Saturday, August 30, 2008

You Can Find Free Information On Some Websites About What Type Of Grants Are Available And How To Fill Out Forms

Category: Finance.

You hear talk about people getting free government grants all the time and many people would like to know just exactly how to go about doing that.



The internet is full of information that people want to sell to you so you can supposedly have the easiest access to this information. If you think that it is probably a complicated procedure that will take a lot of effort on your part, you are absolutely, well correct. If you have been around the block a couple of times then you should realize that someone always has the answers you are looking for a price. If you really had rather not pay someone to get information about free grants for you, then you will need to go to the gov. com website. If you had rather pay someone to help to track down the specific information you need, then it might be what you should do. This website is a great place to begin your search. Anything worth anything is worth waiting for.


It will probably do you no good to get in a hurry and become impatient. There are bound to be numerous forms to fill out and you may have to spend a lot of time on the telephone on hold or getting switched from one person to another. The main thing to do is to follow all the directions that the site gives you correctly. Did you really think there would be a quick way to get free money? Do not send in incomplete forms or get on the telephone with any one until you are positive that you have all the information ready that will be required. Since the pursuit of free grant money is going to be time consuming, then you certainly do not want to waste any additional time by not being prepared because there probably will not be any shortcuts.


This will definitely save you time and the person on the other end. You can find free information on some websites about what type of grants are available and how to fill out forms. These government grant applications can be very complicated and require specific minute details. You just have to take the time to do the research. It will be a long process, but if you actually get one approved then it will have been worth all the stress and hard work you had to put into it.

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Claiming The Child Tax Credit Is Fairly Simple - Finance Articles:

Child Tax Credit- Are You Eligible And How Much Can You Claim?

If The Lead Company Does Not Own And Operate The Sites They Obtain Their Leads From, Than Keep Going Until You Find One That Does - Finance:

An added bonus of getting a lower fixed interest rate may mean that you can pay off the mortgage loan amount in less time. On a fixed rate commercial mortgage, the interest rate that is negotiated and agreed to stays in effect until the loan is fully amortized.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Once You Contact An Agency, Make Your Case Very Clear

Category: Finance.

Unfair credit agreement claims refers to the process under which an aggrieved customer seeks out to reclaim the amount paid for a loan if the agreement executed is unfair. This is common practice in most countries.



In a stricter sense, it means that if a person is a victim of an unfair loan agreement for which he has been making payments, he/ she can make claims to seek the return of the money. Unfair credit agreement claims refers to the process under which an aggrieved customer seeks out to reclaim the amount paid for a loan if the agreement executed is unfair. This is common practice in most countries. In a stricter sense, it means that if a person is a victim of an unfair loan agreement for which he has been making payments, he/ she can make claims to seek the return of the money. The claim can be sought on various financial products resulting in mortgage claims, secured loan claims, credit agreement claims and personal finance claims. Some agencies help customers who have completely repaid the loan to the lender. There are agencies which specialise in helping victims of unfair credit agreements seek a refund.


However, these agencies charge a fee to carry out the process. However, the customer is, at every step updated on the developments. The claim process will not be completed overnight since it involves a lengthy process of negotiations. The fee ranges differ and depend on the loan amount. There are various agencies all over the country that specialise in this particular line of work. For instance, there are agencies which charge �49 for claims over �5, 00 It is up to the customer to choose the agency which can help in securing the claims.


You can employ the services of such agencies in case you have legitimate claim in view of an unfair credit agreement. There is also a chance for the potential customer to evaluate their process by looking into past deals. These agencies can be tracked through the internet or through local yellow pages. The reviews of the agency s performance are available for perusal. Never try to hide or destroy facts. Once you contact an agency, make your case very clear. The agency will decide whether you have a genuine case by looking into all the relevant paper work.


The agency will contact the lender concerned and obtain the relevant documents through the official process. In case you are not in possession of the documents concerned due to loss or theft, the agency will help you. However, this requires the payment of an extra fee by the customer. However, if the agency dismisses your application on merit, you have the liberty to visit another agency. If the agency finds that your case is genuine, it will take it up. The best advice is to make sure that you have a genuine case by cross checking the credit agreement details with the banking and credit regulations. In the case where you are fighting a losing battle, the agency will not be in your favour.


