Debt Consolidation Credit Counseling In Phoenix

If you are looking for help repairing your credit report, you should surf over to lexingtonlaw.com to find the help you need. Lexington Law, a consumer advocacy firm, specializes in helping clients improve credit scores by eliminating negative marks on credit reports.

Last year, Lexington Law assisted clients in getting rid of more than 600,000 negative entries on credit reports. Some of the bad entries that Lexington Law Firm has eliminated include, collections, late payments, charge offs, liens, bankruptcies, repossessions, foreclosures, and judgments. Since 1991, Lexington Law has successfully served more that a half million clients.

Lexington Law Firm hires more lawyers, paralegals, and agents than any other credit repair service in the United States. Lexington Law has 22 lawyers in 16 states, and employs over 400 paralegals, agents and other assistants.

Lexington Law firm is an actual standing business, not just an online credit service. Lexington Laws corporate office is located in Utah, and the firm has many other affiliated law firms across the United States. Clients are always welcome to stop by the corporate office, or any of the affiliate offices all over the country.

If an office is not close to a client, anyone can hop online and visit lexingtonlaw.com to benefit from the firms services. Lexington Law is licensed to provide credit repair services to a client, no matter their location or state residency.

To profit from Lexington credit repair, clients need to visit lexingtonlaw.com. There, clients can quickly sign up for credit services. Lexington Law will then request the client to send their credit reports. Then, the client and a Lexington Law Firm employee will discuss what items should be disputed. Lexington Law immediately acts to dispute any negative item on the credit report. It usually takes about 60 days from the day the representative sends the dispute until the client receives a new and revised credit report.

Numerous consumers have ranted and raved about Lexington Law. This consumer had this to say about their service: Lexington Law literally changed my life! Lexington helped me raise my credit score by 237 points!

Another customer said: I cant stop singing songs of joy for Lexington Law! I recieved an updated copy of my credit report today and started jumping up and down in the driveway. They deleted six out of nine negative entries, all in less than two months! Now that is what I call service!

Visit Lexington Law online at lexingtonlaw.com, or call 1-800-458-5202 for a free credit report consultation.

So you've worked your tail off for the last several years eating Ramen and pulling all nighters while living on your student loans that almost covered the bills, and now you've got a great job, a new life and a mountain of debt. Life next pop quizWhat do you do? Fortunately for today's education Loan borrowers there are plenty of options to help you get your new life started without having the old one hanging around your neck like an anchor. There are plenty of student loan consolidation options available for the savvy borrower, and one of them will probably fit your life.

Federal family education loan consolidation is probably the first place many borrowers will look. FFEL consolidation offers programs to consolidate both subsidized as well and unsubsidized loans. In some cases it is possible to get an FFEL consolidation loan even if you have been in default on your loans in the past. FFEL consolidation loans often offer fixed rates, and extended terms which help those just entering the workforce to lower their monthly payment.

In addition to traditional federally funded loans, many students finance their advanced education with a variety of private loans. Private consolidation of these loans offers borrowers many of the same benefits as federal consolidation - fixed rates, longer terms, and lower payments. Conditions may be stricter for a private consolidation and you cannot usually combine private and federal loans under a single consolidation package. You may end up with two consolidation loans, one for your federal debt, and one for private; be sure to shop around for the best rates.

Many parents use the PLUS loan program to borrow for the children's education. PLUS loans can be consolidated using a PLUS consolidation program much which offers similar benefits and potential pitfalls of FFEL and private consolidation - fixed rates, and lower payments spread over a longer term. Plus loan consolidations are great for some people but parents need to take a good look at all of their options before consolidating.

Even if none of the traditional consolidation methods work for your situation, there are still alternatives to help students get started on the right foot towards financial solvency. Some people take out second mortgages on their home and use the money to pay off all of their loans. ( An added benefit of this method is that you may be able to retain some of the tax benefits of regular consolidations) Private personal loans from family members can also help those with poor credit, and some companies offer tuition reimbursement programs which may help off set up to 100% of your education costs.

New technologies have come to the lending world where the idea of peer-to-peer programs and micro-financing has taken root. Peer to peer financing allows the borrower to present a request for funding to a group of potential "micro-investors" who then bid on the loan by offering different rates and terms. Once a deal is struck the network services the loan, ensures payments are made and the necessary paperwork is taken care of. For borrowers with needs outside the comfort zone of traditional banks a P2P loan may help them get started down the path to getting their loans paid off.

Sure you busted your tail in college but now it's time for the real world, which will have its own share of challenges. Nobody want to start out with a huge burden hanging over their head; student loan consolidation can offers the cancel to reduce all of your loans down to just one or two manageable payments each month so that you can concentrate on working your way into that corner office.

Carmen does not know how long she may be without insurance. She is aware what kind of financial burden she could insure if she goes without. But, after loseing her job as a sales person she is forced to look at all the options she has open to her.

Carmen knows she has the COBRA insurance option. She also knows how expensive it can be. COBRA mandates that an employee can keep their health insurance for up to 18 months if they become unemployed for any reason.

COBRA insurance typically has a big price tag. Once the employer takes away their contribution and add admin fees the premium could double. Many people find this price tag hard to handle.

Before opting out of COBRA you should loo at your health. Carmen has high blood pressure and has to take 2 medicatins. She is also expected to make regular visits to her doctor. Her husband however is very healthy!

Most temporary medical plans will not cover pre existing conditions. For this reason Carmen should try to keep her COBRA insurance. But, there is no reason she shouldnt look for something more affordable for her husband.

Health is one of the factors to consider when looking into COBRA alternatives. But there are a few more things to consider. Here are just a few:

1. What if you only purchase 6 months and then you find yourself needing longer. You will either be srambling around for more or you will have to reapply for the same one. This may not be something you care to deal with.

2. Due to the pre exisitng exclusions it temporary health insurance may not be the best option. You also have to think about if you opt for temporary insurance and then you find yourself needing more time. If you have contracted an illness in the original term, it will not be covered in the new term.

3. Temporary health insurance will not cover things like office visits. You will have to pay for that out of opocket due to the high deductible you have to meet. This insurance can keep you out of financial debt incase something really costly happens however.

If you want to handle the loan modification process yourself, you have to know what to do, but more importantly, what not to do! Let's look at a few things you should never do when preparing your loan modification application.

Mistake: Talking with the wrong person. If you get called at home by someone from the collections department, don't start talking to them about mortgage loan modification. Then can not and will not help you. They may say that they will help you if you pay up, but in reality they can't help you. Speak with the correct department at your lender's office instead.

