, a borrower can borrow up to £10,000. Depending on the circumstance, the amount can hike up to £15,000. But remember, most of the time, based on the borrowers’ repayment ability, the loan amount is decided. However, generally these loans are offered for 5 years.

Usually, signature loans are designed for those borrowers, who have a good credit history. A perfect credit history along with an active credit report is the desired requirement for signature loans. Since, these loans are offered on the basis of a signature, hence, a borrower with a good credit history get the assurance about the availability of these loans. Besides, a profit generated business; having a good credit can easily apply for signature loans. Furthermore, a company, having good management skill, can avail loans on the basis of signature.

Though, a good credit score acts positively in case of availing signature loans, but it does not signify that these loans are not availed for a bad credit scorer. There is also a possibility of bad credit signature loans. A borrower can apply for signature loans, despite having bad credit score. Due to bad credit score, these loans are offered to a bad credit scorer at a higher interest rate. The higher interest rate may not be suitable with borrowers’ financial condition. In that case, they can get some relaxation on the interest rate by shopping for a better deal. All types of bad credit scorers can apply for signature loans. It includes CCJs, IVAs, bankruptcy, defaults, arrears and so on. A borrower, suffering from bad credit score can repair his credit score by availing signature loans. When he will pay off his debts on time, it will be shown in his credit report and ultimately he can alleviate his bad credit score.

A brimful of benefits is available with signature loans. By availing these loans, borrowers can arrange cash through an easy and convenient way. These loans can be used for multiple purposes. In addition, in this option, borrowers need not face the fear of collateral repossession.

About the Author:

Amanda Thompson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from CPIT. To find signature loans, debtconsolidation loan, cheap rates, personal loans, secured loans, unsecured loan at cheap rates that best suits your needs visit http://www.chanceforloans.co.uk

Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Read More......

How To Remove Unauthorized Credit Inquiries From Your Credit Reports

by David Faulkner

A credit inquiry is done to verify who received your credit reports and when. The credit agencies do keep a complete track of who received your credit statement and for what purpose. Some inquiries do reduce your credit score, but not in all cases. Some inquires which are not a problem are Inquiries regarding court orders, Order of your own credit report from authorities, applying for a job, applying for home owner's, auto or rental insurance etc. Inquiries that do have a negative effect on your credit score are applying for a government license, allowing someone to access your credit, collection of debts. The credit score is calculated not only keeping in view the current unpaid bills but the complete account history and accordingly they analyze whether their money with you is safe or not and what more can be offered to you. How much can a credit inquiry lower your credit scores?

Knowing that the credit inquiries have an adverse effect you will definitely try and evaluate what actually the results are. There is no correct answer to this but one can make an assumption. Age factor comes into play here. A person with 60 years of credit history will be placed differently as compared to a beginner. Someone who has already faced a financial crisis will be treated differently. According to the studies, approximately 12 points are lost in case of bankruptcy.

Unauthorized Inquiry

This is the case when somebody tries to access your report without your consent. These inquiries have the worst effect on credit scores, so they must be handled seriously and tactfully. If somebody tries to get inquiry of your account you can write to the authorities asking for a proof. If they are unable to provide results you can post a conflict. You can even sue the company in case they are not able to provide you with proofs. All you have to do is make three copies of a dispute letter and mail it to all the credit reporting agencies. Then the authorities will need to act accordingly, inquire the lender and let you know about all the details. In case the authorities fail to send to a complete report (called as 'willful noncompliance), they are in trouble but this doesn't happen a lot especially in the case of reputed companies.

Remedies to inquiry disputes

In case you report a dispute to the company and they fail to respond back and clarify their point, then you have all the reasons to sue the company. One must keep a few things in mind before going on with this step like keeping a track of your credit scores just before the incident and after it. This will definitely help you claim the damages clearly and strongly. Say your disputed inquires cause you a reduction in your credit score from 580 to 568, the authorities will have to pay for it if you are able to prove their default in the case. Even the company itself can track back the complete information but its better for you to keep all information with you before hand. So if you are looking for a way to boost credit score ratings to provide you with a much sounder financial base, you must follow the instructions.

One of the agencies has an on-line reporting system, but it is not very user friendly. The window is tiny and in order to read a sentence, you have to scroll from left to right. The best way to notify the credit bureaus of your disputes is to send them a letter. Letter writing suggestions are included in many books with credit repair tips. but you can view a perfectly usable example of a dispute letter at the Federal Trade Commission's credit website.

About the Author
You can also find more info on credit check loans and bad credit repair. Creditscorereportguide.org is a comprehensive resource to find guidness about credit score.

source:www.goarticles.com

Read More......

Open Savings Account Online and Transform Emergency Cash Into a Gold Mine

by Charles Hebert

Many of us are aware that an emergency cash reserve is a necessary component to the implementation of a successful financial success system. This cash reserve is to be used for rare emergencies, such as a sudden job loss, a broken washing machine, or serious car accident. But what if I told you that you could transform this cash reserve into a gold mine that could greatly enhance your nest egg at retirement. Would you believe me? Well, it's true! Just follow the simple steps outlined below:

1. Open Savings Account Online - The first step is to open a high interest savings account online. You can currently improve your interest rate from the local bank's rate of around 0.5% to 5.25% by using online banks such as WT Direct. To learn more about these high yield online savings accounts, visit our website, Smart Money Advocate, from the link at the end of this article. If you hold an emergency cash reserve of $10,000, you would earn an extra $475 annually. This makes for a nice sum to begin an investment program for the future.

2. Open Low Cost Brokerage Account - The next step is to open a low cost brokerage account to invest your newfound money. One terrific option is to open an account at Zecco, which stands for zero commission costs. Basically, Zecco allows you to purchase stocks for free, with zero account maintenance fees and no account minimums to get started. A truly fantastic solution! To learn more about Zecco, visit our website, Smart Money Advocate, from the link at the end of this article.

3. Invest Interest From Savings in the Stock Market - Now that our accounts are set up, we will begin a process of transferring the interest we earn on our emergency cash once a year to our low cost brokerage account, where we will purchase shares in the total stock market ETF, symbol VTI. Over the long term, VTI should return around 10% annually. This process should be repeated until you reach retirement at 65 years old.

4. Allow the Money to Compound - Now that we have our investment program started, all we need to do is watch the money grow. Not literally, and certainly not every day or every week. We just need to keep an eye on our system and continue to invest our savings in the stock market annually. To give you an idea of the potential this program offers, look over the following example. If we start this program right out of college at 22 years old and continue the program until we retire at 65, our annual $475 investment in VTI shares should grow to over $281,000! The best part is that this program does not require you to save any extra money or change your spending habits whatsoever. It only requires you to invest the superior returns you are now receiving from your emergency cash reserve in the stock market. A pretty simple process, don't you think?

In summary, your emergency cash reserve can be converted into a true gold mine by following four simple steps:
(1) open savings account online with high yield,
(2) open low cost brokerage account that allows purchase of stocks and ETF's,
(3) invest the earned interest from your savings account in the stock market, and
(4) allow compound interest to work for you.
Over the course of your working years, this invested money will accumulate into a substantial sum. So start the process of securing your financial future today, and allow compound interest to begin working for you.