In an effort to make sure that the credit agreement has been executed with your full knowledge, the agency will carry out a study. So be it any kind of loan or credit agreement, the aggrieved customer has to be very clear about the issue. Otherwise, it will result in an unnecessary payment of a non- refundable fee.

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As Mentioned Before, Debt Secured Loans Can Secured Or Unsecured - Graciela Perl's Finance blog:

When you have two or more debt payments monthly that you would like to combine into a single one, when you wish to pay off an existing debt faster, or when you want to reduce your monthly debt payment, debt consolidation loans are the right choice for you. When individuals are interested in securing a lower interest rate, servicing one loan only, or securing a fixed interest rate, they resort to debt consolidation loans.

These Types Of Loans Can Be Used For Pretty Much Any Personal Use And For Comparatively Larger Sums Of Money Too - Finance:

Motorbike purchases have seen a massive resurgence over the last five years. Older riders who left the bikes behind with their youth are now rediscovering the thrills to be had on the open road in the summer months and are buying bigger bikes in a mid- life crisis kind of scenario.

You Should Look For The Mortgage Loans With The Lowest Interest Rates And Longest Terms - Joanne Banta about Finance:

Many people may find themselves in the unpleasant situation when they cannot afford to buy a home.

Monday, August 25, 2008

If You Must Invest In Individual Stocks Please Take Our Advice And Go Big

Category: Finance.

This month marks one of the worst Januarys in the history of the stock market. It seems like anything our friends at the all mighty Federal Reserve try to do misses the mark every time.



With the housing bubble bursting and the dollar fading the future for US investors doesn t exactly look promising. Is it time to shake things up in Mr. If you share my opinion we need a large helping of both and if we don t, a portfolio fortification is critical. Bernanke s fleet of Harvard economic geniuses, or does congress need a slap in the face and a lesson in long run economics? In the likely occasion of a recession in the near future few investors cannot afford to ride this terrifying roller coaster out. First off most advisors are suggesting less equities and more debt investing. A major revamp of your portfolio needs to be on the top of your financial to- do list.


We all know what that means. Here were going to do something a little different then what the typical investor would think of doing. Get out the less glamorous yet notably more secure bond list. Instead of investing in the usual 10 year T- bill, we are going to go the other direction. This accounts for anywhere between 10- 25% of your portfolio the next step is figuring out what to do with the rest. Moving about 15% of our portfolio into more profitable corporate bonds can add the necessary security needed, with about a 2- 5% larger ROI compared to your average treasury bond. With a recession impending on the horizon one awful truth is imminent.


With this alarming truth comes the necessity to start preparing for an extended period of time without an income source just in case. Company earnings will start to contract and with earning contraction comes employment contraction. If you feel like there is even the most remote chance of termination you will need some cash put aside that is readily accessible in times of distress. Let s say that at the very most 10% of your portfolio should be some form of cash or any other easily accessible investment depending upon your net worth. The general norm is to have at least six months worth of living expenses set aside in an extremely liquid account. With the safest investments out of the way lets move on to more profitable/ secure investments.


Investing in foreign companies seems to be the most logical way to go when the US is teetering on the brink of a recession. We re going to steer away from owning to many individual stocks in this volatile market so the next areas we will look into are mutual funds and ETF s. Finding mutual funds that invest heavily in companies in China and other emerging markets have the most promise right now. ETF s focus investments on an entire market sector such as energy, agriculture and so, technology on. ETF s, emerging market funds, also offer a very nice blanket of diversity. Investing anywhere from 20- 30% of your portfolio in these particular vehicles will provide you with optimal security and diversity.


These investments focus on stocks that do particularly well historically in times of ill market conditions. Recently looking more and more attractive, are what some people deem" Sin Funds/ Vice Funds" . Unlike most stocks during a down turn in the market, sin stocks or vice stocks, earning actually increase. Vice funds offer a very unique intangible asset that is impossible to duplicate in times considerably rough markets. It s really a phenomenon most investors ignore. Focusing most of there investments on companies people tend to use more of when stressed and pinched for money, such as tobacco and alcohol, makes sin funds a very safe investment. As you can see individual stocks aren t exactly the safest investments for this market, but there are some stocks that are considered as relatively safe.