Mistake: Not studying the mortgage loan modification process before starting your application. You have to make sure that you understand the necessary paperwork and that you know what to say and what not to say on a mortgage loan application form. If you don't take the time to learn the ropes, there's a big chance you will be denied mortgage loan modification.

Mistake: Not being completely truthful on your application form. This will get you in trouble. Many people fail to realize that a lender WILL check up on the facts provided on a mortgage loan modification application. If you get caught, you will immediately lose all chances of getting your mortgage loan modification accepted.

Mistake: Paying a big upfront fee to your mortgage loan modification company without checking their credentials. Because of the rise of foreclosures these days, there are a lot of mortgage loan modification companies rushing into the market. Some of these companies are not very qualified to handle your mortgage loan modification. You need to make sure that you're dealing with a qualified, reputable company before paying them a dime. Mortgage loan modification should get you out of financial hardship, not deeper in the hole.

Mistake: Trying to piece together a loan workout that doesn't meet the approval criteria of your lender. This shows the lender that you did not take the time to go through the paperwork and you did not read up on the approval criteria. This is one of the quickest ways to get your application denied, so take the time to read up on the approval criteria.

If you make sure you don't make the mistakes we've outlined in this article, your application will look good to a lender. It doesn't guarantee approval, but it vastly increases your chances. Good luck!

A life insurance policy is exactly what its name suggests'an insurance policy covering the loss of your life. You buy your life insurance policy from an authorized agent, paying the insurance company a set monthly, quarterly, or annual premium. In return, the insurance company agrees to pay out a contracted amount of money after you decease. The proceeds from your life insurance policies go to the beneficiaries you designate, typically in a single lump sum payment. If your do not designate beneficiaries for your policy, then the insurance company makes the lump sum payment to your estate.

There are two basic kinds of life insurance: Term insurance, also called protection policies. These policies are temporary, providing coverage for a specific number of years for a set premium.

Term policies have no cash value. Basically, you buy protection in the event of death and nothing else.

Whole life: These policies are also called permanent life insurance. The objective of whole life is to grow capital through the payment of regular or lump-sum premiums, while providing coverage in the event of death. This kind of coverage is also known as permanent life insurance. The premiums do not change, and there is a guaranteed cash value for the policy, which can be accessed whether or nor you die, for emergencies, vacations, retirement, or other expenses.

In addition to whole life insurance, other permanent policies include universal life insurance, which offers flexibility in that the insured can change the payment schedule or coverage amount; variable universal life insurance, which allows the potential for earning market returns; and single payment whole life insurance, where the insured buys the policy with one lump sum payment.

Life insurance policies usually cover death, although they may also cover dismemberment or serious illness, and give extra benefits in the event of accidental death, depending on the policy purchases. Proof of death or injury is always required before payment, regardless of the type of coverage. Remember, to get your coverage, you will have to get a physical examination from a company-approved doctor to give the company an accurate picture of your medical history. And even after you pass your physical, the coverage does not start before premiums are paid. Once premiums are paid, the policy is activated.

Life insurance usually covers death, dismemberment, accidental death and serious illness, depending on the type of policy purchased. Proof is required in all cases before payment will be made on any life insurance policy, regardless of the policy type. To purchase life insurance, you will need to get a quote from a qualified insurance provider, give an accurate picture of your medical history and receive a physical examination from your doctor. Once you pass your physical exam and your medical history is approved, a premium is required. After the premium is paid, then your life insurance policy is activated. A qualified insurance provider can also answer any specific questions you may have, as well as help design and tailor a life insurance program to help meet the needs of you and your family.

How to you deal with your money? Do you get a paycheck every week or every two weeks and then maybe pay some bills then use the rest on new clothes or electronics, or maybe spend it going out to eat? In other words, do you have absolutely no organized way of dealing with your money?

A disorganized financial lifestyle is a recipe for disaster. If you know nothing about your money, you are doomed. I can't even imagine what could happen if you never get things under control. You probably don't even know if you're in debt. This is not where you or anyone should be right now.

Financial planning is a critical part of life. It doesn't matter if you have tons of money and feel you could afford anything or if you make next to nothing and feel you don't have enough money to plan. Planning for both extremes and in between are necessary to succeed financially in life.

Financial planning is not as hard as you may think. If you really think you can't handle it, you could always hire a financial adviser. On the other hand, with a little research and thought, you could do it yourself and save some money.

First, add up all your assets. Add together the value of your home, investments, and checking and savings accounts. Subtract out all your debts and you get your total net worth. This is how much money you have.

Next, make your goals. Do you want to pay off your debt by next year? Make it a goal. Do you want to retire at age 55 with $2,000,000? Make it a goal.

Don't think any goal is impossible. If it looks too big, start with smaller goals or break up the larger goals into smaller short term goals. For example, you may think could never save a $12,000 emergency fund in 2 years on a $35,000 salary, but if you make a good enough plan, it can happen!

Once you have your goals, you need to come up with a plan. Figure out how much you need to put aside each month. Then make a budget to help you save each month. Make sure you follow your plans. They will mean nothing and do nothing for you if you give up sooner or later.

Boomers Bank In investment finance, private equity real estate is an asset class consisting of equity and debt investments in property. Investments typically involve an active management strategy ranging from moderate reposition or releasing of properties to development or extensive redevelopment. Investments are typically made via private equity real estate fund, a collective investment scheme, which pools capital from investors. These funds typically have ten-year life span consisting of a 2-3 year investment period during which properties are acquired and a holding period during which active asset management will be carried out and the properties will be sold.

History and evolution There is a long history of institutional investment in real estate both through direct ownership of property and through pooled investment funds. Initially institutional real estate investments were in core real estate, however, market conditions in the early 1990s led to the emergence of opportunistic funds which aimed to take advantage of falling property prices to acquire assets at significant discounts.[1] Private equity real estate emerged as an independent asset class in the beginning of the 21st century and has experienced huge growth in recent years. Strategies Private equity real estate funds generally follow core-plus, value added, or opportunistic strategies when making investments.

Core Plus: This is a moderate risk/moderate return strategy. The fund will generally invest in core properties, however some of these properties will require some form of enhancement or value-added element. Value Added: This is a medium-to-high risk/medium-to-high return strategy. It will involve buying a property, improving it in some way, and selling it at an opportune time for a gain. Properties are considered value added when they exhibit management or operational problems, require physical improvement, and/or suffer from capital constraints.