About the Author

Charles Hebert shares his views on personal finances from his website, Smart Money Advocate, which advocates simple strategies for achieving financial success.

source:www.goarticles.com/

Read More......

Model Definition Of Exclusions In Critical Illness Insurance

quote

The Association of British Insurers had also published model definitions for exclusions in critical illness cover. Some common exclusions found in many critical illness policies are as follows: Aviation, criminal acts, drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, failure to follow medical advice, hazardous sports and pastimes, self inflicted injury, living abroad and war and civil commotion. Let’s have a look at the definitions for the above exclusions in critical illness cover.

Aviation
Taking part in any flying activity, other than as a passenger in a commercially licensed aircraft.

Criminal acts
Taking part in a criminal act.

Drug abuse
Alcohol or solvent abuse, or the taking of drugs except under the direction of a registered medical practitioner.

Failure to follow medical advice
Unreasonable failure to seek or follow medical advice.

Hazardous sports and pastimes
Taking part in (or practising for) boxing, caving, climbing, horse-racing, jet skiing, martial arts, mountaineering, off-piste skiing, pot-holing, power-boat racing, under-water diving, yacht racing or any race, trial or timed motor sport.

HIV/AIDS
Infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or conditions due to any Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Living abroad
Living outside of the European Union for more than 13 consecutive weeks in any 12 months.

Self-inflicted injury
Intentional self-inflicted injury.

War and civil commotion
War, invasion, hostilities (whether war is declared or not), civil war, rebellion, revolution or taking part in a riot or civil commotion.

When you are on the verge of taking out a critical illness cover, check out for these exclusions in your policy documents. Anything you miss to read from your critical illness policy may affect your lump sum. If you are suffering from HIV/AIDS for example, you may not be able to get a critical illness cover. Some insurance companies might accept you as a critical illness policy holder but you could be more likely to pay high premium amounts. Less insurance companies might accept to give cover to people who have formed part in any one of these exclusions.

While exclusion can stop you from having a payout, non disclosure of certain factors about your present health or health history can also do so. As per, Critical illness News update, May 2007, a total of around 1566 critical illness claims could have been reviewed. Out of this, 80 percent of claims, that is, about1257 critical illness claims could have been paid. More precisely, approximately 309 claims therefore remained unpaid. Of this, nearly 9 percent could have been rejected due to not meeting policy definitions while about 11 percent could have been declined due to non disclosure.

Non disclosure means not revealing about certain aspects concerning your health. Before you take out critical illness cover, your insurers would ask you questions. These questions could be concerning these exclusions listed above or even if members of your family had suffered from any common disease. If your answer did not comply with the critical illness insurance company standards, you could be made to undergo medical tests. It is only after having a close look at the results that your insurers would decide to give you cover or not. Many insurance companies carry out this procedure because inherited critical illness may affect every member of a family.

Every person that takes out critical illness cover may have in mind that the payout is obtained hassle free one day. It could be devastating to know that your critical illness claim has been rejected after so many years of contribution. The worse thing is that many insurance companies may not refund this hard earned money. As a precaution to avoid such dilemmas to crop in the future, the bottom line remains that you should read may be everything from start to finish in your critical illness policy.

For more information about life insurance and critical illness insurance please visit www.unbeatablelifeandcriticalinsurance.co.uk.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_206232_19.html

Read More......

Seven Steps of the Loan Process

Ki Gray

The first time you are getting a loan, it can be confusing what all is needed and how to start. This outlines the steps to getting a loan from picking a lender to closing.

1) Picking a Lender.
Comparing lenders can be daunting. All the components of a loan including the interest rate, origination fee, points, and other miscellaneous fees are hard to sort through. Fortunately, you can get the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) from each lender for each of their programs. The APR is basically an interest rate calculated with the base interest rate plus all the closing costs, so basically, if you have zero closing costs, then the interest rate and the APR will be equal. Zero closing costs would be great, but it is typical to have an origination fee of about 1%, credit application fees, document preparation fees, and the appraisal fee. When comparing rates, the lower the interest rate, the less interest you will pay over the life of the loan. When comparing the APRs, you are comparing the interest rate plus the closing costs. This is helpful because some quoted interest rates may seem low until you realize that the lender is charging you a point (1% of sales price) for that better rate. If you are comparing APRs as well as interest rates, the APR will show as being much higher than anything without points.

There are of course other reasons to weigh in when choosing a lender. Local lenders tend to know the local real estate market better and are familiar with the state laws for lending. Having a responsive and reliable lender is always invaluable because you are going to count on your lender to get you through the underwriting process in a timely manner.

2) Deciding which type of loan is best for you.
To figure out what loan program fits your needs, a lender is a helpful guide. You can speak with one to get a grip on what programs might work and then call around for rates for that program from other lenders. In general, the different type of loans are: 30 year fixed, 15 year fixed, and ARMs (adjustable rate mortgages). The fixed rate loan programs have the monthly payments fixed. The ARMs are typically fixed for a certain amount of time and then adjusts along with the prime. For example, a 5 year ARM has a fixed interest rate (and hence monthly payments) for 5 years and adjusts for the remainder of the loan life. Most of the ARMs are amortized over 30 years, which means the monthly payments are calculated as if you are paying the loan off in 30 years. So, in the 5-year ARM case, the interest rate will adjust for 25 years. Most people refinance or sell the property before the 5 years are up so that they do not have to deal with the adjusting interest rate. This real estate calculator is a good starting point to calculate the different scenarios.

3) Submitting your mortgage application.
Once you have picked your lender, you will submit your loan application. This is usually personal information including your social security number, salary, recurring debt, and savings. They pull your credit score and figure out your debt-to-income ratio. With these two pieces of information, they can find which loan programs you qaulify for and which might work best for you.

4) Getting a Pre-Approval Letter
Once you have submitted your mortgage application, you can get pre-approved. This will provide you with a letter from your lender that basically says your debt-to-income ratio and credit score qualify you for the loan program. This letter is helpful to have when you put in offers to show that you are a strong, qualified buyer. Many listing agents will advise their sellers to not even accept an offer unless it is accompanied by a letter, especially in good markets, where as a seller, you do not want to tie up a property with an unqualified buyer.

5) Processing Your Application
At this point, the application has been just the buyer's word, and now the lender will need to proof of all the income and debts you had provided, so they will ask for documentation like bank statements and w2s. These statements are verified.

6) Underwriting the Loan and Final Approval
At this point, you have found a home and want to get the loan. The lender will need
to send the house contract and your documentation to underwriting to basically give final approval. As well, the lender will have an appraisal on the property to assess its value. This ensures to them that if for some reason the property goes into foreclosure and they end up owning the property, that the value will still cover the amount owed on the loan. The lender will also need to approve the survey. This is to ensure there are no major encroachments on the property. And in addition, they sometimes require flood certificates or wood-destroying insect certificates, depending on where you are located in the country. These again ensure the property is not a disaster waiting to happen. These are all precautions the lender takes before allowing funding on a property because they want to not get stuck with a worthless asset, but it is also another assurance for the buyer that the property is decent.

7) Funding and Closing
Once the sellers and buyers have gone to closing and signed all the papers, including the Settlement Statement showing all the fees and loan amounts, this paperwork is submitted back to the lender. The lender will then double check everything was signed and give a final funding number. This number allows the funds from the lender to be released and the property is funded! The process is complete and you can now enjoy your home, just remember to make your monthly mortgage payments.