Committing up to 25% of your portfolio to a reputable sin fund could have you bragging to your friends while they are crying about how much money they ve lost in recent weeks. If you must invest in individual stocks please take our advice and go big. Companies like Coca- Cola and Microsoft are looking decent right now, but don t risk too much money on individual stock picks they re probably not worth it in the end. Large cap stocks seem like the only way to go right now, offering little relative risk. Hopefully we have provided at least a slightly enlightening way of invest your money securely in the uncertain near future. Value investing for the long term right now is your safest bet when it comes to stocks so steer clear of most growth stocks unless you know something I don t! Remember with every problem comes an opportunity so keep your eyes open for companies severely undervalued.

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Free Merchant Accounts Are Not The Culprit Here - Finance Articles:

Nobody s perfect.

You Should Look For The Mortgage Loans With The Lowest Interest Rates And Longest Terms - Finance Articles:

Many people may find themselves in the unpleasant situation when they cannot afford to buy a home.

Each One May Specialise In Specific Types Of Loans Or On Specific Types Of Customers - Blanche Boze's Finance blog:

Unsecured loans for tenants can be used for just about any personal use and for that special day, they can often be the best solution to raising the finance you need so that you can afford to have everything you ve always dreamed of. To have a wedding you ve always wanted can cost several thousands of pounds and few people have this kind of money lying around in a savings account.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Next, Be On The Lookout For Junk Fees

Category: Finance.

Closing costs can surprise many homeowners if they aren t prepared for them and can seriously deplete savings at a time when most people need money the most. However, by taking a few simple steps you can keep your closing costs low and know when to tell your lender that enough is enough!



It seems that lenders are constantly finding new and creative ways to tack on a few dollars here, and a few dollars there to the tune of thousands. First, you should always be a savvy consumer when it comes to title work. Of course, the mortgage company they want you to use always turns out to be one of the more expensive ones( because they are getting kickback fees) . You have the right to select any title company you want and not the one that the mortgage company wants to force upon you. Shop around for a title work company and you can often save 30% right off the bat, and if you are willing to really work at it, save upwards of 50% . Next, be on the lookout for junk fees.


It s not chump change either- a title company can easily charge$ 1, 200 for basic title services. Lenders love to pile on the document preparation fees, interest locking fees and anything else they can think of. Make sure that you ask your lender for a full disclosure of all the fees and then ask them about any that seem out of line. Often times they throw these fees onto mortgages that have no points attached to them. If you aren t happy with what they quote you, tell them you are looking around at other lenders. If you aren t going to be in the house for more than a few years, ask the seller to pay the closing costs.


The last thing a lender wants to do is lose 30 years worth of interest because of a$ 200 junk fee! Sure, you ll end up paying a higher interest rate, but if you plan on moving in a few years then the cost of the interest won t match the closing costs you would have to pay up front. Watch out for lenders who try to sell you add- on products with your mortgage. Plus, you pay the extra interest off is small chunks each month rather than being out a lot of money up front. They love to try and get you to buy credit insurance( a total waste of money) and some lenders even try and sell you services such as" plumbing protection" or" whole house appliance protection" . Remember, you have the power to say no thanks at any time before you sign on the dotted line. Just say no!


If you don t like the figures your lender is talking about for closing costs, shop around- in fact, you should around and get several mortgage offers before you even consider one. After all, it s your money- don t let a greedy lender try to squeeze another$ 1000 out of you when you have enough stress taking place buying a home in the first place! Don t be afraid to get up and walk away from the table.

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Normally, Unfinished Starter Homes Leave The Upstairs Area Unfinished - Finance Articles:

Unfinished homes present a great way to save a lot of money and get yourself a new home in the process.

There Is No Set Schedule For Credit Card Fees - Jeanie Didomenico's Finance blog:

Credit card companies are in the business of making money. They earn their money through two principle methods.

