Debt Consolidation Credit Counseling In Phoenix Debt Consolidation Credit Counseling In Phoenix

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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Credit Cards Will be Protected by This Loan

By Dillon Azungen

There is no more misused phrase in the entire economic universe than 'credit card debt consolidation loan.' Most North Americans do not possess the determination required to take out a debt consolidation mortgage and make it work. To have it actually work, you have to stop using your cards. The idea of the debt consolidation loan is not to have you go deeper into debt. It appears that some folks never learn.

However, there are good ways of eliminating your debt, which may not be the best way, but it can offer you temporary relief as you accrue even more credit card debt. If you're not careful, you'll be able to grow an even larger debt so that you have to apply for a larger consolidation loan. God bless America.

In order for a credit card debt loan to have any sense at all, you have to sit down and choose which credit cards will be protected by this loan. After that, you will need to destroy those very cards and cancel the accounts. If all you want to do is reassign the balance to a new type of vehicle called a debt consolidation loan, then you ought to know that there are other ways to do this. Because if that is what you're about to do it makes about as much common sense as a credit card that permits you to spend on credit.

So, if you're not ready to demolish your cards, and cancel accounts, then this consolidation loan is actually about to make things worse for you. If, on the other hand, you can find a way to limit yourself, then you may be able to use a 'credit card debt loan' to your advantage and start that climb out of debt.

Might As Well Keep It as Credit Card Debt If, on the other hand, you cannot shred your cards with glee, pick up the phone, and cancel accounts, then you may as well just find a different form of credit card debt consolidation. That form is called the transfer of debt to a different card. You probably have offers already in the mail telling you that you should transfer your credit card balance to their sparkling new card and that you won't pay any interest on the balance. These are the 'deals' that you want to use if all you wish to do is find a way to keep on spending.

You should be warned however, that these kinds of cards will creep up on you from behind and before you know it, your tens of thousands of dollars more in debt than you previously were. Balance transfer 'deals' is how many people end up being so deep in the hole they can't get out. So if you're getting ready to do your second or third debt transfer, just stop and talk to a professional credit counselor.

Nonetheless, if you're not willing to destroy your cards. If you can't see yourself canceling accounts, then you're not ready for the help a credit card debt consolidation loan can give you. If you are ready however, this can help you climb out of the financial hole every North American is in these days.

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Your Debt Consolidation Question Answered

By Paul J. Easton

Most people are talking about debt consolidation as a way to get out of debt. What is debt consolidation?

Debt consolidation loan is one of many impressive solutions to getting out of debt. It is a personal loan you apply to pay off all of your debts, particularly on your credit cards. You can obtain it from a finance company, or debt consolidation company. This kind of loan is also accessible now with its growing demand from merchant association, banking institutions, or nonprofit consumer debt service.

A debt consolidation loan provides you with the way to effectively shift responsibility for many debts to one larger debt which is better to track. For added manageability, your payments are extended out over a more long-term period of time with smaller interests.

There are many gains of getting a debt consolidation loan. It offers direct answer to your debt problems like leaving you the convenience of paying only one creditor for monitoring your total debt and concentrating your attention on it. It also extends you a lower interest and thus a lower monthly bill.

With this simple procedure of loan consolidation, your monthly payment is fixed according to the lowest payment amount talked terms with the creditors. Your monthly payments will be remitted to the agency you hired. Your agency will then distribute the amount of your consolidated payment to your individual creditors with their agreed terms.

Your creditors will likely reduce their interest rates with appropriate negotiation, of course depending on your creditors' policy. Eventually, this can save you a big chunk of your balance because interest rates get diminished by a range of 5-12%.

Once you have got yourself in debt, it seems like a downward spiral from which you are most likely feeling helpless. This process of loan consolidation is a promise we can employ to regain our confidence back in our financial life. Definitely, it is a way to spare your credit and save your life. At once, bankruptcy is far from sight and you owe it to debt consolidation.

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

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The Benefit of Debt Management Consultancy

By Paul J. Easton

Debt management is a way of helping debtors having difficulty repaying their loans. It is the debt management consultants who come to their rescue on resolving their dilemma.

The role of a debt management consultant is to negotiate with his client's creditors. With negotiating, the main purpose is to make the debt much less of a burden. Your consultant will mostly likely negotiate with your creditors for reducing interest rate.

More over, a consultant will help you with options like consolidating debts so that you can now afford paying only monthly payments without much added interests or even taking another loan. Another advantage of a consultant when having a debt management program is that you are protected from any legal action taken against you by the creditors. In addition to that, many debt management companies even provide free consultation for credit counseling too.

The process of debt management consultancy starts with your consultant analyzing your current financial status. A detailed set of documents including all the statements of your debts will be studied for their technical expertise and appropriate solutions.

You can then proceed to discussing ways how to manage debts. You can get advices or you can decide to trust your consultant to notify all your creditors that your debts can be negotiated. You will be required to make scheduled payments each month to your consultant. In return, the company will then pay the creditors with the agreed terms.

Always deal with properly trained and certified professionals who have prior exposure to the industry. Hands on knowledge and experience on dealing with debt is essential in this situation as there a lot at stake. You cannot just trust your peace of mind with just anybody else.

Observe if your consultant has the confidence and the eloquence to exude excellent negotiation skills. Talk to him and explore every angle of his service and you can always back out if necessary.

With that said, go and pay for your debt management plan. It is a well-worth investment even if you are uptight with your budget right now.

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

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A Bigger Loan worth Doing

By Paul J. Easton

Getting a bigger loan to pay your debts? Why not try debt consolidation? A debt consolidation loan is one of many effective solutions to driving out of debt. It is a personal loan you apply to pay back all of your debts, especially on your credit cards. You can obtain it from a finance company, or debt consolidation company. This kind of loan is also accessible now with its rising demand from merchant association, debt pooling services, or nonprofit consumer debt service.

A debt consolidation loan provides you with the means to effectively shift obligation for many debts to one larger debt which is simpler to track. For added manageability, your payments are extended out over a more long-term period of time with lower interests.

There are many advantages of accepting a debt consolidation loan. It provides smart resolution to your debt troubles like leaving you the convenience of paying only one creditor for supervising your overall debt and concentrating your attention on it. It likewise offers you a lower interest bringing you a lower monthly bill.

Taking this move to consolidate your loans into one, your monthly payment is fixed according to the lowest payment total talked terms with your creditors. Your monthly payments will be sent to the agency you contracted with. Your agency will then distribute the amount of your consolidated payment to your individual creditors with the negotiated contract.

Most creditors will cut back your interest fees if your agency negotiated substantially, of course depending on your creditors' policy. Eventually, this can save you thousands of dollars because interest rates get reduced by an average of 5-12%.

When you see yourself gradually drowning in debt, it feels like a downward spiral from which you don't have any idea how to regain your composure. This method of consolidation loans is a hope we can employ to find our self-confidence in our financial life. Decidedly, it is a chance to save your credit and finally save your life.

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

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Prime Rate Help!

By Anne Durrel

When looking at purchasing a big item you quite often need to get a loan from a lending institution. That can be intimidating to do especially because there seems to be a different language that banks use.

To be successful and steering your way to a loan you must learn about the most common phrases like prime rate.

A prime rate is a term that is used when discussing the interest rate on the loan. Sometimes it is also referred to as the prime lending rate.