Ki Gray is an experienced broker in the Austin Texas Real Estate Market. Visit his site at Escapeso Austin Real Estate to get informed on the local Austin real estate market. His site provides descriptions of Austin neighborhoods and downtown Austin condos.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_206234_19.html

Read More......

Are The Loans Really Cheap?

Amenda

“Cheap loans available,” The title caught my attention, while I was buzzing through a traffic junction. Like any other ordinary customer, I was carried away with the word ‘cheap,’ leading me to search in detail on this particular financial assistance. Here I came face to face with various terms and conditions prescribed in relation to the loans.

Look for Loans
Any loan is called a cheap loan, when they carry a tag of less interest. The growth of financial market along with its openness and expansion has brought many players into the field. The growth of competition has always induced the loan proving institutions and banking organisations to market their product with the caption “cheap one available,” alluring customers towards them. But obviously, the true colour come out once, you are near to it.

Loans are in simple words financial assistance at the needy time. When you are ready to pay any interest for the financial assistance, and you come across a board claiming of taking no interest for the financial service, it’s sure that you will go for it. But do they keep their words?

Do Cheap Loans Exist?
Anything can be called cheaper only after comparing it with some other thing of the same kind. Here, as there exist many loan suppliers, each tending to over cover the other, there are chances of providing them at a cheaper price. But care should be taken on many aspects. From the outer view, things may look simple. But going deep into conditions may reveal various hidden problems. In most cases, the company use to charge higher than the prescribe interest rates. To avoid such embarrassing situations, care should be taken.

It should always note that no financial institution can exist by providing loans at such a lower rate. Therefore any claim of such an exaggerated ‘cheap loans’ should never taken seriously. Every detail of the terms and conditions of interest rates should be clarified before opting for the same.

About The Author: The author is a business writer specializing in finance and credit products and has written authoritative articles on the finance industry. He has done his masters in Business Administration and is currently assisting Personal Loans and Cheap Personal Loans as a finance specialist.

For more loans related information please visit: http://www.ask4loan.co.uk

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_206167_19.html

Read More......

Car Insurance - Size isn't Everything

By Chris Rowlands

As with everything in life size matters, this is perhaps why some people may feel they need to compensate for their perceived shortcomings by buying the biggest most expensive looking car they can find. Of course if you are successful you may want this to reflect in your choice of car and for that I can’t blame you. If your car could sum up the sort of person you are, mine would say about me; small, practical and reliable. Leaving that worrying thought behind us and whilst I make a call to the garage to order a new much more impressive one, let us move on.

Generally most insurers follow the insurance group rating system of 1-20, 1 being the cheapest and least risky car and 20 the complete opposite. Some insurers have now also increased the top end of this scale to as much as 40 or 50, as you can imagine cars at this end of the scale would be very expensive to insure to say the least.

Up until recently the majority of cars have received their insurance group rating based on the size of their engine and the performance statistics and safety features of the vehicle. This has now been visited by a period of change in which we see grouping swinging more towards the general size and weight of the car and the damage it is likely to do to a third party. Those with large car’s such as Landrovers or similar will find their car insurance premiums rising with as much as an extra £1-200 tagged on to already expensive policies. Of course you may argue that these cars are safer to those in them but this is unfortunately not the point. When a car of this size collides with a much smaller vehicle little damage may be suffered but to the other party considerable damage and injury may be caused resulting in this type of vehicle carrying a much higher risk factor.

It has been estimated that insurance premiums will have risen by 18% by the end of this year. Add to this the increase tagged onto large vehicles such as 4x4’s and you may have an expensive motor insurance policy on your hands when it comes time for renewal.

The massive increase in the purchase of larger vehicles has burgeoned the phrase “Chelsea tractor” to give a name to this rapidly expanding group of large and more dangerous cars on our roads.

Unfortunately there’s more bad news for those of you who may have thought you were doing your bit to help the environment. Mid range Turbo diesel cars whilst regarded as generally more economical have much more pulling power (torque) than their petrol counterparts. The extra power this can deliver to an unsuspecting driver increases the risk of the vehicle being involved in an accident and therefore becomes more expensive to insure. At least this is the way the insurance companies see it regardless of the fact that the majority of diesel car owners are well aware of the performance of their vehicle.

Combine the above with the increases in motor tax set to also target the same group of drivers and it seems it is becoming more and more expensive to own a car of this size or capable of any level of performance. This is obviously the intention of the Government who seek to reduce the number of these vehicles and indeed all vehicles on the road.

Will you be targeted with car insurance premium increases due to the size and weight of your car?

Cheap motor insurance it seems is limited only to those who drive cars seen as small and sensible by the insurance companies.

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

Read More......

Expenses of Raising a Child

echo_promotions

You might be asking what it will cost you to raise your new little one. From medical expenses to loads of diapers, the cost of a child can really add up. The USDA polled parents to learn the average cost of having a child to help you and your family prepare for baby�s expenses.

Housing expenses include rent, insurance, taxes, repairs, utilities, and furnishings. Repairs, utilities, appliances and furnishings are the items that will most likely be the expenses that will increase due to the increased use with an additional family member.

Food costs include all food and beverages bought to feed your child. This also includes eating out at restaurants.

Transportation expenses include automobile insurance, gas, and automobile repairs. You will be driving your vehicle a lot more now that you have children. You will be taking the kids to school, baseball games, dance classes or other events and activities.

Clothing expenses include shoes, clothes, and diapers for the child.

Health care expenses include health insurance premiums, medical and dental expenses, medical supplies and prescriptions.

Child care and schooling expenses include daycare, baby-sitting, tuition and books and supplies for school.

Lastly, miscellaneous expenses include entertainment, personal items and books.

As you can see, the cost of raising a child can add up to be a fairly good-sized mortgage. It is great that you are planning for these expenses. One of the best ways you can plan for these expenses is by budgeting for them.

Although it will cost a good deal of money to raise your child, I am sure you will find that every penny is worth it!


As an experienced father (of eight), Chris Dunn likes writing articles relating to birth for his pregnancy website.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_206414_19.html

Read More......

Good Reasons To Use Bad Credit Credit Cards

It won't be long until the United States at long last progresses to a cashless system of purchases. Every year online buying and new payment methods are becoming a part of the American way of life. Even now it is possible to pay almost any bill online or even set up automatic payments where the account holder need not even raise a finger. While obviously this isn't yet foolproof, the convenience often outweighs any dangers that are present. The question becomes, how can a person with bad credit be apart of these new systems?

Credit cards with low APR are for the most part unavailable to consumers that have bad credit. With the nation as a whole moving into an area of poor credit however, more financial institutions are making products available for this growing market. Credit cards for bad credit are becoming more common, and the availability is quickly spreading.

These bad credit credit cards can be a decisive advantage to consumers with a poor credit history, but if managed badly can do more harm than good. While some people have bad credit as a result of unemployment or illness, most consumers simply manage their finances badly. Bad credit cards handled poorly will keep a credit rating low, or make it worse.

Bad credit cards can be used in the following ways to increase a consumer's credit rating:

Monthly Use – Make at least one purchase each month on the credit card, and pay the balance off entirely. This offers a consistent flow of credit reporting on your account. This consistency is what creditors are looking for in a good customer.