The Sooner You Report Identity Theft, The Better - Corinne Aguayo about Finance:

Signs of identity theft can come in different forms, so be aware and report identity theft as soon as you can. All tips can lead to financial ruin and tarnishing your name because you were a victim of identity theft.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

There Was A Time When We Would Have To Guess What Our Credit Score Was

Category: Finance.

Some people are curious about their credit report and would like to know if it needs repairing.



You may think that your credit score is fine one year, but could take a tumble the next year. A free annual credit report will let you know if your credit score is in trouble and is in need of serious repair. A free annual credit report will mean that you can look at your credit score every year and see what has happened- -whether it has gotten better or worse. If you are interested in receiving a free annual credit report, then you can do this in a number of ways: you can order your free annual credit report by telephone, and you can, or by mail also order your free annual credit report through the Internet. A free annual credit report will let you know this and will let you know if you need to do any work on your credit score. If you are looking for instant access to your credit score, then the Internet is the best way to do it.


There is one way to ensure that the website you are viewing is official: The website will have HTTPS in the address bar when you are entering sensitive information, rather then the traditional HTTP. But if you are going to view your free annual credit report online, then you need to be aware of unofficial sites. This will be because you are swapping sensitive information and then no one will be able to see what you are typing. But also when viewing your credit report, you will need to make sure that everything is being kept up to date and that your information is not being used by someone committing identity fraud. If you are never really sure about your credit score, then a free annual credit report will keep you up to date with how good or bad your credit score is. There was a time when we would have to guess what our credit score was. But those days are over now: all American citizens are entitled to a free credit report score.


It seemed that we would never be able to know our own credit score. The ability to get your free credit report score is a huge relief for many Americans, as they would like to know their credit scores instead of having the figure hidden in a bank s computer files. An annual credit report will let you know your monthly credit rating with your accounts that you currently have open and the ones that have been closed recently. If you want your free credit report score, then you have to understand that it will be different from your annual credit report. A credit score, will just give, however you a three figure score based on your credit history. Most companies get an idea of your credit score by obtaining information from lots of different customers.


A free credit report score is a good idea if you already know your credit rating and would just like to know your credit score. Then they get a credit score system and that is how your credit score is determined. Your free credit report score is a great way to just get a glance at your credit rating. It may seem strange, but that is how it s done. You will see where you are on a scale based on the bank s rating system. Your rating will be written down and you will see where you are on their chart.


There will be a side of the bar that is green that will indicate that you have a high credit rating, but there is also a red side of the bar, which of course indicates that you have a bad credit rating and you need to improve it sooner rather then later. You will obviously want to be nearer the green side of the bar when you receive your free credit report score.

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Finance Lease Agreement - Finance Articles:

In the context of finance, an asset is any material owned by an individual or a company, which has a cash value.

Methods Of Saving Money - Finance Articles:

Methods Of Saving Money.

Reverse Mortgages- Let Your House Pay You - Finance Articles:

Reverse Mortgages- Let Your House Pay You!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Deleting Negative Credit

Category: Finance.

Deleting Errors in 48 Hours. However, it can only be done through a mortgage company or a bank.



This is the absolute fastest way to correct errors on your credit report and raise your credit score. If you apply for a home loan and find errors on your credit report, request the loan officer to conduct a Rapid Rescore. The Rapid Rescore strategy requires proper paperwork. But don t mistake it for the credit clinic tactic of multiple dispute letters. You need proof that the item is incorrect. For example, a letter stating the account is not your account, a letter stating the account was paid satisfactorily, a release of lien, a satisfaction of judgment, a letter for, a bankruptcy discharge deletion of collection account or any relevant evidence.


It must come from the creditor directly. This is the same documentation a bank or mortgage company would require for the credit accounts anyways. The results are not guaranteed. The difference is, now you can improve your credit score and receive a lower interest rate. Deleting Negative Credit. Credit repair clinics charge" an arm and a leg" and promise a clean credit report.