This rate is determined by your credit rating and your viability as a lending risk. If you are a better risk, traditionally, your prime rate will be lower than if you are a higher risk for the bank to lend money to. The prime rate is also determined by the nation's economic state and what the prime rate had been set at previously.

Once, the prime rate in America was set at sharpen interest rate level. However, as our fiscal conditions has gotten more and more strained, there has begun to be a little alternative among various banks. In general, most banks do tend to make adjustments to the prime as the financial system changes, but the changes are commonly made concurrently.

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Easy Car Loans In Difficult Times.

By John Brennan

Before the economy burst into crisis recently, you were able to get a credit to buy a car virtually from any company. This companies and banks stopped caring about who was asking for their money as long as the rates at which they were lending were high enough. This resulted in authorizing loans to many people that had a very bad credit history.

Such facilities to get a loan are over right now. Many credit applications are denied, no matter if itas a big company or one person who are asking for it. Car insurance isnat as bad as financing, but the problem is extending as the crisis grow.

With this in mind, if a person needs a car loan today, correct planning is needed to make sure the best opportunities were taken. The dealership where the car is going to be bought is important because many have a lot of inventory and are trying to get rid of cars, so you could find very good deals, especially from September to December. Also, you shouldnat care much for the brand, because this keeps open a wide range of options.

Once you find a dealer, choose a car according to your necessities. Always have in mind that you have to buy car insurance, so you shouldnat choose a car with a high premium if you wonat be able to afford it. There are many options in the market, and trying to go for the most basic version of a car will be helpful, considering that you could buy accessories and other stuff later.

When youare discussing the price with the dealer, remember that theyare in a position where selling is the best for them. You could take advantage of this situation by asking for free repairs, payment facilities and a good warranty.

To be certain that you will be able to pay for the car, you should ask the dealer to tell you how much would you pay in a monthly basis and you can add this to the car insurance that you previously quoted. If the price seems reasonable, the you should look for a bank to make your application.

Where you apply for credit is up to you. Most dealers run you through their own gaggle of bankers, but you might want to research on your own through an independent company much like Progressive Direct does for car insurance quotes.

Even if you have a bad credit history, the dealers are in a very tight spot right now, so if you are dedicated enough you should be able to find very good deals. Consider this an opportunity to rebuild your credit and start from scratch.

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Do I Have Perfect Credit

By Don Spelling

What is perfect credit? "My broker says I have A credit. What is A Credit?" Remember that what is considered "A" credit to one company might not be "A" to another.

Typically, "A Credit" would be someone with flawless credit, credit scores that are all over 720 (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion scores), and would qualify for the best mortgage rates available pretty much anywhere, based on credit alone.

The difference in the credit score can be the result of many different variables. However, with mortgage lending someone can have perfect credit and only a 620 score and still be considered to have "A credit".

One possible reason for someone with perfect credit to only have a 620 credit score could be the fact that they are maxed out on all of their credit cards and have no revolving credit available. This would present a bigger risk for this consumer and result in the lower credit score.

Therefore, you may still have what is considered "A credit" and not fit the typical protocol for what others think "A credit" is and you may still qualify for the same exact rates as that borrower with an 800 score even if your is only 620. However, the credit score is not the only factor that determines whether you qualify for a loan or not. While it is a big factor, remember it is not the only factor.

An experienced and educated mortgage professional can provide you with a good chance to qualify for the best available rates out there.

Even with "A" credit, the interest rate you will get on a mortgage will vary depending on several factors. These include your credit score, your debt-to-income ratio, and the loan-to-value. The "loan-to-value" is the percentage of your home's value that you are applying to borrow.

The "combined-loan-to-value" is the total percentage of your home's value that will be borrowed, including first mortgage, second mortgage and home equity lines of credit. The "combined-loan-to-value" is also considered.

Having good credit is reflective of your likeliness to repay. Credit is one of the three measurements an investor will review when underwriting your loan. Credit is one of the three measurements an investor will review when underwriting your loan.

A-Credit typically means that you will qualify for the best interest rates available, and have access to a wider variety of programs than someone who may have had a few bumps in their credit history.

If you have A credit you typically have FICO scores of 700+, no mortgage lates, no consumer credit delinquencies, no bankruptcies, , no Foreclosures and minimal credit balances.

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Should You Do An Ira Rollover, 401k, Or Just Save More Money?

By David C Lewis, RFA

Most Americans rely on 401k plans for the bulk of their retirement. A serious problem with 401K plans is the investor's reliance on employer matching for the plan. This may cause an employee to rely too much on the employer and not contribute enough to savings. But, if you have not taken a serious look at retirement planning yet, nothing will give you a wake up call like using one of the many retirement calculators available on the internet. Retirement planning, which is essential for every adult, certainly is a difficult task and shouldn't be taken lightly.

Even when you use a professional adviser, the financial planning process can be difficult. There are just so many variable to consider: the age at which you retire, the age at which you start saving money, and the amount you save for retirement are just a few considerations.

Perhaps the most difficult thing to plan for is inflation. Inflation is caused by Government printing currency. Because that changes from administration to administration, it's hard to predict what policy will be 20 or 30 years from now. On the internet there are dozens of retirement calculators available, and there is a lot of information and ideas on how to plan for this. Some of them seem more plausible than others. In as far as retirement calculators go, what most of them will show you is that you simply cannot rely on Social Security. Even if you do, you will still need to save a substantial amount of money just to maintain something resembling a pre-retirement standard of living.

If the economy is able to grow enough to outpace inflation, your investments must be able to keep up. Even still, with inflation running 3%-5%, your investments are losing value and struggling to keep up.

Your parents and grandparents may have grown up in a time when a $50 a week wage was normal. Now, however, that's completely unrealistic. More than 50 years later, there is no way you could expect to live off $200 a week.

So, today's wage earners making $500 to $1,000 a week in income can expect similar changes when they reach retirement age. Today's calculations will show wage earners that they should expect to have a retirement nest egg of close to $1 million dollars to retire comfortably in 20 or 30 "Retirement Calculator" years.

One of the calculators tested showed shocking results: an adult starting with $100,000 adding $4,000 year to that would retire with nearly $900,000 but would end up broke by the time they were 85 years old!

Part of managing your income is setting aside savings and investing a part of it (note, not ALL of it) for your future. Even though it's difficult to forecast the future, it is necessary due to the nature of human beings and the requirement of long-range planning. There is a wealth of assistance available on the internet to get you started, and professional advisors ready to help when needed.

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In's and out's of Bargin Property

By Doc Schmyz

Home foreclosures and fixer-uppers have long been a focus of many real estate investors looking to make big profits. Of course, if the target property doesn't meet certain criteria, an investor can lose their investment as well as any profit that was to be gained

Use a step by step mind set. "Go by the numbers" when reviewing all the areas of the investment that you want to focus on here are a few things to think about and add to your list.

Please Note: The following elements discussed are not listed in any particular order. Nor do they all hold the same value in relation to each other, but they must ALL be considered in their entirety. The property should meet at least one of the criteria, and should have no unjustifiable issues in any one single area.

Doc's List:

WHY THE ASKING PRICE

Investors ALWAYS see the price first.

We are all looking for below market value. Buy for a little, sell for a lot. But why are they selling so low? Is it to solve one of the "3 D's". (Debt, Death, Divorce)

What problems does the property have if any? Old cracked and faulty plumbing? bad electric? If its a older craftsman style home those problems are very common. is the foundation in good order? Dont forget holding costs.