Opportunistic: This is a high risk/high return strategy. The properties will require a high degree of enhancement. This strategy may also involve investments in development, raw land, and niche property sectors. Investments are tactical. Features Considerations for investing in private equity real estate funds relative to other forms of investment

Include: Substantial entry costs, with most funds requiring significant initial investment (usually upwards of $1,000,000) plus further investment for the first few years of the fund. Investments in limited partnership interests (which is the dominant legal form of private equity real estate funds) are referred to as "illiquid" investment's, which should earn a premium over traditional securities, such as stocks and bonds. Once invested, it is very difficult to gain access to your money, as it is locked-up in long-term investments, which can last for as long as twelve years. Distributions are made only as investments are converted to cash; limited partners typically have no right to demand that sales be made. If a private equity real estate firm can't find suitable investment opportunities, it will not draw on an investor's commitment. Given the risks associated with private equity real estate investments, an investor can lose all of its investment if the fund performs badly.

For the above-mentioned reasons, private equity fund investment is for those who can afford to have their capital locked in for long periods of time and who are able to risk losing significant amounts of money. This is balanced by the potential benefits of annual returns, which are often above 20% for successful opportunistic funds. Investors in private equity real estate funds tend, therefore, to be institutional investors or high net worth individuals.

Size of Industry

The popularity of private equity real estate funds has grown since 2000 as an increasing number of investors commit more capital to the asset class. In 2000 private equity real estate funds raised $12 billion in equity commitments from investors. By 2005 this had increased to $58 billion and in 2007 private equity real estate funds raised a total of $79 billion. Private Equity Real Estate is a global asset class and in 2007, 46% of capital raised was focused on the US, 26% was focused on Europe and 27% was targeting Asia and the rest of the world. By providing online real time services one on one client attention is always in mind.

There is a requirement for needed experience to switch to self-directed retirement plans; The investment Group can help investors chart a new - and potentially more profitable - course for their retirement years.

The investment Group that finds sound investments for self-directed Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), KEOGHs, and SEPs fund inreal estate trust deeds note opportunities in limited partnerships.

The investment Group who is on top of changes in the fields of IRAs and investing - the principals were among the first to tackle the Roth IRA and the effects it had and is having on IRA -401k investing. Finding Investments for YouThe investment Group, Inc.'s primary service is finding and analyzing real estate-related investments for purchase by our clients.

We are investment real estate brokers and have been in business doing this since 2002. In 2002 we started working with IRA clients to assist them in finding appropriate investments in the real estate arena.

Investment Group's find these assets by their network of investment real estate brokers throughout the U.S. (a network built through the Real Estate Cyber Space Society). They meet with these investment brokers online daily. These networking arrangements are with 11,000 brokers; take place in Cyber Space in real time. By being an active member of the Real Estate Cyber Space Society we can satisfy their clients' investment needs no matter how diverse.

The Groups clients give direction on what it is they would like to purchase; when the Group finds it they do a complete analysis of the investment and forward their due diligence to the respective clients. The client can review the information, take it to any other advisors they have and make a decision. If they wish to purchase the product the Group will go forward with the acquisition. If not, the Group finds another investment property for the clients review.

On occasion their clients have requested that they pay their fee's on real estate acquisitions and then work as a buyer's broker. As a free service to their IRA clients who use their investment services, the Group assist them in finding the correct custodian to service their account. Not all custodians are the same and it is vitally important to choose the right one the first time. In Today's world, to make things happen now, we need to be in Real Time Mode for your Clients

What are some of the reasons you might need to write a credit dispute letter? Well, if you were denied credit, you might wonder why the lender decided you weren't a creditworthy borrower. If you generally pay your bills on time, you don't use up all of your available credit, you have a stable employment history, and you haven't had your vehicle repossessed, then it's most likely a mistake.

Sometimes, billing errors can result in negative credit reporting, requiring that you write a credit dispute letter to have this information removed. In some cases, debt collectors harass people by trying to collect long ago expired or invalid debts. Maybe you need to lower your monthly payments, or dispute an incorrect negative mark on your personal credit report. Credit bureaus are not perfect!

Whatever the reason for your bureau dispute letter, you need to write it in a fashion that does not alienate the agency. If you write a successful letter, you can boost that troublesome credit rating quickly. Remember that they have to remove an item if they cannot verify it!

Write your letter in business form, but keep it brief, simple and friendly. A lot of personal information is not required. State the facts, send copies of the disputed report, with the questionable items highlighted, and don't in any way invoke hostility by threatening them with legal action or anything else. If you don't anger them, your claim will be handled in a much more efficient and satisfactory way.

When you are ready to send the letter, be sure it goes out by certified or registered mail, and make sure to request a return receipt. The signed receipt will be sent to you so that you have proof that the credit dispute letter was received before the deadline. Also, make sure to keep copies of everything for your records.

You need to be very careful when you shop for items that will require a credit card or a loan. Do not give your full name, address, credit card, or social security number until you are actually going to make the purchase. Otherwise, each place you go could possible do a credit check on you before you even agree to buy.

This is because whenever your credit report is pulled, your credit score is dinged to the tune of up to three points per inquiry! Now, if your credit score is a bit low, there are some strategies you can use to restore credit quickly. For one thing, make sure to bring any delinquent debts current. This will raise your credit score right away. You could even build a good payment history by charging something on a department store card, and paying it off in two payments.

Whatever else you may do, avoid being scammed by supposed credit repair companies. There are many of them online, and there are some less-than-honest attorneys too. Realize that credit agencies receive your information from all kinds of creditors, and there are no simple cures for bad credit.

But when a mistake has been made, you will need to write a credit dispute letter to the credit company or the credit bureau. It isn't difficult?just do it!

What do you think when you pass a mansion? You know what I am talking about. You drive by one of those incredible huge and beautiful homes and just can't seem to get by without thinking they are rich. What gives it away?

You think they are rich because of what they have. They must have a lot of money if they can afford expensive cars and a huge, beautiful house. You can't afford those things if you aren't rich.

Now I am going to tell you something that may surprise you. That person could very well be in $100,000 of credit card debt, have a mortgage where they owe more on the house than it's work, are leasing the cars, and keep going into debt further and further each month. If this was the case, you couldn't consider them rich any more. They looked rich until you actually new their situation.

If you looked at that person at first and thought they were rich, you probably consider rich someone who has a lot of possessions. They have a lot of expensive looking things. This all depends on what your definition of rich is.

What about someone who has no debt, a paid off home, and a comfortable retirement savings put aside. Would you consider this person rich? They don't live a rich lifestyle, but they have financial security and could be considered rich for it.

There is also wealth outside of money. Someone could be rich with friends, or rich with other emotions. This is rarely thought of as rich because wealth usually has a monetary value, but money isn't everything.