This is the infamous area where you ve heard of all the scams. Sometimes even a new credit profile! Removing errors is simple. People spending hundreds, of dollars for, or even thousands something they can do themselves. Deleting negative credit that is accurate requires advanced methods. So I ll focus on the deleting the negative errors.


But that is not the scope of this report. Credit report errors easily disappear by using a simple dispute letter. This will make the credit bureau s job easier and you will get faster results. If you have the paperwork proving the error as mentioned above in Rapid Rescore, send copies of that along with the dispute letter. If you don t have the documentation to prove the error( s) , send the dispute letter anyway. They will contact the creditor for verification of your dispute. According to federal law, the credit bureau s have a" reasonable time" to validate your claim.


Then the account will be reported accurately- or deleted. PiggyBack Someone s Credit. It has been generally accepted the" reasonable time" to complete this task is 30 days. This is a fast and great little credit score booster. Simply put, someone else adds you to their credit account. But it requires a very trusting relationship. For example, when applying for a credit card, you may have seen the section to add a card holder.


If they have perfect credit, now you have a perfect account. If your trusting person adds you, their payment history is now reported on your credit report too. To make this more effective, use an aged account. Wouldn t you love to have this on your credit report? Imagine if your trusted person has a 10 year old credit card account with a perfect payment history and a balance of only 50% of the credit limit. The easy part is your trusted person just calls the credit card company and requests a form to add a cardholder. Imagine if you secured 3- 5 of these accounts- especially installment accounts.


Once completed and activated, their entire account history and future is now firmly planted on your account. Your credit score could sky- rocket! Finding the trusted person. The challenging part? Since you already have a low credit score and bad credit, how eager will someone be to make you a cardholder? But, no one says you need to possess the card!


Even your parents don t want you to damage their credit. In other words, your trusted person could add you as a card holder and never give you the card or PIN or any information. This scenario could land you many trusted persons. Since the bills and all account information is still mailed to the trusted person s address, you won t know anything about the account. And you still benefit with a higher credit score. This strategy is one of the oldest credit building techniques around.


Playing Round Robin. It used to be accomplished with secured savings accounts. Here s how it works: Take 1, 000( or what you can afford) and get a secured credit card. But now, it s much easier with secured credit cards. Once received, get a cash advance of 70% of your credit limit. Once received, get a cash advance of 70% of your credit limit.


Get a second secured credit card. Get a third secured credit card. Open a new checking account with the final cash advance. Once received, get a cash advance of 70% of your credit limit. Use this account only for making payments on your three new credit cards. However, be patient because within 4 months of no new accounts or any delinquencies of any account, you will see your credit score increase.


If you make your payments on time every month, your credit score will increase because you now have three new perfect payment credit cards. (Initially, your credit score might drop a few points due to the rapid, multiple accounts being opened. Mine increased 60 points in 60 days! !) Don t Close Accounts. The longer an account is open with no negative reports, the better it reflects in your overall credit score. Even if you pay off revolving debts, do not close the account. This is due to the weighted- average in the credit score formula. That s ideal. Many credit experts suggest a balance of 30% of your credit limit.


But you can go as high as 70% and still maintain a healthy credit score.

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Many People React To Any Event Under The Influence Of Their Emotions - Finance Articles:

As a pioneer to this way of teaching, Jamie McIntyre 21st century education strives to touch the lives of people all over the world.

Increase Your Plan Deductible- Many People Choose A Deductible That Is Simply Too High To Be Cost Efficient - Finance Articles:

Consider choosing a Health Savings Account- Health Savings Account s( HSA s for short) are becoming increasingly popular for many Americans for 2 reasons: A) Lower premiums and B) Tax breaks. HSA s still have comprehensive major medical coverage in the case of a big medical bill but are just much cheaper because there are no pricey extras like copays for Doctor s visits( Doctor s visits are still covered under most HSA plans they are just subject to the deductible) .

It Is Not That Difficult To Ensure That Your Business Credit Card Is Shielded From Unauthorized Charges - Finance:

You should ensure that your business credit card or the corresponding business credit card number does not fall into the possession of those who will use it, without caring one iota for the financial consequences to your business. Some simple ways that you can go about protecting your business credit card- and by association your business- are listed below: � Avoid using your business credit cards on any unsecured websites at all costs.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Assisted Living Is Paid For By Long Care Insurance

Category: Finance.