In my opinion the most common over looked profit drainer is underestimating the liquidation costs of holding and selling the property. Things to keep in mind and budget into your holding costs are: commission payments to real estate agents, closing costs, mortgage payments, taxes, plus repair and maintenance costs. Also electric and water.

If your not up on the market your shopping in...your going to loose money.

Price other property inthe area. Come as close to the size/style/lot size you are looking at buying.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS CAN HELP YOU

What areas can you leverage besides price and location. Financing?

In fact, used wisely, an investor can pay full price and use this positioning to negotiate lower interest rates or a smaller down payment. Over time, the rental cash flow will be in the black because of the terms agreed upon by the buyer and seller, combined with gradual rent increases and price appreciation.

STUDY THE LOCAL MARKET

Learn everything you can about the market your shopping in. What are the schools like? How close is the local hospital? Is there a local police station or sub-station? Also look at the floor plans of surrounding homes. How many bed/baths? whats the average price in the area? What are the prices of the last homes sold in the area? Etc..etc.

As the man said...it is all about location.

Most investors think location is the second most critical thing in the investment next to price. Truth be told...it is only critical if you are looking for a long term residence/renter scenerio. If you can make a great profit on a ugly house in a less then great area. It may out shine the "perfect condo" by the beach.

DISTRESSED REAL ESTATE

Most new investors and some seasoned ones, seek out fix and flips and distressed foreclosures for the opportunity to increase the profit margin. If your going this route make sure you have a good eye for the details and a solid understanding of basic home repair.

With small repairs such as painting, minor landscape, and basic flooring, profits may be available but not really worth the risk. More significant profits are found with extremely distressed properties. Plumbing is corroded, the roof needs replacing, and the interior needs to be gutted and remodeled, but the seller is asking 50% of the market value and you can repair it for much less. Always factor in the amount of work that you are looking at?once you have a rough idea of the cost of the expense?add on another 5% as a buffer.

GET IN A ZONE WITH ZONING

Zoning provides an opportunity to put the property to a higher or better use and is an area many investors ignore. Higher and better use means that the owner is getting the most out of the land. For example, if a lot is zoned for three units but contains a single lot, then it is not getting its highest and best use. Or if a lot is zoned commercial, yet there's a three unit residential building sitting on it, it is not getting its best and highest use, like a business or a store.

These are often bargains because the price is based on current use. So the single unit residential is priced low while the double unit duplex could be sold higher or rented out. Harder to find as developers stay more aware of zoning allowances these days.

Watch out for "Owner conversions" where owners, aware of the zoning ordinance, have made changes without the oversight of the local building authority. Garages being converted to second units on a duplex lot are common examples.

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True Confessions of an Identity Thief

By Linda Seamore

Want to protect your identity like the law officials do? You've come to the right place! You'll find out just how these identity theft criminals plot their scams.

The U.S. Postal Service has shown that there were close to 12 million cases of identity theft in the country for the year 2006; which totaled to approximately $6.3 billion to consumers. This ridiculous statistic most certainly made consumers more aware; but so many people still don't know about the special methods these identity crooks use. At an exclusive interview, an infamous identity theft revealed 4 common myths she took advantage of, in order to prey upon the innocent.

Mistake #1: All Identity Thieves are Men

This is a common misconception that our identity thief says makes her job so much easier. The problem is that most of the major media outlets portray identity thieves as men. The reality is that many of these criminals are well dressed attractive women. To avoid falling into a trap, watch your personal information with both men and women. Studies have shown that both men and women let their guards down around women more so than they do around men. Everyone is a potential identity thief. This does not mean you should be paranoid rather you should simply be very careful.

Misconception # 2 Trusting Your Friendly Store Clerk or Waiter

This one is hard to combat because in most cases you are required to hand over personal information and or documents to store clerks or waiters at restaurants. What you may not know is that some of those people who are waiting on you may in fact have two jobs. By day they work in the local department store but at night they have a side job. Their side job is simply to provide a few customers credit card numbers to their friends. This works so well because they have access to your credit card or account number. The only way to really combat this is to review your account statements. It is also a good idea to keep a journal of expenditures greater than a certain dollar amount.

For example, check your statement when it comes in the mail, that way if you notice anything out of the ordinary, even if it's just $50, you catch it. Question: How long does it really take for a store employee to gain complete access to thousands of consumers' personal information? Answer: A very short time. Based on what our infamous identity thief has stated, most of the identity thieves take on jobs for a little while, and after they've collected the data they need, they are long gone sipping mojitos by the bay!

Myth #3: Throwing Away Unopened Junk Mail

Great credit, good credit, bad or indifferent, it is of no importance. In any given month yoou could receive anywhere from 12-50 or more new credit card offers or bank account offers. One of the main issues with this is that most of us don't take the time to try and secure our information. There are basically two categories. The first category is the person that doesn't have a personal shredding machine and just tosses them or tears them in half, as if it wouldn't be easy to put it together. The second category is the person that does have a personal shredder, but doesn't want to take the time to shred their documents.

Remember, the only thing a criminal has to do to get his/her hands on your personal data is go through your trash, and you become a victim. Having a hard time believing? Think about this, what are you usually doing at 3 in the morning? Well, let's think about what the trustworthy identity thief is doing. He or she is in your trash rummaging through, taking information and going home to fit the pieces to the puzzle. Hint: Once you get done shredding the documents, add some water to the trash bag before sealing it and then throw it away. Your information will be chopped to little pieces and wet and smeared, which leaves it illegible.

Misconception # 4 Sending or Receiving Mail from at Your Home

By now you are beginning to see the point. Identity thieves commit their crimes in several ways. They steal credit card payments and other outgoing mail from private or curbside mailboxes. In fact, according to our expert, some will go a step further and file a change of address form in the victims name to divert mail and gather personal and financial data. Here is a simple tip. First, drop all of your outgoing mail in a local United States Postal Service mailbox. Second, consider opening a P.O. Box. I know this seems inconvenient but to truly protect yourself, these are some of the preventative measures you must take to win the fight against identity theft.

One of the main issues is that there are various ways to become a victim; you really do need 24 hour a day protection. Don't be afraid to get help!

It's very difficult to protect yourself and your family, successfully, without help. Trying to do it alone can be worrisome and not very effective. It makes a huge difference when you have someone protecting you who has actually been through the storm! LifeLock is a company who has absolutely outstanding identity theft protection for everyday people.

When you begin to research a service to proactively monitor and protect your credit, please be sure that they have been recommended by the top law enforcement officials, and of course that their service has proven to work in real life.

Identity Theft Prevention and Identity Theft Protection are crucial. Stop Identity Theft with LifeLock. Life Lock can guarantee identity theft never happens to you. To learn more about how to protect yourself from identity thieves, visit lifelock.com

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Bad Credit Mortgage - Overview

By Anne Ahira

Obtaining the home is a big transaction but it is a bit that everyone goals of accomplishing at many goal. Regrettably, sometimes public make financial fault that capable afflict them for long time.

Those privates possible not have known the damage, that they had finished to their credit score and thereby their buying force. However, the complete desire is not gone. There are Bad Credit Mortgage loans offered for specials who go down into this class.