Whether you are rich because you have a lot of money or you are rich because you are satisfied with your life doesn't matter. Rich sounds like a positive word and you automatically feel you need to be rich. Contentment in your life should be what you strive for and happiness.

If you still want to be wealthy and have a lot of money, you can always get a really good paying job, save every penny you make, invent something everyone must have, invest in the next big thing before it gets big, or try many other ways to get there. Good luck, and I hope you see the riches you've always dreamed of!

If you're thinking about purchasing a manufactured house and you're worrying about the mortgage options for these kind if homes, you can breathe easy. Most lenders treat a manufactured house the same as a 'normal' house and therefore, you will have the same mortgage options available.

When looking for a loan, there are a lot of places to look. You can try your local bank, or go online and search for rates. Maybe you already have a trusted advisor in this area. If so, ask him or her for advice on your mortgage.

Be sure to follow a few proven steps when deciding what mortgage you're going to pick for your manufactured home. If you decide on doing some comparing online, always ask for multiple quotes from multiple companies. This way, you get multiple varieties of mortgages and interest rates.

After you've received a few quotes from online mortgage companies, you will probably get a call from some of these companies. They will ask you for more information in order to provide you with a more accurate quote.

If you're happy with one of the quotes you receive, you print it out, sign it and send it back to the mortgage company. If they need more paperwork, they tell you what documents you have to provide. Be sure there's some kind of deadline on the mortgage quote, so you don't risk not getting the money to the builder in time for closing. And that's it, you've got a mortgage loan for a manufactured house.

Almost nobody likes to complain.

However, there are times when there is really no alternative.

If your automobile is a lemon, if your oven won't heat up, if a mechanic rips you off, or if there is a torn seam in your new $400 blazer, you can't just smile and pretend nothing is wrong. Unfortunately, complaints seldom get results.

There is an easy explanation for why that is the case. Most people do not know how to complain effectively. To get results...to be an effective complainer...here is what you need to know.

1. Effective complainers, like good negotiators, always know what they want to come away with. Complain only after you have decided what you want.

2. Let the other party make you an offer before you propose a solution. You may get more than you you would have asked for. It happens.

3. Do not raise your voice, do not say anything insulting about anyone in the organization from which you are seeking compensation, and be unfailingly pleasant and polite. There is no doubt about it, folks who are civil are most likely to be given what they ask for.

4. Recognize that the first person with whom you speak may not be able to give you what you want. If that is the case, politely ask to speak with whomever has the authority to resolve your problem.

5. Do you hope to have a continuing relationship with the organization to which you are complaining? Have you been satisfied with their performance in the past? If so, make sure to say so.

6. Almost nobody reacts well to phrases like "immediately", "I won't take no for an answer", "my demands", and "I'll accept nothing less". Choose your words carefully.

7. Don't be deterred easily. Remember that it is often the second or third person to whom you speak who will be most anxious to ensure that you are satisfied.

8. The threat of complaining to a consumer watchdog agency or hiring an attorney seldom leads to a quick solution, but it may be worth trying as your very last resort. But, only as your very last resort.

Do these suggestions really work? The simple answer is yes. They have helped me receive improved insurance settlements, free flights, free hotel rooms, a discount automobile rental, complimentary meals, product exchanges, and more. You can do the same.

The financial industry is suffering the same fate as many Americans. Bad decisions overspending, and extending credit lines is catching up with people and industry simultaneously. The home mortgage industry has not been immune.

However with crisis often comes opportunity. There is a glut of homes on the market in every community in this country. Predicting a bottom to this market is pointless, but be sure the bottom will come.

Contrary to popular opinion the American dream of owning a home is alive and well. Mortgage lenders are adjusting by the day the way resources are distributed. Loan guidelines will change, rules may be different, but obtaining a mortgage will still prove to be a primary consideration for most people.

So assuming you are ready to pursue securing a home mortgage, what is the first step? As much as it is possible during these times, protect your credit rating. The approval of your mortgage application has and always will be anchored on two important factors, your ability to repay the loan and your willingness to do so. Period

Begin a proactive campaign at either protecting your credit or restoring your rating. The sooner you get started the better. Everything else that is attached to the mortgage loan process is essentially filler.

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage will serve multiple purposes. You will then begin to shop for homes you can afford and not make emotional decisions about something that in the end you cannot afford. That is how we got in the position we are now. Begin to compare rate quotes and mortgage availability.

Shopping for a mortgage requires the same due diligence required for any major purchase. If you do have pristine credit, remember you are in a position of leverage. Lenders will be begging for your business.

The truth is even if your credit is lees than perfect, lenders will still be happy to service your needs. Mortgage lenders make money, by essentially selling money. Although their customer base may have been downsized, if they dont loan money , they dont make money.

The mortgage crisis will indeed present opportunity. Pre-planning and a positive attitude will ensure your success in completing your American dream.

Paying interest on several student loans every month, worrying about the upcoming payback on those loans, or seeing that your credit is lower now that you have all those loans on it from school is not a fun thing. It's something that many people, fresh out of college, have to worry about, though. Thankfully, there is a solution in student loan consolidation. This solution has many benefits.

One of these benefits is usually lower monthly payments, since you only pay fees to one institution and since it's usually at a lower interest rate and a better payment schedule. Student loans (and consolidations) are regulated and guaranteed by the government, so they have specific interest rates they must offer and specific payback schedules to use. When you apply for student loan consolidation, they usually consider your credit score without the interference of the current student loans, which means your score will be higher and get you a better rate too.

Other benefits can include electronic or automatic payment deductions from your checking or savings accounts, so you won't forget a payment and you'll usually qualify for a discount on your interest rate too.

In addition, if you haven't yet made a payment on your loans because you're still in your deferment (or grace) period on them, you can probably qualify for better student loan consolidation options than otherwise available. These can include better rates, easier processing of the loan, or even an increase in grace period before your first payment is due.

Often, the loans you received while you were in school are at higher interest rates than you'd get otherwise because the financial institution wanted to get the higher rate and you or your admissions counselor just wanted to get the tuition paid for. Now that you're looking at those payments, you're probably regretting those decisions, most especially if you are experiencing a poor credit situation. But there is hope and usually consolidation loans have lower interest rates than what you were given when you applied for the loans to start with.

Because of the government involvement in the rules and regulations of student loans, you could qualify for more options like lower rates, discounts, or even payoffs from grants and more.

So look at what you can gain by getting a student loan consolidation and reducing your payments, interest rates, and more, so you can focus on your new life now that college is over. Student loan consolidations are a quick way to get peace of mind, allowing you to focus on the new life ahead of you.