As people begin to live longer, long- term care insurance becomes more important.



It is used to cover those issues that are generally not covered by health insurance, or Medicaid, Medicare. Care insurance helps provide for the cost of long- term care which can be incredibly expensive. There is often some confusion about what this type of insurance is used for and the people who use it. Many of these individuals are healthy but they cannot perform the basic activities of daily living such as preparing food, dressing themselves, eating, bathing, and the like. Consumers should understand that individuals who require long care are generally not sick in the way we usually think of that word. They may need assistance with their medications, as some will often forget to take them.


An individual may need care for only a few months to recover from surgery or illness, or they may need care for years. Another issue that may confuse some people is that this type of care does not have to be long term. It is generally assumed that as a person becomes older there will be some need for care. Another issue that is confusing is that long- term care is not restricted to the elderly. In America, Medicare will not cover the expenses of long- term care, but Medicaid will for those who can not afford to pay. Age is not always a factor with long- term care.


When thinking of buying this type of insurance it is important to remember that in the United States, Medicaid generally does not cover care provided in a home setting, in most cases, and, Medicaid will not cover or pay for assisted living. Younger people who are not able to care for themselves have these needs as well. Because there is this void in coverage, having long care insurance can play a huge part in what the individual can have in terms of care related services. It can help pay for a live- in caregiver, housekeeper, companion, therapist or private duty nurse up to 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. With this protection, care insurance can pay for home care, often from the first day it is needed. Assisted living is paid for by long care insurance.


Very important to some consumers is that this type of care insurance can also assist with the payments for caring for a person with Alzheimer s disease or other forms of dementia. The same is true for adult daycare, hospice care, respite care, and more. One of the very best reasons for purchasing care insurance is that it helps to protect the savings of the person or persons who will be responsible for paying the bills. It can also force individuals to liquidate many, of their assets, if not all including homes. Long- term care without insurance can wipe out a lifetime of savings in no time at all. Modern technology is allowing us to live longer but we all need to be prepared for the days when we can no longer make it through the day without some help. Care insurance can be a very useful and effective way to solve that problem.

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The Bank Has Taken Line Of Credit For Business Credit Cards One Step Further - Finance Articles:

Business caution about the economy has not managed to dampen the dynamic growth in the small business credit card market. Their business credit card package affords small businesses the opportunity to schedule electronic payments ahead of time, thereby freeing up a time consuming administrative task on the part of the business owner.

Also Note That The ACRX Cards Will Come To Your Organization Already Pre- Activated - Beatrice Meekins about Finance:

Charles Myrick the President of American Consultants Rx announced the re- release of the American Consultants Rx community service project where over 20 million ACRX discount prescription cards were donated throughout the country.

Student Loans Available In The US Are Of Two Types - Brigitte Mcquire about Finance:

Student loans available in the US are of two types. Another is the private student loan which is given by non- government lending institutions.

Monday, August 18, 2008

There Are Various Types Of ARM S Available To Consumers

Category: Finance.

An adjustable rate mortgage( also known as ARM) differs from a fixed rate mortgage in two very important ways, and we will explore those in this article.



The rate that triggers all of this movement is usually the Fed Prime Rate. Adjustable rate mortgages differ from fixed rate mortgages in that the interest rate as well as the monthly payment will move up and down as market interest rates fluctuate. Most adjustable mortgages have an initial fixed- rate period during which the rate does not change. Home shoppers should understand that, adjustable rates start, in most cases low. This is followed by a much longer period during which the rate changes at preset intervals. In fact, they are often much lower than what is offered through fixed rate programs. This is normal and home shoppers should not be too leery of this tactic, what they should be careful about, are the future, however adjustments to the loan.