There are particular lenders who concentrate in progression a bad credit mortgage. However, you will demand to take care to ensure that you are doing with a respectable lender. There are unsavory bad credit mortgage lenders out there so you demand to pay attention to check he credentials as well as history of your probable lender.

The only way that you are going to be able to purchase a home is by having a mortgage. So, if you don't have the good credit to get one you will want to look into a bad credit mortgage loan. These loans have been specifically designed for individuals who do not have good credit ratings.

A bad credit mortgage typically has a higher interest rate than a traditional home loan. This information is determined by the mortgage company looking at your credit score, your debt to income ratio, your current income, and the amount of money that you are looking to borrow.

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One Card at a Time to Being Debt-Free

By Paul J. Easton

So, how do we actually pay off all our credit card debts? Let's guide you in a simplified plan to wisely get ahead of that credit card company.

Take a look at the interest rates on your credit cards, compare and analyze. Pick the one with the highest rate. That's the best starting point. Focus on working on that one card with the highest interest first. Getting through this hurdle will make it easier for the next ones to pay off.

Examine the spending you made on that card. Stop for a while paying necessary expenses using this card and use cash with paying those bills. The expense you have to make this time is just for the necessary ones like utility bills and the like. The wanted purchases, not necessarily the needed ones, can be bought after you have paid off this one card.

As a treat to yourself, you can buy something as a reward after every card is paid off. Since paying a considerable amount of credit card debt takes a bit of time, a reward can be more motivational than counterproductive. Of course, limit the reward to something not so expensive. We don't want another debt cycle.

After avoiding some expenses using your credit card, your debts are projected to reduce much faster with continued consistency in paying them off. Pay off that first credit card with the highest interest and just focus the rest of your savings for the month in that debt account. Just leave the other credit cards paid at minimum.

Then after paying that first credit card, take the next card with the highest interest rate. Direct all the focus you have for that previous card you are paying with all your savings to this next card. Send the regular monthly payment you used to pay that previous credit card (which is now paid off) with this second card's monthly minimum. In not time, this card will be done, faster than your first card.

Repeat the whole process with the rest of your card. You will be like an avalanche rolling downhill towards being debt free.

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Finding Private Student Loans

By Colby Mangum

For people who plan to attend college, there is so much more stress involved than just simply getting accepted to the college of your choice. Once accepted, you now have to figure out a way to pay for it. If you aren't one of the rare few who have money stashed away for college, more than likely, you will need the assistance of a student loan.

If you plan to apply for a private student loan, the question is no longer how will I pay for school, but how do I find private student loans. Every college institution has a financial aid department or at least a counselor who might be your best source of information. They will probably know about the rates and types of private loans offered from the lending institutions nearby.

Your financial aid office might also be able to help you get some information on a Federal Family Education Loan. While these loans are private loans offered by outside lenders, they are government guaranteed loans which means that the government is backing the loan. This usually means that the interest rates and fees associated with the loan will be a lot lower than a different private loan.

Since the government guarantees the loan, this typically means lower interest rates and fees. This is a good thing since it can help save you money in the short and long run. Since not all private lenders offer the Federal Family Education Loan, you may need to do a little research to find the places that do.

Another place that always seems to have a wealth of information is the internet. Unfortunately though, you can't believe everything you read on the internet so this will require you to double-check the info you get online.

There are always a few scams out there and more often than not, there are plenty of companies wanting to earn as much money as possible on the loans they issue.

If you have a bank you've been with for a while, you might want to check with them first to see if you can get a better interest rate because you have a standing relationship with them. They have personal experience with your banking history so they might be more willing to offer a good rate if the relationship has been good.

If you want to go to college, it is going to take sacrifice and money. You will have to do the sacrificing, but a private student loan might be able to help you take care of the money part.

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How To Get The Lowest Home Rates

By Dianne Logan

Even though an economy in recession has put almost all financial dealings to a minimum, it is actually the right time to get a home loan for many reasons. If you have been planning to buy a house, then this is definitely the best time to do so with house prices at an absolute low. Secondly, home loan prices have also dropped, and if you have a regular monthly income that can easily support a loan payment, then you can actually end up saving thousands of dollars in the long run.

However, it pays to remember that even cheap home loans often turn out to be extremely costly over a long term simply because they are taken for long periods of time, and you often end up paying an amount equal to or more than the principal as interest by the time you finish off your home loan payments. Taking all steps to ensure that you get the lowest possible home loan rates can therefore end up saving you loads of money by the time you finish off paying your home loan.

Some things that will help you get the lowest home loan rates are:

A Good Credit Score: If you live in the US, then you can actually bargain for good home loan rates if you have a credit score above 680. No matter what your credit score, there is always scope for improvement, so it is advised that you actually spend some time in improving your score before applying for a home loan. The easiest way of doing this is to get your free credit report from any one of the three agencies that provide it, and correct any errors that might be present, like a wrong address, or a default that has never happened etc. Also cancel all the credit cards that you hardly use and pay all your bills on time for a month or two. Then get another free credit report and when you are sure that your score has improved as much as it can, apply for a home loan.

Try To Avail Of A Scheme: There are a number of organizations in the US like the FHA (Federal Housing Administration), VA (Veterans Administration) and the Rural Development Services that tie up with various financial institutions and banks to provide citizens with low interest home loans. Before you apply for a home loan, check out whether you are eligible for any government assisted schemes, because if you are, you can actually save thousands on fees and interest on your home loan.

Shop Around: Due to a high level of competition among lenders in the current scenario, you might find that there is a huge variation in the home loan rates offered by different lenders to the same person. Therefore, make sure that you shop around properly before finalizing a home loan. Get free quotes from as many lenders as possible and compare them. Even if the interest rates seem similar, dont forget to check all the fees and payments applicable, because this is where a lot of unscrupulous lenders are making the big bucks. You will also find that online lenders will offer you better rates than brick and mortar ones, so give preference to one provided the firm is solid, honest and reputable.

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How To Refinance The Right Way

By Mijnadviseur

The interest rates are low, so mortgage refinancing is looking good. Getting your mortgage refinanced at the right time can save you a lot of money. Because of the mortgage crisis, the lending criteria are getting pretty strict. It's not as easy as before to get accepted for a mortgage refinance.

If you prepare the right way, you can increase your chances of acceptance. This article goes over a few things you need to know before applying for a refinance.

Home prices are dropping and for sale signs are popping up left and right. For a refinance, it is oftentimes important to have equity in your home. If you currently owe more than your home is worth, getting a refinance is going to be tough. Lenders will usually ask for an appraisal before accepting a refinance.

The government has announced that there are plans in the making to help homeowners that are in a negative equity situation. The exact details of these plans have not been made public yet.

Every bank also looks at the amount of money you make. They want to know if you have sufficient income to pay the bills every month. If you can't show you have sufficient income to do a refinance, you will have massive trouble to get accepted for a mortgage refinance. There are a lot of places on the Internet where you can check out what you approximately can get when applying for a mortgage. Make sure you have sufficient income before going through the trouble of applying for a mortgage refinance.

Also, look at your current credit score. Your credit score will play a big part in the conditions of the mortgage. If you can improve your credit score in any way, do it. It will save you a lot of money in the long run.

When considering a mortgage refinance, always look at the total costs of this decision. You have to know if the refinance is worth it. You will face some added costs when you decide to refinance, so know that you will be living in your home for another couple of years in order to recoup the costs.