Among the other stressful problems you have to deal with when filing for bankruptcy, choosing a lawyer is one more thing you need to consider. It is important, especially with the recent changes to the bankruptcy law code. The law has become more complex, and filing bankruptcy without a lawyer is simply not feasible these days.

However, not just any lawyer will do. We recommend that you consider choosing a bankruptcy law practice rather than going with a general law practice. You need a lawyer who specializes in bankruptcy and understands the new bankruptcy code in all its details.

The new bankruptcy law is so complex that even lawyers have a difficult time keeping up with it. I say "keeping up with it" because the law is actually still evolving. There are many provisions in the law which are unclear, and judges will have to sort this out in the coming years.

With this in mind, you can see how important it is to seek the counsel of the bankruptcy lawyer who works hard to stay on top of the latest developments in the field. It should be abundantly clear by now than going through bankruptcy without the help of a lawyer is not an option.

You may have well meaning friends or relatives who claim to have gone through the process by themselves in order to save money. Remember, though, that the bankruptcy law has changed into a more complex legal code that needs a specialist in order to understand it. A lawyer will help you understand the best options for your situation.

Make sure the lawyer is able and willing to study your case in detail. Every bankruptcy case is different, and you need to know whether bankruptcy is best for you. Try to find the best bankruptcy lawyers possible.

If you're not sure if bankruptcy is right for you, you will want to speak to a bankruptcy lawyer to help you decide which course of action to take. However, be careful to make sure that the lawyer is not simply giving a sales pitch on behalf of bankruptcy. Some lawyers will give you a free consultation in the hopes of making money by having you declare bankruptcy with their help.

You may be worried about the cost of legal fees, but the costs of going through the process without the help of a lawyer can be much greater. Keep in mind that a successful bankruptcy case will wipe out your debt (or reorganize it depending on which kind of bankruptcy you apply for). This should help you take care of your legal fees if your case is successful.

If the declining economic meltdown makes you worried about your needs, you probably are enticed to sell that structured settlement. However, you should use caution when making such a decision.

Some financial specialists advise against getting cash for structured settlement payments. What seems like an easy solution may not be as easy as it appears. Let's delve deeper at the pros and cons of taking immediate payment for structured settlement payments.

These financial experts contend that it is far better to depend on insured income for the long run. There a number of ways to answer short term necessities. Some advise that borrowing against future payments is preferred over selling them for cash. In numerous ways, these experts have a point, especially if you have an immediate short-term requirement. That's because getting cash for your structured settlement may not be as simple as you consider.

The procedure of turning a structured settlement into a lump sum cash payment takes time. The very best case scenario will require at least 30 days time. When you need money the next day, you need to find a better and faster solution. It's more realistic to plan on 60 days from the day you start until you will get the money.

This kind of transaction involves a number of parties. Other parties must be informed, like the insurance company which is holding the annuity that provides your payments. Permissions and authorizations must be obtained too from your state government.

Be careful with your decisions to get access to instant cash. If you want to secure a better future, give yourself plenty of time to decide on these things. Cash for structured settlement payments is a promising lifeline. Just think over your priorities and that the cash is not merely a want but a true need.

Structured Insurance Settlements is a site dedicated to learning how to purchase structured settlements safely and get the best offer possible plus make sure you are dealing with financially stable company.

Get structured settlement tips on structured settlement blog. Start your research with this free article on structured settlements today.

The simple answer to this question is yes, with a small (but important) caveat: as long as you have the right information to be successful.

There's no way to predict what direction the stock market will be taking on a given day. Because of this short-term volatility, it's easy to see why understanding the basics of the stock market is key to success. The past couple of years have certainly not brought about good news, but as usual, where some people lose, others profit.

It's amazing how "sales" in other markets are advertised on TV, but "sales" in the stock market (also known as bear markets) are treated like they're the worst things to happen. Bear markets do have benefits though: since everybody's succumbing to panic and selling, all stock prices are negatively affected, sometimes wrongly so: those are the bargains you need to spot.

Naturally, stock prices that are going down are not good news for people who are heavily invested in the falling securities, but it's an opportunity for those that are not, provided that the company's fundamentals are solid. A little "out of the box thinking" can yield sizable profits.

It's easy not to look past the financial and real estate sectors in this crisis, since they've been hit the hardest. Yet there are sectors where companies are still churning out profits because their fundamentals are solid and they're well run. Do your due diligence, study financial statements, find them, and buy them.

If you don't learn about the basics of the stock market, you won't be able to look at the company you're interested in, analyze its financial statements, and determine whether or not its stock is down because of the general state of the economy or because the company's performing poorly.

When you find companies whose financial performance is solid, are well-run, and are turning profits near or at their usual levels, you need to buy them even if most people out there are selling them. Doing so gives you a great chance of seeing great returns in the years to come, when the downward spiral comes to an end.

If the worsening economic meltdown has you worried about meeting your needs, you might be enticed to sell your structured settlement. There are numerous sound purposes for lump sum cash these days. However, you should use caveat when making such an important decision. What seems like an easy answer may not be as simple as it appears. Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of taking immediate payment for structured settlement payments.

A nice lump sum of cash can always find an excellent use. Although a structured settlement is created for your best interest, it gives little room for flexibility as the name structured suggests. It doesn't meet your major demands in life which are expected in the future. Though periodic payments may not provide sufficient to match increasing medical costs or debt can pile up during a period of unemployment but this method of obtaining access to available cash is a bit complicated than it seem.

The course of action of exchanging a structured settlement into cash payment takes at least 30 days time. So if you need money tomorrow, you need to look elsewhere. It's more realistic to plan on 60 days for the whole transaction. This is for the reason that the transaction doesn't involve just you. Other parties must be informed, like the insurance company that is likely holding the annuity that provides your payments. There are also permissions and authorizations that must be obtained from your state government.

Exchanging cash for structured settlement payments is a sound lifeline. The cash you obtain can be put to many excellent functions. However, don't let a short-term need panic you into a long-term mistake. Be decisive, and then give yourself plenty of time to make it happen.

Structured Insurance Settlements is a site dedicated to learning how to purchase structured settlements safely and get the best offer possible plus make sure you are dealing with financially stable company.

Get structured settlement tips on structured settlement blog. Start your research with this free article on structured settlements today.

The difference between investing today and investing tomorrow can be a lot of money. Even if you just invest $1,000 now and waited 20 years or invested $1,000 in 10 years and waited another 10, there would be quite a bit of difference.

The longer the wait, the less money you have. Time is money and if you waste it, it's like you're wasting money. Just as you get paid for your time and efforts at work, with investing, you'll get paid a lot more with more time. The sooner you start, the more you'll make.