Keep a small balance – Although any financial expert worth talking too will say to pay off your credit card balances as fast as possible, there can be a benefit from carrying one. Credit companies like customers to carry a balance for obvious reasons, so they may increase your balance because of this. DO NOT carry a balance that will cause you to get behind in payments due to high APR.

Charge less than half your available credit – The more debt incurred on credit cards, the less credit worthy you are. A safe point is less than half of your available credit limit across all open credit accounts.

It has become common for creditors to sell customer accounts to other credit companies as credit worthiness changes. This may have already happened to you and you were simply unaware of why. In 2005 Providian sold off much of it's customer base to Washington Mutual. As a customer becomes more credit worthy, they become more valuable to many creditors. To make a profit, some bad credit credit companies will help customers build their credit up, and then sell them to another company. This can be a good thing for the consumer as well, as their new account will probably have better APR.

It is possible to have credit that is so bad that even companies that specialize in bad credit credit cards won't issue you a card. Once this point is reached, possibly through bankruptcy, debit cards and prepaid credit cards become the only options left. Debit cards work the same as credit cards when making a purchase for the most part, and they can't get you into any further credit problems. Prepaid cards work exactly like a credit card, however money must be deposited into the prepaid credit card account before they can be used.

With all of these options open to consumers, there something out there that will allow everyone to take part in the modern economy. With careful effort over time, even the worst credit history can be repaired.

It won't be long until the United States at long last progresses to a cashless system of purchases. Every year online buying and new payment methods are becoming a part of the American way of life. Even now it is possible to pay almost any bill online or even set up automatic payments where the account holder need not even raise a finger. While obviously this isn't yet foolproof, the convenience often outweighs any dangers that are present. The question becomes, how can a per...

Jon Norwood is a managing partner of Bad Credit Advisor, a site providing information on bad credit credit cards, prepaid debit cards, and articles on how to repair your credit history.

Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com

Read More......

Why Filing Bankruptcy Continues To Increase Over Last Year

Jon Arnold

Studies show that people filing bankruptcy by about mid-year this year so far have increased by more than 45% over the number of people filing bankruptcy last year at this same time. This is true for both personal and business bankruptcy, which may be a sign of the times and an indication of the amount of financial pressure that people find themselves in.

One of the problems seems to be that when times are briefly good, people go out and spend money on big ticket items, only to find that the slightest change in their economic picture can unbalance a budget that was not well thought through, say experts.

“The new upward trend in bankruptcies reflects the economic reality of households under increasing financial stress,” said ABI Executive Director Samuel J. Gerdano. “We expect bankruptcy filings to continue to rise for the balance of the year.”

Further studies indicate that of all the people filing bankruptcy, they almost totally into three main types of bankruptcy, which are:

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy -- This type of bankruptcy is possible for both business and individuals. The main purpose of this type of bankruptcy is to permit a fair and equitable distribution to all creditors of the filer's non-exempt assets and properties. If unsecured debts are part of the person's filing, and they are not reaffirmed, they may be discharged, although discharging is not guaranteed. This is attractive for many consumers who think that unsecured debt will be automatically discharged, but that is not always the case.
  
  
• Chapter 11 Bankruptcy – This type of bankruptcy is also available to both businesses and consumers, where the primary purpose of this type of bankruptcy is to rehabilitate a business to make it a viable business entity again, or for a consumer, to reorganize a consumer's finances and budget via a court-approved reorganization plan. This type of bankruptcy is sometimes difficult for a consumer to get approved, since it requires court authorization and approval, and many times the individual has not taken the time to investigate alternatives, and/or is simply guilty if inadequate or irresponsible budgetary planning.
  
  
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy – This type of bankruptcy is limited to individuals, not businesses. The person filing this type of bankruptcy must have a regular income and means of support, and their total indebtedness cannot exceed specified limits. This is typically used to budget portions of the consumer's future earnings through a plan where unsecured creditors are paid, either in total or in an agreed-upon percentage of the whole.
  

One of the things that is noted by this recent study is that a majority of those seeking to file bankruptcy had not thoroughly investigated viable options. Instead, they relied on "old school advice" which does not understand the new bankruptcy laws which are much stricter and much more defined than they were in previous years, even though the bankruptcy laws still vary widely from state to state. The new bankruptcy laws make it much more difficult to file bankruptcy "on a whim". Many businesses and consumers have not done the necessary homework to find out, for example, if a debt consolidation loan would give them the breathing room they need to become viable again, without the expense and long-term negative effects that bankruptcy brings.

For more insights and further information about Filing Bankruptcy and for information on alternatives such as Debt Consolidation and a free bankruptcy evaluation from a bankruptcy lawyer local to you, please visit our web site at http://www.bankruptcy-data.com

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_204359_19.html

Read More......

Credit Cards - Can You Live Without Them?

By: James Marshall


Credit Cards - Can You Really Live Without Them?

In 2007, having a credit card is no longer a luxury or even a convenience - it's a necessity. You can't rent a car, check into a motel, or order online without a credit card. If you want a cell phone, you'll probably have to purchase prepaid minutes - at a premium - unless you have some plastic with your name on it. And without a credit card, you either have to carry around a lot of cash, make frequent trips to the bank, or hope that the stores you patronize will accept your personal checks.

Credit Cards Can Be Lifesavers in the Case of an Emergency

Worst of all, people who lack sufficient access to credit are the most likely to use payday loan services. Later in this series we will explore this subject in depth, but for now, just consider this: If a single mother is hit with a sudden, unexpected expense - say a car repair for $600 - what can she do if she doesn't have the money? She needs the car to get to work, and she doesn't know anyone who can afford to lend her the money out of friendship. So she decides to use the local payday loan shop and ends up paying a 530 percent APR (annual percentage rate) interest. If, instead, she had a credit card with at least $600 of available credit, she wouldn't have had to use the payday charlatans, and would have paid a much, much lower interest rate. Many people who use payday loan services, even once, fall into an inescapable spiral of debt, where they work all week to pay back their payday loans, and then have to take out new payday loans to meet their weekly expenses. People who use their credit cards responsibly never fall victim to this scenario.

Credit Cards Can Help With Budgeting

Credit cards help spendthrifts easily track their expenditures. One simple technique is to use one credit card to automatically pay your recurring monthly expenses (phone, cable, utilities, etc.), another to buy your groceries and gas, and a third for all other expenses (entertainment, eating out, etc.). When you get your bills each month you can compare how much you spent on your wants versus your needs and make adjustments as necessary.

Protections Offered by Credit Cards

Although the media likes to focus on the "epidemic" of identity theft, the truth is that using a credit card is much safer than using cash, a check, or virtually any other means of exchange. If you're carrying cash and your wallet is stolen, you'll never see a dime of your money. If a merchant cashes your check and refuses to grant you a refund, chances are, you're out of luck. But in either scenario, using a credit card would have offered you protection.

If, for example, your wallet full of credit cards is stolen, you will not be liable for any more than $50 of fraudulent charges, per card. This is the legal limit, but in reality, most card issuers don't even hold you liable for the first $50 - they just stick the merchants with the bill. And if a merchant refuses to give you a refund that you deserve, you can file a "chargeback," in which the credit card company will side with you 99 percent of the time. Paying in cash or with a check offers no such protections.