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Deal With Your Creditors Calmly

By Paul J. Easton

Dealing with your credit card debts can burn you out. It can truly ruin your personal life, your family, and your standing in the community. Dealing with debt can be very stressful. But dealing with the creditors is another.

You may be too far on the road of financial problems yet you can still deal your creditors with the same acts of grace and professionalism. The callers from the credit card companies or the collecting agencies may be rude or threatening, your way of correspondence to your creditors must always remain calm and relevant. Be brief and factual with your talk with them and always remain direct to the point.

Always have the impression of efficiency and trustworthiness. It must appear to them that you are fully knowledgeable and already decided with your situation.

The person in the opposite line you are dealing with is merely doing his or her job. The correspondence, which is done on behalf of the employer which is the creditor, must be always be business-oriented and tactful, especially from your part as the debtor. Always bear in mind that this is not personal so you must not let it become so.

As you would respond better to a calm personnel from any company of any product, this individual you are dealing with will respond better to a person who appears to be calm too. Act and speak believable and you will be believed to.

Appearing believable and calm can be hard especially if you know that you owe more than you can afford. Actually, your credit history is less important to the person dealing with your account now than your attitude at the moment of the call.

That cannot be implied that what you have done in the past has no relevance. However, acknowledging your current problems and trying your best to do your part can dramatically improve your relationship and situation with your creditors.

Reacting with anger or aggressiveness when you fail to keep your promises will only make your problems worse. Be prepared and speak with confidence. Confidence equates to responsibility. And make good of all those promises and this can be your first step in working things out in your favor.

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Getting The Best Mortgage When Buying A House

By Peter Daas

Getting a mortgage is a big financial decision. Getting a home goes hand in hand with this decision. A mortgage takes a while to pay off, so you need to think long and hard about the kind of mortgage you will choose for your home purchase.

Your new mortgage isn't only a long term decision, it is a hard decision that takes some prep time. You will face some complex issues when deciding on the right kind of mortgage. You have to decide on the type of mortgage, the interest rates, fixed rate or not and a lot of other factors. And even a seemingly very small difference can end up costing you a lot of money, because small things get big in the span of 30 years.

Before you decide on a mortgage, always seek expert advice. Experts handle mortgages all day long, most people handle mortgages once in a couple of years. An expert has studied mortgages and knows how to get the best rates and which kind of mortgage suits your situation. If you choose the right person to help you, they will also look out for you and protect you against the mistake of taking on a loan that you can not afford.

There are roughly three things important to a mortgage provider. Your income compared to your debt, the amount that you are willing to use as a down payment and your credit rating. There is a lot of information to be found online and offline about all three of these factors. You can improve your credit score if it's too low and these days there are many possibilities to buy with little or no money down.

Always check your credit report. Sometimes there is a mistake on there, and this can cost you a lot in added fees and interest rates. It's not too much of a hassle picking up your credit report in exchange for thousands and thousands of dollars in money saved. Do your research and make sure you make the right mortgage decision.

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Is Diversification the Way to Go?

By Jan Shimano

Not being an experienced investor, I have been very concerned lately as I watched my investments dwindling before my very eyes. I decided to do a little investigating with the hopes of coming up with some answers.

It has been my experience that whenever I am motivated to seek an answer to a question, that answer invariably appears, and so it was with my search. I had read Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki a number of times and found it very informative. A friend of mine recommended I read his book, Rich Dad's Prophecy, so I ordered a copy. That book was a major eye opener for me.

The cyclical nature of the market is well known. We expect it to go up, down and sideways. However, if we were to graph it out over many years, we would normally see an upward motion, with periodic small dips. These days it's quite a different picture. The graph is headed down on a very steep curve.

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

There are going to be literally millions of people selling off large holdings, because they have to. Can you imagine what that is going to do to the stock market. For the market to go up, we have to have more buyers than sellers. For it to remain the same, there would be about the same volume of sales to purchases. So, with way more sellers than buyers, the market is going to take a huge hit, and there doesn't appear that there is anything that can be done about it. I suppose it's possible that the Government will step in with another law allowing people to keep their money in their retirement fund longer. However, this will just delay the inevitable.

Most people understand that they are in a difficult financial situation, but they fail to realize the full impact. They are told that the best thing for them to do is to diversify, hold tight and ride out the storm. Many of them follow that advice and are unaware of what Warren Buffet said about this. He is quoted as saying ...."Diversification is a protection against ignorance. It makes very little sense for those that know what they are doing".

There are still a number of years to go before 2016 is upon us, so there is still time to get a handle on your finances and make some intelligent decisions. You need to educate yourself on financial matters and take action now, to secure additional funds to see you through your retirement. The experts tell us that one of the best ways to do this, is to have a home based business. It is predicted that many people are going to make their fortunes during this stressful economic time. There is no reason why you cannot be one of them. There are many great opportunities out there....find the one that appeals to you, take action and run with it.

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Debt Consolidation Coupled with Credit Counseling

By Paul J. Easton

A lot of people around the world are losing their jobs and getting further in debt day by days. This is probably one of the most painful situations of our time and living with it can be very difficult.

Right now with everybody in despair, you are faced with debts from your home, your car, or your trip last year when times were still good. You might be contemplating right now of getting out of this debt situation. What should you do to take yourself out of this situation and get debt free? When will be the time again where you will become financially independent?

There are many options and one of them worth exploring is the credit card consolidation. This is assuming you have credit card debts in your list of liabilities. With so many products from various companies available today, getting help is more accessible. Or until you found out you are getting overwhelmed with all the information.

Attaining that financial freedom and getting out of debt starts with a simple step for your brain not to be overloaded with information. Start with a credit counseling program. Credit counseling is more than just a basic financial education.

After going through some preliminary counseling, there are so many reasons why you might need a credit card debt consolidation. One of the reasons to consider this method is because of getting better rates with interests on your debts.

Suggest an in-depth consultation with your counselor when trying out this option of credit consolidation. Ask if how much you can save with this method. Compare the list of all your interest rates of each credit card. Think of the advantages of getting your debt consolidated and compare it to the current debts.

In addition, take advantage of the credit counseling services. It will not only help your current debt crunch but will also help you plan your financial future. By planning your finances, you will set goals to better your situation today.

Most of the time, you will consult with your counselor and create a customized financial study. The counselor will also assist you in developing a budget for your needs and suited to your lifestyle. Following their suggestions, you are going to be able to get debt under your full control and soon attain that financial freedom.

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Student Loan Consolidation benefits

By Dennis Powell

Many former students use student loan consolidation programs to ease the stress of paying off their education debt. Student loan consolidation offers many benefits including reduced payments and fixed interest rates. In addition, borrowers have an easier time keeping track of their obligations as they are rolled into a single monthly payment.

Simplify your payment options with Student Loan Consolidation. Financing a college education can be a series of challenges, and most students end up with several loans through several different providers often with a variety of interest rates, payment plans, and due dates. As lower interest rates are based in part on prompt payment histories, one mistake can lead to penalties and thousands of dollars in interest charges. Consolidation is the best way to get all of a students financing packaged together with a single payment and due date, making it easier to track, and easier to remember when that big payment is due each month.