Investments are the same way. You can't buy a stock and expect it to go up 50% in the next 10 minutes. It takes time for the return to accumulate. While you don't have to directly work hours and be paid, you do have to put some thought into investments and wait.

If you are young, such as in your 20s, you have a huge advantage. If you start investing, even putting the same amount aside overall, now and your friends start investing in their 40s, you'll have a lot more money.

If you start investing $1,000 a year from the time you are 25 until 65, you will have invested a total of $40,000. With an annual 9% return, guess how much money you'll end up with? You'll have about $365,000. That is a huge difference from $40,000 to $365,000. Just think about how much you could have if you invested even more each year.

What would happen if you started investing later in life, let's say at age 40? Even if you instead invested $2,000 a year for 25 years, you would have invested $50,000. That is more, so you should have a lot more in the long run, right? In this case, you would end up with $183,000.

When you combine time and compounding, you make a powerful combination. It's incredible how much more money you can make when you start early. Compounding will earn you more money because the money you earn each year will continue to earn money. If you want to retire comfortably, or even early, you must harness the power of time and compounding.

There is no set amount of money that you must start investing now. You could start out very small and then as you begin to earn more, start contributing more. Start by taking 2% of your income and investing it for retirement, then add a percentage point more each year to your contribution. When you hit 20%, you might find you are in a good place to retire early.

Are you feeling the pinch of the financial crisis today? You are probably one of the many who are now heavily in debt and are distressed with all the pressures of life. The current situation may not that be encouraging but it can still be remedied. Even if it may seem impossible, the process of getting out of debt is still workable with a few intelligent advices. So keep reading.

Getting out of debt is something we must all make as a top priority to make our lives much lighter. With the gloomy forecasts and the pessimistic outlook of our current state, we all have to worry less with our problems. We can get through these hard times if we tackle one problem at a time and we must start with out debts.

Usually, overspending is the ultimate short cut to a life full of debt. With money you don't own as in credit cards, you tend to spend more money than you truly have. By using credit cards, you expose yourself to mismanagement of your resources because you have a perceived capacity of buying yourself something which you cannot afford in reality.

Using these instruments to pay your everyday expenses is okay but the moment you exceed your capacity, you are growing a debt which can later be mishandled. With less disciplined consumers nowadays, it is highly advisable to use cash for everyday purchases. Groceries, clothes, gas, and other necessary expenses should be paid with cash straight from the wallet. You can use debit cards as well for convenience, they work like cash too.

Turning your personal finances around is definitely a challenge with your credit cards. If you can't resist the appeal of credit cards, it is much advisable to cut them up. It will take the best of your discipline to keep on going with the process of getting out of debt. It is a process that will require you to make a big commitment to live with this temporarily until the goal is achieved. The moral lesson here is that using your card makes you accountable and paying for it now is where the accountability gets into play.

The good news is that it is workable with just the right persons behind you. Involve your family with this emotional roller coaster. Ask for their support. Tell your friends to understand you when you cannot be with them during the weekend night outs. Ask for professional help if needed. In not time, you will be rewarded when you aim your purpose.

Those who are self-employed are likely already familiar with what a self-cert mortgage is. Ideally, it is used by those who aren't able to verify their income via traditional methods. But obtaining one may prove to be a difficult task, although following a few tips will make the process more in favor of the borrower.

Most lenders who give out self cert mortgages will ask a lot of questions- more so than what is considered common. Because proof of income is harder to prove, lenders need to verify that the income one makes is indeed what they are making each pay period. Checking the dependability of the income is another key point for lenders, so try to find proof of paying bills on time and try to maintain good standing with credit companies.

Rates for a self cert mortgage aren't always the best, so agreeing to take a higher interest rate will always improve chances of obtaining the loan in question. It isn't uncommon to see a first-time loan that is considered self-cert to go as high as 20% or higher in interest rates. As credit increases, and dependability is proven, these rates will go down dramatically.

Even when good credit is present, some lenders may be wary in giving borrowers a self certification mortgage loan. The economy isn't in the best state as of current, meaning lenders are even more cautious than usual. Don't take this fact as a sign of failure, however, but rather inspiration to investigate more offers from lenders if denied by the first one. Indeed, it's a good idea to visit a myriad of lenders anyhow to search for the best price possible.

Self-cert mortgages take on the same qualities a regular mortgage does- expect to pay on the loan for a couple of decades or more. Always make sure that under any circumstance, one will be able to pay for the premiums each month. Self employed consumers don't always have steady income, so consider opting for a cosigner to help with the process. A guarantor will also greatly increase chances of obtaining the mortgage.

When it comes down to it, lenders will usually go with a borrower's statements so long as their records check out. To make sure return trips aren't necessary to try and convince the lender, try to secure proof of payment in any way possible. Save check stubs, print online reports, or get tax forms you or your accountant may have saved for proof of revenue.

Closing Comments

Self cert mortgages aren't always the easiest things to obtain. Try to follow the aforementioned steps in increasing your odds, and be sure to visit both online and offline resources alike to get the best quote for your current situation.

Getting loans to fund your education may be easy. After all most students nowadays will need some form of student funding which will normally take the form of one or more loans. But, paying back the loan(s) that you are given isn't something that you always think about until the time comes when you need to start making your repayments.

Student loans come in various forms and are given by various lending institutions. Some are given with government backing and some are offered by private lenders. For this reason the actual repayment methods that you are offered for this kind of lending will be dictated by the company that gave you the loan in the first place. But, in general terms, some or all of the following options may be offered to you:

#1 Salary based repayment -- in some countries it is possible to defer repaying your student loans until you have started employment. Some loans organizations here will only expect you to make repayments once your salary reaches a certain level at which point you will be charged a percentage based repayment cost. Your repayments here are often taken directly from your salary and may rise as your income rises over time until your student debt is repaid.

#2 Fixed repayment -- some lenders will offer you the option of paying back a fixed sum every month that is taken towards repaying your loan(s). In many cases the sum collected here will depend on the length of time you are given to repay your borrowings. So, for example, you may be able to choose the length of time that you will make your repayments or you may be given a standard repayment term depending on the terms and conditions of your agreement with the loans provider.

#3 Rising repayment -- some loans companies will offer you the chance to make a low start on your repayments which will then rise over time. This kind of scheme is usually based on the fact that your income after graduation will go up over the years. So, as time passes you will be able to afford to pay off more every month. In this instance you will usually agree a time schedule when your repayments will rise with the lender.

You may find that the repayment options that you are given by the lenders you used in the first place can vary widely. To a certain extent this depends on where you are based, how much you borrowed and how flexible the student loans company will be.