Your Credit Card - Don't Leave Home Without It

Credit cards are ideal for traveling abroad because they automatically convert to the local currency. This means you won't have to waste time with the money changer or carry around several foreign currencies, and of course, not carrying cash makes you much less susceptible to pick-pocketing.

The main thing to understand is that credit cards can be wonderful tools that greatly enhance our lives. All that we need to do is be informed, active, and responsible users of these powerful little pieces of plastic.

Stay safe.

Sincerely,

James
www.CC-Yes.com

Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles

James Marshall www.CC-Yes.com

Read More......

Five Strategies for Having Enough Money for Your Dream Retirement (While You're Still Breathing!)

By: Lin Schreiber

Most people think that's all retirement is about -- having enough money to sit on the deck, play golf, and visit the grandkids. But that's the old model -- not today's retirement. I believe you can revolutionize your retirement even if you can't count on 80% of your current revenue when you stop working. (That's the secret number according to many retirement experts.)

Someone who turns 65 today can expect to live until age 83, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. So, even if you stop working at the normal retirement age, you've got nearly two decades to fill with things that really matter to you. And, if you give up traditional employment sooner, you've got even more years to enjoy the "third half" of life. Today the average retirement age is an astonishingly young 57.

I said "enjoy," and I mean it. To do that, you need to put yourself squarely in the driver's seat -- decide when and how you retire and who you will be. Don't let someone else's definition determine your retirement.

So, begin by putting the money issue aside entirely. That's right. Just forget about money and take a good hard look at the life you want to be living. Start journaling, brainstorm with friends and family, and dream a lot. For inspiration, begin to brainstorm ideas and tools needed to help you plan the perfect retirement for YOU.

OK. So money does have something to do with it. Now's the time to figure out exactly how much you have and what you'll need. Maybe you'll discover that you have enough money to do everything you want to do. Congratulations!

But what if you don't? Will you need to work until seven years after you're dead? Or can you still create the retirement of your dreams? Of course you can. Here are some ways to make that happen.

1. First, sharpen your pencil and reconsider how much is enough? Maybe you don't need to stay in the big house and take care of all that stuff. Perhaps you'd love to simplify your life by living out of your RV as you travel the country. What could you downsize or let go of to buy yourself a more carefree existence?

2. Second, consider supplemental income. Wait a minute, didn't I just say you were going to stop working? Well, there's work. And, then there's work.

Larry was an art teacher in an urban high school for his entire career. In retirement, he followed his passion for painting and also volunteered at a national art society near his home. His experience, enthusiasm and organizational skills so impressed the Director that Larry was offered a part-time position as Assistant Director. Although he has less time for his painting, the supplemental income allows him the luxury of another passion -­ regular trips to Italy.

3. Maybe you've been passionate about your hobby all your life -- making woodcarvings, gardening, or playing bridge. What about a part-time job as a gardening assistant during the summer, selling your work at craft fairs, or getting certified as a bridge instructor?

Think about what you love to do, the best times in your life, what you never had time for when you were raising children and working full time. If you love animals, become a pet sitter. Consider working in a day care center, if small children delight you.

4. Try seasonal employment. That's what Betty and Bob do. They say they're "rewired," not "retired." Each winter they close their Maryland home, pack up her home-based marketing business, and head to Snowmass, Colorado. For the next two months, they work for the ski corporation -- alongside college kids from Australia and a few other couples their age. He parks cars and slings skis on busses; she helps families plan their vacations at the resort. The minimum wage they make covers basic expenses; they each get a season's pass worth $1,799; and they only work a few days each week. The rest of the time they follow their passion ­ on the ski slopes.

Seasonal employment is available at National Parks, community facilities, and as travel hosts to exotic places. Furthermore, there are lots of Web sites that specialize in senior employment.

5. But if you really want to make the most of the "third half" of your life, consider packaging what you know and sharing it with others. That's what Miriam did. After 30 years of a successful therapy practice, she traded her East Coast home for a West Coast apartment. With her savings and a handsome settlement from her ex-husband, she lived the good life. Then one day the money was gone. Already in her seventies, she picked herself up, buffed up an old passion, and began writing psychological thrillers. Today, Miriam is making more money than she did during her other career ­ and she's having a lot more fun.

What will it take for you to let go of your outdated beliefs about money and retirement and get inspired to revolutionize the "third half" of your life?

Remember, money is merely one of the 15 "must haves" for a thriving retirement. While taking charge of your life, having dreams for the future, and a purpose that pulls you out of bed in the morning are not as tangible as, say, $1.3 million in assets, they're just as crucial.


Most people think that's all retirement is about -- having enough money to sit on the deck, play golf, and visit the grandkids. But that's the old model -- not today's retirement. Someone who turns 65 today can expect to live until age 83, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Here's 5 strategies to help you pursue your dream retirement:

Certified Retirement Coach Lin Schreiber, author of The Retirement Re-Tool Kit, helps baby boomers revolutionize and redefine their ideas about how they will live life in retirement. To claim your free Boomer Transition Kit and copy of 88 Tips for Planning A Healthy, Happy, Enriching Retirement Life, visit her site at RevolutionizeRetirement.com

Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com

Read More......

Driving Commercial Needs Smoother – Commercial Vehicle Finance

In a world, which is becoming faster day by day with lots of advancements, there is almost no space left for the ones those who are slow and unable to catch the pace. Travel indeed plays a vital role in these developments as the faster you travel, the better you deliver and the quicker you will be able to achieve your goals. So, having your own vehicle can be the key to your development. Commercial vehicle finance can get you your own vehicle for all your commercial purpose with easy monetary support.

Commercial vehicle financing is about helping today’s prospering businessmen in accomplishing their transportation needs. You can buy trucks, busses, cars and other form of commercial transports under such financing. You may be thinking about the arrangement of collateral or security for getting the commercial vehicle finance. But don’t worry, as the money is secured by the vehicle being purchased. Also, this form of financing offers you low rate of interest making the repayments affordable.

While applying for a commercial vehicle financing, it is beneficial to go for private lenders rather than going for banks and financial institutions. As private lender are much flexible as per your needs both before and after getting financed compared to banks. You can’t go to banks, if you are having any problem in making repayments but private lenders are always ready to talk. You can ask them for repayment term extension; negotiate with them for interest rates and for many other reasons. Also these lenders provide commercial vehicle financing to the people facing the trouble of bad credit including CCJ’s and IVA’s, defaulters, arrears.

Borrowers must make sure to repay the loan on agreed terms as missing installments continuously or late payments affects the credit score of the borrower and can make future borrowing difficult for you. This happens because every default made by you is reported to the credit rating agencies which calculates and assigns you a credit score.

Besides buying your means of commercial transportation, commercial vehicle finance also serves the maintenance of your existing vehicles such as repairs, paintwork, tyres, engine upgrade etc.

To find a lender for commercial loan financing you can search among the large number of loan websites. You can get information about loan packages and free quotes from these websites to study and compare. You can choose the package which suits your circumstances. Last step for the borrower is to fill the application form with his personal details, business details, loan amount required and vehicle information. You will get the loan approval once the lender is satisfied with your details.