Lower your Interest Rates with Student Loan Consolidation. Often times, consolidating student loans into one big loan allow the borrower to get a fixed interest rate as well. Fixed interest rates provide borrowers with some measure of security while providing a way for borrowers to plan a workable monthly budget without the fear of sunned interest rate changes throwing their payment schedule off course. Many student loan interest charges are also tax deductible; having one single loan makes tax planning easier as well.

A consolidation loan can also help reduce the borrowers monthly payment. Taking all of the payments from all of the lenders and rolling them into a single loan, often provides the borrower with a lower monthly payment and an easier to remember payment schedule for their education debt. Payments can many times be reduced still further by electing to have payments made to the lender automatically through the borrowers financial institution.

Extend your payment terms with student loan consolidation. Extended payment terms are another feature of consolidated student loan programs that can help borrowers get their careers started without having to overcome the burden of a large monthly payment. By taking extended payoff terms, a borrower can make lower payments on their loan when they are just out of school, then after a few years if their career has progressed they can often either refinance to a shorter term or make extra payments if they choose.

There are many benefits to securing a student loan consolidation program. Especially for recent grads just starting out on their career path, reduced monthly payments, fixed interest rates, and simplified record keeping provide borrowers with the tools they need to make a successful transition once they have completed their formal education.

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Take Advantage of Business Credit Cards

By Robert Hett

Admittedly, the main reason companies choose to have business credit cards is to enjoy the privilege of raised credit limits. Additionally, most business credit cards will also give the holder access to specifically designed business credit options as well as a host of rewards. Which program you decide to choose will however depend essentially on the requirements of your company.

Airline Rewards Miles

Employee Credit Cards

Generous Credit Line

Rewards Programs For Buying Office Supplies

Gas Rewards Program

Company Logo On Your Cards

CashBack Rewards

In addition to the programs mentioned above, leading credit card companies such as Chase, Discover Card, Advanta and American Express, also understand the importance of being able to tailor a card to best meet a companies financial requirements. As a result, these card suppliers also offer a wide range of additional options.

An additional perk of having a business credit card, is that many of the card companies will provide you with a dedicated agent upon approval of your application. This agent is then at your disposal should you ever require any assistance with specialized business solutions. This, together with the ability to track all expenses 24 hours per day, is something all small businesses can take advantage of.

Full coverage against fraud and possible card theft is not optional for those who apply for a business credit card, but then again, if it's your business it deserves no less. Also, always ensure you read and understand all the terms and condition specific to the card you're applying for, whether it's a MasterCard, or a Visa Card. You'd do this if you were applying for a personal card so be sure to do so when applying for a business card as well.

Did you know that the majority of small businesses fail and go out of business within three years? Surprisingly enough in the majority of cases it is financial instability which is to blame and not a poorly thought out business plan. While having a small business credit card won't make your business bullet proof it will certainly improve your chances of success.

It's undeniable that a business credit card can help your business especially when one considers that the top card companies like Avanta, Discover Card, American Express, Chase and Capital One all want to see you succeed. After all, the more successful your business becomes the more business they'll be doing with you so in essence it's mutually beneficial.

Of course, you're more than likely wondering what's on offer? Well, first of all you can earn cash back. Additionally you can accumulate air miles, you could benefit from rewards earned from gas purchases as well, not to mention all the other benefits such as reduced hotel rates, discounts when eating out at restaurants and even cheaper car rentals.

Having 24 hour access to your account for the purpose of tracking expenditure is essential to any small businesses which for the most part are running on a tightly controlled budget. Likewise, if some of your employees have been issued cards it's also vital that you should be in a position where you can keep tabs on their expenses. Above all else be sure you compare cards before you apply.

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Owner Financed Homes: What You Should Know

By Laeverneus Homebuysky

If you are on the market for buying a home of your own but don't meet the requirements for a traditional mortgage, you might be surprised to learn that owner financed homes can help you on the path to becoming a homeowner. Instead of throwing away money each month on a rental payment, you can take advantage of an owner financed home to begin to build your own home equity. With owner finance options, your payments will someday allow you to own the home outright.

Owner financed properties can allow you to borrow the sales price of the home from the lender in full or in part. This means that if you only need to cover the deposit in order to qualify for a traditional mortgage, the owner will finance that portion of the asking price. However, if you require a hundred percent owner financing from the owner this can also be organized depending on the terms offered.

If you are seeking your home through real estate advertisements, you may not have seen owner financed home opportunities advertised. This doesn't mean that they are not there. If an owner has had a property on the market for some time and does not want to reduce the price in order to make a sale, he or she may be willing to consider owner financing. Obviously, they would have to have the financial capacity to do this but you won't know if you don't ask.

There are also sites on the Internet that specialize in the owner finance homes market. Do be aware that even though you won't need to meet the stringent standards of a conventional home loan, you will need to prove your creditworthiness and ability to pay before most sellers will consider owner financing. Also, you can expect your house payments with an owner financed home to be higher than what you would pay with a traditional lender, but if you have the ability to make these payments, owner finance homes can be a means to an end if you can't get any other kind of financing. After you've built a solid payment history, you can always refinance with a traditional lender later on for a lower interest rate.

Before committing to an owner financed home, however, it is important to employ a lawyer to carefully read through the contract. Make sure you understand what you are agreeing to. You need to be able to pay out your loan without heavy penalties and refinance if you wish. It is also important that you understand your rights and obligations once you enter into the agreement.

Owner financed homes are a popular way for owners to sell their properties at prices they want and do so quickly. However, buyers need to beware that sellers are not doing them a favor. Buyers need to be very careful before agreeing to purchase using seller finance. You should obtain a building inspection report and have the property professionally surveyed.

It is important to proceed carefully, even though you may be eager to seal the deal quickly in your quest for homeownership. Owner financed homes can allow you to become a homeowner, but don't rush - make sure you aren't buying a problem home or succumbing to a predatory loan contract. Treat owner finance homes with caution, and make sure you do your research before signing on the dotted line.

If approached wisely, owner financed home can provide the way to your own home when other avenues are not available. If you approach owner financed home ownership with a long term plan in mind, you will be able to move to a traditional mortgage in the future if it offers a better deal.

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Debt Consolidation offers you Convenience

By Paul J. Easton

The infamous debt consolidation loan is one of many impressive and convenient solutions to driving out of debt. It is a personal loan you use to pay off all of your debts, particularly on your credit cards. You can obtain it from a finance company, or debt consolidation company. This sort of loan is also accessible now with its growing demand from merchant association, credit counseling providers, or financial service groups.

This debt consolidation loan offers you with the means to efficaciously shift obligation for many debts to one larger debt which is simpler to track. For added manageability, your payments are spread out over a longer period of time with lower interests.

There are many benefits of having a debt consolidation loan. It offers smart resolution to your debt problems like leaving you the convenience of paying only one creditor for supervising your total debt and centering your attention on it. It likewise offers you a lower interest thus a lower monthly bill.

With the procedure of consolidating everything into one big loan, your monthly payment is determined according to the lowest payment amount talked terms with the creditors. Your monthly payments will be remitted to the agency you deal with. Your debt consolidation firm will then pay your creditors individually with the negotiated contract.

Most creditors will reduce your interest fees if your agency negotiated well, depending on the policies of your creditors. Most likely, this can save you a big chunk of your balance because interest rates get minimized by a range of 5-12%.

