By Leona Allen
The best credit repair services won't create false hope for a "miracle cure", but they definitely do help with the sometimes overwhelming task of improving your credit score. These companies aren't a panacea for financial mismanagement, however the best credit repair usually can help significantly to improve your credit score.
There are hundreds of credit repair services advertising today, but the Federal Trade Commission considers most of them to be scams. Companies that claim they can help you erase bad credit, or offer guarantees to raise your credit score, are probably scams.
According to the FTC, it is not possible to legally remove accurate and timely negative information from a credit report. Suggesting that you dispute all negative entries on your credit report, for instance, is illegal.
The best credit repair services will not try to charge you to get your credit reports. By law, everyone is entitled to a free credit report from each of the three credit-reporting agencies (TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax) once every twelve months.
Much of what these companies do are things you can do yourself, however they can often help inform those who may not be aware of all their options. Taking on some of these tasks can help lower fees, or you can chose to do the whole thing yourself.
One thing to keep in mind is the difference between credit repair services and "debt consolidators". A debt consolidators will help to get your arms around your outstanding debt; they don't try to fix your credit. In many cases, this might be a preferable alternative, particularly as a first step in improving your credit standing.
Debt consolidators do this by contacting your creditors on your behalf. They will negotiate a 'settlement' agreement, usually just a fraction of the actual amount owed. The debt consolidator will combine these settlements into a single amount. They will give you an amount within your budget to send them each month, and in turn they send a portion to each creditor.
The best credit repair services won't help much if the factors that led to credit problems don't change. Further, they don't provide the kind of "bailout" that erases bad debt like filing bankruptcy will. That being said, what they can do is help you to get your feet back on the ground and help set you on the road to improving your credit score, and in turn your whole financial future.
By Daniel Atolben
Debt consolidation loans were created solely as a means for putting all the debt together, or consolidating it, and lump sum loan is made instead of separate payments to individual creditors. Instead, the bank takes your debt total, and through many different types of loans, can, with the appropriate credit, aid in the immediate repayment of all creditors. The bank pays off the debts, and you pay the bank.
A very good reason to do this is when the interest rate on the loan is a fixed rate that is less than the typically higher rate charged by credit card companies and other creditors, especially if you have recently begun to pay your credit card bills later and later and the fees for such activity are beginning to mount.
A possible consideration for debt consolidation is a straight loan. This is equivalent to a home or car loan, but with no collateral. You are simply borrowing a set amount to pay a specific debt. Again, the rate should be noticeably lower than the interest rate being paid to the credit card companies. Not everyone who applies for a straight loan will qualify. There are serious guidelines to protect the bank from someone who may default on a loan that the bank has no way of recouping without your cooperation. Usually this type of loan is reserved for consumers with the highest credit rates.
Home equity loans are also valuable to a consumer interested in debt consolidation. If your home is worth more than the amount of the loan you are paying for it, the difference may be borrowed from the bank and used to pay creditors. These loans are restricted by the amount of equity in the home, and dependent upon good standing in the first mortgage. Often these loans are separate from the first home mortgage, and the rate may or may not be the same for each loan. As long as the interest rate is lower in the equity loan than the credit card rate, a home equity loan can be a good decision.
A total home refinance is also a possibility. If your home has been paid down considerably or increased in value quickly, and if the rates have gone down enough to justify the fees for refinancing, an whole new home mortgage may be established, with the extra debt added in to the value of the loan.
While escaping from a debt ridden situation can seem like a struggle, debt consolidation loans can be invaluable to a consumer who would like to reduce the number of payments that they make and interest that they pay per month. Consolidation loans stream line the payment process, no matter which method you choose.
About the Author:
Daniel Atolben usually edits detailed articles on ideas related to how to negotiate debt settlement yourself and how to negotiate a settlement with creditors. His articles on how to negotiate debt can be found on
http://www.debtania.com/negotiatesettlement.html .