This only makes sense because the lenders who offer adjustable rate loans have to have something to entice you into taking the ARM or you would simply go with the fixed rate. For many ARM loans, the initial fixed- rate period can be anywhere from six months long to ten years long. Another popular ARM is called the 5/ 1 ARM, which has an initial fixed- rate period of five years, and then the interest rate is adjusted yearly after that. The most common, is the one, however- year ARM, which will have the first adjustment after one year. Mortgages that combine a lengthy fixed period with an lengthier adjustable period are known as hybrids. This means that the monthly payments will change as well. Other hybrid ARM s are the 3/ 1, the 7/ 1, and the 10/ Home shoppers must understand that once the fixed- rate time period is over( no matter how long or short it may be) the interest rate on the loan will change.


In some cases, and depending on the type of loan, the change in monthly payment can be very substantial. Adjustable mortgages do come with caps. Home loan borrowers do have some protection from extreme changes. These caps limit the amount by which ARM rates and payments can adjust. Sub- prime lenders can add many different types of fees and can vary their interest rates more than traditional loans are allowed. This may not be true if you are in sub- prime loan position. There are various types of ARM s available to consumers.


There are others types of ARM loans that allow borrowers to make interest- only payments for a certain length of time. Some ARM s allow for a conversion that lets consumers switch from the ARM to a fixed rate for a fee. This helps to keep the first payments low. You can also speak with knowledgeable real estate agents and lenders to get answers to those questions you may have about adjustable rate mortgages. Because there are so many types of ARM s you should spend some time looking into them in order to find the one that best fits your needs.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

This Is One Reason Why You Should Avoid Such Offers

Category: Finance.

If you are annoyed by the constant credit card junk mail that you receive, then you are not alone. If you want to know how to deal with these credit card mail offers, then here are some tips.



People all over the country are receiving literally dozens of credit cards offers every year, most of which are misleading or not applicable to them. Why get so many? Whether you have a good or bad credit rating depends upon the types of offers you get, but whatever your rating you are a target for credit card companies to be sent offers. Whether or not you have a lot of credit cards, you get sent so many offers because of your specific credit rating. Some people will receive nearly 10 of these offers every month, many of them duplicates. Although some of the credit card offers you get might seem tempting, they usually not what they seem.


Bait and switch. Most of these offers employ the technique known as bait and switch . This is not illegal because they only said up to a limit and so even if they had refused you it would not be against the law. This is where you will be offered a great deal in the mail such as you are pre- approved for a credit card with up to �25, 000 limit , but when you fill in the paperwork and send it back you only get �1, 000 at an incredibly high interest rate. This technique may not be illegal but it is clearly immoral. Opting out. This is one reason why you should avoid such offers.


Although it isn t the easiest thing to do, you can attempt to opt out of receiving these mail offers. You can always try calling the credit companies themselves and asking them to stop sending you mail, although this usually falls on deaf ears. There are companies that you can apply to that will help you to be removed from these mailing lists, although you are still bound to receive some offers. Keeping your identity safe. If you simply throw the offers in the bin, then someone could take them and apply to the cards you have decided not to look at. Even if you don t want to look at any of the offers you get through the post, it is important that you properly dispose of the offers you get. Before you know it you could get a bill in the post for thousands of pounds for a card you didn t even apply for.


Don t dismiss them all. Make sure you shred or tear up all credit card mail offers to protect yourself from identity theft. Although most of these offers will not be worth looking at, you shouldn t simply throw them all in the bin. This is especially true if they are from a company which you have a card with, as they might offer you preferential terms. There really are some genuinely good deals to be had from credit card mail offers. If you are careful with credit card mail offers and can separate the good from the bad then they will be a benefit to you rather than a constant annoyance.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Reverse Mortgage Requirements

Category: Finance.

Reverse Mortgage Requirements. In the United States, a person must be at least 62 years of age and own their own home to qualify for a reverse mortgage.



Since the Reverse Mortgage for Seniors program is all the rage these days, let's take a look at what is required to qualify for and to obtain a reverse mortgage. While most condominiums do qualify, there are some types of co- op apartment arrangements which do not. In a traditional mortgage, there is a great deal of emphasis on the creditworthiness of the borrower. Also, such as smaller, lower value properties mobile homes, probably will not qualify either. In a reverse mortgage, that is not the case since the borrower will not be counted upon to pay off the loan. However, it will probably slow the process down somewhat. Even a pending bankruptcy may not slam the door on a reverse mortgage.