When you see yourself gradually drowning in debt, it feels like a downward spiral from which you don't have any idea how to regain your composure. This process of loan consolidation is a promise we can utilize to find our self-confidence in our financial life. Definitely, it is a means to keep your credit and redeem your life, in a convenient way. Today, bankruptcy is far from sight.

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Debt Consolidation: Hope with Paying Debt

By Paul J. Easton

A debt consolidation loan is one of many effective answers to aiming out of debt. It is a personal loan you use to pay all of your debts, especially on your credit cards. You can obtain it from a finance company, or debt consolidation company. This sort of loan is also accessible now with its rising demand from merchant association, credit counseling providers, or financial service groups.

A debt consolidation loan offers you with the way to effectively transfer obligation for many debts to one larger debt which is simpler to track. For added manageability, your payments are distributed out over a more long-term period of time with lower interests.

There are many benefits of getting a debt consolidation loan. It offers immediate answer to your debt problems like leaving you the convenience of paying only one creditor for supervising your total debt and concentrating your attention on it. It also offers you a lower interest bringing you a lower monthly bill.

With this simple procedure of loan consolidation, your monthly payment is defined according to the lowest payment total negotiated with the creditors. Your monthly dues will be remitted to the agency you contracted with. Your debt consolidation firm will then distribute the amount of your consolidated payment to your individual creditors with their agreed terms.

Your creditors will likely reduce their interest rates with proper negotiation, of course depending on your creditors' policy. Eventually, this can save you thousands of dollars because interest rates get minimized by an average of 5-12%.

Once you have got yourself in debt, it feels like a downward spiral from which you are most likely feeling helpless. This process of loan consolidation is a hope we can take advantage with to recover our self-confidence in our financial life. Definitely, it is a means to relieve your credit and save your life. Now, bankruptcy is far from sight. Thank God.

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How To Obtain Compensation From A Truck Accident In Court

By Chris Channing

Truck accidents are classified as vehicle accidents that involve a truck that is linked to a large trailer, which is often 10,000 pounds or more in weight. These accidents occur with great frequency all over the United States, with many ending in fatalities. To get the money required to pay off medical expenses, there are a few things victims should know.

Citizens driving in consumer-grade vehicles will be at a very large disadvantage when crossing the path of a truck on the highway. For one thing, trucks are much larger and weigh much more, giving them more inertia and leeway in the crash. Consumer vehicles are often torn up beyond recognition in a direct crash, which usually results in a fatality or severe injury.

Although the event of a crash is a very sad time for those involved, there is almost always blame to be put on the trucker in the incident. The trucker may be speeding, which is common as they have deadlines, or may have failed to keep up on maintenance of their vehicle. Truckers also tend to stress their body to its limits, and lack sleep- another dangerous act that can easily cause devastating accidents.

Finding who was at fault is important for winning a case. When in a wreck, make sure police do their job in detailing every possible event that led up to the wreck for analysis later on down the road. Even small things will help win a court case, since it may be hard to prove that a truck driver was at fault without good evidence there was indeed negligence present.

If you have been in a trucker accident, the first thing to do once feeling better is to contact a lawyer, as you may be entitled to a large lump sum of money in return. If critically injured, medical bills may amount to as much as $100,000 or more, which goes to show that getting money from a settlement is incredibly dire to stay out of debt. If the consumer was at fault, the odds in receiving money are much less, and focus should be instead put on insurance carriers.

Lawyers in metropolitan areas are easy to find, so consider traveling to a larger city to find the proper lawyer if you reside in a rural community. Finding a specialty lawyer is the best course of action, since they will have experience in winning claims for victims in a truck accident. When it comes to the amount of debt most receive, it's better to get the best lawyer possible and pay more for a better chance at winning.

Final Thoughts

No vehicle wreck is easy to go through. On top of serious medical problems that one may face, finances tend to go down the drain as well. Dealing with legal problems doesn't sound like much fun, but getting out there and getting a claim in as soon as possible is the best course of action to ensure a stable financial future.

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Definitions of American General Finance

By Anne Ahira

There are several dissimilar American General Finance products offered to both the individual, as well as the main corporation. This particular company is a part of the group that is called "American International Group, Inc".

The services presented by the group are available in the United States. But, residents that stay in the U.S Virgin Islands, as well as those that reside in Puerto Rico can use the services that are provided by American General Finance.

This financial association gives an assortment of loans, credit resources, and even financing for retail products. If we are exploring for lenders for own reasons, and even for professional reasons, American General Finance is the corporation to look to for help.

If everyone are searching out a loan for real estate, and/or user reasons, American General Finance offers it. In addition to this, some person use the resources that this particular company gives in order to finance retail purchases, or even purchase an automobile.

If you own a small business, or you are responsible for the finances of your company, American General Finance can offer assistance to you as well.

There are tons of different types of loans and lines of credit that can be really useful to improving your company! As you be able to find out from the information here, American General Finance is the leader once it comes to loans, credit lines, and more!

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How To Get Out Of Debt

By Michael Benifez

Christmas has come and gone and you now realize that you have spent way too much on gifts and festivities - most of them on your credit card. How are you going to fix the mess you have made of your finances?

The National Retail Federation claims that on average, people spend over $900 over the Christmas holiday period, a good deal of it on their cards.The consequences of this largesse are very hard to overcome. Approximately one third of people still have a credit card debt from the previous holiday period which they carry over into the next. It has been estimated that it will take around 3 years to clear a $900 debt at 18% interest, when the minimum payments are made.

Constant credit card debt, particularly when you are just starting out, can harm your financial well-being. Because you are always paying off the debt, you can't spend money on the things you really need to such as investments, saving and eating.

Lecturing you about your problems is not going to solve anything. You are looking for answers to your problems.

1. Restraint

You don't have to be a genius to work out that you need to spend less to manage your debt. This isn't much fun - watching how much you spend is very tedious.

There are a number of "budget busters" that, although on their own they don't seem like much, actually start to add up after a while. These include the $4 coffee, $10 movie or takeaway. To give an example, if you go to a movie once a week, in a year it has cost you $520.

Whilst you don't have to be overly stingy with yourself, you should take the time to look carefully at your bank and credit card statements and work out where all that money is going. Take the opportunity to pare down the expenditure and this will help to reduce the debt.

Ridding yourself of debt is like winning a battle, where you need to plan your strategy to ensure that the best resources are where they are needed the most. If you know where your spending weaknesses are, it is much easier to combat them.

When you are going over your spending habits, be on the lookout for two things that can keep you in the debt cycle:

* The "I really need it" virus: Victims of debt regularly confuse things that they want with needs. For example, "I really need that new car..." or "I really need those $200 jeans..." or "I simply can't go without my daily coffee!" * Big-spender-itis: People who are Victims of this syndrome have a need to show friends and family members that they have "made it", even if it means they have to go into or remain in debt to keep up appearances. These people have a big head... and a very large credit card growth!

2. Strike a deal

An effective solution to getting rid of debt is to negotiate with your credit provider and come up with a better deal. Often this will assist you in paying off the debt quickly or in reducing payments if you are really badly in debt.

* Request a lower interest rate. A five-minute telephone call to your finance provider has the potential to save you lots of dollars in interest charges.

* See if a balance transfer will help - shop around for a card with a lower interest rate, but take care with "special" introductory offers. These can be a trap, because that lower interest period is only for a short time and then the rate is sky high again. It will only work if you are sure that you will be able to pay off the full amount within the time frame.