In some cases you will be allowed to make lump sum repayments as well or to pay off lump sums before your repayment obligations actually start. This can be a good option to consider if you can afford it. Anything you can do to reduce your loan will save you money in the long run.

If you are given a choice on repayment terms and the length of time you have to make your repayments then do think hard about how much you can afford to repay. Obviously, you will need enough money to live on once you graduate so this is a consideration here.

Do not, however, automatically think that making lower repayments over a longer time period will be the best option for you in this instance. This may keep your monthly repayment costs low but it could result in your paying back more than you need to over time.

Over the past several weeks we have taken a bird's eye view of the US economy. In this post I will be addressing what we will likely see happening in mortgage and real estate markets in 2009. Finally, I will point out the unique opportunities that are available in this type of environment.

Credit and Financial Markets

It seems the biggest story coming out of 2008 is the Fed's announcement in November to buy up $600 billion in unsecured debt and mortgage-backed securities from Fannie and Freddie. The push is an attempt by the Federal Reserve and the Treasury to steer toward lower mortgage rates - not just lower short-term rates.

The goal, whether it is a good idea or not, is to make it less expensive to get a mortgage. The idea is to lower debt costs to bring possible home-buyers or investors with credit to stabilize the market.

If investors and retail buyers come back into the market, property values will begin to stabilize thereby improving the balance sheets in the banking industry. This has always been the role of investors in the real estate cycle. This is also a plus for the mortgage loan officers and brokers because the credit markets will ultimately loosen and in 2009 the mortgage market should swing back up. The cycle to this point has been fairly predictable and we have long been predicting the next refinance boom following government intervention.

Real Estate Markets

If housing permits continue to slow, it may be some time before the real estate market improves in the US. Keen an eye on a few things in Houston however. Some cities (including Houston) are still countering the global economic trend. However, even in Houston, permits are starting to slow which may lead to a retraction as we move into next year.

Layoffs will be the biggest indicator for Houston for next year. If there are massive job losses then the already fragile market could see a big setback.

Opportunities

The credit crisis has brought fear into markets whose economic fundamentals would not otherwise justify it. Therefore there may never be a better time to buy single family homes in Houston because the emotional fear does not match the fundamentals and prices have fallen below what they would otherwise warrant without the short-term, emotionally-driven fear.

With credit standards like they are right now, many investors (and most retail buyers) are out of the game because they are not able to get financing for single family homes. So now is a window of opportunity for smart investors with good credit to buy up undervalued investment properies in Houston.

I want to buy a home, what if I have a large down payment but a bad credit score?

When a lender is considering a prospective client for a loan, it goes something like this: What is the credit score? What is the credit history? How much money do they have for a down payment?

Sure, a huge down payment will help to cover a spotty payment history. Although, you should be prepared for the absolute worst in fees and interest throughout the life of the loan.

In short there is no way around it. Even with a good deposit, you will need a supporting credit score and accompanying history to make home ownership a reality.

This was true before the credit crisis and now in the midst of many banks collapse, a sound credit score and report is more vital than ever.

When Im asked about low scores and high down payments, I am always curious to know whether the client has done anything to try and improve their credit score. To the uneducated consumer your credit score can be confusing.

With minimal effort you can request a copy of your report and see exactly what is on it. Often, costly errors are the cause of low credit scores. Having cash on hand gives you the power to negotiate and settle your old debts. When you settle your debts, negotiation that in exchange for you payment the bad credit will be removed from your credit report.

If you don't want to solve the errors your own, it might be wise to consider the help of a good credit attorney. For a low monthly fee and aggressive lawyer will tackle the problem of cleaning up your credit history and boosting your score.

Another fallacy is that it takes to long to repair your credit. This couldn't be farther from the truth!

It can take several months, to a year in the more severe cases, cleaning up a low credit score. Even in the worst cases of taking a year to turn yourself into a good credit risk you can save untold thousands in finance charges, fees and when you finance or borrow.

In conclusion, if you have a large deposit and a low credit score, good! Turn your situation from good to great by taking some positive action today. The money you save will be your own!

By the time you finish reading this, you will know the important point of Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you are thinking that everyone can file for this type of bankruptcy, you are wrong. Only certain people can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Well, if you are wondering who, you should read on.

Who Can File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Wondering who can file for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy? Well, it is only available to individuals and some businesses. Assets need to be limited to those that can be claimed as exempt in order to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Even though sometimes the court may rule that a person is not able to file a Chapter 7, at times, it may be one of the best moves you can make.

Process of a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

The process of filing for bankruptcy involves a lot of steps. Firstly, you need to collect all information about your financial situation. Next you may be required to attend counseling which helps you to decide if filing bankruptcy is the best option.

After this is done, you will then stat filling up some forms. After filling up the forms, you have to attend court to plead your case. The decision will be up to the court.

As you can infer, the whole process will take some time but as long as you are going through this process, you are protected from debt collection by creditors.

What are the Risks?

Thinking of an easy way out to settle your debts? Count filing for Chapter 7 out. This should be your last resort as recent changes in the bankruptcy laws have made bankruptcy almost impossible.

Filing for bankruptcy has quite a number of negative effects. Firstly, you can lose your assets. Other than that you will have a damaged credit record. This is especially bad as it may be difficult for you to get loans and credits in future.

New laws may require you to file a Chapter 13 instead of a Chapter 7 if your income is deemed to be more than the set amount. The court can decide that a repayment plan is better for your situation instead of actually clearing your debts.

Now its time to put the knowledge to the test! You should always remember that bankruptcy is not an easy way out. And if you are serious about filing for Chapter 7, you need to be prepared for the consequences.

Most businesses need to borrow money at some stage. They may be looking for a start-up loan, money to expand or some cash to buy equipment or machinery. In order to do this most businesses will take out some form of business financing at some point and there are many different types of loan products that they can choose from here.

As with consumer loans a business loan usually involves approaching a lender for finance and then reassuring them that you and your business can pay it back. The money that you are lent will have interest added on to it so you will end up paying back more than you borrowed.

In many cases the business loan that you apply for will specify a regular repayment schedule that you will stick to until the loan and its interest are repaid in full. In others you may take out certain types of loans that allow you to borrow money for a specific period before repaying the loan and its interest in one lump sum payment at the end. And, in others you may make smaller regular repayments and a large 'balloon' payment at the end of the loan term.

The actual terms that you get here will depend on your lender, your business circumstances, how much you want to borrow, how long you want to borrow it for and what you will use the money for in the first place. They may also vary on whether you take out a secured (i.e. with collateral backing) or an unsecured (i.e. without collateral backing) loan product.