About the Author:

Elizabeth Swann is currently working as an expert author for CommercialLoanFinance.For more details including Commercial vehicle financing, Commercial real estate finance at lower rates visit http://www.commercialloanfinance.org.uk

Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Read More......

Unemployment Insurance: Making Life That Little Bit Easier

As the figures stood in June 2007, more than 1.7 million people in Great Britain were unemployed. This is simply amazing when you consider that we are supposed to live in a country full of opportunities. This number is rising every day, and largely as a result of redundancy. The unemployment situation is looking bleak as a result, and so any help that an individual can get to keep his or her head above water would no doubt be welcome. This is where unemployment insurance may come in useful.

If you ask your parents or grandparents about the employment situation in the fifties and sixties they will probably tell you that you could quit one job if you did not like it and walk straight into another. Back then they also had the option of a job for life as long as they kept their noses clean. Jobs for life do not exist any more.

The constantly changing nature of industry, when coupled with demand and supply, means that a good number of individuals could find themselves unemployed at any given moment. Unemployment insurance can actually help an individual because it can provide up to twelve to twenty-four months worth of tax-free income to ease the financial burden that may be placed on you if you happen to be one of those unlucky ones.

It seems like we all have to fight for every opportunity that presents itself today. If you do lose your job then it could take time to find another source of employment because the competition is so intense. Unemployment insurance is designed to give you the breathing space you need to find a new job and yet not worry about finances in the process. Unemployment insurance will help pay the bills so you can concentrate on looking for work and support your family well into the future!

As the figures stood in June 2007, more than 1.7 million people in Great Britain were unemployed. This is simply amazing when you consider that we are supposed to live in a country full of opportunities. This number is rising every day, and largely as a result of redundancy. The unemployment situation is looking bleak as a result, and so any help that an individual can get to keep his or her head above water would no doubt be welcome. This is where unemployment insurance may ...

Simon Burgess is Managing Director of the award-winning British Insurance, a specialist provider of unemployment insurance, loan protection insurance and income protection insurance.

Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com

Read More......

Pay The Debts By Taking Debts

Eric

Taking a loan to repay the debts. Or in other words, taking cash for interest to repay a debt. Do I sound funny? But there exist an option like this, which many make use of. It is in one word called, debt consolidation loans.


Who Goes For Such a Loan?

It’s obviously interesting to have a look at the guys who looks for such a loan.
Mostly someone who is tired of making continuous debt payments and is in search of a single payment to pay off the debts opt for this loan. Usually a person finds it hard to keep his feet firm on debts and want a supporting hand, which this loan provides. It assists him in paying every debt off. Debt consolidation loan can also cut short the monthly budget encouraging many to opt for the very same.


Want to Become Debt Free?

A good advertisement campaign for the debt consolidation loan. Many go for the financial assistance in the name of debt consolidation wanting to hold the tag of debt free. But one should think twice before jumping for a decision. In reality it is not going to make you debt for but is taking you from one trap and putting into another. Here again you have to go for the same payments failing to will have to face legal charges.


Bad Credit Records

The past record of bad credits doesn’t make any problem in obtaining a loan to consolidate the debts. The correct payment of installments against any secured asset is enough in securing the financial assistance.


Obtaining a Loan for Consolidation

The things have improved so well that, now no one needs to wait in line for their turn. Just search for the loans and options on the website and apply online .Make sure on the conditions and terms to avoid further complications.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_203266_19.html

Read More......

The Good and the Bad of 0% Intro APR

Patrick MacGregor

Credit card issuers use the 0% APR as a marketing tool to draw customers to their side. This program is good for the first six or twelve months of using the card. Like many programs, 0% APR has its positive and negative points. It’s up to you to weigh your options to determine if a plan with a 0% introductory rate is perfect for you. Read on as we take a look at the positive and negative traits one by one.

Of course the positive side of the 0% APR is the rate itself. It would seem impossible for companies not to charge their customers with anything, but they are willing to take the risk to draw in the customer and use their credit card. From the time you receive your credit card, you will enjoy a very low rate as much as 0% and not to worry about it for the first six to 12 months. You might call it your honeymoon period with your credit card since you spend more on your credit on this card, and enjoy a very low rate compared to your other credit cards. With a no annual fee credit card, you can get a great deal during this time.

The drawback for the 0% intro APR is when the program ends. Your credit card issuer will of course try to recoup their losses during the six month period. Because of this, they will have to raise the rate higher than normal. In the end, you might have had a great honeymoon with your credit card, but if you can’t pay your balance before the end of the introductory rate; you will be forced to pay the balance at a higher rate. The remaining balance will be transferred to your next months bill, and you will have to pay it at the higher rate quoted by the company. Before you know it, you are tied up with a balance that you will have to pay on for longer than you have planned.

This program is good in itself. It’s going to be great knowing that you have the best rate right now on the market, and you can spend it for the next six to 12 months. For people who can pay their balance on time, this program will work to their advantage. If you can pay your balance before the end of the program, just use the card until the end of the introductory rate and you will be all set.

If you have problems in paying your balance on time, better think twice. The rates that will be applied after they increase, and it will be higher than your regular credit card. It’s best that you stick to a credit card that offers a low fixed rate. Even if you pay the rate from the start, the balance can be controlled.

You are the only one who can determine whether you are fit for this program. If you can pay your balance on time, then this program is great for you. If not, better look for a low, fixed rate.

Patrick MacGregor has written numerous articles on credit management and is a collaborator of a site that offers news and information on credit cards. If you're looking for more information and want to fill out a credit card application, visit his site today. Or if you're looking for more information on Credit Card Cash Advances check out this article.

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

Read More......

The Extensive Benefits Of Redundancy Cover

The financial services branch of the financial markets is in bloom at the moment because individuals are beginning to realise that there are more threats to the happiness and well being of individuals in society today than there ever has been. The constantly changing nature of the world’s markets leads to a certain instability and things that the previous generation took for granted, such as having one job for life, are no longer viable. Instead, products offered like redundancy cover are more in demand than ever.

Redundancy cover offers an individual a whole host of benefits that no other insurance policy will generally offer. There are two distinct types of redundancy cover and it is up to an individual which one he or she decides will be of most benefit to personal circumstance. It may be that the mortgage redundancy cover is no longer relevant because he or she has no mortgage, and thus a salary redundancy cover would be more apt. In this way, the individual in question has a choice right from the outset.

Redundancy cover is designed to enable you to live for the period that you are out of work after being made redundant. Although there is generally a waiting period for claims, meaning that you have to have had the policy for approximately one to three months depending on who the provider is, the redundancy cover will kick in straight after that and provide some financial stability if the worst should happen.

Redundancy cover can enable you to meet your monthly credit commitments and keep the wolf from your door until you can find other employment. You may well be eligible for benefits from the government too if you are claiming redundancy cover, thus ensuring that your national insurance is also paid. As a result, redundancy cover will also help to ensure that your state pension is not affected by your bad luck. In an uncertain climate, these benefits are just the sort of reassurance that you need!

About the Author:

Simon Burgess is Managing Director of the award-winning British Insurance, a specialist provider of redundancy cover, loan protection insurance and income protection insurance.

Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Read More......