* Choose a card that doesn't have a monthly fee. You may think that you are getting a better deal with a lower rate card where you pay fees, but in reality it isn't the case. For example, if you pay $40 each month toward a $1,000 balance on a card with a 12% interest rate and this card has a $50 annual fee, that's the same as a no-fee card with an 18.4% interest rate.

* Reduce your student loan rate. You can reduce your interest rates by between one and three percent if you choose a lender that gives a discount for on-time payments or automatic payments from your bank account, provided you haven't consolidated your student loans. You can make comparisons through SimpleTuition.com.

* Cut a deal on student loan payments. If you're really struggling with the payments, inquire with your lender to see if you qualify for a graduated payment schedule. You can also consult various bank officers to see if they offer debt consolidation loans. With this schedule, the beginning payments are small and are gradually raised as your income, hopefully, increases. You may also request an extension of time to pay.

3. Boost your income

If when you have trimmed all the "fat" from your spending and you find that you still don't have enough to deal with the debt, a way out of this may be to look at ways to bring more money into the equation. Is it about time for a raise? Have a chat with your boss, but never mention that you need the money to finance your debt.

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Paying the Minimum is Not the Right Way to Start

By Paul J. Easton

Getting rid of debt, especially with credit cards, is simpler than you think. It only requires a bit of discipline from your end.

The first step in getting started with eliminating debts is simply avoiding debt totally. This requires you to stop any new spending using your credit cards and, most importantly, finding yourself getting over that impulse to purchase unnecessary objects to end up collecting dusts in your closet.

This takes us to the next step to examine all of your past and current spending. Getting over that impulse might be easily said than done but it starts somewhere to finally realize that spending with a purpose is practically more important than your shopping spree every now and then.

Find out by the numbers how much money you can set aside towards paying off your credit cards if you become conscious with your purchases. Then, when all is done, it is time to finally start paying off that debt.

Credit card companies generally offer minimum payments ranging from 2 - 2.5% of the current outstanding balance. With the current balance of $1,000, you can simply pay a minimum payment of $20 - $25 for the month. Seems pretty convenient and easy, right?

Let's break it down to the details. Your $25 minimum payment goes mostly to the interest on the balance. The tiny amount left after then interest will go to pay off the actual balance. That is if it is still significant enough to really deduct something to your balance.

After doing this for a few months, check back on your statements. The minimum payments will probably take you, in the example of $1000 balance, about 50 months or so to pay off that balance. That's over four years of paying a $1000 balance. In details, you pay a sizeable amount in interests alone giving a huge profit for the bank. Now, is it still convenient and easy?

This only concludes that paying the minimum is not the right place where you want to start if you want to get debt free soon.

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

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Austin, TX Owner Financed Homes: What You Should Know

By Laeverneus Homebuysky

If you're looking to buy a home of your own but don't have adequate funds for a deposit or meet other criteria for a traditional mortgage, an owner financed home could provide an alternate path to homeownership. If you are paying rent every month, you're not earning any return on that money " you are helping your landlord build equity in his property. Instead, you should build your own wealth through homeownership. When you own your home, every payment is an investment in a home that you will someday own outright.

With Austin area owner finance homes, you can borrow all or part of the purchase price of a home from the seller. For example, if you are close to qualifying for a traditional home loan but just need funds for the deposit, the current owner of the property that you are interested in purchasing can finance that part of the sale price. If you need to finance the entire purchase price of an owner finance home, this can often be arranged depending on the terms offered by the owner.

If you've been looking for an owner finance home in Austin, TX by perusing real estate listings and ads, chances are you haven't seen too many owner financed homes for sale. Don't get discouraged " they are available " you just need to know where to look, and how to approach a seller about an owner finance option. Though a particular seller might not advertise owner financing, if a home has been on the market for a while and the seller does not want to budge on the price, then they might be willing to consider owner financing. Of course, this depends on whether the current Austin owner is in a good financial position to take on an owner finance contract, but you'll never know unless you make a proposal.

There are also sites on the Internet that specialize in owner finance homes in the Austin, TX market. Do be aware that even though you won't need to meet the stringent standards of a conventional home loan, you will need to prove your creditworthiness and ability to pay before most sellers will consider owner financing. Also, you can expect your house payments with an owner financed home to be higher than what you would pay with a traditional lender, but if you have the ability to make these payments, owner finance homes can be a means to an end if you can't get any other kind of financing. After you've built a solid payment history, you can always refinance with a traditional lender later on for a lower interest rate.

Before committing to an owner financed home in Austin, however, it is important to employ a lawyer to carefully read through the contract. Make sure you understand what you are agreeing to. You need to be able to pay out your loan without heavy penalties and refinance if you wish. It is also important that you understand your rights and obligations once you enter into the agreement.

Owner finance homes provide seller with the opportunity to quickly sell a home at the price they've set. But, buyers need to realize that the seller isn't doing you a special favor. It's important for buyers to exercise caution in evaluating any type of seller financing. All of the steps you would take for buying a home with a traditional lender, like a building inspection report and professional survey, should be undertaken.

In some cases, overeager buyers are quick to jump the gun and enter into an owner finance contract without really thinking it through. Make sure you're not buying someone else's problem home or being taken advantage of with a predatory lending contract. Doing your due diligence is important " resist the temptation to jump in with both feet without good research and planning.

If approached wisely, owner financed home in Austin, TX can provide the way to your own home when other avenues are not available. If you approach owner financed home ownership with a long-term plan in mind, you will be able to move to a traditional mortgage in the future if it offers a better deal.

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Do It Yourself Credit Repair vs. Credit Repair Services

By John Cooper

When you are researching how to repair your credit report, you will have two choices. You can do it yourself or you can hire a service to do it on your behalf.

There are benefits to each approach. For do it yourself credit repair, you will be able to provide any additional evidence that an item is incorrect. Additionally you will be writing the letters yourself and saving money.

The cons of doing it yourself are; it is time consuming. Because you will have to send a letter to each bureau for each bad credit mark. For example if you have one negative mark on each of your credit reports, you will have to send a dispute letter to each credit bureau.

It also will take a lot of organization; this is a result of bureaus not investigating upon receipt of the first letter. Common practice of the bureaus is to respond with a letter requesting more information about the dispute, this is a stall tactic.

The bureaus have found this to be a more cost effective method, than to conduct the investigations. This is because most people get frustrated and give up at this point.

In addition it is common for individuals to dispute credit the wrong way. This means they will;

1. Send dispute letters too often.

2. Provide a frivolous reason for the dispute.

3. Dispute too many items at once.

The benefit of hiring a service to do it on your behalf is; they have a comprehensive knowledge of the ever evolving credit laws. These laws can often be used to help you and more effectively remove negative credit.

This is how services work; you will forward a copy of your credit report and mark what items you wish to dispute. The service will write a letter and send it off to the bureaus.

They will continue to send letters and overcome any stall tactics the bureaus typically use. You will then receive deletion letters from the bureaus.

You send these deletion letters to the service and the process will continue. They will do all the organization, and provide you with a contact if you want to talk someone about your specific case.

Additionally a service has more advanced dispute techniques than an individual. For example a service can use; escalated dispute information requests, debt validation, and creditor direct intervention.

In sum we suggest a service because they are professionals. However which ever method is good and can help you repair your damaged credit report. Stop just living with the high cost of a low credit score.

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