By Daniel Atolben
Debt consolidation loans were created solely as a means for putting all the debt together, or consolidating it, and lump sum loan is made instead of separate payments to individual creditors. Instead, the bank takes your debt total, and through many different types of loans, can, with the appropriate credit, aid in the immediate repayment of all creditors. The bank pays off the debts, and you pay the bank.
A very good reason to do this is when the interest rate on the loan is a fixed rate that is less than the typically higher rate charged by credit card companies and other creditors, especially if you have recently begun to pay your credit card bills later and later and the fees for such activity are beginning to mount.
A possible consideration for debt consolidation is a straight loan. This is equivalent to a home or car loan, but with no collateral. You are simply borrowing a set amount to pay a specific debt. Again, the rate should be noticeably lower than the interest rate being paid to the credit card companies. Not everyone who applies for a straight loan will qualify. There are serious guidelines to protect the bank from someone who may default on a loan that the bank has no way of recouping without your cooperation. Usually this type of loan is reserved for consumers with the highest credit rates.
Home equity loans are also valuable to a consumer interested in debt consolidation. If your home is worth more than the amount of the loan you are paying for it, the difference may be borrowed from the bank and used to pay creditors. These loans are restricted by the amount of equity in the home, and dependent upon good standing in the first mortgage. Often these loans are separate from the first home mortgage, and the rate may or may not be the same for each loan. As long as the interest rate is lower in the equity loan than the credit card rate, a home equity loan can be a good decision.
A total home refinance is also a possibility. If your home has been paid down considerably or increased in value quickly, and if the rates have gone down enough to justify the fees for refinancing, an whole new home mortgage may be established, with the extra debt added in to the value of the loan.
While escaping from a debt ridden situation can seem like a struggle, debt consolidation loans can be invaluable to a consumer who would like to reduce the number of payments that they make and interest that they pay per month. Consolidation loans stream line the payment process, no matter which method you choose.
About the Author:
Daniel Atolben often pens detailed reports on information relating to how to negotiate a settlement amongst creditors. His contributions on
how to negotiate debt can be found on his website .
By J. Ochs
In the United States right now, foreclosure rates are higher than they've ever been. Homeowners are literally fleeing their homes and letting the banks deal with what they leave behind. Since banks are in the banking business and not the real estate business, they don't really want the houses back. If you're in a place where you think you'd be better off leaving your home because you can no longer afford your mortgage payment, you should first look into one of the many programs available to you! It IS possible to re-work your mortgage loan to better suit your financial needs.
Loss Mitigation, Loan Modification and Home Loan workout programs are three options you have. Many companies offer one or all of the programs just mentioned, but before signing up with any company, check them out first! Make sure they are reputable. Financial relief is possible with a successful program offered by the right company.
Here is a practical example of this type of program in action: Borrower owes $400,000 at 8% and the home is worth $340,000. After foreclosing, bank must re-list the property or sell at auction. Either method can end up costing an additional $60,000 or more in losses.
In this example, bank will lose at least $120,000 if a client decides to "walk away". Through modification and lowering interest rate to 5.25% on a 30yr fixed term, bank will make close to $400,000 in future interest payments. The result is a win-win for all parties involved.
Homeowners can occasionally be successful at working out loan modifications on their own, however default rates with attorney-backed modifications are 5% or less. Self-help modifications are defaulting at over 50%. This is why banks prefer to work with attorneys.
Another perk to a loan modification is that if an attorney works out a loan for you and it doesn't work out, your program cost is most often refundable. Amazing results are possible with restructured loans! You could wind up seeing lower monthly payments, loan principal reductions, interest rate reductions, extended payment terms and more!
If you are having trouble making your current mortgage payments or are in an adjustable rate mortgage that has or is about to adjust, give us a call and get a free consultation to see what can be done for you. There is no charge unless we determine that we can help and you decide to get started. Give us a call at 1.888.282.1011 and ask about our home loan modification program.