How To Get Out Of Credit Card Debt And Repair Your Credit Score After Divorce

Rebuilding your life financially is never easy. Count on spending a lot of time and effort on this, especially if you went into debt during the divorce process. There were times when I paid my attorneys with credit cards. When the dust of my divorce battles finally cleared I was mired in debt. It took me awhile to straighten out my finances, but ultimately I was able to regain my financial health.

Have you rung up huge debts on the plastic? No matter how bad it looks, there are ways out. You just have to find the one that’s most sensible and realistic for you. If you received an asset like the marital home, you could refinance it and then negotiate payoff settlements with your creditors. Usually credit card companies will only talk to you about this option after you have stopped paying your bill each month and it has gone into collection. If it’s clear that you can’t pay it all, most of them will settle for anywhere from 50% to 70% of the debt. But remember if you haven’t been able to make payments, a large amount of what is owed is interest and late fees. You can also call your credit companies and ask them if they have any “plans” for hardship cases. If you tell them your story, they will most likely offer you a plan with reduced monthly payments and a lowered interest rate. If you are in a position to pay your credit card bills, and your credit is still good, make sure you ask for a reduced interest rate. Take advantage of balance transfer offers for lower rates. But be careful to note when these rates will expire. Usually the interest will balloon back up. You will then need to transfer the balance again to a lower rate.

Your credit rating is the key to your financial health. Poor credit scores can raise your car and home insurance rates. I got socked with a $4,000 car insurance bill because my credit score had tanked, yet I had never been late on an insurance payment. When I wrote them explaining how my difficult divorce had lowered my credit rating, they reduced my premium. Without good credit you will pay much higher interest on refinancing your home, car loans, or any other loan. In some cases you may need a co-signer.

Divorce sent my credit score into the toilet, and at the time there was little I could do. Even when I started making regular payments and settling debts, the mark remained on my credit. Repairing broken credit takes time, but if you stick with a plan, paying everything on time, it will happen.

But what do you do in the meantime? Everyone needs a credit card for emergencies. If you do not have one the next option is a debit card. Also you might ask a close relative if they would mind making you an additional cardholder on one of their accounts. Assure them this card will be for emergencies only. Always pay for whatever you charge immediately. You can only ask this of someone you are very close to. It’s one of the biggest financial favors one can do for another: putting their credit on the line for you.

If you can do it, take out a secured loan from a bank. Here is an example of how it works; you put $1,000 in a one-year certificate of deposit with your bank. The bank then gives you a $1,000 loan for one year at 9% interest. If you make the payments each month, at the end of the year you can cash your CD in and earn some interest. Current interest rates for a CD are now about 5%. This improves your credit rating because the bank will report to the credit bureaus that you paid off the loan.

When you are starting to rebuild from a credit disaster you should get a current copy of your credit report and check it for errors. Make sure any debts that were ruled to be your ex-husband’s in your final divorce decree are off of your credit report. You are entitled to one free credit report per year, and you can also get a free report if you have been denied a loan, line of credit, or other financial service. You can pay for the report at any time.

About the Author:

Christina Rowe is the author of the best selling divorce book "Seven Secrets To A Successful Divorce-What Every Woman Needs To Know". Find out the survival skills that will save you time, money and heartache during your divorce. For a free chapter of the book go to: http://www.secretsofdivorce.com

Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Read More......

When Not to Cancel Credit Cards

We have an article that details the benefits of canceling old, unused credit cards, but is this always a good idea? The answer to that is no. There are times when keeping a credit card line open is actually more beneficial to your overall credit health than closing it.

One occasion when you might want to hold off on canceling those older credit cards is when you plan to apply for a major loan. Major loans include such things as a home loan, car loan, boat loan, or other loans in excess of a few thousand dollars.

The reasoning behind this is that closing credit line accounts, especially those that you paid on time and in full, can actually lower your credit score.

Paying down accounts that still have a balance is important to your credit score, but simply closing paid off accounts will not help you improve your credit score at all. As mentioned above, canceling a large amount of unused credit may actually hurt your overall credit score.

You may be saying to yourself: That doesn't make sense!

Here is how this works. It has to do with how credit bureaus calculate your score.

The reporting agencies use many different factors when figuring out your credit score and one of the factors that they use is the total amount of debt you have on your credit cards and the revolving accounts that you have divided by the total amount of debt available on those accounts. Once these calculations are done, a number less than 1 (one) will occur.

This fractional number is one way they use to judge your credit worthiness. The lower this fraction is the better. To help you better understand this, if the resultant number was exactly 1, then that would mean that your outstanding debt is equal to your available credit and you would be at the maximum level, or maxed out for credit.

For example, if you had $5000 in current debt and you had $15,000 in your various credit lines, you would divide $5000 by $15,000 and you would get 1/3. This means you are currently using 1/3 of the credit that is currently available to you.

To take this a step further: If you cancel an old credit card that has a $5,000 limit (but no current balance owed on it) you will still have the same $5000 in current debt (see above example) but you only have $10,000 in your credit lines (as compared to the $15,000 mentioned above). When you do the math you come up with the fraction of ½. In other words, you are using ½ of the credit that is available.

Keep in mind that the closer you get to the number 1, the less attractive you are for future credit.

The best advice for anyone contemplating a home or auto loan is to keep the credit lines that you have until after you have finalized the loan itself. Then it is safe to cancel the card.

If you are not planning a major loan activity and the balances on your old cards is zero, go ahead and close them out. This will not hurt your credit score.

Peter Kenny is a writer for The Thrifty Scot, please visit us at Debt Consolidation and Personal Loans Visit http://www.thriftyscot.co.uk

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

Read More......

Apply For Low APR Credit Cards And Stop Wasting Money

Comparing low APR credit cards can be your first step towards substantial savings if you currently carry a monthly credit card balance. Let us first define exactly what APR is. APR is short for annual percentage rate and is basically the effective rate of interest that a borrower will pay on a loan.

Stated another way, APR is the total cost of credit that a consumer will pay, including one time fees. It is expressed on an annualized basis to make it easier to compare loan options offered through different lenders. In the United States the lenders, in our case the credit card companies, are required by law to disclose their rates to the consumer.

The concept of APR can be applied to such financial instruments as auto loans and savings accounts as well. Comparing low APR credit cards online is a rather easy task when you go to a quality web site such as Find-Cards-Now.com. It is a secure site that lists well over 130 cards from the top issuers in the industry.

Transferring high interest balances from existing cards is beneficial for two reasons; first off, the savings realized by transferring to low APR credit cards are immediate. You can literally save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars depending on the size of the balance you carry.

And secondly, because you are paying less out on interest, you will be able to increase the amount you pay on the principle, thereby paying the card off quicker. Of course, this will require financial discipline, but the savings realized is well worth the effort. We would all like to increase our incomes. Sometimes the best way to do that is by cutting expenses.

You will find that most credit card companies will offer low interest cards, including issuers such as Discover Card and American Express. Be sure to read the terms of service carefully. In many cases the interest rate being offered will be an introductory rate that will expire in six months to one year. These are important details that must not be overlooked.

You need a good to excellent credit rating to be approved for low APR credit cards. If you are unsure of your current credit history, I suggest taking advantage of one of the many services that allow you to obtain your credit score. It is always a good idea to periodically check your credit record.