The amount of equity you have in your home is the critical factor for a reserve mortgage. The amount of a reverse mortgage loan is determined by several factors including the Federal Home Administration( FHA) or Fannie Mae( FNMA) appraised value of the home, and the age, its location of the borrower. It is that equity that will be' funding' the payments into the future and you can be assured that the lender will get necessary appraisals and surveys, etc. to be certain of the real value of your home. Fannie Mae has a limit of$ 200, 000 for reverse mortgages closed under its program, but there are proprietary loan products from commercial lenders which can carry higher limits. This is because the home equity is planned to be drawn down to cover the payments( or" loan advances" as they are sometimes called) and there may not be adequate equity remaining to pledge toward a secondary mortgage vehicle. Unlike a traditional mortgage, there are no second or third mortgages allowed in a reverse mortgage deal, unless there is an increase in the value of the home after the reverse mortgage is taken out.


To ensure that you enter into a reverse mortgage with your eyes fully open and to ensure that you are not taken advantage of or scammed, there is a Federal requirement that you must obtain financial counseling from a source that is approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development( HUD) . It is very valuable and can usually be obtained for free or at a very low cost. DO not discount this counseling. It is best that you get such counseling from an independent source, such as the American Association of retired Persons( AARP) . One big one is the amount of up front costs associated with a reverse mortgage when compared to a traditional mortgage. While there are obvious cash flow benefits to be derived through a reverse mortgage, there are also some drawbacks. A loan origination fee of 2% is typical and the FHA reverse mortgage insurance is another 2% .


The AARP is attempting to initiate a program with the government that would minimize the upfront costs, but that is not yet in place. These are in addition to the normal closing items such as appraisals, title searches, surveys, etc. that one would expect. Anyway, as a result of these high closing costs, you should not consider a reverse mortgage option if you plan on living in the home for less than five years or so. In any event the financial counseling required for reverse mortgages will serve to help you with these kinds of decisions. A senior citizen should carefully evaluate the requirements of the reverse mortgage and consider other, such a home, more conventional options equity line of credit or a second mortgage before moving forward to obtain a reverse mortgage. Do you homework before committing to any sort of refinancing option. You' ll be glad you did!

Monday, August 11, 2008

Courses Range From Financial Certificates To PhD Degrees In Finance

In every college and university all over the world there are specific degree plans and departments that cater to financial education.



In spite of its importance, which is solely, a Finance College dedicated to financial education, is rare. There are some programs that are more prestigious than others but the importance of finances is clear. The reason there might not be many schools of finance is that not many colleges and university see the need to specialize in this one area of education. However, with the recent boom in finance and the globalization of economic trends, many are questioning their blanketing acceptance of this mode of thinking and are reconsidering the importance of a quality, specialized education in the area of finance. It has been widely accepted that having a finance department is just effective as having an entire college dedicated to the study and impact of finances. This insight has invited the growth of finance colleges in the small world of specialized colleges.


Courses range from financial certificates to PhD degrees in Finance. Finance College as its name implies, focuses mostly on the study of finance. The courses at a Finance College center on finance while including a wide assortment of economics, and law and, accounting business management to provide the best finance education possible. This trend towards specialized training is impacting some colleges who previously kept finance under the umbrella of a broader department to broaden their horizons and open a full- fledged finance school. The new standard for financial training encourages upcoming analysts and advisors to seek specialized finance schools to earn their degree. Technology has also paved the way for an explosive growth of online education and the finance college.


These schools team up with other colleges and universities to help students pursue their specific goals towards finance certification and/ or a degree. Many schools may provide an online education offering an associates degree or two year certificate of finance. It's best to understand more about financial education as much as you can so you would be able to make an informed decision and take the best steps possible to reach your objective. Often you' ll hear people saying what they heard and where they heard it and that will help you get more facts on this matter. One way to learn more about finance college is to keep your ears opened as you hear information on tv, radio and conversations, the news. See below for more information on Financial Education.