About the Author:
Jon Ochs has over 12 years experience in the credit and debt industry and is the founder/CEO of NCA Credit Repair, one of the most trusted and respected
Credit Report Repair companies in the nation.
By Don Pedro
Retirement is the inevitable period in our occupational career and no one can deny it. Following the change in respective life there come many changes in the social, economical and personal life of the retiree. So, the best way to cope with the situation is to take it positively rather than worrying about it. The more you worry, the more depressed you become and it makes life more and more difficult.
For those who have stayed busy throughout their respective career find it really difficult to cope with the changes that come with the retirement. To remove the monotony from that mind, they can indulge in whatever hobbies they may have.
If you don't find a way out of the situation you can go consult with some professionals who will give you some nice tips to utilize your time and energy. The support that a counselor provides to the retiree can prove to be of much help. Therefore one should seek professional life coaches to guide him during this time.
There many things that we love or we loved at a time, but time and odds didn't allow us to do that. Post retirement life can be the perfect time to do those things. How would you like to visit those places that you wanted to visit in the past many times. If you can think positively post retirement period can become as much productive as it was before.
Post retirement life can be the best time to indulge in different hobbies that one might have. Many may like to spend time in gardening; some may choose to go fishing and so on.
Most of the occasion retiree persons suffer because they don't have premade plans and as a result they suddenly find themselves to be in a situation where they aren't used to at all. One can easily avoid these situations by getting involved with social welfare activities.
Retirement gives you lots of time and the much needed rest. Now you have enough time to look back and take care of those things you missed or lacked throughout the life. You can choose to take some courses in local schools or other institutes that attracts you the most.
The best approach towards retirement is thinking about it before the time comes. Map out the things you would like to do when you will have that much time and it will always keep you busy and full of life.
By Mark Alison
It's really hard to go and live in this world with bad credit. People everywhere are in debt and in need of help. What are you supposed to do when you want to make that big purchase and the loan gets denied?
Getting your credit fixed takes time and effort. It's a simple process and it can be done. Patience is the key. Keep a reign on spending and follow some rules and your credit will be back in good standing.
First thing to do, must do is create a budget. This will allow you to know how much money each month you can spend on your debts. It's best if you document for one month your spending habits. You never know how much you spend eating out and buying fancy coffees.
First, get a credit report. The three major credit agencies are Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union. This will help to see what you owe and who you owe it to. There are plenty of online website that can help you with this.
The next step is contacting the creditors. I know this is something that is somewhat dreadful, but it must be done. You need to enter payment arrangements and schedule promise to pays with your lenders. This is the first step in the right direction. Any promise to pay or payment arrangement should be in writing. Sometimes, if you offer to pay off the full amount, they will let you pay off the amount at a discount.
Now you need to close out and pay your credit card debts. Destroy the cards and start paying them off. The best idea is to close all the accounts you have except your three oldest ones. You see, credit scores are based on the account history as well as other factors. Even if these lines of credit are opened, you don't need to use them unless it's an emergency.
You must make all your payments on time and avoid bankruptcy. It's a good idea to join a credit union as well. They offer a better chance of giving you a consolidation loan if you want to go that route.
By Mortgage Wizard
Equity Now more than ever the existing equity in your home pays a key factor in determining whether or not you are qualified. Your home value is determined by the recent activity in the surrounding market. What have similar homes in your area selling for with in the last 3 months? The increasing number of foreclosures in most areas are driving home prices down. Lenders look to see what they could sell homes they are lending money on if the home owner ended up defaulting and they were forced to sell. (Banks do not want your home. But they take measures to value it properly in case they end up with it.)
Existing home equity in a refinance or the amount down payment in a purchase is one of the factors that help determine if you qualify for today's best mortgage rates.
Income A very important factor in any loan transaction and one of the first questions the bank asks themselves. "Can this person afford this payment?" The general lending guidelines are if your loan amount is under $417,000 your total monthly debt payments (credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, taxes and insurance) need to be about half of your gross income if you are a salaried employee and about half your adjusted gross income if you are self employed. If your loan is above $417,000 you will need your debts to be at or below 45% of your income.