Morgan Hamilton is a financial adviser that specializes in the credit markets. Using Low APR Credit Cards responsibly is an excellent way to cut expenses and save money. Visit www.Find-Cards-Now.com to obtain more information and compare credit card offers.

source:users.search-o-rama.com

Read More......

10 Easy Ways For Single Parents To Save Money

by Harrine E. Freeman

In 2006, according to the US Census Bureau, there were approximately 14 million single parents in this country, and those parents are responsible for raising 21.6 million children. Eighty-three percent of single parents are mothers, and 30.3 percent of all single parents receive public assistance.

Child care subsidies and public health insurance can help with closing the gap between low income and what it takes to make ends meet. Not all low-income families receive the benefits for which they are financially eligible. Families who receive multiple work supports can lose assistance before they reach self-sufficiency. Single parents often struggle with buying basic necessities and paying bills and usually live paycheck to paycheck. Single parents often do not have any savings and are in debt. Here are 10 easy ways for single parents to save money:

1. Buy a Used Car Buy or trade in your current car for a used car with a cheaper note. This will either eliminate your car note or save you $50 to $200 a month on your car payment.

2. Use Coupons Buy whatever items are on sale or buy items with coupons. This can save you $50 to $300 a month. There have been instances where shoppers had a total bill of $200 and ended up paying $5 using coupons and buying items on sale.

3. Buy Generic Buy everything generic: household items, clothing, prescriptions, toiletries, dry goods, canned goods, paper products, etc. This will save you on average $5 to $50 a month.

4. Buy Washable Clothes Buy clothes that do not require dry cleaning. This will save you on average $50 to $150 a month.

5. Image Do you own hair and nails and buy your makeup from a drugstore, such as CVS or Rite Aid. This will save you on average $40 to $100 a month.

6. Gas Buy regular gas for your car unless the owner's manual suggests otherwise. Find the cheapest gas in your neighborhood to purchase. This will save you on average $.05 to $.20 per gallon.

7. Shop at Discount Stores Buy household items in bulk, such as paper products, cleaning supplies at discount stores such as Target, Wal-Mart, Costco, etc. This will save you on average $5 to $50 a month.

8. Reduce expenses Reduce or cancel your cable plan, cell phone or Internet service, or get the cheapest plan available. This can save you $20 to $100 a month.

9. Buy groceries at superstores Buy your groceries at superstores or wholesale stores such as Wal-Mart, Costco, Sam's Club, etc. Buy nuts, grains, spices, legumes at wholesale or health food stores. This will save you $30 to $200 a month on processing costs charged at regular grocery stores.

10. Fun with Kids Check your local library or newspaper to find free activities that you can do to with your kids. This can save anywhere from $5-$100 a month.

For more ways to save money visit http://www.stretcher.com or http://www.budgetdial.com

About the Author
Harrine Freeman is the CEO of H.E. Freeman Enterprises, a credit repair and personal finance services company and author of "How to Get Out of Debt: Get an "A" Credit Rating for Free." Visit H.E. Freeman Enterprises

source:www.goarticles.com

Read More......

NO TELETRACK LOAN: an easy and fast process of cash with no teletrack loans

Jonesh taylor

No teletrack loan is a good option for borrowers as he is good credit history or bad credit history. Because there is no requirement of teletrack involved and that makes processing and approval of your loan easy and simple. Many no teletrack loan companies and lenders take less time to approve a no teletrack loan as the application is processed online. You need to have an active checking account or a savings account for no teletrack loans.

Your paychecks are far away. The option that'll work is applying for your No Teletrack Loans, from the coziness of your living room. No need to wait in front of a local lending store for some urgent cash. Did you ever think that our No Teletrack Cash is so much simple and hassle free? Start completing your application. You can complete it within minutes. Expect cash in your checking account tomorrow. Our No Teletrack Money offer is something whose speed or convenience you simply cannot refuse.

Bad credit history can not prevent you to get a no teletrack loans. Credit rating is done by many no teletrack loan firms and it leaves many with lesser options. People with lesser avenues for credit can now approach a no teletrack loan firm with confidence. The application form of no teletrack loan is simple and can be forwarded within few minutes as it is done online. No teletrack loan lenders and company has made the loan process easy and also made short-term loans available.

So your wait for no teletrack loan ends here. You can have no teletrack loan for meeting emergency financial requirements. An amount of US $ 2500 or less is given as http://www.cheappaydayloans4u.com from many no teletrack loan companies. You must be above 18 years of age with a regular job or a permanent income source that generates at least US $ 1000 after taxes to be eligible to apply for a no teletrack loan.

No teletrack loan is some of the best short term financial solutions. Not everything can be allowed to function in a mechanical way. Loans with a human perspective are needed especially for individuals who have been captured by bad credit. They need to get out of it sometime soon.

No Teletrack Loans are loans with user friendly features that serve to save time and also do away with the hassles involved. It all starts with the online application form that serves to provide the No teletrack loans lenders the relevant information about you that would be essential to hand out the loan with a quick approval to you.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_203310_19.html

Read More......

Auto Finance Introduction

denis91221

"Auto Financing" is a general term meaning how you pay for the vehicle. In most cases, cars are financed by taking out an auto loan to buy or lease the car. This involves getting a credit check. Financing your car needs as much research and homework as choosing the car. You can also get financing through the dealer or from the auto manufacturer. It's possible that dealer/manufacturer financing will cost you more, but it isn't written in stone.


There will be occasions when a dealer will actually give you the best deal. Unfortunately, those occasions are not predictable (despite endless "must sell," "lowest rates possible" and "no money down" advertising by dealers) and the only way to be sure is by comparison shopping. Interest rates on new cars are lower than on used vehicles. And, in general, new cars can be financed over longer terms than used ones. This equation can make a new car cheaper than a used one in many cases.

KEY FINANCING FAQs:


What's the actual interest rate I'm going to pay & do I have to make a down payment? The APR (annual percentage rate) is the best way to know the exact figure of interest rate you are paying. It is the actual interest rate you pay annually on the unpaid balance of the loan. The rate you are offered will to a large extent depend on your credit score, a number that dealers get from your credit report. And now answer of another question, Most of companies are not requiring down payment but some of them do require a down payment.


If your application is approved this information will be provided by the lender before you sign any documents. Is this deal contingent on getting subsequent approval of the financing from a third party? Some dealers will offer you finance with low interest rate initially then call a day or two later to say they couldn't get you financed at the rate they quoted, but they have found a lender who will cover the loan at a higher payment. Don't fall for this.


Make sure you know who the person is financing to you and that the deal is sealed before leaving the lot. If there's any question, tell the dealer you'll come back and get the car when everything is settled.

KNOW YOUR FINANCE AMOUNT NUMBER:

Don't let one number dominate you. For example, a really low down payment is not by itself a guarantee of a good deal. You need to consider all the numbers together to know what sort of deal you're getting.

Bottom line -- know your numbers. Be sure, every step of the way, that you know just how much you are paying, when, how and what for! No exceptions! Read -- and be sure you understand -- every word of every document you sign or initial. No exceptions allowed.

Online Automobile Financing - It doesn't matter if you have good credit or bad credit. All credit is welcome! Car Loan finance company is committed to locating the lowest rate financing that you need in their network of hundreds of auto loan lenders located across the country.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_202761_19.html

Read More......