Term loans (i.e. loans that last for a specific period) are one of the most commonly used options here. So, for example, you could arrange to borrow a specific sum of money for a specific period of time. Here, you will be paid the money up front and repay it and its interest regularly to a schedule over the time that the loan lasts.

Another popular loans option is a line of credit. With this kind of borrowing you don't lend a specific lump sum to start with but come to an agreement with your lender that you can borrow up to a certain amount of money as and when you need to over a period of time such as a year. This kind of loan may never be used but can be useful if you have a cash flow shortfall or unforeseen expenses.

There are also various specialist types of business loan products that might suit you. You could, for example, take out a package to help you with specific equipment financing. The types of lending that your business takes on here will vary according to your actual needs at any given time.

As with any loan it is recommended that you think carefully before choosing the kind of business loan that suits your needs. Your aim here should be to get access to the money you need at the best possible interest rates and with terms and conditions that suit your business.

Canadian credit card issuers saw a sudden upward jolt in delinquencies late last year and they are getting tougher to avoid write downs like those that have afflicted the U.S. financial system, Deloitte consultants report.

"Many companies loosened standards in recent years - and many will suffer higher credit losses in the months ahead," the study released today says.

It notes that "with Canadian consumers increasing their debt-to-disposable-income ratios to more than 130 per cent, a rate currently higher than that of the U.S., Canadian issuers face new risks."

Deloitte said recent interviews with managers at major card issuers found that "beginning in October or November of 2008 they started seeing a jump in delinquencies of five to 10 per cent - which have increasingly been translating into write offs."

It said card issuers in Canada have traditionally seen loss rates of less than four per cent, compared with six per cent and rising in the United States. But the Canadian rate has risen by between half a percentage point and a full point.

This could represents new annualized losses of as much as $800 million, based on an industry total of more than $80 billion of credit card balances, of which just over $50 billion is outstanding with the chartered banks.

The Deloitte consultants observe that as the recession takes hold ``circumstances for cardholders are changing quickly; customers who had impeccable credit scores six months ago may be in trouble today."

The report advises card issuers to increase the frequency of account reviews and scrutinize cash advances which "may indicate that a card holder is in financial difficulty."

The report says some issuers have increased collection calls by as much as half, and it comments that "early and proactive management can keep at-risk accounts from ultimately defaulting."

It warns that card fraud tends to rise when the economy turns down.

But it also counsels financial institutions that "these economic times create opportunities to build even stronger relationships with your customers" through budgeting assistance, reward programs and other "actions that can build loyalty over the long term.

It can be difficult to secure the financing necessary for your business. Small business grants offer startup businesses an opportunity to get the money they need to get started; and since these are grants rather than loans, they do not need to be paid back.

Government business grants are a source of small business funding which as the name suggests are supplied from the state or federal government. There are a number of different federal and state programs which help small businesses to get off to a good start and programs aimed to help businesses which are struggling due to a lack of funding. These government business grants can be the shot in the arm that your businesses needs.

There are also small business grants from other companies that you might want to consider. Small business grants are different from government business grants because different companies or organizations often offer these grants. Therefore, the criteria that you will need to meet might be different.

All business grants will come with criteria that your business must meet in order to qualify. However, there are business grants which are applicable to your business, regardless of the nature of your business or the amount of expected revenue from your company.

The best thing to do is to find grants which match up with the needs of your business and those which your business meets the requirements for rather than simply applying for every grant out there. This is not an effective use of your time as a business owner. Applying only for those grants for which you are qualified maximizes your chance of receiving this important source of funding.

When seeking out small business grants, look for grant providers who are offering assistance of the sort that you need. There are grants which are keyed towards businesses having different levels of income or need for funding. Before you start applying for grants, read up on all of the grants which your business may qualify for. This will help you to apply for the grants which are the best match for your business.

In order to really be successful with the business grants, you need to think about the different types of qualifications that you might encounter. Government business grants are going to have different qualifications, and small business grants will also have application standards that you have to meet. The best way to figure out which grants are going to work the best for you is to think about your needs, and then search for grants that meet them. You should be able to find grants that meet your needs for which you meet the criteria.

Government business grants, small business grants and other grants can help you to get your business off to a good start and to overcome limitations imposed by financial limits. In order to help your business get moving forward or to get moving to begin with, look for business grants which meet the needs of your business.

In today's society, it's so easy to get access to credit; and because of this, consumers are drowning in debt up to their necks. Being $20,000 in debt is typical in today's society!

As the pressures of mountainous consumer debt become an issue for more and more people, the demand for legitimate and proven ways to rebuild your credit history is on the rise. The word "budget" conjures up extreme images of depriving oneself of the foods one likes or more extreme visions of starving oneself pop up. However, a proven formula for debt management and the rebuilding of personal credit and credit scores using a specific type of credit card dispels such visions.

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

In order to get on the path to financial success, you must make your first step! Why don't we take the first step and weigh both the secured and pre-paid credit cards, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

1. Secured Credit Cards

Positives- Getting a secure credit card account is highly affordable and easy way to start you on the path to building your credit. Secured credit cards assist in improving and rebuilding bad credit. This type of card acts just like a regular credit card.

Negatives- The biggest setback for most people with the secure credit card, is that you have to deposit about $200-$275 in order to "secure" the account when you sign up. For most, this is a lot to ask. These cards also have a tendency to have additional fees (i.e. annual fees) and much higher interest rates (approximately 15% or greater). Even though these may seem like a lot, this card is probably the best choice for rebuilding credit.

2. Pre-Paid Credit Cards

Advantages- Pre-Paid Credit Cards are a very useful tool, because they give you all of the flexibility and freedom of using your own money. They look, feel, and spend just like a real credit card; they can be used in any occasion that you would use a regular credit card. With these cards, you determine how much money you would like in the account by "loading" money, instead of the company offering you a credit limit based on your financial history. Almost everyone can be approved for this type of card, and yes....even if you've had a bad credit past.

Cons - If you are looking to rebuild or establish your credit however, beware. These cards may not report your repayment history to the credit bureaus. If the creditor does not report your account, this type of account will not help you improve your credit. By carefully selecting these cards, you can assure yourself that you receive the most bangs for your proverbial buck.

You might also consider that Pre-paid cards cannot be used in all situations. For example: hotels and car rental agencies may not allow you to use a pre-paid credit card to secure your rentals. It's always a good idea to call ahead first and ask each company their policy before entering into any transaction.

Identity Theft Protection and Identity Theft Prevention are very important. Prevent Identity Theft with LifeLock. Life Lock can make certain that identity theft never happens to you. If you would like to learn more about how to protect yourself from identity thieves, visit lifelock.com