Assets A borrower's liquid assets are also an important factor. The lender wants to make sure that if there was a gap in employment or a salesman had a bad month they will still have the ability to repay there mortgage. The banks look for between 2 and 6 months worth of the equivalent amount of their monthly mortgage payment saved up somewhere that they can access if needed.
Credit Score Your credit score is analyzed from the three major credit reporting agencies. (Transunion, Equifax, and Experian) You are given individual scores from each agency and lenders will use your middle score as a barometer for rating your credit reliability. Most of the best loan options are available for consumers with 720 middle scores and higher. Your credit score is like a life report card that allows companies that extend credit to make sure that the people they are lending money have the willingness and ability to repay them. This reporting/measuring tool becomes very important when a company is determining whether or not to lend you hundreds of thousands of dollars.
These are the main qualifying criteria to for mortgage loans. A great first step when applying for a mortgage is to see how you size up in each of these categories. If you are serious about getting a loan and think one or more of these areas may be in question asking a mortgage professional in the best place to start. Lending experts have the tools and knowledge to help you find a loan that fits your needs. It is our job to analyze your financial situation and work on your behalf to pair you with a bank that will lend to you and give you a loan that benefits your financial future. A home is the largest investment most people make in their entire lives. Make sure you have qualified assistance when making this decision.
About the Author:
If you qualify for a loan based on this article you may be interested in today's
daily mortgage rates. The Mortgage Wizard writes about mortgage related topics in an effort to educate consumers prior to entering into a loan.
By Sam Lockwood
Penny stocks have been around for a long time - they've been part of American investment strategies since the 19th century. That's where these stocks were named, since the modern penny stock actually costs somewhere between a dime and five dollars, not a penny. Let's have a look at the risks you incur by investing in these stocks, as well as the ways they can help investors profit.
Penny stocks are share offerings made to investors by companies that are just too small or new to have a listing with the major stock exchanges. They have significant growth potential, and the initial investment can be quite small, but you run the risk of encountering a pump and dump scheme. Like anything else dealing in the OTC (over the counter) market, the buyer should beware.
Choosing penny stocks reasonably means that you need to have an independent appraisal of the company's business model. Much like buying shares of any other kind of publicly traded company, it's necessary to understand everything about the company. That means knowing what they do, what they make, what products are offered, how their business model works and who their major competitors are.
One of the most appealing things about penny stocks is that the majority of businesses offering them are quite simply put together. One typical type is that of a mining company, which will only be profitable when the price of the material it mines reaches a certain level. There are also some oil exploration stocks which use this kind of valuation.
Penny stocks are rated as a high risk vehicle by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Some of the risks involved include incomplete or indirect reporting of finances, fraud, and limited liquidity. People playing using a day trading strategy, sudden demand on penny stocks can create wide ranging volatility, which also makes it hard to short sell them.
The financial reporting guidelines on penny stocks are actually pretty loose. Unlike the national exchanges, not much is required of companies that list this way - in fact, sometimes these stocks will just de list for a few days! In the investment type called Pink Sheets, penny stocks have nearly no regulatory requirements at all, including few to no minimum accounting standards or reporting guidelines.
Because there are no generally accepted standards or standardization for penny stocks, they're an area that's extremely vulnerable to fraud and manipulation. People can pose as independent observers, then run up the price of penny stocks. All they have to do then is de list it, leaving buyer with nothing in what's classically called a pump and dump scheme.
Now, that doesn't mean you should be scared off of these stocks entirely. There are lots of real, legitimate start up companies, and they have to get going somewhere. Anyone who can pick a winner will get a handsome reward.
If you have the ability to spot companies that have promise, your payout will be huge. Even if you lose on most of your stock picks, the single winner will be such a big gain that you'll forget about the ones that didn't work.
About the Author:
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